How the Greater Springfield Partnership Spurs Growth in Clark County

The Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) is a collaboration between the Chamber, Tourism and Economic Development. More powerful together, the GSP is the collective voice of 800 companies and 15,000 employees in our region. We believe a vibrant Greater Springfield is the catalyst for a thriving business community. It will take all of us, in partnership, to achieve our goals. 

“The future of Greater Springfield lies in the success of our partnership. We have come together collectively because we have big goals for Springfield and Clark County. Alone, we can move the needle slowly. Together, we can achieve big things rapidly,” said Horton Hobbs, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Springfield Partnership. 

This is no longer an idea, but a reality. The Greater Springfield Partnership raised $4 million in six months, with funds being spent on the programs, initiatives and staffing that will help the organization to grow Springfield and Clark County in a sustainable way. From this key programs have already launched, like a workforce development program that offers local businesses curriculum and training customized to their needs at a low cost. When combined with the in-person recruiting events hosted by GSP, businesses in Clark County now have tangible tools to grow and develop their workforce. 

Business recruitment has also been escalated through the partnership’s work. Gabriel Brothers is an example of this success. The company is bringing 800 jobs to the community. “We are pleased that Gabriel Brothers has decided to join our community. Their investment of $77.5 million in the Springfield area will make a significant impact on our economy,” Mike McDorman, President & CEO. Bringing jobs to Clark County has always been a high priority. With the partnership behind us, we are able to expand our efforts and produce even more results for our community,” said Hobbs.

That’s what the Greater Springfield Partnership is all about - producing results that benefit the entire community. The genesis of the organization started when Greater Springfield Moving Forward launched in 2011. Initially a group of 30 - 40 community members, the organization conducted a survey to determine the needs of the community, developed steering committees to make progress in these areas and has continued to monitor success. “This foundation has given the GSP, and our entire community, a clear roadmap for where we are headed and why. Bringing organizations together allows the business community to support a single organization with a clear and consistent vision. Now, it’s our job to make that vision into a reality,” said Hobbs. “We are confident in our ability to grow the economy in Springfield and Clark County, adn to improve the lives of our residents in the process.”