Project Pack the Place is an initiative to increase community vibrancy and boost the regional economy by generating enthusiasm for the great entertainment venues, restaurants and activities in Central Illinois. With over 1500 people participating last year, the project is expanding to include more events and activities in 2011. Just as in 2010, businesses, groups and organizations throughout the region will be encouraged to purchase blocks of tickets to three main Pack the Place events in 2011 and give them to employees, family, friends or donate them to charity. 2011 events include:

· Peoria Ballet: March 12 – block of 10 tickets for $24 each includes admission, t-shirt, and an invitation to a “Meet the Choreographer & Cast” directly following the performance. Reception includes beverages and light hors d’œuvres.
· Peoria Chiefs: May 22 – block of 20 tickets for $9 each includes admission and t-shirt.
· Peoria Zoo: September 10 – block of 20 tickets for $10 each includes admission, t-shirt and lunch.

New this year, we are offering other Pack the Place special opportunities that allow individuals (not just groups) to participate. We will offer special discounts at different places each month all around the region. Locations include Tanners Orchard, Wheel’s O’ Time, Julie’s Corner Store, From the Field Cooking School and more. Visit www.PackthePlace.org, or our partner websites and Facebook pages to find out what the offer is and the valid dates, then print it out your discount go Pack the Place.

We are also packing area restaurants for lunch with the Pack the Place Third Thursday Lunch initiative. You will be able to print a coupon to receive a discounted meal at a different restaurant on the Third Thursday of every the month. Participating restaurants include: The Butcher Block (February), Joe’s Peoria (March), Einstein Brothers (April), The Ivy Club (May), Basta East Port and Basta O’neils in Washington (June), 309 (July) and Apples Bakery (August). More restaurants will be added. Third Thursday Lunch discount coupons will be available at www.PackthePlace.org, on our partner websites and Facebook pages.

We hope these new initiatives will persuade people throughout the region to do their part and help Pack the Place. We have expanded the project to include events for groups and individuals and it is truly a regional project this year including events and activities in several area communities. A special thank you goes to our new sponsor for the project, Methodist College of Nursing. Also we thank project partners AdCo Advertising and Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for partnering with The Heartland Partnership Family of companies on this program.