EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Hospitality industry pumps dollars into economy

I was speaking with a young banker at a recent networking event, when I asked him, “How long have you been in the hospitality industry?”

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Tourism contributes to Chicago Southland economy

All across America this week, Destination Marketing Organizations, like the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, are celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week. This week, we focus on how everyday Americans benefit from tourism. Whether directly through employment, or throug…

2012 Illinois Editorial Advisory Board members

Today, we introduce new members of The Times Editorial Advisory Board. They have agreed to share their opinions on issues of local and regional interest. Look for these familiar names and faces on columns in the Forum section over the next year.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: This year's highlights, next year's preview

As we approach the holiday season and the end of the year, I find myself oscillating between reflecting the year that has been, and the year that is to come. The municipalities in the Chicago Southland accomplished many things that advanced their economic and community development. Some of t…

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Companies must develop their cultural competency

During the recent Diversity Inc. annual dinner and awards at Olympia Fields County Club, the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau was awarded the Community Spirit award for the bureau's ongoing support of diversity in our marketing and development campaigns.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: National Travel and Tourism Week highlights tourism's benefits

The week of May 8-14 marks National Travel and Tourism Week in the United States. Tourism's impact on the national, state and local economies cannot be understated, and the jobs the travel and tourism industries provide the American work force are substantial.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Expanding convention center nears completion

Several tourism-related projects of note are under way in Chicago's south suburbs that will have an impact far beyond our borders.

2011 Illinois Editorial Advisory Board members

Today, we introduce new members of The Times Editorial Advisory Board. These individuals have agreed to share their opinions on issues of local and regional interest. Look for these familiar names and faces on columns in the Forum section over the next year.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: We have many people to be thankful for

It's that time of year when we traditionally assess our individual situations, count our blessings and celebrate the human spirit. In 2010, for many of us, assessing is outdistancing the counting and celebrating by a mile.