The former head of tourism in the Quad Cities has died. Joe Taylor died on Thursday at a hospital in Cedar Rapids at the age of 65. That's according to Trimble Funeral home website. His home town is listed as Hampton, Illinois.
In 2018, Taylor left his position as President and CEO of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and became Executive Director of the visitors bureau in Evansville, Indiana. The Evansville Courier reported he resigned about a year later for "personal reasons."
His successor in the Quad Cities, Dave Herrell, says Taylor made a real impact here.
"His knowledge about the Quad Cities, but probably more importantly, his passion and his love for it I think was something we should all remember and emulate."
Herrell also credits Taylor for trying to get national recognition for the Quad Cities.
"I think his passion for things - for trails and the outdoor component and why it is so important to the Quad Cities, his love for history, and his passion for literature. He was a really interesting character."
Taylor was with the Quad Cities bureau for nearly 30 years. He started working in tourism promotion for the city of Galesburg in the 1980's, moved to a similar job in Clinton, then came to the Quad Cities in 1989 when the convention and visitors bureau was formed. He became President and CEO in 1998.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Trimble Funeral Home in Moline.
