Inaugural event designed to welcome and connect new residents

JACKSONVILLE, IL – Four organizations will collaborate to offer the first event of its kind in an effort to welcome new residents to the Jacksonville area this month in downtown Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jacksonville Main Street and Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) will host a welcome tent at the downtown concert on Friday, June 21, to connect newcomers in the community to people already established in the area.

“In my conversations with human resource professionals and people who have recently moved to the area, I have learned we can do a better job introducing people to one another in our communities,” said Kristin Jamison, president of JREDC. “Those of us who are originally from this area or have lived here for a number of years should serve as a resource to new residents in an effort to connect them professionally and socially.”

The event builds upon the talent attraction campaign recently launched by JREDC, which includes a digital advertising that promotes job opportunities and a relocation incentive effort worth more than $9,300 in cash and other offerings for three new residents who chose to live in Morgan or Scott counties.

The talent attraction campaign also includes new videos that market the quality of life and work opportunities in the Jacksonville region developed in partnership with the Jacksonville Chamber. I addition, the Chamber is developing a new digital welcome kit that will be available to new residents and business owners this summer.

“The collaborative nature of this new event only underlines the quality of the community that makes Jacksonville a great place to live and do business,” said Jamison. “My colleagues at the Chamber, CVB and Main Street want people to thrive here, and it starts with making them feel welcome.”

Anyone new to the Jacksonville area is encouraged to attend the free, outdoor concert on June 21 featuring music by Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes. The welcome tent will include giveaways and the opportunity to meet people invested in Jacksonville area communities.