Visit Quad Cities Launches Community-Wide Welcome Promise
May 29, 2020
Quad Cities (May 29, 2020) – Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination marketing and management organization (DMMO), has launched a new Quad Cities initiative and Together QC campaign to promote a shared message about our region’s re-opening and confirm our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment. The promise also includes a commitment from Quad Citizens and visitors to follow guidelines and to do their part in keeping everyone in our family of communities safe.
Quad Citizens and visitors are encouraged to go online at VisitQuadCities.com to learn more about the QC Welcome Promise, download printable materials to proudly display including a Together QC brand, and access sample social media assets to post. Details are located on the homepage of VisitQuadCities.com in the COVID-19 information section.
“The true essence of the QC Welcome Promise is about everyone making a commitment to work together as the region safely reopens while following guidelines,” said Mo Hyder, Chairman, Visit Quad Cities and General Manager, Rhythm City Casino Resort. “Our destination needs to demonstrate hospitality and teamwork if we are to be successful in re-opening the QC so we need everyone to play a role on the team.”
“On behalf of Visit Quad Cities, I firmly believe and expect our community will continue to show its resilience, and display a true passion for service through the people who make our regional destination shine,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities.
“The Quad Cities is a unique region where partners from Illinois and Iowa work closely together in COVID-19 response to prevent the spread of this virus and keep all Quad Citizens safe and healthy,” said Nita Ludwig, Public Health Administrator, Rock Island County Health Department.
“The Scott County Health Department joins with Visit Quad Cities to ask all residents, visitors, and business owners to do their part to ensure the safety of our community as we continue through the reopening process,” said Edward Rivers, Director, Scott County Health Department.
“The Quad Cities region is eager to showcase all that we have to offer. Our businesses are reopening and they need us now more than ever. I encourage you to safely and responsibly support Quad Cities businesses in all that you do and welcome visitors as they explore our great community,” said Paul Rumler, President & CEO, Quad Cities Chamber.
“On behalf of all hoteliers and hospitality professionals alike, we are committed to the integrity of the Quad Cities,” said Felicia Gonzales, President, Quad Cities Lodging Association and Chief Operating Executive, The J Bar – Holiday Inn & Suites. “And, it is our continued promise to be the quintessence of Midwestern charm and provide safe environments for all.”
“The airport is here and ready to help people reconnect with loved ones, take that hard-earned vacation or attend a business meeting to support local economies. But, in order to do all of that, we must follow the guidelines that will help keep ourselves and others healthy. We owe that to each other, for own Quad Citizens and our visitors, and I have no doubt the friendly, helpful and determined spirits of our people will come through,” said Benjamin Leischner, A.A.E., Executive Director, Quad City International Airport.
“The Family Museum is committed to be a vital part of the Quad Cities community, and we believe in the health and safety of our families and everyone who visits the Museum. We have taken extreme precautions to ensure to the best of our ability, to provide safe, enriching experiences for children and their caregivers. We trust in the QC Welcome Promise and are committed to work together as a team with other local attractions to help ensure the safety and well-being of Quad Citizens,” said Kim Kidwell, Director, Family Museum.
“The TaxSlayer Center is looking forward to bringing exciting top tier concerts, sporting events, family shows, conferences and more back to the Quad Cities. We have been working together with venues, suppliers, health organizations and elected officials across the country to ensure that when the time comes to open, we will have safe protocols in place to protect our guests that are in-line with best practices in our industry,” said Scott Mullen, Executive Director, TaxSlayer Center.
“As an economic engine and contributor to an enhanced quality of life, the arts are an essential part of the Quad Cities, and we at the Figge Art Museum are excited to open our doors beginning June 6 to provide a safe space for our community to connect with each other and the arts, reflect, relax, learn, and be entertained. Over the past several weeks, the Figge staff has worked diligently to create a comprehensive site-specific plan that will safeguard our visitors and staff upon our reopening and will closely adhere to the guidelines and recommendations established by health experts and officials,” said Michelle Hargrave, Figge Executive Director and CEO.
“TBK Bank Sports Complex is open for business! Our team has worked tirelessly to prepare for the return of sports and entertainment at our facility. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far as a hub for family entertainment and athletics this summer,” said Dave Stow, CEO, TBK Bank Sports Complex.
“Our family realizes that we and our customers share the responsibility in keeping everyone safe. We look forward to making sweet memories with our customers and visitors again at both of our stores,” said The Lagomarcino Family (Beth, Tom, Lisa, Katie & Daniel).
“We have made several changes to make our space safer for our customers and employees. With the world changing quickly, we anticipate domestic travel to increase and we think the Quad Cities is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway,” said Dan Bush, Co-Owner, Armored Gardens.
“We are excited to re-open and welcome back all of our valued guests. We also welcome the opportunity to deliver a great dining experience served in an environment that is both responsible and safe for our guests and our staff. We are committed to following all State recommended guidelines for reopening,” said Jeff Harrop, Owner, Combine, a Bass Street restaurant.
“The Quad Cities boasts an incredibly creative arts and culture community. While venues are closed, we are hosting curbside concerts and smaller outdoor experiences. We’ve found new ways to bring our supporters the joy of the arts in a safe environment. Our visitors and residents can rest assured that we will keep both their health and their needs for enrichment, adventure and fun at the forefront of our minds as we plan for the future,” said Stacy Klingler, Executive Director, Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House.
“As Quad Citizens, we at Crafted QC are first and foremost committed to the health and well-being of our customers and employees. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment now more than ever,” said Mary Talbert, Owner, Crafted QC.
Take the QC Welcome Promise to Show Your Support
We are in this together and responding effectively to COVID-19 is a shared responsibility.
To Quad Citizens: Our welcoming, caring, Midwestern spirit will guide us as we help promote the health, safety, and vitality of our community.
To our Visitors: We are here to serve you in the QC by creating lifelong memories and an unforgettable experience while providing you with a safe environment. We will strive to keep you and your most important relationships safe and ask that you do the same in return for Quad Citizens. Please follow established guidelines to protect your health and the health of our Quad Cities’ family of communities.
To those engaging with customers: You never know who is visiting—it could be a first-time visitor, a business traveler, a potential investor, or a fellow Quad Citizen who could become a longtime customer. How we protect, serve, engage and respond sets the stage for our bright future. We are one QC team built with the goal that together is better.
Tourism and welcoming visitors to the Quad Cities plays a significant role in the growth of the local visitor economy and positions the region for success. Pre-COVID19 numbers showed over 1.6 million visitors came to the Quad Cities over the past fiscal year and generated a record $930 million in spending. Travel, tourism and the QC visitor economy has been severely impacted during this time and it will be vitally important as the Quad Cities re-opens that everyone demonstrates a high level of customer service and hospitality.
Based on recent research, 93% of Quad Citizens feel that tourism has a positive impact on the Quad Cities region. That data is why Visit Quad Cities believes every local resident must be a Destination Brand Champion. Each Quad Citizen plays a key role on the team in not only welcoming local customers through our doors, but also visitors that come from other communities, states, and countries to experience the regional destination.
Visit Quad Cities continues to deliver on its brand promise of lifelong memories and authentic experiences inspired by the energy, culture and positive Midwestern spirit that defines our regional destination.
About Visit Quad Cities
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the official Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for the region. Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine charged with driving economic opportunity through tourism, building our authentic brand, telling & selling the Quad Cities story, and enhancing Quad Citizens’ quality of life.
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Media Contact: Charlotte Doehler-Morrison, VP Marketing & Communications, Visit Quad Cities, 309-781-4235 cell