DeKalb County CVB Loses Leader

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.