BOS - Building On Success

The Spirit of Success Program was launched in 2003 with ambitious goals of creating 2000 primary jobs; generating $50 million in new payroll; and attracting $120 million in capital investment. By early 2010, all of those goals had been exceeded. Spirit of Success was instrumental in landing the Siemens Wind Nacelle plant – a signature accomplishment in our community's history, and one that will help shape our economic future.

Spirit of Success: 2003-2010

2103 Jobs created/retained (105% of goal)
$50.6 million annual payroll (103% of goal)
$210 million capital investment (175% of goal)

With the Spirit of Success funds coming to an end, now is not the time to just pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. Now is the time to build upon our momentum and success. Chamber leaders and key economic stakeholders began several months ago to consider "what's next" and to begin planning a successor program to the successful Spirit of Success.

Building On Success is a focused five-year economic development program with these primary initiatives: New Business Attraction; Existing Business Support; Workforce Enhancement; Community Vibrancy. Our community has weathered the recent economic storm better than most and there are many positive signs and trends that point to a more prosperous future. But, we cannot simply sit back and wait for things to happen. Competition for jobs, investment, and people is intense.

The goals of this effort include but are not limited to the following:

Create primary jobs through retention, attraction and expansions: 2000
Create new Capital Investment: $ 200,000,000
Increase retail sales: 10%
Population growth: 1.5%
Increase number of residents aged 25-40: 3%

NEW BUSINESS ATTRACTION

Building on Success will use current momentum to position our community to attract corporate expansions and relocations as a vital component of our economic development strategy. Corporate site selection is increasingly sophisticated and competitive. The Chamber will provide the community with a professional capacity to market Hutchinsonand surrounding communities to "best fit" industries and companies; respond to inquiries and requests for information; and coordinate all appropriate local and state resources necessary to win projects.

EXISTING BUSINESS SUPPORT

The most obvious path to job growth and wealth creation is the profitability and growth of our existing businesses. Through the Grow Our Own program, the Chamber will focus resources and effort to help our existing companies grow and prosper here in RenoCounty.

WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT

A fundamental requirement for successful new business attraction and existing business expansion is a quality workforce possessing the education and skills employers need. With very good resources for high quality training available within the community such as the Community College and the Career and Technical Academy, the Chamber will work with new and existing companies to locate training assistance funds and with schools to encourage careers with quality local employers. The Chamber will also continue and expand its role in promoting job fairs and coordinating and advocating for successful employment practices.

COMMUNITY VIBRANCY

For those who have called Hutchinson home for most – if not all – their lives, it's hard not to think of this as a great community to live, work, and raise a family. Population growth is vital to economic development and "quality of place" is a key determinant of population growth. This component of Building On Success will be instrumental in the effectiveness of each of the others. Accordingly, the Chamber will dedicate significant time, effort, and resources to making Hutchinson a more vibrant and inviting place to live – especially for young families.