Year in Review 2005 Letter from the Executive Director ’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau experienced a year of growth and progress in 2005, positioning our region as a viable and preferred choice for business and leisure visitors. We have also worked to strengthen the Bureau’s status as the premier source for information on what there is to see and do on Chicago’s North Shore. These efforts are important in maximizing the benefits of our regional bureau and packaging all the wealth of product we have in our area. GINA SPECKMAN Thanks to the guidance and leadership of our Board of Directors–with special thanks to Michael Pauken, our Board Chair, we have been able to develop and expand our sales and marketing programs for Chicago’s North Shore in collaboration with our Preferred Partners. I’d also like to express my gratitude to the City of Evanston, and the Villages of Skokie, Northbrook and Wilmette. It’s been a pleasure promoting your communities and showcasing your assets–the most important being the friendly and gracious people of your municipalities. Chicago’s North Shore is like no other, and my staff and I are privileged to be selling such a spectacular region. As you may know, 2005 was my first full-year as the Bureau’s Executive Director. It’s been an amazing time, and I couldn’t be more proud of the strides that were made and the goals that were achieved. I’m looking forward to an even more exciting and productive 2006! Sincerely, CNSCVB Board of Directors Meet the CNSCVB Staff We’d like to extend special thanks to our Board of Directors. Their support, commitment and guidance are invaluable to the continued growth and success of our Bureau. GINA SPECKMAN JOHNNICE CHEW KIMBERLY WRIGHT ED COPELAND Hotel Committee Chairperson Executive Director Office Manager Senior Sales Manager General Manager– JENNIFER KIMBERLY Comfort Inn Skokie/North Shore [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 847.763.0011 x24 847.763.0011 x21 847.763.0011 x23 PAUL GIDDINGS Owner–FolkWorks Gallery

DAN KELCH Owner–Lulu’s Dim Sum and Then Sum JOHNNICE ANANDINI LUCILE KRASNOW Community Relations Specialist– JENNIFER WILLIAMS ANANDINI SEKHAR Year Northwestern University Manager, Membership and Advertising Tourism Marketing Manager PAUL LEISNER General Manager– GINA [email protected] [email protected] Holiday Inn Chicago/Skokie 847.763.0011 x22 847.763.0011 x25 JOHN LOCKERBY Assistant Village Manager– Village of Skokie CNSCVB Staff Additions DENNIS MARINO Assistant Director of Planning– in City of Evanston The CNSCVB appointed Jennifer Williams as the Bureau’s Manager of Membership and BROOKE MARLER Executive Director– advertising. Jennifer’s responsibilities include the management of the Bureau’s Preferred Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park Partnership program, coordination of all networking events and selling advertising in Review MICHAEL MCCURDY Chairman Elect Bureau publications. She also acts as a community liaison by attending and representing General Manager– the CNSCVB at local Chamber of Commerce events and other community business functions. Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel ROY MYLES General Manager– Anandini Sekhar joined the staff as Tourism Marketing Manager. Anandini will be focusing Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore her efforts on the sales and marketing programs for the Group Tour Market and also for the MICHAEL PAUKEN Chairman of the Board Bureau’s new venture into the Sports Market. Anandini comes to the CNSCVB from the General Manager–North Shore Center Museum of Science and Industry, where she focused on group tourism promotions. for the Performing Arts in Skokie JONATHAN PERMAN Executive Director– Evanston Chamber of Commerce Destination North Shore 2005 THOMAS POUPARD Treasurer/Financial Committee Chairperson A new marketing campaign was created in 2005 called Destination North Shore. This program, Director, Community Planning–Village of Northbrook which was established specifically for Chicagoland advertising and SHANNON RIDGEWAY Tourism Committee Chairperson promotions, touts the North Shore as the premier visitor destination for Marketing Director– business and leisure travelers alike. A logo was created and a new website Westfield Old Orchard address was established (www.destinationnorthsore.com) that points the Business Development Planner– LUCAS SIVERSTEN visitor to the CNSCVB website, which features information about hotel Village of Wilmette ANN TENNES Secretary packages, upcoming area events and a diverse range of dining and retail Marketing Director– options. Destination North Shore was featured in advertising campaigns Village of Skokie with the Chicago Tribune and Metromix.com. Photo Shoots A picture is worth a thousand words. And, what better way to showcase the North Shore’s charm and exquisite beauty than with photography! Several photo shoots took place during 2005 including downtown Evanston, Westfield Old Orchard, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Evanston beaches, and the Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park. These picture are available to the media to accompany stories that are written about Chicago’s North Shore. Additional shoots will be scheduled throughout

