Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance

08/28/2026

It was a great turn out for our Citizens Club of Springfield presentation this morning. Thank you to all those who attended. Thank you also to the Citizens Club for inviting us to share some insights into our economic development efforts for Springfield and Sangamon County.

08/28/2026

Springfield’s transportation infrastructure plays an important role in our community’s growth and economic future. 🚆

SSGA encourages residents and businesses to attend the upcoming 19th Street Rail Corridor Public Open House to learn more, ask questions and—most importantly—share your input.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 4–6 p.m.
📍 Washington Middle School

Your perspective can help shape the future of our community.

Join us for a Public Open House about the 19th Street Rail Corridor Feasibility Study in Springfield. Learn more about potential improvements, connect with the project team, and share your feedback!

Wednesday, September 9, 2026
4–6 PM
Washington Middle School
2300 E. Jackson St., Springfield, IL

08/27/2026

People often ask what the SSGA does—or what “economic development” really means.

A significant part of our work happens through conversations: meeting with local business owners, employers, government officials, utility partners and community leaders to understand their needs, identify opportunities and build trust. Those relationships help us respond quickly, solve challenges and connect the right people when opportunities arise.

This article from Area Development offers a great example of why that work matters. Data, infrastructure and available sites are essential in site selection—but strong, trusted relationships can help bring opportunities to the table and move projects forward.

Economic development rarely happens overnight. The relationships behind it are built over time.

Read more: https://www.areadevelopment.com/corporate-site-selection-factors/q3-2026/why-relationships-still-win-projects-in-site-selection.shtml

Economic development is often described as a data-driven process. RFIs are issued. Responses are scored. Sites are ranked. Incentives are compared. A winner emerges.

08/26/2026

Attention grantseekers! DCEO’s Office of Accountability is hosting a virtual training session covering the first step in the grant process: pre-qualification. Learn the steps to become pre-qualified, a requirement of all grantees with the State of Illinois.

📅Wednesday, September 2
9-10 a.m.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Rajnrp

08/13/2026

The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance will be one of eight organizations in Illinois to partner with the Illinois Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Research Center in the inaugural cohort of the Regional Research Pilot Program.

The program will give the Growth Alliance access to the databases, and experts in analyzing these databases, used by site selectors to advise companies about where they should locate.

Article link in comments.

08/05/2026

Don't miss this helpful event if you are looking for a new career opportunity!

🚨 Looking for your next career opportunity? 🚨

The Chamber’s Fall Job Fair, presented by Lincoln Land Community College, is happening Tuesday, August 25 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr!

👔 Job Seekers:
Connect with 40+ employers ready to hire and explore your next career move—all in one place! Plus, take advantage of on-the-spot interview tables available during the fair.

🏢 Employers:
Still hiring? There’s still time to secure your spot and meet qualified candidates face-to-face. Don’t miss this opportunity to find your next great hire!

🎟️ FREE for all Job Seekers to attend!

For more information or to register as an employer, visit www.gscc.org or contact Melissa Horn at 217-525-1173 x 216 or [email protected].

We hope to see you there!

08/05/2026

Springfield’s recent ranking as the No. 2 small U.S. city for recent college graduates is about more than career opportunities and affordability—it’s also about connection and belonging. 🎓

SSGA President and CEO Ryan McCrady joined The Wolf 101.9's Dina & DJ Blake Morning Show with Anna Marriott, Marketing Chair for RISE Springfield, and RISE member Reed Carlson to discuss how the young professionals group helps people build relationships, become involved and feel at home in our community.

Listen to the conversation: https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-get-a-fresh-start-with-rise-springfield/

Members of RISE Springfield were on The WTAX Morning Newswatch.

08/03/2026

Springfield, Illinois is in the national spotlight! ⚾

The launch of the Women’s Professional Baseball League at Robin Roberts Stadium has generated national attention, showcasing our community to audiences across the country.

Hosting the WPBL’s inaugural season is about much more than baseball. It brings players, families, fans and media to Springfield, creating new opportunities for our hotels, restaurants, retailers and other local businesses. This national attention also introduces millions of people to Springfield, Illinois as a welcoming community capable of hosting major events and making history.

We’re proud to see Springfield, Illinois playing such an important role in the future of women’s professional sports—and excited about the lasting impact this opportunity can have throughout our community.

There are more games to attend! Make plans to experience the WPBL in Springfield, Illinois!