The Executive Director of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Debbie Armstrong, has announced to the DeKalb County CVB Board of Directors that she will retire at the end of March, 2019.
When the DeKalb County CVB was started 13 years ago, Debbie Armstrong was hired as the very first Executive Director. She single-handedly created the positive direction of the CVB as well as networking with almost all of of the communities in DeKalb County.
She was very instrumental in connecting local tourist destinations and attractions to fulfill the needs of a variety of visitors to DeKalb County. She also networked with a variety of regional and state organizations to gain recognition for DeKalb County. Some of the groups she worked with include: Northern Illinois Regional Tourism, Illinois National Scenic Byways organizations, the Lincoln Highway Association, the Northern Illinois Wine Growers and others.
More recently, Debbie has brought new interest to local area attractions such as Jomanac Orchard and Whiskey Acres, through a new program called “Bold Spirits,” which helped create a network of local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Another project that Debbie is credited with was the creation of a fall “Kite Fest.”
Debbie Armstrong, pictured Center with Cory Jobe, and Kevin & Denice McArtor and Mike & Jenna Spychal from Jonamac Orchard
Other projects Armstrong helped promote included many sporting events that not only showcased DeKalb County, but Northern Illinois University as well. In addition to promoting NIU sporting events, under Armstrong’s leadership the DeKalb County CVB helped bring and hosted the Illinois HS State Football Playoffs, the IESA State Wresting Finals and the NCAA Golf Championship.
Brad Hoey, President of the DeKalb County CVB Board of Directors acknowledged Debbie Armstrong for her outstanding guidance, professionalism and leadership as Executive Director of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For those who know Debbie Armstrong, she will be missed as the Executive Director of the CVB and for all her enthusiasm for the various related projects in DeKalb County. When people talk tourism, Debbie’s name will forever be the gold standard for what has and will happen in DeKalb County, Illinois.
35 Comments
Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes. It touches my heart. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Congratulations Debbie on retirement!
Congratulations Debbie!
Congratulations! You have done a great job!
Happy retirement
Thanks for your hard work, Debbie! Enjoy retirement.
Debbie Armstrong, congratulations and best wishes to you in the future.
Good for you Debbie Armstrong! You will be sorely missed and have big shoes to fill…enjoy retirement!!
What a pleasure and honor to be your friend and work with you for so many years Debbie Armstrong (and share that dinky Chamber office space)! Congratulations and please enjoy every minute of retirement! Love and hugs. â¤ï¸
Congrats
Congrats Debbie!! You will be missed
Congratulations Debbie Armstrong!!
Thanks for your years of dedication, Debbie!
Congratulations Debbie! Best to you always! âï¸â¤ï¸ð¤
Youâve set the bar high and will be missed! Enjoy your reward!
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, Debbie. I HIGHLY recommend it!ð
Congratulations
Sad to see you go, though excited for you and your retirement! You have earned it. Like Wendy said, big shoes to fill!
Congrats from Bev n me
Congratulations Debbie! More time to follow the Huskies!!!
Happy Retirement Debbie!
Congratulations Debbie, you will truly be missed!!
Congrats. Debbie.
Judy Thuestad Young
Congratulations!
Best of luck, Debbie!
Congratulations on your retirement, Debbie Armstrong! Retirement is a great occupation.
Good for Debbie Armstrong but it’s tough to lose a such a positive advocate for welcoming visitors to our region.
Debbie-you are one in a million. Someone is going to have some big shoes to fill! I am excited to hear about the next phase of your life! Congrats my friend!!!
Congrats Debbie Armstrong job well done
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to the day I retire!
Thank you for the lovely sentiments.
Debbie Armstrong is a great treasure for the community. She will be missed.
Congratulations and good luck, Debbie!
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