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Manteno board approves three-year tourism pact with Kankakee County visitors bureau over some objections
Summary
The Village of Manteno voted to join a three-year intergovernmental agreement with the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau, committing hotel-tax funds to regional tourism marketing; supporters said it drives visitors and grant opportunities, while critics questioned the $80,000 commitment and the three-year term.
The Manteno Village Board approved Resolution 2603 on June 1, authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote tourism in the county and allocate hotel-tax revenue toward regional marketing.
Angelina Gear, executive director of Visit Kankakee County, told the board the agreement was about more than a brochure: "Tourism is economic development," she said, urging the village to "have a seat at that table" to help maintain marketing resources, grants and partnerships that bring visitors to restaurants, hotels and events.
Ashley, who works with the Manteno Chamber and village events, supported the partnership, saying the bureau amplifies local events and helps reach audiences the village cannot reach alone. Proponents argued the bureau's work helped Manteno generate hotel-tax revenue used to fund tourism efforts.
Opponents pressed two main objections: cost and contract length. Trustee Mike and other critics questioned whether Manteno would see proportionate returns for roughly $80,000 over the term and argued a one-year agreement would allow the village to test results before committing longer-term. The bureau's director said many advertising and grant efforts require time and that a multi-year plan is standard for effective tourism strategy.
On the roll call vote recorded at the meeting, a majority supported the resolution and the motion passed. Trustees who voted yes included Zemelman and Lajoie (recorded as yes on the roll call); Trustees Barry and Vaughn recorded no votes during debate. The board will have two seats on the bureau's board under the agreement, one of which is expected to be an elected official or designee.
Supporters said the agreement taps hotel-tax revenue that state law requires be used for tourism-related expenses; critics asked for clearer, Manteno-specific performance goals and shorter contract terms. The agreement's proponents said they would share analytics and marketing results with the board on request.
