Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast Innkeeper Gwenn was recently honored with Jacksonville’s Friend of Tourism Award.

Gwenn said, “This award means a lot to me. We love hosting guests in Jacksonville’s only Bed & Breakfast inn. There is so much to see, do, and experience here in Jacksonville! Our guests come from all over the world to experience Jacksonville, and we are so happy to serve as host and concierge for each guest, especially those visiting Jacksonville for the first time.”

Excerpts from the Friend of Tourism Award Presentation:

This nominee has been an ambassador for Jacksonville since she and her husband moved to Jacksonville a little over 10 years ago.  They breathe the tourism industry and always go above and beyond their call of duty to the Jacksonville area and are truly passionate in all that they do.

They take pride in their work every day and treat each visitor that comes into our community like family. If there is one thing that I love to boast about in our community is that we have a small-town friendliness and Midwest Charm that pleases those that visit our area.

Each year they work on goals for their business and staff to ensure they meet the expectations of those they host in our community – while doing this, they are always mindful in reaching out to our organization in ways to collaborate with us and others in our industry.

I am proud to announce that our 2019 Friend of Tourism Award Recipient is Gwenn Eyer. I would like to share a couple of examples of what individuals shared about Gwenn and her family:

Gwenn and her husband, Glenn moved to Jacksonville a few years ago from the Alton area, with their daughter, Valerie.  ISD was to be the school Valerie attended, which was the draw for the move. In addition to Valerie’s education, the Eyers opened a fabulous Bed and Breakfast in a historic restored home on West State Street.  Today, this award-winning business brings many people from afar to stay a night or two in Jacksonville – a business that increases tourism for Jacksonville.

Both Glenn and Gwenn promote the many amenities Jacksonville offers so their guest visitors may enjoy local attractions in a small town setting.  They speak highly to their guests of all the very nice attractions and events going on during each and every guest stay.

The Eyers are very supportive of the many events that take place in Jacksonville, whether by financial means, attendance at events, or through community service.  Gwenn currently serves on the board of the Jacksonville Convention & Visitors Bureau and has been past president at least twice during her service.  Gwenn’s presence and input to the board continues to build up the JACVB as a noteworthy Visitors Bureau in Illinois.

The Eyers, and the Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast, are valued members of the Jacksonville community promoting tourism in every way.

Here’s another quote from someone with great things to say about Gwenn:

I loved Gwenn the moment I met her. She is one of the most genuine people I have ever known. When you stay at her B&B (which I have, even though I live here!) she treats you like she’s known you your whole life. I love when my family stays with her because she treats them like HER family. She was an inspiration as she faced health challenges with humor and grace. She has a steadfast partner in her amazing husband, Glenn. Her values are clear and her love of her family and community are unmatched. We are so lucky to have Gwenn, her family, and her business, in Jacksonville.

I too can attest to how kind she is, as well as how supportive she is in aiding our organization and others to make sure we always do our best and stay true to our mission – she is constantly looking for ways to promote our community and help the Bureau in any way that she can.

We are grateful to her for her years of service to the Jacksonville Community and tourism industry and I know she will tell you it’s because of her love for our community that has accepted her as one of their own.

Once again, it is a great honor for me to recognize the achievements and hard work that Gwenn has put in to our community and the tourism industry within it. Our 2019 Friend of Tourism Award winner is Gwenn Eyer.

Presented by Brittany Henry, Executive Director, Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau on May 9, 2019.