The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is launching a Thrive In SPI campaign to encourage community pride with the ultimate goals of also spurring economic growth and prosperity throughout the region. The plans are being backed by SSGA’s diverse board of directors, which includes a wide range of industry and organizational leaders throughout the community.
SSGA CEO, Ryan McCrady, said the goals for the Thrive In SPI campaign are multi-layered and will be implemented in stages. The first will be to ignite community awareness and pride by highlighting all the positive amenities and unique attributes of the community. The campaign will rely on board members and other community advocates to help residents reimagine all their hometown has to offer.
“We’re all guilty of taking for granted what is right in front of us at times, but Springfield really is a wonderful place to live, whether you are a life-long resident or a transplant,” said McCrady. “As part of our Thrive In SPI campaign, we are creating an advocacy program and will be enlisting passionate community members to help us tell the story of what makes Springfield and Sangamon County unique. We know businesses can’t thrive without a strong community behind them, so having residents’ support as we prepare to launch the new business attraction initiative is crucial to our success.”
The long-term goals of the campaign include providing support to current local businesses while attracting new business and workforce development opportunities throughout the Midwest. SSGA Board President Dan Dungan said the campaign will reinforce all that the community has to offer for residents and businesses alike.
“Companies could spend months looking for a business location that has what we have in terms of natural gas and an abundance of power,” said Dungan. “The fact that we have all those, plus a huge, highly-skilled and educated workforce, an amazing healthcare system, a top-notch educational system and a vibrant community with history and culture, really make this an easy choice for a business to make.”
The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is committed to pursuing the economic prosperity and growth for Sangamon County and the City of Springfield, Illinois. Founded in 2018, the public-private sector partnership is dedicated to advancing economic development efforts in Springfield and Sangamon County. Led by a volunteered, diverse, industry-driven board of directors, SSGA is helping create and market a financially sound community; able to attract new businesses and skilled talent, while retaining the innovative companies and local workforce who already make Sangamon County their home. For more information about SSGA, visit www.ThriveInSPI.org.