With just $500,000 in fundraising efforts remaining, leaders of the Ignite Emporia Campaign have already begun transitioning into the implementation phase of the initiative.
Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeanine McKenna says Ignite Emporia has managed to raise $1.1 million of its $1.6 million goal as of this week. With fundraising efforts continuing successfully McKenna tells KVOE News they are now looking towards building up the structure of the organization.
This includes an investor’s advisory council which will consist of roughly 15 individuals — all of whom have invested into the initiative — to help guide organizers of the program as it pertains to finances and operations. according to McKenna. Additionally, the program is currently in search of a Director to oversee operations.
McKenna says they are looking for an individual with a plethora of experience across numerous fields.
Ignite Emporia is a five-part public-private economic initiative designed to address matters like workforce development, so-called workforce housing, business retention, community development, and community marketing. Mckenna says this week saw organizers begin refining their goals for 2020.
Official meetings for the investor’s advisory committee will begin in January. A tentative date of Jan. 16 has been announced however it is subject to change.
For more information or to get involved with Ignite Emporia contact the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-342-1600.