2006, including downtown Wilmette and Northbrook. WESTFIELD OLD ORCHARD NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Improvements Made on Website During 2005, the CNSCVB website was updated to add new features for the 20,000 unique visitors who access our site each month. The revamped site features everything that a business or leisure traveler needs to know when planning a visit to Chicago’s North Shore, as well as OUTDOOR DINING IN EVANSTON interactivity on most pages. Visitors can order materials online, download photographs and detailed maps, send Request for Proposals, sign up for our e-newsletters or simply request information or ask a question. All inquiries receive a reply within 24 business hours.

The website now includes information on our region as well as specific communities, a searchable calendar of events, detailed listings on lodging, restaurants, stores, attractions, service and suppliers, as well as maps and sample itineraries for tour suggestions. Thanks to new enhancements and user friendly features specifically for meeting planners, suppliers, group tour operators, and leisure travelers, visitors to the site can find everything they need with a simple click of the mouse. Our latest enhancement allows users to book hotel rooms online and view special seasonal hotel packages!

CNSCVB E-Newsletter "News You Can Use"

Special Indulgence Package Just in FEBRUARY 2006 Two New E-newsletters Debut HEADLINES Time for Valentine's Day! If you hold a special place in your heart for....chocolate, this package is for you! z Special Indulgence Package Just in Time for Two CNSCVB Preferred Partners have Valentine's Day! teamed up to offer a special overnight In addition to our website, CNSCVB launched the two new electronic initiatives–our Monthly Partner e-newsletter and our z Family Fun Day at package perfect for a sweet getaway. With Evanston Historical overnight accommodations for up to 4 guests, they have created the Society perfect chocolate experience. This $139 package includes a warm- z New Art Installed at blended chocolate fondue for 4 at Ethel's Chocolate Lounge at Skokie Northshore Quarterly Client e-newsletter. Our Monthly edition is distributed to 2,500 recipients and features information on and overnight at the nearby Sculpture Park Westfield Old Orchard Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore. Click here to book your getaway. z February Networking Luncheon! z Eve Ensler Stars in "The upcoming events, area attractions, and pertinent North Shore news and activities. If you would like to receive our monthly Back to top Good Body" z "Candide, A Musical Comedy" Family Fun Day at Evanston Historical Society z February Fun at Flat Top February 26, 1-3pm Grill e-newsletter, you can request it via e-mail at [email protected]. Our Quarterly Client e-newsletter covers a three month Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St. z 2006 Governor's Evanston Historical Society celebrates the Conference on Tourism opening of the new exhibit, "Milestones z 4th Annual Home, Health and Memories: An Exhibit of Evanston & Garden Show planning period and is sent out to our proprietary client base of meeting planners, group tour operators and visitors who History". Be among the first to explore the z Bureau Welcomes New museum's exciting new hands-on exhibit Partners about Evanston, the first exhibit in fifty years devoted to sharing an overview of the history of the city of Evanston. Nationally acclaimed Please send us your events as storyteller Marilyn Price of Evanston will present stories illustrating register on our website. It includes seasonal highlights for future events as well as special group-booking incentives. well as any news and photos we Evanston history. Known for her impish sense of humor, Price uses can use to keep our North Shore handcrafted puppets and original scripts to illustrate history and lore. visitors and community Tickets are $1 per person, and $5 maximum per family. Reservations are informed. Send your submissions to not required. Call 847-475-3410 or visit www.evanstonhistorical.org. [email protected].

