Latest news with #KristenReynolds
Skift
5 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Chicago Bets on Hotel Tax to Stay Competitive
In a city where hotel taxes are among the highest in the nation, Chicago's tourism leaders say a 1.5% surcharge is the only way to stay in the game. Kristen Reynolds, just two months into her role as president and CEO of Choose Chicago, is focused on what she calls a critical priority. Establishing a Chicago Tourism Improvement District (CTID) to secure long-term funding. Brand USA's $80-million funding cut highlights the urgency. 'Sustainable funding is so important. We are one election away from people not understanding what we do, and need diversified and sustainable funding to protect us,' Reynolds said. The Chicago Tourism Improvement District would add a 1.5% surcharge to room rates at hotels with 100 rooms or more in a defined geographic area. That would bring Chicago's hotel tax — already 17.39% — to 18.89%, the highest among major U.S. convention destinations. 'We are close,' Reynolds said, noting that the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) has been working on the initiative for two years. Proposed Hotel Surcharge Would Fund Marketing and Sales Roughly half of the funds would be used for international and domestic marketing; the remainder would support sales and bidding efforts. 'For nearly a decade, Choose Chicago has been lagging in international presence. Due to a state budget stalemate, international offices had to be closed,' said Michael Jacobson, president of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. The plan is to re-establish these offices when the TID goes into effect. In addition, there will be a marketing push in the drive market. Incentives to Meet in Chicago The fund would also be used to cover bid fees and cash incentives — tools competing cities use to win large-scale events. 'For several years, we have heard from meeting planners who were offered cash incentives to bring citywides to certain destinations. We didn't have a budget for this,' Jacobson said. 'This will re-establish our competitive edge. We are not asking for city money or state money. We are asking the city to authorize us to go and collect assessments ourselves.' Bid fees alone can be a significant barrier. Entering the competition for the Democratic National Convention, for example, required a $1 million bid just to be considered. As high as Chicago's hotel tax may be, Jacobson said the key is to stay below 20%. 'We can't hit that number, as that is the danger zone,' said Jacobson. Support is encouraging, he said. 'A majority of hotel owners signed on in the last two months. We are confident we will see movement in the next couple of months and begin collection in January of next year,' he said. Chicago had 55.3 million visitors in 2024. A 6.5% increase from the prior year, according to ?Choose Chicago. Preliminary estimates indicate international visitation topped 2 million for the first time since 2019. A year-over-year increase of more than 10%. Choose Chicago booked 1,891 meetings and conventions in 2024.
Chicago Tribune
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
James Beard Awards 2025: Chefs, celebrities and notable Chicagoans walk the red carpet
To kick off the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards red carpet outside the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kristen Reynolds, the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, made it loud and clear: Chicago has every intention of keeping the coveted awards in the city. 'We are definitely keeping the James Beard Awards beyond 2027,' Reynolds said while walking the star-studded red carpet. 'I mean, we are the host of 'The Bear!' We have to have the James Beard Awards in Chicago, everybody relates Chicago with cuisine and world-class dining, so it's a perfect location.' This year commemorates the 35th anniversary of the awards, which have been held in Chicago since 2015. The awards are currently slated to be held in Chicago through 2027, a move that was announced in 2018, but there hasn't been official word if it will stay in the city beyond 2027 or move elsewhere. Mayor Brandon Johnson, who walked the red carpet a little after 5:30 p.m. said he will do everything in his power to prioritize keeping the award show in Chicago. 'I know they can go anywhere else in the world, but I think it's only fitting here, particularly a city, that a black Haitian immigrant and a Potawatomi woman established — a city of immigrants from around the world have found refuge here in Chicago. The migration from the South, like my family, the 77 unique neighborhoods, it really is the spices and the different seasonings that are not only on the plates across restaurants in Chicago, but it really reflects the beauty of our city as a whole,' Johnson said. Awards show co-host Andrew Zimmern, best known for shows such as the 'Bizarre Foods' franchise, emphasized the significance of the event, speaking about the diversity of Chicago's culinary scene. Zimmern highlighted the role chefs play in social justice issues, including immigration, food waste, the climate crisis, pay equity, gender equity and healthcare. 'The magic of these awards is that there are a lot of people who have toiled in anonymity for a long time — they're going to win an award tonight and it's going to change their life, it's going to change their business, it's going to change their community, and it's going to change our country for the better,' Zimmern said on the red carpet. 'And what's going to happen is we're going to have more advocates out there who are winners, who people are going to pay attention to. We're going to have more hopeful warriors on our side. We can sit here in despair about the national issues at hand that negatively affect us, but I truly believe that the antidote to despairing is hope.' Zimmern noted chefs such as Jose Andres, who have been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to individuals worldwide, including Palestinians in Gaza. The crowded red carpet was a proud moment for several Chicago nominees, including Thai Dang of HaiSous for the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, who expressed immense joy at being named a finalist. Dang has been a semifinalist in the Great Lakes category four times. 'I'm feeling incredible, honestly it's an incredible freaking feeling,' Dang said. 'To finally make it and be here on this red carpet and walk among great people that have been doing this for years, it's such an incredible honor. I don't care to win or lose, I feel like a million bucks. I feel like I've won.'
