'Tourism is the front door to economic development'

An interview with Curt Bedei, executive director of Ottawa Visitors Center

Q: Tell us a little bit about the venue/business.

A: The Ottawa Visitors Center was established to serve the traveling public with information on lodging, attractions, events and tourism amenities. We market Ottawa in partnership with regional tourism organizations, the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau. Promoting Ottawa and its botanical brand to the leisure traveler outside a fifty-mile radius is our main focus.

Q: What do you offer when it comes to corporate meetings?

A: We have many locations that can accommodate any meeting. Most of our hotels offer meeting rooms with technological needs, and can provide some refreshments upon requests. If you're looking for more of a business lunch or dinner setting there is a long list of recommendations.

For instance, our local brewery, Tangled Roots, houses a restaurant, The Lone Buffalo. Upstairs you will find a private room with Wi-Fi and a projector that can seat 30 people. Other restaurants include Woody's Steakhouse, Hanks Farm and B.A.S.H.

Q: Describe the atmosphere of the area.

A: Just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, nestled along the Illinois and Fox River, lies the best kept secret of the Midwest. Lush plantings and butterfly gardens line the streets filled with boutique shops and modern eateries. Stand in the shadows of Honest Abe and the Little Giant then learn the fine art of blown glass and craft brewing. Renowned architecture, massive murals, live music and theater bring culture to life in this historic canal town.

Q: What are people in your industry talking about? What's trending?

A: It's all about social media and how to embrace it for tourism. There are so many platforms and tons of analytics to follow, share, and digest! How do you choose the right one for your business? Are you getting a good ROI from using it? These are just some of the many questions we ask ourselves on a weekly basis.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?

A: I grew up on a farm in a small community just down the road from Ottawa. My family and I used organic practices, which carried over into my interest of growing organic vegetables for farmers markets and restaurants after college. Something that I'm still enjoying to this day.

By the fall of 2011, I started working for the Visitors Center as the graphic designer. It was up to me to produce all the in-house promotional ads, logos and creative input for our marketing. By the end of 2015, I became the executive director. A position that has brought forth many opportunities and friendships along the way.

Q: Tell us one interesting fact about the business that most people may not know.

A: Tourism is the front door to economic development. As an entity of tourism, we have the exciting job of promoting our town as a destination. Describing all of the wonderful things to see, hear, and do. Whether it's through the many avenues of advertising or speaking to our guests when they visit.

It's our job to be the cheerleaders for the community because every visitor is a potential resident or investor. For every $1 spent by tourists, $9 goes toward Economic Development in Illinois. It's incredible the impact tourism can serve for any community.

Q: List two Twitter accounts that you would suggest following and why?

A: Obviously, ours is one everyone should follow. We always have something happening each weekend in Ottawa. Sometimes two or three things are happening. So, it's important to follow us as we keep everyone informed about what's taking place or what's to come throughout the year. @PickUsOttawaIL

Another one to follow is @HeritageCVB. The Heritage Corridor follows the I & M Canal from Chicago Portage down to Hennepin, Illinois. They cover all the little towns events, attractions, restaurants, activities and history.

Ottawa Visitors Center

<b>1028 LaSalle St. Ottawa, IL 61350</b>Number of employees: 4

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Web address: pickusottawail.com