Second-year event designed to welcome new residents to Jacksonville region

JACKSONVILLE, IL – Four organizations will again collaborate to offer an event to welcome new residents to the Jacksonville region next month in downtown Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (JACVB), Jacksonville Main Street and Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) will host a welcome tent at the downtown concert on Friday, July 25, 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 launched last year by JREDC, which successfully brought five professionals to live in Jacksonville from areas including Philadelphia, Austin, Salt Lake City and San Diego.

Last year’s new resident welcome event was a hit with newcomers to the area, as well as those interested in moving here. The organizers asked people connected to the region to serve as hosts of the party in an effort to make personal and professional connections.

“It’s about showcasing the spirit of our community,” said Brittany Henry, executive director of JACVB. “We want new residents to experience not just our events and attractions, but also the welcoming nature of the people who make Jacksonville feel like home. This event is about creating those meaningful connections that help people feel rooted and truly part of our community.”

Anyone new or considering the Jacksonville area as a place to live, work or do business is encouraged to attend the free, outdoor concert on July 25 featuring live music by The Case Band. The welcome tent will open at 5 p.m. and include giveaways and the opportunity to meet people invested in Jacksonville area communities. 

JREDC is your time-saving connection to resources to accelerate your project by providing the facts and figures businesses need: statistical data, general community data, topic-specific information and comparative data. Email JREDC or phone 217.479.4627 for specific information on available buildings and sites, financing and incentives, labor market information, tax information, demographics, traffic counts, retail sales data, economic indicators and trends and zoning information.