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Choose Chicago Launches New Community-Driven Marketing Campaign to Amplify Civic Pride and Position Chicago as a Premier Global Destination
Launching at IPW 2025, the "Never Done. Never Outdone." campaign is an invitation to experience a Chicago that is endlessly creative, relentlessly driven, and always ready to surprise you. CHICAGO, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Choose Chicago today announced the global launch of a new marketing campaign to position Chicago as a premier global destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events. The new "Never Done. Never Outdone." campaign was informed and influenced by a year-plus long brand strategy effort consisting of over 300 community and industry listening sessions, focus groups, sentiment surveys, social listening research, and brand showcases. "Never Done. Never Outdone." honors the spirit of our city—always evolving, always pushing forward, and never satisfied with the status quo. The campaign launches during peak season and as Chicago hosts the U.S. Travel Association's IPW 2025, the largest inbound international travel trade show in the country. With $5.5 billion of future travel booked across this four-day show, this is Chicago's moment to tell our story to the global tourism community. "I could not be more proud to launch Choose Chicago's new marketing campaign: 'Never Done. Never Outdone.'" said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. "This message is steeped in community and stakeholder feedback and speaks to the continued evolution of our city and our new era of visitor, business and economic domination. I'm grateful for the time and dedication that my team took to listen to our residents, local businesses, and clients and I'm confident that the result will be a campaign that resonates with visitors and locals alike to drive economic vitality through every Chicago neighborhood." "From world-class dining, to beautiful lakefront views, to vibrant neighborhoods ready to explore, Chicago is an ideal destination for visitors from all across the world," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Choose Chicago's new 'Never Done. Never Outdone.' campaign is a true testament to all our city has to offer. This new effort will support our already thriving tourism economy, all while supporting countless jobs in cultural, culinary, and hospitality industries across the State of Illinois." "I am proud of the work our colleagues at Choose Chicago have done in developing this new campaign," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Work like this can only be born out of meaningful collaboration and engagement, and they've taken great care to include the perspectives of a diverse cross-section of community voices in the research that went into the campaign. I'm confident it will ultimately share an authentic depiction of our city and convey the open-minded, welcoming spirit of Chicagoans." "Never Done. Never Outdone." is a campaign unlike any other Choose Chicago has launched in the past. Unlike previous campaigns, which focused primarily on attracting leisure travelers, this campaign is designed to speak to and inspire all audiences, including potential leisure visitors as well as meeting and event planners, the creative community, international sports fans, the economic development community, and most importantly, Chicago residents. "'Never Done. Never Done.' reflects a mindset that's deeply original, bold, open-minded, and grounded in community — values that are central to who we are and how we show up," said Lisa Nucci, Chief Marketing Officer at Choose Chicago. "As a life-long Chicagoan, it has been an honor to work on this project and inspiring to see the way our partners in the tourism and hospitality industry and the civic sector have been so involved and invested from day one. Through hundreds of hours of listening sessions, preview events, and informal conversations, one thing was consistently apparent to me: Chicagoans truly love their city. That love and civic pride is really at the heart of 'Never Done. Never Outdone.'" The "Never Done. Never Outdone." campaign was officially revealed to the international audience today at IPW. The launch includes the release of a campaign video featuring Grammy- Award winning poet and artist and local Chicagoan J. Ivy. The campaign will run in key local, regional, national, and international markets, targeting both leisure travelers and meeting and event planners. Advertising will begin locally to build campaign engagement and civic pride, then expand to other markets to help drive future leisure and business travel to Chicago. "I can't imagine a better note to end my tenure on than the launch of a new marketing campaign for Chicago," said Glenn Eden, Choose Chicago's Board Chair. "'Never Done. Never Outdone.' is so much more than an ad campaign; it is a testament to Chicagoans' love for their city—to the people and communities that give our food its flavor and make our neighborhoods come to life. I couldn't be prouder of the work the team has put into this important initiative, and I know it will help introduce our city to millions of future visitors from around