What is a CVB & How Do
They Support My Business?

Whether you run a boutique, restaurant, gallery or event venue, your local CVB can help amplify your reach — at no cost to you. Each CVB in suburban Cook County has a dedicated website, social media presence and marketing campaigns that attract thousands of visitors each month. Being listed on these platforms (through listings and other content) gets your business in front of a wider audience without paying for ads. Through CVBs like Chicago’s North Shore CVB, Meet Chicago Northwest, Rosemont CVB, Visit Chicago Southland and Visit Oak Park, businesses are featured in high-traffic web pages, travel guides, event calendars and regional itineraries targeting tourists planning their visit.

From seasonal festivals to music series and cultural celebrations, CVBs are constantly creating and promoting events that bring visitors into their communities — and into local businesses. When a CVB markets a major attraction or regional event, nearby restaurants, shops and service providers benefit from the influx of foot traffic. Cook County Tourism Alive has expanded these efforts, funding new and improved events that attract visitors throughout the year. Local businesses can participate by offering event-related specials, hosting pop-ups or partnering with organizers to increase exposure.

CVBs don’t just market their individual communities — they also work together on larger campaigns that promote the entire region to a broader audience including out-of-state and even international visitors. Through Visit Chicagoland and Outside Chicago, local CVBs promote suburban Cook County’s outdoor assets and arts-and-culture scene on a larger scale. That means even if your business isn’t a traditional tourism destination, it can still be part of these campaigns — especially if you’re aligned with dining, wellness, recreation or retail.

CVBs collaborate with partners like the Cook County Small Business Source, offering access to business-development programs, marketing workshops and technical assistance. Under the Tourism Alive initiative, these efforts have grown, giving businesses more tools to improve operations, reach new customers and even apply for funding. Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding your hours for peak tourism season or exploring digital marketing, your CVB can connect you to the right resources.

Being involved with your CVB means you’re plugged into a larger business ecosystem. From networking events to cross-promotional opportunities, these organizations bring together restaurants, shops, hotels, tour operators, arts organizations and local governments to collaborate and grow together. These connections often lead to practical partnerships, like a brewery teaming up with a food truck during a CVB-promoted event, or a boutique collaborating with an artist featured in a local gallery tour.

Tourism Alive recognizes that a strong hospitality and tourism sector depends on a skilled workforce. That’s why Cook County invested in workforce-development programs that help businesses hire, train and retain talent. Programs include hospitality-focused hiring events and training opportunities, and support for employers navigating staffing challenges. Tourism Alive can help you access the tools and resources needed to strengthen your team — whether you're hiring front-line staff, training managers, ensuring hiring practices prioritize equity or scaling seasonal operations.