Celebrating the Success of Jacksonville’s Talent Attraction Campaign

The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) recently wrapped up a successful talent attraction campaign, making significant strides in strengthening its communities and workforce. The campaign's goal was to bring top-tier talent to the Jacksonville region. This initiative has already proven its worth, yielding five new residents in high-need industry fields.

“The Jacksonville region is already a great place to live and work, but this talent attraction campaign helped sweeten the deal for people looking for a launchpad for their careers, a return home to family or leveraging their experience to meet our industry needs,” said Kristin Jamison, President of the JREDC. “I am excited to see how these five new residents progress in their careers and get involved in the community.”

Launched in late May 2024, the campaign was built on a multifaceted approach. The JREDC produced a captivating video showcasing what it's like to live and work in the Jacksonville region. This visual story, paired with a digital advertising campaign across LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, captured the attention of skilled professionals nationwide. The “Make My Move” relocation and incentive strategy played a pivotal role in enticing talent to consider the Jacksonville area as their new home.

Through this campaign, the JREDC offered comprehensive incentive packages valued at $9,300 to five selected individuals. These packages included $5,000 in cash for relocation to Morgan or Scott counties and $300 in local Chamber Checks, compliments of our local sponsors. In addition, a $4,000 quality of life package offered new residents a personalized welcome to the Jacksonville region with guided tours, real estate consultations and other community-focused perks like gym memberships, golf passes and entertainment options.

Meet the New Faces of Jacksonville: Talent That’s Here to Stay

The true success of the campaign lies in the stories of those who have chosen to call the Jacksonville region home. Meet our five new residents who have been selected from a pool of several hundred applications:

• Cade Liehr, a recent college graduate and mechanical engineer at Reynolds Consumer Products, who is excited about Jacksonville's unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. 
• Elena Chrysostomou is a seasoned molecular and cellular biologist from San Diego who finds Jacksonville's welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community to be exactly what she was seeking.
• Emma Reuschel, an Illinois College graduate, is returning to Jacksonville after 17 years in Philadelphia and is eager to reconnect with nearby family while continuing her work as a senior scientist. 
• Lance Perkins, a branding and marketing professional drawn to Jacksonville's rich history and rural beauty, is ready to purchase a historic home and embark on a home renovation project.
• Nathan Reed is a semiconductor equipment and process owner from Salt Lake City who excited to join a growing town with historical charm and a welcoming community.

These new residents are more than just numbers — they are future ambassadors for the Jacksonville region, bringing diverse skills and experiences that will enrich our communities. Their arrival signals the beginning of a ripple effect that could lead to increased conversations with local businesses about attracting more top-tier talent. The Jacksonville region is rapidly becoming an attractive place to live and work, offering opportunities for individuals at every stage of their careers.

Building a Brighter Future: The Ripple Effect of Attracting Top Talent

As we celebrate this success, it’s important to look forward. The JREDC has already received interest from additional candidates and businesses, highlighting the need for continued investment in talent attraction efforts. With the support of the board of directors and other stakeholders, the JREDC has the potential to continue addressing workforce shortages with deliberate and targeted actions.

The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation’s talent attraction campaign is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision. The success the organization has seen so far is just the beginning, and with continued support, JREDC can ensure the Jacksonville region remains a top choice for talent and a thriving community for years to come.