Section 515.20  Definitions

The following definitions are applicable to this Part:

            "Act":  means Section 605-710 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois [20 ILCS 605/605-710].

            "Agreement":  means a written document executed between the Grantee and the Department defining the rights and obligations with respect to the Project.

            "Applicant":  means a not-for-profit entity submitting a written request for certification and funds appropriated under the Act.

            "Application":  means a written request for program funds containing the required information and attachments.

            "Bureau of Tourism":  means the division of the Department that has the delegated authority to perform all administrative functions relating to the Act.

            "Department":  means the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs of the State of Illinois.

            "Department Logo":  means a form of recognition as stipulated and supplied by the Department to identify a Promotional Project/Product as being produced in whole or in part through grant funds from the Department.

            "Director":  means the Director of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

            "Economic Impact":  means the direct financial result of visitor spending at a tourism destination, attraction or event.

            "Eligible Project":  means administrative and promotional activities that are approved and funded by the Department.

            "Fiscal Year":  means July 1 through June 30, the Fiscal Year of the State of Illinois.

            "Fiscal Year Work Plan":  means the Regional Tourism Development Organization's 12 month work plan including a description of specific goals, objectives, strategies, and anticipated results.

            "Grant Amount":  means an amount that the Department shall pay to a Grantee for its use on the Eligible Project.

            "Grantee":  means a certified Regional Tourism Development Organization that has been awarded a grant in accordance with the Act.

            "Ineligible Project":  means a project that is ineligible for funding as defined in Section 515.40.

            "Program":  means the Regional Tourism Development Organization Program described in this Part.

            "Project":  means the activities described by the Applicant in the Fiscal Year Work Plan and approved by the Department.

            "Project Budget":  means an itemized list of costs associated with the activities described in the Fiscal Year Work Plan.

            "Promotional Projects":  means activities that are designed to encourage overnight visits or visitors to travel to and through Illinois or encourage attendance at local events in accordance with Section 515.40(a).

            "Regional Service Area":  means a multi-county geographical area designated by the Department for the development and promotion of tourism products.

            "Regional Tourism Development Organization (RTDO)":  means a not-for-profit entity that meets the certification criteria and is designated by the Department to receive funds under the Act.

            "Tourism":  means travel 50 miles or more one-way, or an overnight trip outside of a person's normal routine.

            "Tourism Attraction":  means fishing and hunting areas, State parks, historical/cultural sites, areas of historic or scenic interest, museums, recreation areas, botanical gardens, theme/amusement parks, interpretive programs and other facilities or businesses that attract or serve visitors that are open to the public for a minimum of 100 days per year (if the tourism attraction is entirely event driven, then it shall be open for a minimum of 200 hours per year), and are marketed and promoted to visitors from more than 50 miles away.

            "Travel/Trade Show":  means an exhibit/marketplace of travel related products and/or services.