Tourism update focus of meetings in Anna, Metropolis

Representatives of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Shawnee Community College and the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau attended last week's Governor's Conference on Tourism in Rosemont.

The two organizations are teaming together to host two luncheons to provide updates to all tourism-related businesses in the area.

The meetings are scheduled at noon so that those who are attending can get a quick update during their lunch hour and then return to their regular work day.

The first meeting is scheduled at noon Thursday, March 29, at the Shawnee Community College Extension Center in Anna.

A session also scheduled at noon Friday, March 30, at the Shawnee Community College Metro Center in Metropolis. 

Organizers said that those who want to attend can pick the meeting location that is most convenient for them. 

Some of the items to be discussed include an overview of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau activities and marketing; creation of new Illinois Trails to Adventures Regional Tourism Office; an Illinois Office of Tourism annual update, marketing and tourism attraction programs/grants; a policy for submitting brochures to tourist information centers; and social media apps and on-line marketing for Illinois travelers.

There is no cost to attend the meetings, but a reservation is needed in order to provide lunch.

The organizers ask that reservations be made by Tuesday, March 27.

Reservations can be made by calling the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Shawnee Community College at 618-634-3254.

The center at SCC serves Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties. The center provides assistance to small businesses with start-up, expansion, business and marketing plans and access to financing opportunities, as well as a variety of seminars and workshops.