HOMECOMING STRATEGY

Purpose:
The purpose of the Homecoming Strategy is to attract new investment, ideas, opportunities and companies.  We reach our purpose through those individuals scattered across the United States who grew up or went to college in the region and those who have left the area yet now have a strong desire to return “home”.

This program can help bridge the gap for those wanting to return “home” and generate a positive impact for our regional economy.

Overview:  Making the “journey back home”
This region needs to re-market itself to those who have experienced the hidden gems it has to offer. The logical way to accomplish this is to seek out individuals who have left the area, have maintained local ties to the area and will bring their talents, ideas, energy and or companies back home to the Spokane Region.

With the assistance of the Higher Education Leadership Group and local universities, we can identify targeted alumni who meet the criteria for taking the journey back “home”.  In addition, we can research Fortune 500 Companies who may have top officers that have roots in the Spokane Region and initiate communication and attraction back to the area.  Lastly, we can launch a marketing campaign asking our community to identify family and or friends who are potential candidates for this journey.

The Homecoming Strategy will utilize the knowledge and resources available to further support economic development activities in our region. Furthermore we will work to create and or enhance a regional branding awareness campaign through our research, attraction and communication efforts. 

External Target Audience:
*  Local university alumni
*  Top companies in key industry clusters with officers who have ties to the Spokane Region
*  Family and friends of those who relocated outside the area but look to make the “journey back home”.

The Team:  Assisting others to make the journey back “home”
Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Facilitate and coordinate the process of bringing the team of resources together to initiate this plan.  Work closely with area universities to identify key targets. 

Higher Education Leadership Group:
Assist the Homecoming Committee in working with the colleges and universities in our region to create a research venue that depicts graduates and their current locations, job functions and places of employment.

Returnees:   Have you faced the same journey?
Work with those companies and individuals who have made the “journey back home” and returned to our region.  Use them as resources as well as recruitment tools by having them share their stories and making them available to our potential prospects for questions and answers.

Marketing and Public Relations Volunteers:  Inspire those to take the ” journey back home”
Create a laser-sharp communication and attraction plan that will coordinate the implementation of a homecoming campaign.

Summary:
An opportunity is knocking for the Spokane Region.  The secret is to know how and what door to open. Past and present dwellers of this area are the golden keys.  The future surrounds us with innovative, diverse and prosperous options ready for the taking and we must execute immediately to ensure growth and economic development.