Back to top Advertising Campaigns The CNSCVB promoted the region throughout 2005 with an aggressive advertising and marketing program that targeted both business and leisure travelers. New print ads were created to draw attention to the region’s close proximity to

Chicago’s North Shore is proud to be hosting the North Village of the Gay Games VII. Chicago, while showcasing all that the North Shore has to offer, including its enviable location on the shores of Lake Bordering Chicago on Lake Michigan, our area features: • Direct link to downtown via city’s famed Michigan, its variety of hotel accommodations, its diverse cultural attractions, and its world-class recreational activities. elevated train system • 2,250 hotel rooms from B&B’s to four–star hotels 2005 advertising placements included: • Free parking • Direct access to stunning lakefront • Dozens of cuisine choices and cultural endeavors Book your stay and check out • Chicago Travel Professional Planners Guide your leisure options at www.visitchicagonorthshore.com. NORTH GETAWAY NORTH Year • Northwestern University’s Alumni Magazine PACKAGES! DESTINATION DESTINATION • Illinois Meetings & Events Magazine www.destinationnorthshore.com DESTINATION SHORE • The Wedding Resource Guide Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau will VERSATILE MEETING SPACE provide you with personal assistance in planning your meeting or Hotel event. Call us today at 847.763.0011 ext. 23 or visit our website • O. The Oprah Magazine Travel Section to view our accommodations, meeting and event facilities and updates on the wealth of happenings on Chicago’s North Shore. NORTH Shopping Packages … www.visitchicagonorthshore.com • Pre-Print Spring/Summer and Holiday/Winter Getaway Guide • Chicago Tribune Sunday Summer and Winter Magazines THE PERFECT GIFT! DESTINATION DESTINATION DESTINATION DESTINATION SHORE PREMIUM ACCOMMODATIONS • AAA Living Magazine www.destinationnorthshore.com in • Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Review Bordering Chicago on Lake Michigan, the North • Illinois Hotel/Motel Association Directory Shore blossoms in the Spring with events and NORTH activities. Most hotel packages include free • Gay Games 2006 Destination Planning Guide Warm up parking, hot breakfast and indoor swimming this winter at very affordable rates. Chicago’s North • Midwest Meetings Guidebook and Magazine on Chicago’s BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

DESTINATION DESTINATION Wilmette North Shore DESTINATION SHORE Shore’s accommodations are also a great Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau … and indulge in one of our special holiday shopping Westfield Old Orchard One of the world’s most spectacular architectural wonders featuring a fili- packages. Most overnight packages include a option for your downtown Chicago visit. • Meetings MidAmerica Arcade Level 125 D • Skokie, IL 60077 gree dome and exquisite gardens and Westfield Old Orchard Gift Certificate. Add a show Phone 847.763.0011, ext 22 fountains. The first of its kind to be to your plans and enjoy a performance that, For details on area happenings and Fax 847.763.0022 constructed in the Western Hemisphere. with a meal at one of our fine restaurants, • Association News [email protected] Admittance is free. On the shores of to book your North Shore stay visit www.visitchicagonorthshore.com Lake Michigan, convenient motorcoach will make your weekend unforgettable. parking available. www.visitchicagonorthshore.com Chicago’s North Shore rings in the New Year www.visitchicagonorthshore.com • Group Tour Magazine NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY with First Night Evanston, Illinois’ largest Evanston New Year’s Eve Festival of the Arts, featuring Just north of Chicago along the shores of Lake New Year’s Eve Festival of the Arts, featuring Chicago Botanic Garden’s Founded in 1851, Northwestern 250 artists, 40 family-friendly performances, Michigan is Chicago’s North Shore, an area rich University is a renowned educational Antiques & Garden Fair • Leisure Group Travel institution rich in history and architec- and midnight fireworks over Lake Michigan. in performing arts and cultural attractions, ture. More than 150 historically signifi- April 21–23, 2006 year-round sporting events and recreational cant sites are on campus featured on various walking tours. Northwestern Book your getaway package at • Package Travel Insider activities, plus award-winning restaurants and Wildcat Football and Basketball games www.destinationnorthshore.com or call 847-763-0011 five-star shopping. showcase these popular Big Ten teams.

