SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today recognized 30 individuals and tourism groups as Governor's Conference Award Winners, one of the top honors bestowed in the Illinois tourism industry. The winners were announced at the 2000 Governor's Conference on Tourism.

"The success of Illinois’ tourism industry is due to the dedication of those who promote Illinois attractions and events," Ryan said. "It is important that we recognize the people who work so hard to make Illinois such a great place to visit and relax."

The awards program honors excellence in marketing local destinations. More than 100 entrants vied for one of the coveted awards, which were judged by a panel of marketing professionals based on clarity of message, creativity and originality, how well the project met its stated purpose and the project’s overall success.

The Governor's Conference on Tourism is designed to further educate members of Illinois' tourism industry on issues affecting travel and tourism on a national and statewide level, reinforce existing tourism development efforts, and plan for future initiatives. Hosted this year by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs’ Bureau of Tourism and Visit Illinois, the primary umbrella organization promoting tourism through public awareness, governmental relations and education.

"The Governor’s Conference on Tourism gives Illinois tourism professionals a chance to meet with each other and share ideas," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "Today’s award winners provide their colleagues with innovative methods to improve their sales pitch and enhance their local marketing efforts."

2000 ILLINOIS GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM
AWARD WINNERS

Peer’s Choice Award	Collinsville CVB Meeting Planner Package
Newspaper Advertising   Black/white   Two to four color	Carbondale CVB Pheasant Run Resort
Magazine Advertising   Black/white   Two to four color	Aurora CVB Carbondale CVB
Posters   Single poster - 2 color or less   Single poster - 3 color or more	Kankakee CVB City or Fairview Heights
General Brochures or Booklets   One or two color   Three or more colors	Downers Grove Chicago Office of Tourism
Newsletters	Shedd Aquarium
Visitor's Guides	Greater Woodfield CVB
Direct Mail Packages	Collinsville CVB
Premium Items	Carbondale CVB
Website/Homepage	Aurora CVB
Advertising/Public Relations Campaigns   Single Media   Multimedia	Peoria area CVB Shedd Aquarium
Citywide Promotional Campaign   Budgets under $25,000   Budgets over $25,000	Lake County CVB Rockford CVB
Hotel/Motel   Best Promotional Package   Best Special Promotion	Hotel Pere Marquette Hotel Pere Marquette
Restaurants    Best Special Promotion	Greater Woodfield CVB
BEST OF SHOW	Carbondale CVB
Legislative Friend of Tourism	Senator Laura Donahue
Individual Friend of Tourism	Steve Kouri, Peoria CVB
Media Friend of Tourism	Rockford Register Star
Corporate Friend of Tourism	South Side Bank, Peoria
State Travel Information Center Directors Alliance (STICDA) Certification	Elizabeth Latoz Beverly Fischer Janet Cannady Catherine Gmelich Delana Vickers Barbara Wetzel Linda Korsmeyer Margie Bayless Dorothy Kampwerth Mildred Marcinkowski Alice West