Third-year event designed to welcome and connect new and prospective residents

JACKSONVILLE, IL – Four organizations will again collaborate to offer an event to welcome new residents to the Jacksonville region this 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, June 12, to connect newcomers in the community to people already established in the area.

“The past two years have shown us the need for the Welcome Tent. We have met many newcomers to our area who want to become involved and introduced in our community. It can be hard to make connections when you are busy with a new job and home. We want to assist, and the Welcome Tent at a Downtown Concert offers a great opportunity to do that’, said Lisa Musch, President of Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The event builds upon the talent attraction campaign launched two years ago by JREDC, which successfully has brought seven professionals to live in Jacksonville from areas including Philadelphia, Austin, Salt Lake City, Muskego, Malta and San Diego.

The new resident welcome event has been 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 June 12 featuring live music by 90s Kids Superfly. The Welcome Tent will open at 5:30 p.m. and include giveaways and the opportunity to meet people invested in Jacksonville area communities.