Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance

Lledc continued and grew the business retention and expansion (bre) program that was started in 2021. At the bre meetings, lledc staff also works to encourage businesses to expand and connect them to resources to assist them. The community marketing campaign continues to be successful with over 5 million views of the digital marketing efforts. Workers in the community stayed engaged with the metro area surpassing its pre-pandemic employment levels and average wages also showing significant increases. Total employment increased more than 2% over the previous year and more than 1.5% over pre-pandemic levels. Major energy developments continue with the $800 million double black diamond solar Development breaking ground in october 2022. Staff made dozens of visits with national site selection consultants to grow their awareness of the community in regards to business attraction opportunities and locations.