We have launched the 30 Stories for 30 Years interview series in celebration of our 30th Anniversary! To gear up for the occasion, we’ll be meeting with present and former Ottawa Visitors Center Board members, and some others, as we reminisce and ponder the future together. Stay tuned for more interviews on our blog. Our birthday celebration is set for April 24th!

This entry features Jay McCracken, who many may know as the Executive Director of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce. He got us started with some opening words regarding the work that OAC and OVC accomplish together.

“The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be able to work with the Ottawa Visitors Center. Having a very strong relationship with Donna and the entire team, and we’re absolutely thrilled because we believe we that we are truly stronger together. I know it sounds cliche to say that, but we really do believe it. And we both are working very hard to uplift and support Ottawa, and make sure that tourism is a huge part of our present and future.”

When we put our minds together, we can truly accomplish great things together in our community! When you bring tourism into the mix – great things happen. We first discussed the nature of tourism in Ottawa, and what it means to Jay, as the board representative from the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Tourism in Ottawa is immensely important, because it does have more than just a typical component of having people come visit the community. With tourism, we also see it as a great opportunity for people to have a first glimpse at the quality of life that’s offered in Ottawa. That can hopefully lead to residential relocation for a number of the individuals who visit our community,” Jay said.

“That’s not for everybody, but it certainly is an option for some, and that’s an important economic development driver for tourism in our community. We also just enjoy sharing in Ottawa, what we have to offer, because it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the state of Illinois.”

Going from tourist to local sounds like a dream come true. This process has certainly changed throughout the years. We asked Jay his thoughts on how tourism in Ottawa has evolved as time has passed.

“I think that tourism has gained tremendous momentum in the last 30 years, specifically here in Ottawa, because we are a gateway to the Starved Rock State Park, as well as a number of other state parks in the area. Because of the WGN connection that has been promoted by all of you at the Visitor Center, I think tourism has increased incredibly, especially in the last few years,” he said. “So, I give huge compliments to all of you at the Ottawa Visitors Center for that WGN campaign and all that it has to offer. Because our downtown businesses have proven that we actually have more shoppers from out of the downtown. I believe it’s over 65% of our shoppers downtown are from out of the city. So therefore, we are very blessed to have tourism in this community and it continues to grow as a result of strong campaigns offered by OVC,” Jay said.

Clearly, there is much in Ottawa to be proud of. When discussing Ottawa and tourism, it’s essential to include the town’s iconic events and renowned attractions. They’re a vital piece of the collage that is Ottawa, Illinois. We asked Jay if he could pick out a favorite from throughout the years.

“Well, I actually really enjoy the new Morel Fest, Midwest Morel Fest and Burger Bash that you’re doing this year. Certainly Tom Nauman, who was a good personal friend of mine, was the originator with the Morel Fest, and worked closely with Donna Reynolds here at the Ottawa Visitor Center. And it’s definitely one of my favorites, just because of that personal connection, and then all that it offers our community as well,” Jay explained.

The Tom Nauman Memorial Midwest Morel Fest & Burger Bash, a new addition this year, is just one example of an iconic Ottawa event. Morel Fest is actually an event that wasn’t held for a few years, but made a comeback due to popular demand! We asked Jay if he could think of any other events from the past that could similarly make their triumphant return.

“A lot of people still talk about the Riverfest, and I do think that our rivers are such a huge part of this community, because of being the confluence of the Fox River and the Illinois River. So, I do think that the more we can do with our riverfront, the better off we are. So it wouldn’t necessarily have to be brought back as it was originally as a Riverfest, but I think once the new downtown or riverfront concert event space is completed, I think that’d be a logical time then, to build a festival around that,” Jay said.

The riverfront in Ottawa has been a hot topic for quite some time now. It’s been a part of Ottawa’s story for even longer, and is looking to continue to do so! To close out our interview, we started looking towards the future.

“I think we, again, going back to what I said earlier, I think being stronger together as our organizations work together, is just immensely important. I think the Ottawa Visitor Center and the Ottawa Area Chamber have many of the same goals, even though the Chamber concentrates on uplifting and supporting area businesses and industries. When we are working together as an economic driver for this community, as an OVC and OAC, we are able to support the city’s goals and objectives better than ever. So I just look forward to that increased working relationship with the two organizations and with the city of Ottawa.”

Many thanks to Jay!