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Visit Lake County Partner Update | January 26, 2023
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Register for VLC's Forum at
Naval Station Great Lakes 

VISIT LAKE COUNTY PRESENTS:
Naval Station Great Lakes Forum
Thursday, February 23, 2023
9-11 a.m.
The National Museum of the American Sailor
2531 Sheridan Rd., Great Lakes, IL 60088
 
Attract More Guests from Naval Station Great Lakes
 
Lake County, Illinois has been home to the US Navy’s only Recruit Training & Command Facility in North Chicago for over 100 years. Nearly 35,000 recruits graduate from the program each year and over 9,000 active-duty and civilian employees populate the 1,600-acre campus along the shores of Lake Michigan.
 
Many Lake County communities see the economic impact of visitors from Naval Station Great Lakes throughout the year. Area hotels, shopping destinations, restaurants and attractions welcome recruits and their families, especially on graduation weekends.


 
Our hospitality partners are always asking how to attract these guests to their locations. Here we hope to answer questions about graduation guidelines, hotel booking procedures, marketing options, event schedules, transportation and other ways to engage these visitors coming from across the nation. Since the pandemic, many of the established routines and protocols have changed, so we hope to make these opportunities clearer, opening doors to better communication and business.
 
At this forum our partners can hear directly from those responsible for coordinating activities, who will present their operations and answer questions. This event is free and open to VLC Community Partner representatives and businesses who may benefit from engaging with this market.

Click the link below to view the agenda, registration and presenters. Registration ends Monday, February 20. For any questions, contact VLC Partner Services & Marketing Coordinator Jeff Randolph at 847.662.2700.
Click Here to Register »

Lake County Libation Trail Month/Check-in Challenge Runs February 1-28

Let’s toast to the Lake County Libation Trail Month/Check-in Challenge (LCLT)! “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” as suds aficionados, vino connoisseurs and spirit enthusiasts will be elated with these glasses of “liquid courage.” 

The fifth installment of this initiative is highlighted by 25+ breweries, wineries and distilleries showcasing Lake County's local homegrown and scratch-made beverages with contests, live music, food and fun. Continue here to view the trail's most Instagrammable can and bottle art.

Guests who “Check-In” at five or more locations between Feb. 1-28 will be eligible for a drawing, where 50 people could win a new Libation Trail Roster Shirt. The long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt lists all the LCLT partner locations to visit this year. 

Besides the LCLT partners, visitors can check in at the Lake County Craft Beer Festival for one day only on February 25 at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center.

This comprehensive campaign includes digital, print and online ads. Digitally, Visit Lake County will run strategic ads on Facebook and Instagram. VLC also obtained print and digital ads with the Daily Herald and the Spanish-language newspaper Reflejos. 

Get Trail Hoppin. Cheers, salud, prost, gesondheid and kan-pie!  
Read More »

Lake County Hotel Professional Wins Award

In December, the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association recognized individuals who are invaluable to the success of the hospitality sector at the Stars of the Industry Awards.

One of the winners included Chicago Marriott Suites Deerfield and Embassy Suites North Shore Deerfield Complex Direct of Finance Michelle Boyd recorded a win in the Department-Division Head category.

Other Lake County Atira employees nominated for the award included Hampton Inn Deer Park Director of Sales Kathy Marrison and Hampton Inn Gurnee General Manager Tim Sokley.

Congratulations to Boyd, Marrison and Sokley for the recognition and the hard work and dedication they put into their craft.
Read More »

Visit Lake County Welcomes New Partners

Visit Lake County is excited to announce its newest batch of partners, Comfort Inn Gurnee, JJ Twigs Pizza & Pub in Wauconda, Ma & Pa's Candy in Long Grove and Navy Lodge Great Lakes. We look forward to these partnerships and future initiatives.
The 63-room, pet-friendly hotel is highlighted by an indoor heated pool, a business center, a spa, a complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness center and more. The Gurnee accommodation is located around some of Lake County's renowned attractions like Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills, Great Wolf Lodge and more. Room rates start at $76. INFO »
The Wauconda eatery's calling card is thin-crust double-decker pizzas. The 30-year-old staple's menu also features wings, salads, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, soups and a full bar. The facility also boasts a beach volleyball court. INFO »
Take a trip back to Long Grove's beloved vintage-inspired yesteryear candy store. The mom-and-pop business features nostalgic candies and hand-spun cotton candy. Ma & Pa's also showcases decade-themed candy crates and scoopable bulk confectioneries. INFO »
A fitness center, a playground, a picnic area with a grill, complimentary breakfast and more highlight this 143-room, pet-friendly property adjacent to Naval Station Great Lakes. While the accommodation's primary focus is military personnel and their families, the lodge personnel can endorse other guests for an overnight stay. INFO »

Save the Date: National Plan for Vacation Day is Tuesday, January 31

National Plan for Vacation Day is celebrated on the last Tuesday of the month, January 31.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of Americans every year fail to use all their time off, creating millions of unused vacation days. American workers leave over 40 million days of their paid time off on the table every year. 
 
The most effective remedy for American workers who want to use more vacation days is better planning. Unfortunately, only half of American households set aside time to plan the use of their vacation time each year.

Research shows that planners have a distinct advantage over non-planners: they use more time, take extended vacations, and are happier. Seventy-nine percent of Americans believe vacations are essential to their overall health and well-being.

Thousands of organizations join this nationwide event to encourage Americans to commit all their PTO for the year ahead and provide inspiration as they plan how to spend them. Throughout the day, destinations, media, brands, influencers and more will share ideas and deals for future getaways to inspire Americans to start dreaming.

Plan your vacation, Lake County!

Learn More »

Keep VLC Updated on your Upcoming Plans

VLC remains committed to serving our partners, communities and residents. Please reach out to us for marketing support. We would love to post your beautiful photos of Lake County, see your videos, learn about your upcoming events and tours and feature your happenings across our website, social media, newsletters and more. 

Contact VLC Marketing Manager Jonathan Jones and inform us of your 2023 plans.
Email Jonathan »
Have news you'd like to share? We love hearing about what you have going on. Share your news with VLC's Marketing Manager Jonathan Jones at Jonathan@lakecounty.org and you could be featured.
   

          

Visit Lake County
5465 Grand Ave Ste 100
Gurnee, IL 60031-4913

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1-800-Lake-Now
tourism@lakecounty.org

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