Kane County extends tourism marketing contract with Bonneville Communications for two years

Kane County commissioners on Nov. 25 approved a two‑year extension of the county’s tourism marketing contract with Bonneville Communications (Boncom), citing an ongoing advertising campaign and the time needed to conduct a large request‑for‑proposals process.

Janette, the county’s tourism staff member, told commissioners the county has had a “favorable contract” with Boncom and highlighted recent successes, including the award‑winning Base Camp campaign and rapid turnaround on additional projects. Janette said the contract’s minimum annual spending is about $550,000 and that the county has adjusted that amount in prior years.

Commissioners discussed procurement timing and options for one, two or three‑year extensions. One commissioner said a one‑year extension would require starting an RFP earlier than staff could manage; another said two years would provide time to plan an RFP for summer 2027. The commission moved, with the chair accepting the motion, to approve a two‑year extension and direct staff and the county attorney to prepare any required addendum and signatures.

The motion passed unanimously. Staff said they will draft the addendum and route it through legal before final signatures.

The county’s tourism budget funds the contract and related marketing efforts; commissioners said the contract accounts for a substantial portion of the tourism budget but that the department also uses funds for events and community activities. The commission did not change the budget in this action.