Visit MerCo aims to cultivate engagement, promote assets, enhance tourism opportunities, and highlight the culture in Mercer County, Illinois.

These have been on our strategic plan for 2023-2025:

Cultivate Engagement

Progress

Post weekly marketing campaigns for events in the county
Ride 17 deployed in October of 2023
Mercer County Adult Softball League grew to 6 teams in 2023

Looking into the Future
Continue to offer event support
Secure sponsorship for Mercer County Adult Softball League
Host a tournament/fundraiser at the end of the season for the softball league
Grow participation in the softball league
Grow Ride 17 attendance
Promote Assets

Progress
Email newsletter with over 1,500 subscribers
Visit MerCo website had over 12,000 views in 2023
Partnership with Visit Quad Cities established annually
Staff received CTA certification
TV Commercial through WQAD runs monthly from March - December, as well as social media ads

Looking into the Future
Grow audience through targeted campaigns; expand the website to include targeted points of focus
Develop community asset brochures
Enhance Visit Quad Cities relationship
Renew CTA certification with more focus on Mercer County
Offer outreach opportunities to communities and businesses; explore a partnership with Aledo Main Street
Meeting with businesses to understand marketing needs
Develop a program and explore/secure funding for a marketing services program; explore partnership with the Prosperity Consulting Alliance

Enhance Tourism Opportunities
Progress
Met with Keithsburg, New Boston, and Joy communities
Fundraised and developed a kayak and canoe launch at Port Louisa Refuge
Partnership with Visit Quad Cities established annually

Looking into the Future
Meet with Aledo, Viola, Sherrard, and New Windsor to understand tourism goals
Explore Open Skies Program inclusion
Explore Coffee Country Trail
Secure software/tools to offer tourism insight and recommend future projects
Research industry trends

Highlight Culture

Progress
Experience Mercer County travel guide developed and distributed by 2024

Looking into the Future
Identify and shoot 6-12 videos/podcast episodes and share them across all platforms
Videos and interviews of businesses and attractions

Visit MerCo has many plans moving forward and we feel it is important to share them with you! Not only is this a fun way for our community to feel involved, but it also shows our progress. As time goes on, our plan has the potential to expand. Our time in Mercer County has been amazing and will only get better.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions!

Contact us