Illinois announces new leadership for Illinois, Du Quoin state f - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Illinois announces new leadership for Illinois, Du Quoin state fairs

Written by Zach Robinson, Digital Producer
Connect
(Source: KFVS) (Source: KFVS)
SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) -

Acting Agriculture Director Raymond Poe announced Friday an organizational restructuring at the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). 

The Division of Fairs & Promotional Services will now house the bureaus of Illinois State Fair, DuQuoin State Fair, Business Services, and County Fairs & Horse Racing.  

Previously, these bureaus operated independent of each other. 

This restructured division will allow better communication between the four bureaus and increase collaboration as they work towards their similar goals. 

This move will result in cost savings.

“Combining these already existing bureaus together in one cohesive unit will enhance efficiencies for the state of Illinois,” said acting director Raymond Poe.

“Now all fair related activities will be centered in one division, under the leadership of one manager.  These bureaus are vital to the Department, and with good leadership these bureaus will thrive.”

Director Poe named longtime IDOA employee Kevin Gordon as Division Manager of Fairs & Promotional Services. 

Gordon, 54, will oversee the management of all four bureaus. 

Gordon previously held the role of Illinois State Fair operations manager. 

He has worked alongside multiple fair managers and has been instrumental in the planning and execution of every Illinois State Fair since 2000. 

Gordon’s experience relating to the inner-workings of the fair, including his working relationship with vendors and agriculture commodity groups, will seamlessly enhance his ability to run both the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair. 

“It is an honor to be picked to serve in this new capacity,” Gordon said.

“The Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs are an economic engine for many communities in this state. I look forward to merging these entities to put on great fairs in a cost-effective and efficient manner.”

Director Poe named Shawn Mayernick to work alongside Gordon as Assistant State Fair Manager in Springfield. 

Mayernick, 36, is the former Director of Business Partnerships for the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. 

He was instrumental in bringing high profile events such as the University of Illinois men’s basketball games to Springfield, and he secured more than a quarter million dollars in sponsorship revenue for the center in just two years.

“I have seen first-hand the impact fairgrounds events have on our state, and in particular our local communities,” said Mayernick. 

“I look forward to working with the fantastic staff already in place to build on existing traditions and expand opportunities for years to come.”

The search for an Assistant State Fair Manager in DuQuoin is ongoing, and an announcement for that position will be made in the coming weeks.

The Illinois State Fair runs August 11 – 21. The DuQuoin State Fair runs August 26 - September 5

Download the KFVS News app: iPhone | Android

Copyright 2016 KFVS. All rights reserved.

.

  • Heartland NewsMore>>

  • Hundreds of volunteers clean up Cape Girardeau

    Hundreds of volunteers clean up Cape Girardeau

    Saturday, April 21 2018 6:37 PM EDT2018-04-21 22:37:02 GMT
    Ally Ortega and Emma Rivers cut weeds in a garden (Source: Mike Mohundro, KFVS).Ally Ortega and Emma Rivers cut weeds in a garden (Source: Mike Mohundro, KFVS).
    Ally Ortega and Emma Rivers cut weeds in a garden.Ally Ortega and Emma Rivers cut weeds in a garden.

    Hundreds of volunteers came out to Cape Girardeau to help beautify different parts of the city.

    Hundreds of volunteers came out to Cape Girardeau to help beautify different parts of the city.

  • First Alert: Isolated showers possible tonight

    First Alert: Isolated showers possible tonight

    Saturday, April 21 2018 5:58 PM EDT2018-04-21 21:58:15 GMT
    Most of the heavier showers will move in during the early morning hours (Source: KFVS)Most of the heavier showers will move in during the early morning hours (Source: KFVS)

    Lisa Michaels says isolated showers can occur before midnight in southeast Missouri, but it seems that most of the heavier showers will move in during the early morning hours.

    Lisa Michaels says isolated showers can occur before midnight in southeast Missouri, but it seems that most of the heavier showers will move in during the early morning hours.

  • Carbondale PD having issues with non-emergency number

    Carbondale PD having issues with non-emergency number

    Saturday, April 21 2018 4:18 PM EDT2018-04-21 20:18:31 GMT
    Carbondale police are experiencing issues with their non-emergency number (Source: KFVS)Carbondale police are experiencing issues with their non-emergency number (Source: KFVS)

    The Carbondale Police Department is having technical issues with its 618-549-2121 non-emergency phone number. 

    The Carbondale Police Department is having technical issues with its 618-549-2121 non-emergency phone number. 

    •   

  • Trending StoriesTrending StoriesMore>>

  • 'Austin Powers' star Verne Troyer dies at age 49

    'Austin Powers' star Verne Troyer dies at age 49

    Saturday, April 21 2018 4:51 PM EDT2018-04-21 20:51:28 GMT
    Saturday, April 21 2018 6:03 PM EDT2018-04-21 22:03:39 GMT

    Verne Troyer, an actor famous for his role as Mini-Me in the "Austin Powers" trilogy, has passed away.

    Verne Troyer, an actor famous for his role as Mini-Me in the "Austin Powers" trilogy, has passed away.

  • Mother says recalled eggs made son sick

    Mother says recalled eggs made son sick

    Saturday, April 21 2018 12:37 PM EDT2018-04-21 16:37:34 GMT
    Source: WAFBSource: WAFB

    There's a batch of eggs under recall for a dangerous bacteria and at least one family in the Baton Rouge area says it was affected. Chances are some of those eggs might be in your fridge.

    There's a batch of eggs under recall for a dangerous bacteria and at least one family in the Baton Rouge area says it was affected. Chances are some of those eggs might be in your fridge.

  • Barbara Bush was 'first lady of the greatest generation'

    Barbara Bush was 'first lady of the greatest generation'

    Saturday, April 21 2018 12:04 AM EDT2018-04-21 04:04:04 GMT
    Saturday, April 21 2018 6:47 PM EDT2018-04-21 22:47:07 GMT
    (AP Photo/Evan Vucci). Mourners pause as former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush lies in repose during the visitation of former first lady Barbara Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Friday, April 20, 2018, in Houston.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci). Mourners pause as former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush lies in repose during the visitation of former first lady Barbara Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Friday, April 20, 2018, in Houston.

    As the outpouring of tributes continues for Barbara Bush, the general public can pay its respects to the former first lady.

    As the outpouring of tributes continues for Barbara Bush, the general public can pay its respects to the former first lady.

    •   
Powered by Frankly