No visitors allowed in the area at least for now. So whats the director of the Henry County Tourism Bureau, whose job it is to entice people to the area, supposed to do?

Cheryl Osborne, executive director of the Henry County Tourism Bureau, described her current job as more maintenance than promoter.

The state of Illinois has frozen funds and grants that would have gone for advertising.

We would have had a campaign running, said Osborne, who took over the position almost three years ago.

The campaign would have included paid advertising outside of the area, from Peoria and the Quad Cities to as far north as Chicago, and promoted the area's springtime outdoor activities.

As of April 1, only essential spending through the end of the fiscal year in June, enough to keep the lights on, is being done.

But that doesn't mean Osborn doesn't still has plenty to do.

As far as spending goes, that doesnt mean I am not promoting Henry County, she said.

Ive still been promoting, but Im not pushing come see us.

Instead, Osborne said she is promoting the area in appropriate ways that would remind people about area events once the ban has been lifted. Its more like, Keep us in mind when they can travel.

The tourism bureaus website, visithenrycountry.com is still up and running. Osborn said she has added links to keep people updated about COVID-19. In addition, the website is posting information about already scheduled events that may be postponed, rescheduled, modified or cancelled.

Over the weekend, the annual Geneseo Art Walk went virtual. People could log on and take a virtual tour through the works of both amateur and professional artists. Other spring events, such as Galvas Freedom Fest, scheduled for the fourth of July, have been postponed. Bishop Hills Abba Salute Concert, originally planned for May 31, has been cancelled with hopes that it can be rescheduled. And Andovers 185 Anniversary event has been postponed until next year, making it the 186th Anniversary.

All of those activities generate traffic for local business which leads to tax revenue for the county and its municipalities which includes the tourism office. Without those extra activities, that local money doesn't get circulated and government budgets are diminished.

Osborn has recently started a social media page called Henry County Strong for county residents to share the latest news, updates, important information and resources.

The idea is to help our businesses and provide support and morale so when were ready for tourism, our businesses are supported at that time, she said.

The tourism bureau is also working with the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus on a plan for the aftermath of this unprecedented pandemic.

Were all working on a recovery plan, Osborn said. Once this is lifted and people are encouraged to travel more, How are we going to approach the recovery plan?

For now, Osborne sees the job of the tourism bureau as that of informational support and assistance.

Tourism is going to be a part of the recovery.

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Nobody coming to Henry Co. - News - Galva News