WESTFIELD OLD ORCHARD Skokie • Online campaigns with Meeting Professional LAKE-COOK RD.

DUNDEE RD. 94 GLENCOEGL OE Located off of I-94 and adjacent to numerous hotels, this mall features

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94 The North Shore’s home for world-class E D SKOKIE entertainment. Resident companies E 294 N S E X include Centre East, Northlight Theatre T P R W A Y . and Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra. V LINCOLNWOOD Promotional and Collateral Materials 90 E L T Many famous comedians, dance compa- CHICAGO O'HAHAARE IM INTERNATIONALALL E CHICAGO nies and performers take the stage at A AIRPORTORT T P R 11900 L A P A this premiere arts center. Group tickets R 90 K V O E E X L I S M H available for most performances. T A O I T R M EL E E Y D A 2 R 0 I A variety of new promotional and collateral materials were introduced in 2005 to help support the Bureau’s P V M 94 P E R IN O U 90 CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN X TES IM A JO Glencoe T H E N L F Y . K Open year-round, featuring 23 beautiful 3 EN 0 NE M DY 294 IN E gardens and three native habitats set mission and objectives, including a regional map (in conjunction with Chicago Plus–the consortium of U X P T W E Y S . on 385 acres of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. Easily accessible off of I-94 CHICAGO between downtown Chicago and the regional convention and visitor bureaus), promotional sales pieces for the social market, and Preferred northern attractions of Six Flags Great EISENHOWER EXPWY. 290 American, . Special activities 290 available for your group. Partner Benefit and Advertising information sheets. Also new in 2005 was a promotional piece for tour and travel trade shows. In addition, updated versions of the Bureau’s annual Visitors Guide and the Northwestern Wildcats Map & Guide were published. Networking Events Networking amongst partners is a very important aspect of the CNSCVB experience. Hosted by the Bureau’s Preferred Partners, these informal breakfast and lunch gatherings began in April and were wonderful opportunities for meeting industry peers, building alliances, exchanging business cards and discussing ways in which partners could work together to promote and market Chicago’s North Shore. We hope you found them beneficial!

We’d like to thank the following Preferred Partners for hosting our 2005 networking events. We appreciate your generosity.

• Ayla’s Originals–International Bead Bazaar • Liberty Travel • Best Western University Plaza • Ruby Tuesday • Janet’s Place Bed & Breakfast • Village of Wilmette

Representation at Industry Trade Shows Throughout 2005, the CNSCVB staff participated in numerous industry trade shows and events to further promote Chicago’s North Shore as a premier visitor destination. Preferred Partners joined our booth at many of these shows. Those that were most successful in terms of networking, prospects and leads included: • American Bus Association • Religious Conference Management Association • Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism • Affordable Meetings • Concierge Preferred Trade Show • National Tour Association • Illinois Society of Association Executives • The Wedding & Home Show • Sports 2005 Show • Meeting Planners International—Wisconsin Chapter • International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau

Community Outreach HOTELS SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER Continuing a holiday tradition, 10 CNSCVB hotel partners generously offered to donate overnight stays to the families of those visiting loved ones in area hospitals. The rooms were made available to Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, St. Francis Hospital and Rush North Shore Medical Center during the last two weeks of December. More than 20 families in need took part in the program, and the participating hotels kindly contributed over 50 complimentary room nights. The participating families, and the hospital personnel that assisted them, were extremely grateful for the kindness and hospitality shown toward them. Partnership Growth Building and nurturing partnerships are vital to the success of Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. We’d like to acknowledge and thank our partners for their support throughout 2005. Hotel Partners • Crowded Closet • Mitchell Museum of the American Indian • Tucker Gallery • Crown Theatres • MJ Catering • Urban Totem • Best Western University Plaza • Davis Street Fish Market • Music Institute Chicago • Va Pensiero • Comfort Inn • Deco Stitches • My Kind of Town • Vogue Fabrics • Extended Stay America • Don’s Fishmarket • –General Growth • Walgreens • Hampton Inn Suites Chicago North Shore • Duron Studio Photography Properties • Weaver Officail Publications Year • Hilton Garden Inn • EJ’s Place • Northbrook Park District • Westfield Old Orchard • Holiday Inn North Shore • Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge • North Shore Center for the • Wilmette Festival of Fine Arts • The Homestead • Ethical Humanist Society Performing Arts in Skokie • Wilmette Park District • Hotel Orrington • Ev Mark • Northlight Theatre • Wilmette Village Merchants Group • Margarita European Inn • Evanston Arts Depo • Northwestern University • Windy City Visitors Magazine • North Shore Skokie Hotel • Evanston Historical Society • O’Hare–Midway Limousine Service • Women’s Club of Evanston • Renaissance Chicago North Shore in • Eve J. Alfille • Palm Restaurant • Flat Top • Pete Miller’s Steakhouse