the world." Chicago residents can expect to see "Never Done. Never Outdone." advertisements on city information panels and highlighted in social media activations in the coming weeks. Nationally, Choose Chicago prioritizes ad placements based on historical seasonal demand from top inbound leisure markets, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. Internationally, ad placements and spend will also be primarily allocated to key leisure markets based on demand, including Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Choose Chicago will continue to engage members and community partners in the campaign efforts to infuse reasons why Chicago is "Never Done. Never Outdone." into content and events. Choose Chicago collaborated with a creative collection of agencies for the brand and campaign work including MMGY Global, Envisionit (digital and creative partner), Agents of Slang (creative partner), October Productions (production partner), Word and Soul (creative partner), and Chu Batsaihan (creative partner). ### About Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global tourism and meetings destination—the city that's Never Done and Never Outdone. Choose Chicago leverages the city's unmatched assets to enrich the community by attracting meetings, events, and leisure visitors, helping to attract over 55 million visitors annually and generating $20 billion in economic impact. Follow @choosechicago and tag #neverdonechi on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter. For more information, visit Campaign Assets AvailableMarketing Campaign Video View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Choose Chicago Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malaysian Reserve
13-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Chicago Economy Infused with Record $683 Million Impact from 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Independent Study Shows Marathon's Impact Increased 22%; Surge in Tourism and Job Creation CHICAGO, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon contributed a record-breaking $683 million (PDF) to the Chicago Metropolitan Area economy, according to an independent study conducted by Jones & Associates Economics. The race continues to grow year-over-year and drives economic success for the city, with a 22% increase in total economic impact over 2023. The increased national and global prominence of the race boosted economic impact, as nearly 53,000 participants toed the start line on race day. Out of state participation to race and cheer on runners more than doubled in 2024, with a 130% increase in participants and visitors from the United States outside of Illinois and the Midwest since 2023. More visitors in town led to greater spending on accommodations, food, retail and transportation. The tourism industry saw more than $177 million in economic activity as a direct result of the 2024 race. 'Reaching nearly $700 million in impact in 2024, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of Chicago's most vital events to bolster tourism and showcase our great city to the world,' said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. 'The marathon brings together the Chicago community in a powerful and unique way, combining incredible economic impact with an unmatched energy that reaches all neighborhoods along the race route. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to support this great race each fall.' In 2024, the race supported 4,589 full-time jobs, a 24% increase over the employment impact of the 2023 marathon. These jobs created $229 million in wages and salary income, further highlighting the significance of the race for the people of Chicagoland. 'Each year, we are amazed by all the visitors and residents who pour into our community to generate impact for Chicago,' said Rita Cook, President, Bank of America Chicago. 'On behalf of BofA, we'd like to thank the dedicated runners who raised a record-breaking $36 million to support worldwide charities close to their hearts, the selfless volunteers who managed the event, the millions of spectators who cheered along the race route, and the countless residents, businesses and organizations who created a welcoming and cordial environment for all to enjoy.' 'From elite runners setting world records to a global community of enthusiastic spectators in one of our country's most vibrant cities, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon continues to raise the bar in endurance competition,' said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director, Bank of America Chicago Marathon. 