Mission Statement, History & Funding

Mission Statement

Visit Chicago Southland promotes the region’s communities as an exceptional destination for meetings, events and leisure pursuits while advocating for the development of outstanding, inclusionary experiences that attract visitors and residents alike.

History

Visit Chicago Southland (Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau) was founded in 1986 as a subsidiary of the Regional Economic Development Corporation (now known as the Chicago Southland Development, Inc.). In 1993, the Bureau separated from its parent organization and became an independent 501(c)6 organization. As a regional cooperative, Visit Chicago Southland represents the south and southwest municipalities, approximately 35 miles south of downtown Chicago.

Funding

Visit Chicago Southland is a regionally funded destination marketing organization. Its annual budget is composed of several funding sources. The State of Illinois recognizes the importance of tourism, and therefore provides the bureau with a state grant (Illinois is one of few states with a tourism grant program supporting convention and visitors bureaus). The Local Tourism Convention Bureau Grant program requires the recipient to match the grant funds dollar for dollar. The match funds are comprised of the following sources: First, the bureau has contracts with 17 communities to receive a portion of their transient hotel/motel room tax for marketing purposes. Second, Visit Chicago Southland has a growing membership which makes an annual investment in the bureau's programs. Third, the bureau develops resources including non-dues revenue to enhance and expand its programming responsibilities. Property tax or taxpayer dollars are not involved in any funding of Visit Chicago Southland.