Preferred Partners Review • FedEx Kinkos • Piven Theatre Workshop 2005 Facts & Figures • 303 Taxi • Folkworks Gallery • Prairie Moon • The average daily rate for area hotels is up $6.60 from the previous year. • About Tours • Forty-One North • Prestige Art Galleries • Hotel occupancy in 2005 was 65.5%, • Airport Express • Francesca’s North • Quartet Copies which is an increase from a low of • American Taxi • Hecky’s Barbecue • Robinson Coach 61.8% in 2002. • Amm’s Limo • Holocaust Memorial Foundation • Ruby Tuesday • Room revenues for CNSCVB hotels were • Ayla’s Originals • HomesOnTheNorthShore.com • Ruth Chris Steakhouse up 16.6% in 2005 compared to 2004. • Bahai Temple of Worship • I.H.O.P. • Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits • Room reservations made on the CNSCVB • BasketWorks • Intelligent Lighting Creations • Shallots Bistro website in 2005 were up 65% since the • Belgian Chocolatier Piron • Island Dreams Music • Sign One launch of the revamped site (July 2005). • Blue Plate Catering • IXIA • Skokie North Shore • The Bureau increased its Preferred Partners ranks by 31%. 2005 • Carmel Music • J Rudny, LLC–”Dynamic Web Solutions” Sculpture Park • Total unique page views on the CNSCVB • Cassona Home Furnishing • Janet’s Place • Skokie Park District website are up 23% from 2004. • Catered by Design • Liberty Travel • Skokie Public Library • 100,000 copies of the 2005 Visitor • Centre East • Light Opera Works • Skokie Theatre Guide were printed. 32,500 were • Chalet Nursery • Lulu’s Dim Sum & Then Sum • Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra mailed in response to requests from • Chicago Botanic Garden • Maggiano’s Little Italy • Sky Harbor Club Restaurant groups and individuals and the remainder • Chicago Dempster Merchants • Maple Avenue Gallery • Something Wicked Books & More were distributed via major visitor centers throughout Chicago, at Illinois Visitor • Clean Plate Club • MDJ & Associates • Spice House Information Centers, at Northwestern • Concierge Preferred Magazine • Mary & Leigh Block Museum • Ten Thousand Villages University and at 40 hotels on the North • Creative Impact Group, Inc. • Merle’s #1 Barbeque • Teresa Marie Shore (including those located on the I-94 • Creating Printing Services, Inc. • Miracles By Appointment • Tommy Nevin’s Pub and I-294 corridor). The Mission of the CNSCVB

Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau (CNSCVB) is the official, state-certified, destination marketing organization charged Westfield Old Orchard with promoting travel and tourism to Chicago’s North Shore. The 125D Arcade Level CNSCVB is responsible for new business development throughout the Skokie, Illinois 60077 area by packaging the North Shore as a preeminent business and Phone 847.763.0011 leisure destination for regional, national and international travelers. Fax 847.763.0022 The CNSCVB is the first point of contact for meeting professionals, www.visitchicagonorthshore.com event planners, tour operators and leisure travelers wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the North Shore and wanting to experience its superior visitor amenities.

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