Kankakee County Convention/Visitors Bureau Investing in Tourism-Related Projects; Grants Available
The Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors is proud to continue investing in Kankakee County tourism efforts by expanding on the good work done to drive visitation. Since the Bureau’s inception, Kankakee County and its municipalities have benefited economically from growth in tourism visitation. As the county emerges from the pandemic, the organization desires to stimulate more progress and growth.
To achieve this, the Community Tourism Action Plan (CTAP) grant program has been updated from its initial launch in 2016. This current program increased its capacity to work cooperatively with governments, businesses and community organizations on both small and large projects that will impact the county’s visitor economy. While there are many purposes for these CTAP grants, the primary purpose is to add vibrancy to the communities in Kankakee County and to generate new economic impact through visitation by non-residents. Other purposes include:
- Expand the tourism product in Kankakee County.
- Expand existing or create new visitor experiences in Kankakee County to attract new visitors and extend the length of stay of current visitors.
- Provide co-op marketing assistance to support new signature events that will generate overnight visitation to Kankakee County.
- Generate overnight visitors and measurable hotel room nights in Kankakee County.
CTAP grants are investments in tourism-related projects that will foster and stimulate increased visitation and visitor spending within Kankakee County. Examples of desired projects include, but are not limited to, the development or expansion of visitor attractions and venues, hands-on experiences and activities, high-impact traveling exhibitions, public shows that are uniquely qualified to extend a visitor’s stay, and multi-day new signature events that are likely to generate overnight hotel stays.
Through this grant program that will assist the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, two different levels of grants will be offered through a competitive application process. The first offers grants in the amount of $5,000 – $24,999 that require a 25 percent applicant match. The second offers grants from $25,000 to $500,000, which require a 50 percent applicant match. The board expects to dedicate as much as 25 percent of its annual budget toward grants.
In addition, two cycles will be offered in 2023. For the first cycle, the application period opened February 1, with applications due March 15. Applicants will be notified March 31. The second cycle will begin August 1, with an application deadline of September 15, and applicant notification by September 29.
Further questions should be directed to Nicole Gavin, executive director at nicole@kccvb.com.
Classifieds
Taste the Adventure: Introducing Kankakee County Taco Trail!
Spread the loveGet ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other as Visit Kankakee County proudly unveils the much-anticipated Kankakee County Taco Trail. Launched on May 21, this trail promises to excite taste buds and showcase the diverse flavors of Kankakee County’s taco scene. The Kankakee County Taco Trail is a celebration of…
‘I Got Your Six’ Raises $70,000
Spread the loveOn Sunday, May 19, there was a sea of blue present at Perry Farm Park in anticipation of the third annual “I Got Your Six Walk/Run.” The event was held in memory of Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and in honor of Officer Tyler Bailey, after a tragic encounter in December 2021. This year, there…
Malone Receives Medical Degree from SIU School of Medicine
Spread the loveNew physicians at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine received their diplomas Saturday, May 18, at the school’s 50th annual commencement. Congratulations to Reise Malone, of Manteno, daughter of Michael and Stacy Malone, who now will begin her Family Medical Residency/Delnor Northwestern McGaw/NMH/VA-IL. The ceremony, at the Performing Arts Center at the University…
Riverside Healthcare Selected as 2024 VETS Indexes Recognized Employer
Spread the loveRiverside Healthcare has been designated a 2024 VETS Indexes Recognized Employer. Designees are recognized for their commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community. “Riverside is dedicated to being an employer of choice for veterans and their families,” said Phil Kambic, president and CEO of Riverside Healthcare. “We…
BPL Hosting ‘Out and About Bourbonnais’ Teen/Adults Program
Spread the loveBonjour! Join us throughout June for “Out and About Bourbonnais,” an exciting challenge that combines fitness, fun, community, and the chance to win awesome prizes. Adults and teens, get moving this summer and don’t forget to amusez-vous (have fun)! The program is in conjunction with the library’s Summer Reading Program, whose theme is…
KPL June Programs
Spread the loveThe Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street in Kankakee, recently announced its up-coming June programs. Author Michael Menard at Library: Author, entrepreneur, and inventor Michael Menard will be at the library on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. Menard grew up in Kankakee and will be available for a meet-and-greet…
Free Book Reuse and Recycling Event May 31 – June 2
Spread the loveThe Will County Resource Recovery and Energy (RRE) Division will host its annual three-day book event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 31, and Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, at Joliet Park District’s Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive. “This popular event helps promote responsible recycling and reuse of books,”…
New Intergovernmental Agreement to Promote Tourism Approved
Spread the loveBy Stephen Nelson The current Intergovernmental Agreement facilitating tourism promotion in Kankakee County is set to expire on June 30. Visit Kankakee County has proposed a new agreement to continue these efforts, which will commence on July 1, and conclude on June 30, 2026. The proposal received unanimous approval from the board members…
Season Ends for Lady Panthers, but the Memories Will Not!
Spread the loveOn Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, the Lady Panthers were in action in Iowa for the Taylor Ridge Rockridge Tournament. This tournament boasts some of the best teams from around the state, with the Panthers finishing 2-0-2 and playing really well, while facing teams that had 82 combined wins. On Friday…
Manteno Legion to Hold Memorial Day Services
Spread the loveManteno American Legion Post 755 invites and encourages the community to join its Legion Color Guard as they honor our fallen military and deceased on Memorial Day, May 27. On Memorial Day, the Color Guard will muster-up at the Manteno Legion at the crack-of-dawn to check out rifles and gear and head out…
‘Who Do You Ride 4?’ Cancer Run
Spread the loveArea residents are invited to join the 23rd Ride 4 Life Cancer Run on Saturday, June 1, beginning at the Manteno Sportsmen’s Club. The run will be held rain or shine, with registration ($20) from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition to the run, there will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a…
Riverside Welcomes Tanya Bowsher, CNP, to Oncology Team
Spread the loveRiverside Healthcare is pleased to welcome board-certified nurse practitioner Tanya Bowsher, CNP, to its team of oncology providers. Bringing nearly 10 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, Bowsher completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Millikin University in Decatur, and her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University in Minneapolis.…
Kankakee Library May Updates
Spread the loveSoul Collections Book Discussion: Join the Kankakee Public Library for its monthly book group, Soul Collections, a program that highlights Black authors and themes. On Thursday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m., the group will meet to discuss the “New York Times” bestseller “Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir,” by Ashley C. Ford. This debut tells…
Becker’s Hospital Review Recognizes Riverside CMO as One of Nation’s Best
Spread the loveIn recognition of his contributions to Riverside Healthcare’s mission of providing remarkable healthcare experiences, Riverside Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Stonewall McCuiston Jr., MD., has been named one of “180 Chief Medical Officers to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Becker’s is one of the nation’s leaders in news coverage of the healthcare…