'While the economic benefits of race weekend are immense, the true essence of the marathon lies in the enduring community and competitive atmosphere it creates. We are grateful for the tireless dedication of countless teammates who brought last year's race to life, and we are eager to witness athletes push themselves to new limits this year.' Global partnerships and events, including the Chicago and Boston Marathons, provide opportunities for Bank of America to connect with endurance athletes and millions of sports fans, raise meaningful funds, and bring significant economic benefits to the communities in which we live, work and support. This economic success is felt across the country, as the iconic races in Chicago and Boston totaled nearly $1.2 billion in combined economic impact in 2024. The 47th Bank of America Chicago Marathon kicks off Sunday, October 12, at Grant Park. For more information about race details and how to get involved, please visit Bank of America Chicago MarathonIn its 47th year on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will welcome thousands of participants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class professional athlete field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity participants. The race's iconic course takes participants through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Annually, more than a million spectators line the streets cheering on tens of thousands of participants from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive. As a result of the race's national and international draw, the Chicago Marathon assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating over $683 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will start and finish in Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 12. In advance of the race, a three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Thursday, October 9, Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to Bank of AmericaBank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC). For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. Reporters May Contact: Diane Wagner, Bank of AmericaPhone:
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
New Chicago tourism campaign seeks to sell city and shed perception of danger
Chicago has been a popular tourist destination since even before 27 million people came to the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 — but the city also has a longstanding reputation for crime that has fairly or fairly led to a perception by some that it is unsafe. Now, there is a new campaign to sell the city to the world. Unlike past marketing campaigns, the latest one from Choose Chicago isn't focused solely on tourists. It also highlights the people who live in 77 different community areas and all call Chicago home. "This new campaign is honest. It's authentic," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "It represents our city in its fullness." In a city as diverse as Chicago, the beat can change by the block — a jazz combo on one corner, the Bucket Boys down the street. But every street — from Juneway Terrace on the north to 138th Street on the south — feels authentically Chicago. A new campaign hopes to reflect that sentiment. Choose Chicago hopes to reach not only people outside the city, but also people inside the city — across all 77 community areas. "Historically, a tourism campaign would talk to visitors," said Choose Chicago chief executive officer Kristen Reynolds. "But these days, visitors really are looking for an authentic experience — what represents the city, what represents the locals." Reynolds said the four-word title marketing campaign — "Never done. Never outdone" — is the product of years of work and hundreds of conversations in the community. "Welcome to Chicago. A city of world shakers, curse breakers, and legend makers. A city that's never done and never outdone," the website for the new marketing campaign says with strategic boldface text. "This is the city where hard work meets hope. It's undeniable, yet undefinable — you just have to come see it for yourself." In a video clip, Grammy Award-winning poet calls Chicago "a city connected, not just by train lines or shore lines, but by the drive to never settle. We talk less, dream bigger, and never stop pushing. We changed the course of rivers, and the course of history. When we build things, the world looks up." "This isn't just a marketing campaign," said Reynolds. "It's bigger than that. It's a rallying cry for everyone here today." While New York City has had a corner on the "greatest city in the world" slogan for many years, applies that slogan to Chicago in the video too. "The Midwest humble that we're always like, 'Oh, we're not going to tell everybody about how great we are,'" Reynolds said. "We're kind of pushing that to the side and saying, 'We're Chicago. We're amazing, and it's OK to brag about it.'" Reynolds is brand-new to the city, with just one month on the job. "I'm a new resident, yes, and I love it," she said. Reynolds is also well familiar with the old narrative about Chicago not being a safe place to visit. "Fifty-five million visitors a year go to Chicago and have a great time," said Reynolds. "So what you're hearing are the certain stories that may not really represent what the city is about, and that has been my experience thus far." Reynolds has been going all around to experience the city. "I've been riding the bus. I've been taking the trains. I've been walking the parks," she said, "and I have felt really safe in this city, and I'm excited to be here as a resident." "A good campaign can last forever," Reynolds said. But Chicago will decide if the words resonate. Noel on cam: Chicago can expect to see "Never done. Never outdone." plastered all over the city and on social media in the coming weeks.
