Southland Leader 'Front And Center' In Reviving Tourism Post-Pandemic

SOUTH SUBURBS — Without community leaders, Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Homewood-Flossmoor wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Andy Ritter, a Tinley Park, Orland Park, Homewood-Flossmoor reader who nominated Jim Garrett.

How do you know this community leader?

I work with him

What does this community leader do?

He runs the non-profit Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

After the devastation COVID-19 did on the tourism industry, Jim has been front and center in working with local municipalities and businesses to see what is needed to help get things back on track. Through those conversations, he's worked tirelessly with Illinois State Senators to bring additional recovery dollars to our area to re-vamp the tourism industry. Those efforts have resulted in substantial grants, in the millions of dollars, being awarded to the Chicago Southland region. Those dollars have helped bring the region's tourism numbers close to those in 2019, right before COVID-19 hit. His hard work and commitment to the Chicago Southland community is second to none!

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

He'd give the shirt off his back to help any person in need

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Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.