Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

It is with bittersweet feelings that we announce Susan Melton's transition toward retirement as our Marketing Director. Sue has been an integral part of the JACVB for the last 17 years. Her dedication, leadership, and vision have made a lasting impact on both the organization and our community. Throughout her tenure, Sue has led the charge in marketing Janesville as a premier tourism destination. Just a few of her accomplishments include: · A commitment to diversity and inclusivity in messaging, imagery, and actions · Supporting the development and growth of Art Infusion since its inception · Marketing/supporting the Rotary Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Light Show for 17 years · Serving on Janesville’s Jolly Jingle Committee (9 years) and Executive Committee (3 years) · Supporting tourism partners through the JACVB Tourism Marketing Grant, like the Rock Aqua Jays, Rock County Historical Society, Gran Prix, Jolly Jingle, Pie Ride, and the Farmers Market · Creating and designing countless tourism guides and brochures · Expanding our photo library from hundreds to thousands of images, working with talented local photographers · Cherished collaborating with community members and celebrating their successes We’re so grateful for her unwavering commitment and dedication to making Janesville a better place for residents and visitors alike. Thank you, Sue, for everything you’ve done. We're so excited for you as you begin this next chapter, but you will be so very missed. You’ve left a special and lasting mark on the people you've met and projects you've played a major role in over the last 17 years!

With 175 tables featuring a wide variety of custom knives, factory knives, antique knives, and knifemaking supplies—the Badger Knife Show is one of the largest regional shows around! We're excited to help welcome the show as they set up for the whole weekend on March 28-30 at the Holiday Inn Express and Janesville Conference Center. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gawr_5_h ?? Full Spectrum Photography

The NFL Draft is coming to Green Bay for the first time, and Janesville has a couple surprising connections to the storied Packers franchise!?For out-of-state fans, we put this blog together for Green Bay Packers lore, spots to sip on local beer, and where to find the best cheese curds in town before continuing on to Green Bay. And if you’re a Wisconsin resident with a lifetime love for the Packers, you might just learn something new or find a local spot to add to your list for your next visit to Janesville!???????

Through the ARISE Plan, Town Square has become the hub for some of Janesville’s biggest and most beloved events, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. Designed to be a gathering place, it’s where the community comes together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. ?? Janesville Farmers Market – Every Saturday from May to October, Town Square comes alive with fresh produce and locally crafted goodies. ?? Flannelfest – This annual Downtown Janesville, Inc. winter festival features craft beer tastings, live entertainment, and more. ?? Night on Festival – Live music and food trucks take over Festival Street and Town Square for an unforgettable summer evening with Downtown Janesville, Inc. ?? Walk a Mile in Her Shoes – Raises awareness and funds for YWCA Rock County's efforts to help women and children affected by domestic violence. ?? Janesville Morning Rotary Club Pie Ride – A bicycling event featuring a family fun route plus 20K, 50K and 100K routes starting in Town Square. ?? Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk – A downtown walking event to support the work of the American Heart Association. ?? Full Spectrum Photography

Congratulations to Skelly's Farm Market for being selected for the Innovation Award at this year's Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism (WIGCOT)! This award recognizes businesses that have implemented an innovative strategy in technology. Skelly's Farm Market was selected for their one-of-a-kind app and corn maze designs that you won't find anywhere else in the whole country. Check out Skelly's Farm Market at their season opening weekend on May 24 and their award-winning corn mazes later this year starting Labor Day weekend!

We are so incredibly proud of our very own Lori Johnson for being selected for Forward Janesville's Ambassador of the Year award! Lori has served as a Forward Janesville ambassador for 30 years, taking her love for our local businesses and community to such an impactful level. Lori puts her all into everything she does and we're just so lucky to have her on our team at the JACVB!

While some of our team members were soaking up inspiration at WIGCOT this week, our Director of Meeting & Group Sales, Lori Johnson, was busy representing Janesville and Circle Wisconsin at the Select Traveler Conference! Lori connected with group tour planners from across the country, sharing why Janesville is a must-stop destination for bus groups. We’re proud to be a member of Circle Wisconsin, working together to promote Wisconsin group travel throughout the state and beyond!

The?Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism (WIGCOT) is always an annual favorite! Sandi, Katie, Christine, and Tony spent the first half of this week in beautiful La Crosse at our state's annual tourism conference—catching up with industry friends and attending breakout sessions on everything from outdoor recreation to group travel. See you next year, Milwaukee!

Over the past decade, Town Square has transformed into a vibrant gathering space through the ARISE plan, offering stunning riverfront views, year-round events, and places to relax and connect. ?? Blackhawk Community Credit Union Festival Street– A functional, flexible street that can be closed to traffic for pedestrian-friendly community celebrations. ?? The Great Lawn – An open green space on the west side of the river—perfect for picnics, outdoor events, and unwinding by the water. ?? The Bubbler – An interactive water feature and splash pad that adds energy and playfulness to the riverfront. ?? Cope Ryan & J.P. Cullen Memorial Pavilions – Covered gathering spaces on both sides of the river, providing shade and shelter for events and everyday enjoyment. ?? Blain Gilbertson Family Heritage Bridge – A pedestrian bridge spanning the Rock River, featuring the Resilience sculpture ?? Full Spectrum Photography

With an entire section on our website dedicated to catering options in the Janesville area, it's super easy to plan meals for your next meeting or large event! ?? Italian House is a local staple since 1987 with catering options including subs, pastas, desserts, and more. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gyaB3bdV