• "Kimberly Ghys is the single most important reason our family spent the week in Lake County. My wife and I wanted to spend a week with 12 of our grand children engaged in a variety of activities so that they could all enjoy the experience. With ages ranging from 3 through 18, that was a tall order. Kim's counsel on when to make arrangements, whom to contact, what discounts were available and how to secure them was outstanding. From the time we received the first schedule of recommended activities for the week from Kim to the day we arrived to begin our week of Camp Bowen, we knew we were in good hands.  One meeting with Kim to review the variety of experiences available in Lake County and we were 'hooked' big time! We were well under what we expected to spend for such an exciting week with our grandchildren. Upon reflection of our week, every participant agrees it was a great choice." - Bob Bowen, Camp Bowen pictured above
  • "The Chicago area was chosen by our group principally for its proximity to the last remaining US Navy Recruit Training Depot. Kimberly Ghys at the Lake County CVB was especially helpful and arranged meetings with hotel reps and provided necessary info about the Lake County places of interest, tour providers, etc. She was the go-between for the Naval Training Center.  Lake County offers excellent access to many other interests in the area. The hotel rates are competitive and provide free parking ; both airports are within reasonable distance; there are many places to visit - among the best. We really had a super experience in Lake County." - Phil King USS Blue Association Reunion
  • "What a great reunion we had last week! I really can't begin to thank you enough for all your efforts on our behalf. The shipmates truly enjoyed themselves and raved about their experience at the Crowne Plaza and in Lake County. The Welcome Packages from the Bureau were a great touch and truly appreciated by the shipmates and their families. About Tours was a real find and all of our tours could not have been better. You helped make my and my parents' job so much easier and made us look good in the process. For that, and so much more, we are most grateful. Everyone said that Reunion XIX will be hard to top - you can take pride and satisfaction in the fact that is due in great part to your efforts!" - Laura Telling USS Oakland Reunion
  • "The Illinois Beach Resort is the best hotel ever for conventions. They bend over backwards to make sure everything was perfect. The view of Lake Michigan was beautiful, with sand beaches as far as you can see. It was like being on a ship. With good food and a big indoor swimming pool." - Mary Pelton USS Prairie Alumni Association

 

 

 


Visitors are speaking out about why they love to meet in Lake County. Read the Daily Herald newspaper article about Military Reunions in Lake County and check out our blog about Lake County attractions.

  • "Please extend my thank you to everyone involved in making our reunion a great success! The hotel, the Navy base, Cuneo Museum and Opa restaurant. The accommodations were excellent at the Holiday Express Vernon Hills. Our day at the Base was great, everyone enjoyed the graduation, the speaker was an Admiral and this was his last official duty before he retired. He broke down during his speech and that got to eveeryone, also the ship's reunion was recognized at the graduation. We had a tour of the base which we didn't expect and the meal at Port O Call was very good. The museum was very enjoyable and I think everyone was quite surprised. The meal at the Opa was outstanding. Overall we were happy with everything." - Ron Day, USS Thomas J. Gary Reunion
  • "While searching for a family reunion site in the Chicago area, I stumbled accross Kimberly Ghys in Reunions Magazine. That was truly my lucky Day! I was instantly impressed with her professionalism, energy and "what else can I do for you" attitude. As a result of Kimberly's referrals, I started receiving proposals from hotels in the area right away. Kimberly was equally proficient and eager to help when I contacted her for assistance in finding a park and caterer for our picnic. The Jones-Ellis-Sykes Family Reunion was a great success. All family members said it was the BEST family reunion we have ever had. The family doesn't know all of the work that went into the planning and they don't know that Kimberly started the ball rolling to what became the BEST family reunion ever!" - Ann Hall-Jones, Jones-Ellis-Sykes Family Reunion (pictured above)
  • "Our reunion is over. The hotel was great. Everyone enjoyed and appreciated the bags. We also thank you for your gifts to us. You all have been so great." - Elmer Hallen 658th Amphibious Tractor Battalion Reunion
  • "[The Bureau] was exceptional in providingassistance for all local activities and accommodations . They were also helpful in arranging for meetings in Lake County area for the preliminary planning process. In addition, they contributed material to our newsletter to help promote our program to our group." - David Bader USS Terrebonne Parish (pictured above)
  • "Our plans for our reunion could not have been completed wihtou the professional help we received from your staff. Everything that we asked of you was promptly addressed. I cannot tell you how much pleasure it was, to organize our visit to your area. I would like to personally thank Kimberly Ghys. Kimberly was extremely helpful. Her knowledge was a real plus in walking me through all of our arrangements." - David McCarthy, Roy O. Hale Association