Homewood Lauded by Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau

Homewood residents, give your village a hand.

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitor’s Bureau awarded the Village of Homewood the Municipal Leadership of the Year Award.

The CVB, the regional destination management organization for Chicago’s 62 south and southwest suburbs, recognized its members, municipalities and organizations for their outstanding service in the hospitality and tourism industries during Fiscal Year 2014.

The awards were presented at the CVB’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at the Homewood Suites by Hilton / Elements Conference Center in Orland Park, Ill. CVB President/CEO Jim Garrett focused on how the Chicago Southland is Building for Tomorrow.

“It was Daniel Burnham who said to make no little plans, and Gandhi preached that the future depends on what we do today. Never have those statements been more true, right here and right now, in the Chicago Southland,” said President/CEO Garrett. “I challenge you, the Chicago Southland local and regional leaders, to remember the words of Burnham and Gandhi as you give the signal to move forward and build for our future.“

Keynote speaker Marc Miller, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources discussed the goals and projects associated with the Millennium Reserve as both a place and a partnership. “Millennium Reserve is committed to conservation and sustainable land use that goes hand-in-hand with healthy communities and a robust economy,” said Director Miller.

Homewood received one of five awards highlighting the contributions of its members and partners to the tourism and hospitality industries in the Chicago Southland.

Anthony Burton, Executive Director of the Matteson Parks & Recreation Department for his work with the CVB in bringing multiple sporting events to the region and for his vision and insight to take a municipal venue and turn it into a destination driver that creates significant economic impact

Linda Morgan Award for Volunteerism: Greg Lochow, Executive Director of the Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry for his constant engagement with the CVB throughout the strategic planning process and for developing tourism in the City of Blue Island

Patricia Chase Magon Municipal Leadership Award: The Village of Homewood for their development of visitor activities, public art, attractions and hotels

Aldo DeAngelis Leadership Award: Dave Newquist, Community Development Assistant Director for the City of Oak Forest, for his commitment to the CVB’s Board of Directors and his municipal knowledge and leadership in guiding future community and tourism development

Member of the Year: Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café in the Village of Burbank for their continued support of CVB programs and for being a destination for foodies looking for their eclectic menu of traditional Mexican dishes and southern-style BBQ

“Our winners today understand the value of tourism as an economic driver in the Chicago Southland and they are continuing to help make the region an important visitor destination,” said Garrett. “These awards highlight the best service in our region and are presented to the individuals and organizations that make a difference in the hospitality and tourism industries.”

Photo Provided: From left, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller, Chicago Southland CVB Board Chairperson Vicky Smith and Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau President/CEO Jim Garrett pose with representatives from the Village of Homewood during the Chicago Southland CVB Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at the Homewood Suites in Orland Park, Ill. The Village of Homewood received the Patricia Chase Magon Municipal Leadership Award for their development of visitor activities, public art, attractions and hotels.