Generating jobs & tourism in Illinois
Travel and tourism affects so many aspects in a community; from creating jobs to driving tax dollars down for residents. The tourism industry allows a local economy to thrive while showcasing unique destinations for travelers to visit.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel and tourism supports more than 15 million American jobs. From hotel managers and acclaimed chefs to local entrepreneurs offering one-of-a-kind products and experiences, travel ambassadors are on the front line for making visitors feel welcomed, excited to explore new places and eager to come back in the future.
Our state has many faces of travel and our program, Illinois Made, showcases the faces of amazing makers that create unique local products. U.S. small businesses added 14 million new jobs in 2014 and Illinois Made makers help employ residents in Illinois. The program encourages visitors to extend their travel beyond a day trip and explore local businesses and attractions. According to market research, 78 percent of Millennials are looking to learn something new while traveling, which we hope they will find by visiting our Illinois Made makers.
Chicagoland
If you're looking for a local spot to purchase a bike and enjoy a custom brewed cup of coffee, look no further than Heritage Bicycles in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Owners Mike and Melissa work every day to combine the feel of an artisan coffee shop with a made-to-order bike store.
Or, head into the Loop for a chance to purchase a hat at Optimo Hats, custom created by Graham Thompson. From Ben Affleck to Johnny Depp, Graham creates one-of-a-kind hats for every customer that walks through his door. All parts of the production are done in-house and it's an amazing sight.
Take a cruise up to Galena for numerous Illinois Made makers, including Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. Founders and brothers Matt and Mike Blaum have been distilling rye whiskey since they quit their day jobs for the pursuit for finely crafted spirits. Visitors can take a tour or sip some of the product in the tasting room, which was furnished by the brothers themselves!
Central Illinois
If you want a delicious, freshly brewed cup of coffee, Custom Cup Coffee in Springfield is the spot to be. Owners Brent and Kendra pride themselves on providing small-batch coffee brews that satisfy any coffee-lover's quench. Grab a cup, buy a bag of coffee beans or ask where you can drink it around the restaurants in Springfield.
With a menu focused on a farm-to-table approach, Epiphany Farms in Bloomington creates tasty, seasonal creations using only the freshest of ingredients. Owner and chef Ken Myska lives by the phrase "Think Global, Eat Local," because of his beautiful 20-acre farm that provides key ingredients to all of his dishes. It's a great spot to gather around the table and enjoy a fantastic meal.
If you have a strong love for cheese, Prairie Fruits Farms creates award-winning goat cheese for visitors to savor. Founded in 2003, Prairie Fruits Farms gives an exclusive look into the cheese making world. From visiting the goats to sampling the product and their amazing goat cheese gelato, it's a unique experience for any traveler looking to taste, see and live Illinois like Prairie Fruits Farms does on a daily basis.
Southern Illinois
If you've ever wondered what beer with hickory, lavender or juniper tastes like, you must try the award-winning concoctions brewed at Scratch Brewing Company in Ava. Using farm-gathered Illinois ingredients, Scratch creates original recipes for every small-batch brew that will satisfy all types of beer lovers. It's a great place to kick back and hang out with friends while enjoying a truly unique beer.
Looking for a sweeter beverage that is also made here in Illinois? Apple Knocker Hard Cider in Cobden produces delicious and innovative American ciders for all to enjoy. The cider-making facility partners with century-old apple orchards and picks only the highest quality apples for production. Sip on the ciders at their tasting room or pick up a four pack - they sell all over the Midwest.
Just a drive away is another Southern Illinois maker - Longshadow Gardens in Pomona. With the company motto being Fabricio in Horto Nostro, Latin for "Factory in a Garden," owners Charlotte and Daniel Ward create beautiful dry cast planter designs for gardens across the world. Their creations can be found at the Ritz-Carlton hotels in Dallas and Dubai, to Chicago's Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium and more. The facility itself provides a serene and peaceful ambience, allowing guests to stroll along and be one with nature.
Our Illinois Made makers really demonstrate what it means to "be" Illinois and have crafted some amazing products and experiences to share with our visitors. People travel miles to experience all there is to see and do in the state, and it's important to share with them a little bit of what Illinois is all about through our Illinois Made program. Travel and tourism touches every aspect of Illinois, and I encourage you, as Illinoisans, to go out and experience something you never have before. It's sitting right here in your own backyard!
Make it a goal or something to add to your bucket list; visit all of the Illinois Made makers in your area, I know you'll enjoy every last one of them. For more about the Illinois Made program and other travel ideas, please visit the new www.enjoyillinois.com.
• Cory Jobe is director of the Illinois Office of Tourism.