Hospitality Training for At-Risk kids

“Busy lives and the social disconnectedness afforded by modern communication technologies are quickly swallowing up the art of hospitality.” 

How do we regain this intangible skill that should never be replaced with modern technology? 
Destinations across the country are embracing a new approach to deter youth violence that is taking the lives of many young adults.  Cities across the country are looking at how hospitality training programs can create respect for others and instill pride in communities.   The program is not only about reducing crime but preparing our youth for a job market and industry that lacks a smile and information needed to make a sale.

Some training initiatives target 15 to 24 year-olds struggling to find work and help them get jobs in the hospitality and restaurant industries while others incorporate grade school students. 

“Virginia Avenue Park's Teen Center is not only about getting kids jobs. The City's realigned Cradle to Career initiative hopes to nip the causes of youth violence in the bud by helping disadvantaged kids find careers that promise more than just a meager paycheck, according to the Julie Rusk, Santa Monica's director of Community and Cultural Services.”

“In the tourism industry, it’s not about pipelining our youth into fast food, and other restaurant jobs but training them to have a career in the hospitality industry that encompasses so much more”.   An initiative program primary focus should be to introduce an industry that youth can see a future and embrace a life time career.  These training programs can be implemented in local high schools, community outreach organizations and community colleges.


Tourism is economic development which includes training our youth for tomorrow’s industry. Contact Larry Williams, Executive Director to find out more about this opportunity.

Heartland Travel Showcase was Great!

Heartland Showcase was a success.  We made some great contacts with tour group planners.  We also walked away with many ideas for creating an unforgettable experience for the traveler visiting Kankakee County.  To all our attraction owners, directors, etc., the one thing that most planners are looking for are unique experiences.  Example: Baby boomers are looking for hands on experiences.  Some of the requests were, do we have candle making classes, cooking demonstrations, quilting activities, mystery dinners and garden tours. (We had lots of inquiries regarding The Bennett Curtis House and Sunrise Farms).  Museums are still popular but they are looking for something interactive the visitor can experience. They like to take home something that they created.      

Here are a few ideas:

• Art classes with take away creations like Clay and Cocktails could be a great event for tour groups.
• At an event like BBQ Fest – visitors get to participate with vendors in creating a special recipe. An event like Klash on the Kankakee could allow participants to actually try their hand at some of the historic activities, for a real hands-on experience.
• Unique eateries could conduct behind the scenes food preparation at your restaurant for small groups.
• Museums could offer interactive tours similar to the Cemetery Walk. We already have Warren Brown performing his Mark Twain re-enactment.
• Existing attractions could offer special deals on things like ice skating, scuba diving, “how things are made” tours at farms and factories or any kind of “behind the scenes” tour.

These are just a few items we should be thinking about for 2014 and beyond.  Most of the planners are looking for sample itineraries for 2014.  So if you have any ideas please let us know.  We ask that if you are interested in promoting your attraction or event, please be ready to coordinate any activity before our visitors arrive.

How to be a Super Planner!

You may not be a real superhero, but you can look like a super planner when you host your next meeting in Kankakee County, Illinois. Experience an incredible selection of meeting venues with outstanding amenities and affordable rates only an hour south of Chicago. Contact us at sales@visitkankakeecounty.com for more information on bringing your next meeting to Kankakee County.

 

Meeting planner services offered by the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau:

• Assist in choosing a property to compliment your event and submit a request for proposal.
• Provide a pre-convention familiarization tour of Kankakee County.
• Furnish quantities of the current Visitor Guide during or prior to, your event.
• Information table with area brochures, maps, and information.
• Events that are "open to the public", may be posted on our website.
• Complementary convention bags for events with overnight bookings.
• Help promote your event by sending press releases to local media.
• Provide name badges, welcome banners, or signage for events of 100+ with overnight bookings.
• Arrange a greeting from a local official.
• Registration assistance for groups of 100 or more