South Central Reporter

City of Greenville Tourism Committee met Aug. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Tourism Meeting was called to order at 5:20 PM by Tourism Director Jes Adam.

1. ROLL CALL 

Committee Members Present: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, JoEllen Vohlken, Morgan Gilmore, and Catherine Perkins

Committee Members Absent: Om Jogi, Bobbi Smith, and Chintan Patel Staff Present: Tourism Director Jes Adam, Deputy City Clerk Jody Weiss

Public Present: NONE

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

3. CITIZEN INPUT / COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM OR OTHERWISE 

4. ELECT A CHAIRPERSON 

4.1. Laura Wall was elected chairperson unanimously.

5. APPROVAL OF JULY 24, 2025 TOURISM MEETING 

5.1. Motion by JoEllen Vohlken, seconded by Catherine Perkins, to approve the July 24, 2025 Tourism Minutes

RESULT: Carried MOVER: JoEllen Vohlken SECONDER: Catherine Perkins AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, JoEllen Vohlken, Morgan Gilmore, and Catherine Perkins ABSENT: Om Jogi, Bobbi Smith, and Chintan Patel

6. MATTERS OF CONSIDERATION 

6.1. Request for Funding - Hill's Fort Rendezvous

Motion by Kathy Brewer, seconded by Catherine Perkins, to approve $1,000 grant to the Hill's Fort Society for advertising for their Rendezvous in September, 2025.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kathy Brewer SECONDER: Catherine Perkins AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, JoEllen Vohlken, Morgan Gilmore, and Catherine Perkins ABSENT: Om Jogi, Bobbi Smith, and Chintan Patel

6.2. Brainstorm ways that the committee can bring tourism to Greenville.

Jo Ellen Vohlken does not feel there is enough weight being given to the subject of tourism in Greenville. She felt like there should be a full-time employee to focus only on tourism. She would like to see businesses work together and to highlight each other's benefits. Vohlken would like to see a list of businesses and contact information, along with basic things about the business. She suggested we have a booth at the Picker's Market in Litchfield with rack cards or flyers of what is happening in Greenville to pass out. Vohlken suggested having a Holiday Home Decorating contest for Christmas but also Halloween. She suggested enlisting Junior Historical Society Members, much like junior firefighters to help with events and suggestions. Vohlken pointed out the success of the PBJ on the Highland Square on Fridays through the summer. Another idea is to create a rotating display at the new Visitor's Center with prominent and historical families from the area. She felt we could do a lot more coordination with the university. Lastly, the acrylic rack card holder on Hibachi's west wall should be removed and replaced at the Visitor Center.

Kathy Brewer would like to see us promote the museums we have in town, however, Laura Wall said they have limited hours and difficult to send people their way when they are closed. Brewer added that most museums will open if you have an appointment. She also suggested highlighting historical homes and neighborhoods.

Katie Perkins asked what funds are made from the tourism tax. Jes Adam said probably 5-6 dollars per stay. Perkins suggested focusing on overnight hotel guests who are visiting prisoners. Have information readily available for restaurants, shops and kids activities. We need a contact for the prison to make this happen. Another idea Perkins had, was to have a Puttin on the Square where each business sponsors a hole, and can create their own hole (use their creativity!) and have the holes at their actual business front.

Morgan Gilmore said we have a lot of creative people in town and we should showcase that, much like Highland does with their sidewalk chalk art. Murals around town are a great idea too, adding to what we already have. She suggested having a "merch store" with Christmas ornaments, t-shirts that are available at the Visitor's Center. She and her husband have made ornaments featuring businesses in town in the past. Gilmore would like to incorporate Talon Cale as the official greeter of Greenville. The mayor could do a proclamation. Everyone needs his energy and love. Another idea is creating a welcome basket for new residents.

Jes Adam stated that Discover Downstate Illinois is creating video content with lots of businesses in town. This can be used to "advertise" the City. He has met with Cindy Tischhauser about the DAR turning 250 years old and would like to incorporate that into the Visitor's Center and Plaza opening with the mayor doing a presentation. Perhaps a visitgreenvilleillinois.com (or gov) website that links to all events would be a good idea. Another idea is to create a "Most Beautiful Home" and the winner gets a credit towards their water bill. This may make folks be more apt to take care of their yards. He has high expectations for the new plaza for children, making it a place that kids can create happy memories of growing up in Greenville. He would like to see Family Nights there, with movies projected on the walls. The Plaza could also have adult only entertainment such as bourbon tasting and live entertainment.

Adam also gave an update regarding Apple Day on the Square on October 4. It will be the final Farmer's Market for the year. Alison Cruthis has done a wonderful job. There will be a dessert contest, car show, story time, kids crafts, chili contest, bounce house and petting zoo.

The Plaza on Second Street is anticipated to be complete the end of October. The City plans to have live entertainment and lots and lots of Christmas decorations, as if Christmas has thrown up for the Come Home for Christmas.

7. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Catherine Perkins, seconded by JoEllen Vohlken, to adjourn the Tourism Meeting at 6:45 p.m.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Catherine Perkins SECONDER: JoEllen Vohlken AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, JoEllen Vohlken, Morgan Gilmore, and Catherine Perkins ABSENT: Om Jogi, Bobbi Smith, and Chintan Patel

https://greenvilleillinois.civicweb.net/document/86452/