Tourism 6-19-2026

The LaSalle County Board held a Tourism meeting on June 19, 2026, focusing on funding requests and marketing initiatives to promote local events and attractions. The board approved several funding requests for events such as the Run Run Away for a Cure 5K, Frosty on First festival, the Mansion is Not Haunted event, and the Flock to the Rock winter campaign. Discussions included marketing strategies involving billboards, rack cards, social media, and digital campaigns, with budgets ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $40,000 for larger campaigns. The board also reviewed the 2027 marketing plan, including expenditures for travel guides, TV ads, and visitor center displays, with a proposed budget around $150,000. Additionally, the board approved the purchase and display of the Celebration of Lights at Rotary Park for $4,650 with ongoing maintenance costs. The meeting included updates on visitor guide distribution and new promotional items like refillable water bottles with QR codes to encourage tourism and support local causes. Motions to approve funding and marketing expenditures were passed unanimously or with minimal abstentions.