TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dustin Anderson, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT:
title
Award of Payment to Heritage Corridor Destinations in the Amount of $44,595.24
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BACKGROUND:
On December 7, 2021, the City Council approved a five-year agreement with Heritage Corridor Destinations (formerly the Heritage Convention and Visitors’ Bureau) to manage city-related marketing and tourism promotion efforts.
Under the agreement, the City of Joliet is responsible for the following payments and budget commitments:
• Base Membership Fee: A fee that increases by 2% annually.
o 2022 at $55,142.22.
o 2023 at $56,245.06.
o 2024 at $57,369.96.
o 2025 at $58,517.36.
o 2026 at $59,687.71.
• Tourism Marketing and Promotion Budget: An allocation that increases by 2% each year.
o 2022 at $120,000.00.
o 2023 at $122,400.00.
o 2024 at $124,848.00.
o 2025 at $127,344.96.
o 2026 at $129,891.86.
• Travel Guide Distribution and Fulfillment Costs: No dollar amount is specified in the contract.
o The City covers distribution and fulfillment fees of the regional Travel Guide.
o In FY 2025, $44,595.24 was spent on fulfillment and distribution fees of the regional Travel Guide, where Joliet is on the cover of the guide.
For FY 2025 (September 2024 to September 2025), the Heritage Corridor distributed 25,240 guides throughout 285 Illinois locations (travel centers, hotels, oasis stops, etc.), and eight (8) Northern Indiana locations. Additionally, 19,774 guides were mailed to individuals across 35 states. A total of 45,014 guides have been distributed.
Furthermore, Heritage Corridor Destinations shares the cost of city-related marketing and tourism promotions, and fulfillment activities through the State of Illinois tourism grants. For this year, the Heritage Corridor has covered $60,000.00 in distribution and fulfillment fees.
The Finance Committee will review this item at their January 20, 2026 meeting
CONCLUSION:
For FY 2025, the Heritage Corridor's reimbursement request for fulfillment and distribution fees amounts to $44,595.24. Sufficient funds are available within the Economic Development Division to cover this expense. (Org: 02038000, Obj: 548000)
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Award of Payment to Heritage Corridor Destinations in the Amount of $44,595.24.
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