Gina Speckman

Wisconsin is camera-ready. Film productions mean big bucks and big tourism. We are eager to welcome filmmakers from Wisconsin and around the world to showcase the place we call home. There's an underutilized, talented workforce just ready to roll tape in the Badger state. We can't wait to turn their work into increased tourism. We are so fortunate to have the leadership of Governor Tony Evers and bipartisan support in the legislature to launch Film Wisconsin and film tax credits. Aaaaaaaaaand, Action!

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This past week marked significant progress toward the creation of a Tourism Improvement District (TID), an initiative that has been years in the making to strengthen Chicago’s tourism and visitor economy. It’s a rare moment when the hotel industry aligns around an incremental tax burden (a proposed 1.5% surcharge on hotel stays), but industry leaders recognize the necessity of reinvesting in future tourism growth. Thanks to the past and current leadership of Choose Chicago, and the tireless, ultimately successful leadership of Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Chicago is now close to securing an estimated $40 million in additional annual investment to grow visitation. This would significantly elevate the current $33 million annual budget managed by Choose Chicago. How would it work? A 1.5% assessment would be added to guest bills at hotels with 100 or more rooms within a defined geographic boundary, including the Central Business District, South Loop, McCormick Place, and the Illinois Medical District. The funds would be administered by Choose Chicago, with spending priorities determined by a new 11-member board of hotel owners, alongside non-voting participants from labor and the Mayor’s Office. One key challenge is that the total Chicago hotel tax rate would rise to approximately 19%, among the highest in the nation. That reality makes it critically important that these funds are invested in truly breakthrough, differentiated marketing campaigns that elevate Chicago’s global brand. Pending City Council approval, potentially as early as January, this new TID structure could be implemented throughout 2026. Thank you to Michael Jacobson, both the current and former Choose Chicago leadership teams, and many others, for advancing this important initiative and ensuring that Chicago remains a globally compelling destination for visitors from around the world. Read here the excellent Crain's Chicago Business coverage by Justin Laurence: https://lnkd.in/gWndwcy6

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🎬 Illinois invests in Union jobs and film industry 🎬 State leaders, Labor organizations, and Gov. JB Pritzker celebrated the opening of IATSE Local 2’s new Chicago training center — made possible by a $5 million state grant. The facility will expand job opportunities, strengthen safety and skills training, and prepare the next generation for good Union careers. Illinois’ uncapped film tax credit continues to deliver major economic returns, fueling growth, attracting productions, and putting working people first. Painters District Council No. 30 provides updates on 2025 initiatives and priorities, and outlined department goals for 2026. #IATSE #LaborNews #TrainingCenter #PDC30

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Not to be dramatic, but the Milwaukee Public Market’s marketing strategy is a (super fun, don't get me wrong) multifaceted beast. 👾 One of those facets includes supporting the goals of our private events department. It’s a wonderful challenge to create campaigns that organically reach audiences on social platforms. 🎄 The trick is finding the balance between platform-specific content that actually works and reaching the right people. No pushy sales tactics, just good storytelling. Sometimes that means meeting your audience where they are (hey, LinkedIn 👋), and sometimes it means using strong-performing channels to go find them. So how do we talk about holiday private event bookings without rolling out a cliché Christmas-in-July campaign? ✨ We asked ourselves that question and then experimented with a reel. It's paying off. Check the comments to see what the caption reads and leave your own comment if you have ideas for strong storytelling that rejects the standard sales pitch.

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Chicago’s hotel and hospitality sector continues to show why it remains one of the most impactful workforce engines in our state. As highlighted recently by Crain’s Chicago Business, hotels across the city are demonstrating what opportunity-rich, upwardly mobile careers look like in practice — and why strong public policy matters in sustaining that momentum. ✅ A Strong Workforce Starts With Strong Jobs Chicago hotels are leading with competitive starting wages, comprehensive benefits, and consistent investment in employee success. With an average starting wage above $23 per hour and access to healthcare, retirement plans, and meals on shift, these are quality jobs that help workers build stability from day one. 📈 Career Pathways That Deliver Our industry has long been a ladder of opportunity. Many employees earn promotions within their first year, and nearly all see advancement within two. These aren’t temporary or transitional roles — they’re long-term careers fueled by the strength of Chicago’s tourism and hospitality economy. 🔄 Flexibility That Meets Today’s Workforce Needs Hotels offer scheduling options that support students, parents, career changers, and anyone balancing work with other commitments. That flexibility has become one of the most important tools in attracting and retaining a diverse, talented workforce. 🌟 Growing an Economy of Opportunity Competitive pay, strong benefits, and clear advancement pathways translate into long-term employee retention — and a stronger regional economy. It’s why continued advocacy, smart workforce programs, and supportive policies at every level of government remain essential to sustaining this growth. As we continue working with policymakers, workforce partners, and industry leaders, Chicago’s hotel industry will remain a cornerstone of opportunity for thousands of Illinois residents. #Hotels #Hospitality #HotelsWorkForChicago #HotelIndustry #WorkforceDevelopment https://lnkd.in/gqaceUaX

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Forum Communications to Acquire Midwest Newspaper Portfolio from Wick Communications “We're excited about the future of these community publications and the talented employees who work hard every day to produce local journalism and advertising for communities in the Upper Midwest,” said Josh O'Connor, CEO of Wick Communications. “Forum Communications will be a fantastic steward of these publications, as they fit perfectly into their existing local footprint of news coverage throughout the Upper Midwest.” Forum Communications Company, headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, is a fifth-generation, family-owned media company with more than 30 newspapers, television stations, and digital platforms across the Upper Midwest. “These publications fit perfectly within our existing footprint of local news coverage and will allow us to continue expanding our impact throughout the Upper Midwest region,” said Bill Marcil, Jr., president and CEO of Forum Communications. “With the acquisition of these six news titles, Forum Communications will secure its place as the largest news-gathering organization in the Upper Midwest.” https://lnkd.in/gy6pRwSp

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