Egyptian Theater Receives Tourism Grant As State Awards Funding Across Northern Illinois

DEKALB — DeKalb is among several northern Illinois communities receiving state tourism grant funding as Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced more than $4.85 million awarded to 66 recipients through three programs to support attractions, marketing, and private sector events. Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre Inc. in DeKalb was awarded $100,000 through the Tourism Attractions Grant Program for a marketing campaign that includes print, television, radio, direct mail, and digital outreach. Other area recipients include Ottawa, which received $74,769.34 to expand marketing efforts through broadcast, digital, and video platforms in partnership with regional organizations, and Streator, which received $10,000 for short form video production, advertising, and interactive displays. In LaSalle, $50,000 was awarded through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program to support Frosty on First, a two day winter festival in the downtown area. State officials said the funding is intended to support local events, attractions, and marketing efforts that increase tourism and economic activity across Illinois.