Three named to State Fair board
Gov. Bruce Rauner has named three new members to the State Fair Advisory Board. The three newest members will strengthen the board by adding key professional experience in the areas of event promotion, entertainment, marketing and development.
The board advises the state Department of Agriculture and its director, Raymond Poe, on matters concerning annual Du Quoin and Springfield state fairs and fairgrounds operations, ensuring the varied interests of participants, visitors and the people of Illinois are represented. Each of the new members will serve a two-year, non-paid appointment as prescribed in the State Fair Act (20 ILCS 210/8).
“The State Fair Advisory Board is comprised of individuals who are passionate about the success of Illinois agriculture,” Rauner said. “Our state fairs help educate the public about the importance of one of our state’s top industries through an entertainment venue that is both affordable and family friendly.”
“I’m excited that these new members have great insights that will offer much value to the board,” said Poe. “The Illinois State Fair is a strong agricultural fair, but important to that success are the strong efforts behind the curtain in the areas of marketing, event promotion and entertainment. These new members will have much to contribute in these areas. I look forward to working with the State Fair Advisory Board as we plan future events.”
New board members are:
Jacksonville resident Gary Hadden, a Morgan County cattle producer who also serves as the chairman of the Morgan County Fair Entertainment Committee.
Seaton resident Matt Jungmann, national events manager at Farm Progress Cos., who for years has overseen all aspects of the Farm Progress Show, the nation’s largest outdoor farm event.
Chicago resident Cory Jobe, who, as director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, is responsible for leading marketing and development for the state’s tourism industry.
