History of Embarras River Tourism Council
The Embarras River Tourism Council was initially formed in 1996. It was formed as an informal citizens’ organization and has remained an informal organization ever since. It did form a loose tie with the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce principally to have insurance cover during Strawberryfest and as an organization through which fiscal information could be reported.
Strawberryfest was initiated in 1995 by the Chamber of Commerce which hosted the festival for two years. Unable to make it profitable the Chamber decided not to host in 1997. Needing a fundraising activity ERTC took over Strawberryfest and continued to be the host through 2001 when the Chamber resumed sponsorship. ERTC continued to raise some funds for the next couple of years by assisting with the craft booths.
Following the second quarter of 2004, ERTC began receiving Hotel/Motel tax funds from Jasper County. The first check was for $224.65. A presentation had been made by ERTC to the County Board requesting the passage of the tax at a rate of 5% (the maximum) which was approved by a nearly unanimous vote.
In 1998 ERTC began working with other Southeastern Illinois counties to form an area-wide Convention and Visitors Bureau sanctioned by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, part of the Department of Economic Opportunity. In 1999 ERTC representing Jasper County became a charter member of the CVB and took responsibility for paying the annual dues. In 2011 Southeastern Illinois CVB was absorbed by the Tourism Bureau of Illinois West and became the Tourism Bureau of Illinois South.
Prior to 2008 ERTC had funded a portion if not all of the annual dues for the CVB. During those same years, ERTC funded all of the advertising, promotion and event costs without additional money from local government sources.
The development of tourism locations and the promotion of existing locations during the past 17 years has led to substantial growth in tourism revenue within the county. From 1996 when less than $4 million was attributable to tourism to over $8 million in 2013 is far above the 49 percent inflation that occurred during those same years. The result of that additional spending is a substantial growth in local tax revenue.
In 2017, ERTC and the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce divided with ERTC obtaining its own 501c3 status and insurance to cover events. At that time, the Jasper County Board voted to divide the Hotel/Motel tax between ERTC and the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce.
During its existence, ERTC has been involved in a number of projects –
• Operation of the Strawberryfest 5 years
• Production of a comprehensive Newton map (an ongoing process)
• Provided a portion of the funding for the construction of the viewing platform at Ridgway wildlife area Prairie Ridge
• Participated in a multi-county birding program hosted by the Illinois Audubon Society Hosting events during an area Audubon weekend.
• Hosting the Smithsonian’s “New Harmonies” exhibit and musical presentations during the six week exhibit period.
• Hosting a Burl Ives Folk Concert
• Hosting two Randy Spark’s concerts celebrating Burl Ives
• Publication of city and county retail maps (an ongoing process)
• Advertising and promoting Jasper County tourism
• Development, fundraising, and construction of the Heritage Visitor Center featuring Burl Ives
• Providing monetary assistance for beautification projects.
• Involvement with Holly Jolly including construction and annual placement of Rudolph figures on the Square characters
• Responsible for all county annual dues payments to the area Convention/ Visitors Bureau through IllinoiSouth
• Assist local groups with funding for events bringing in people in from areas outside of Jasper County including, Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Jasper County Boys’ and Girls’ Park, Cork and Pork Festival, Jasper County Fair Board for volleyball competition.
• In 2016 became the “Parent Organization” for the Flower Project in Newton (Maintain Large Flower Pots around the Square). Funding for this project comes from independent donations.
• 2018: First annual Writers’ Workshop.
• 2018: First annual Burl Ives’ Folk Music Festival featuring the “New Christy Minstrels”.
2020 Events and Updates
Despite COVID cancelling many events and celebrations the Embarras River Tourism Council remained active and strived to promote tourism in Jasper County through various projects.
The Flowers on the Square project continues with a dedicated group of waterers who diligently ensure the flower pots on the square remain overflowing with beauty and color.
Lights in Peterson Park – the first annual lights in Peterson Park were coordinated through the Embarras River Tourism Council. This drive through display offered an opportunity to see various lighted displays provided by area businesses, organizations, as well as purchased through donations.
Light Up the Old River Bridge – with the support of the community, the Embarras River Bridge (Part of the Eagle Trails Project) was lit up for the first time for the holiday season. Garland and lights adored the bridge creating a beautiful glow and picture perfect scene.
Light up the Newton Square – the Embarras River Tourism Council Holiday lights on the Square Committee adorned the courthouse lawn with classic decorations including the cutouts from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, a business train found in the courthouse basement and several other decorations including snowmen, reindeer, trees and lights.
Jasper County Christmas – The Embarras River Tourism Council and the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce joined forces to host the first annual Jasper County Christmas. Despite the limitations of hosting an event during a pandemic, this well attended one night event hosted the Embarras River Brass Band, food vendors, Mr and Mrs. Clause, CEO pop up shops, and the grand finale included a Christmas Carol Cruise through Newton, Willow Hill, and Ste. Marie.
2021
Affiliations
IllinoiSouth- www.ILLINOISouth.org
Jasper County Chamber of Commerce- www.jasperchamber.com