Greater Woodfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc

Overview

The Greater Woodfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, categorized as a business league designed to improve business conditions. Known now as Meet Chicago Northwest, the organization was incorporated in 1983. Its primary mission is to promote economic development through tourism and convention services in a region of eight communities: Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood, and Wood Dale.

Mission and Activities

The organization focuses on promoting its service area for various events such as meetings, conventions, sporting events, group tours, and leisure visits. It employs direct sales and marketing strategies aimed at increasing overnight hotel stays, thereby enhancing the local economy through visitor spending. Meet Chicago Northwest is one of 40 certified convention bureaus in Illinois and holds the prestigious DMAP Accreditation through Destinations International, marking it as a leading organization in its field.

Funding and Operations

The organization is partially funded by grants from the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity/Office of Tourism through its Local Convention & Tourism Bureau Grant Program. This funding is complemented by a small percentage of hotel room taxes collected annually by each community within its service area. The financial data indicates that contributions and program services are significant sources of revenue, with contributions making up a major portion of total revenue.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Meet Chicago Northwest is committed to fostering an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. It actively promotes these values among its board members, employees, partners, and the communities it serves.

Trademarks

The organization owns trademarks related to the hospitality and tourism industries, including a system for managing sales opportunities in the convention and entertainment sectors.

Key Staff

Heather Larson serves as the President, and while executive compensation is reported as $0 for other officers, she receives a notable salary for her role. Other key personnel include Hasan Ali, Christian Anderson Heller, Steven Andrews, Ted Boufis, Tom Dailly, Lisa Gregor, and Dieter Heigl, who hold various positions without reported compensation.