CHICAGO – When local Taste of Chicago fans are enjoying their favorite pizza or tasting new ethnic cuisine at this year’s festival, chances are greater that they will be dining in the company of visitors from our neighboring states, across the country or around the world. To heighten the awareness of the renowned festival’s 25th birthday, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich provided $500,000 in Opportunity Returns funding to the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, the producers of Taste of Chicago. The grant will be used to market the annual event to increase tourism in Illinois.
“Over the past twenty-five years, Taste of Chicago has become a trademark of this great city, drawing visitors from both far and wide. Guests come for a sampling of the tremendous food, and, while they are visiting, they can see “Mile After Magnificent Mile” of Illinois cultural institutions and tourist destinations across the state,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “Tourism has such a substantial impact on the Illinois economy with new revenue for the hotel, restaurant and transportation industries. Our state will continue to grow stronger, support Illinois businesses and create jobs for local workers thanks to the Taste of Chicago and other wonderful events.”
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events developed a marketing plan that reaches out to potential Taste of Chicago attendees in Milwaukee, Detroit, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Grand Rapids with a combination of print ads and radio spots. Additional markets will be reached through two magazine publications with strong Midwest distribution: Midwest Living and AAA Living. Taste of Chicago brochures will be distributed through New York Times delivery in Chicago and Milwaukee. A specially designed travel brochure will be distributed to New York Times subscribers in the Detroit, Madison and St. Louis markets. The brochure will both highlight the festival and the city of Chicago, as well as the ease that visitors can book trips and great rates available through 1-877-CHICAGO and United Vacations.
“The Taste of Chicago is one of our city’s premiere events, and the grant that Gov. Blagojevich is providing will enable us to attract even more visitors, and that means more revenue and more jobs for our economy,” State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) said.
National and international travelers will learn of Taste from street pole banners located at both Midway and O’Hare, as well as throughout downtown Chicago in key locations. The grant will also support entertainment at
this year’s Taste, which includes high-profile musical performers as Lauryn Hill, Santana and Moby. This year, a big screen television will be in place to enhance the main stage entertainment for attendees enjoying concerts from the lawn at the Petrillo Music Shell.
One piece of the state’s support will bring tourism leaders from every corner of the state for “Illinois Day” on Saturday, July 2nd. The Illinois Bureau of Tourism’s tent near Buckingham Fountain will promote each of the six regions to the millions of Taste visitors. Also at the Illinois tent, visitors will have the chance to win several magnificent 3-day getaways. Additionally, Illinois’ newest jewel, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum complex in Springfield, will be showcased when an Abraham Lincoln impersonator greets visitors and shares stories throughout the day. Other Lincoln impersonators will be available for photo opportunities as they roam the crowd.
“Tourism has an ever-increasing role in supporting the Illinois economy, and it is crucial that we keep Taste of Chicago and other trademark events across Illinois strong,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin. “Gov. Blagojevich is committed to growing the Illinois tourism industry, which supports countless businesses and workers across our state.”
For more information on the Taste of Chicago, call the Mayor's Office of Special Events 312/744.3315, TTY 312/ 744.2964. Visit the Mayor's Office of Special Events on the Internet at www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents for updates on performers, chefs and restaurants. Taste of Chicago is presented by the City of Chicago and U.S. Cellular.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.