EDC Fundraising Case Study: Transforming Adversity into Success
July 7, 2026 | 11 a.m. EST | 10 a.m. CST | 9 a.m. MST
This webinar will provide a deep-dive exploration into the fascinating story of the Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) and the community of Springfield, Ohio. Over the course of two five-year funding campaigns—their 2020 campaign to fund the Expand 2024 plan and their 2024 campaign to fund the Expand 2029 plan—GSP has enjoyed impressive fundraising success and created tremendous community impact. Learn from Horton V. Hobbs, IV, Vice President of Economic Development at GSP; Paul Santiago, Campaign Director for Expand 2024 and director of campaign services at RDG: A Convergent Company; and Steve Stevens, Campaign Director for Expand 2029 and senior project director at RDG: A Convergent Company, how GSP and community leadership overcame significant external challenges to achieve and exceed both fundraising and program goals.
When the world shut down for a global pandemic in 2020, GSP was one of the few economic development organizations (EDOs) to boldly charge ahead with a capital campaign. By year-end it had completed a campaign that raised $4.2 million, exceeding a goal set pre-pandemic and doubling previous funding levels. When Springfield was thrust into the national media spotlight during the 2024 presidential election with stories about its Haitian population, GSP and community leadership were steadfast, persevering to complete a campaign that raised more than $6.6 million. These efforts have enabled GSP to deliver substantial community impact through the four pillars of their multi-year plans: I: Cultivate Local Talent, II: Build the Economic Engine, III: Build a Vibrant Community, and IV: Attract Talent.
Who Should Attend:
Economic development professionals, municipal leaders, and chamber executives interested in learning how to complete fundraising campaigns int he face of adversity, and leaders at the local or regional level preparing to handle a national spotlight.
Presenters:
Horton Hobbs has served as Vice President of Economic Development for the Partnership of Greater Springfield (formerly known as the Chamber of Greater Springfield) since January 2012. In his position, he works closely with local economic development partners to assist existing businesses, attract new businesses, develop real estate, and aggressively market the community. Since his arrival at the Partnership, he has coordinated efforts that have resulted in approximately 7,000 jobs created, 9,500 jobs retained, approximately $2.3 Billion in new investments, the development of a $9 Million-200 acre industrial park, and the location of Topre America Corporation, Silfex, Surati Sweet Mart, Gabe’s and 5C Datacenters to Springfield. In 2024, Hobbs led efforts to raise $6.6 Million locally to support economic and workforce development efforts in Clark County.
His previous work experience included positions as Development Officer for the Springfield Foundation, Executive Director of the Center City Association, Planning Director for the City of New Carlisle and Regional Planner for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Wittenberg University in 1997 and his MA in Geography and Urban and Regional Planning from Miami University in 2002. In May 2013, he was named as one of the Dayton Business Journal’s “Top 40 under 40.” He is actively involved with a variety of nonprofit organizations including: Wittenberg University Board of Directors, Mid-America Economic Development Council Board of Directors (Past Chair), ACCE Economic and Community Development Division (ECD) Advisory Council, Global Impact STEM Academy Board of Directors, Rotary Club of Springfield, Ohio, United Way, and Mental Health Services Board of Directors for Clark County and Madison Counties in Ohio.
Paul Santiago is currently the director of campaign services at RDG: A Convergent Company. Paul has a diverse business development and management background in the private sector working with both large corporations and start-up companies in a variety of industry sectors. This experience has served him well throughout his 20-year career helping nonprofit organizations substantially increase funding.
His management and implementation of fundraising campaigns have resulted in over $40 million for a wide range of nonprofits, including historic landmarks, education organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as Development Director with PACE Center for Girls, Inc., with locations in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. PACE is recognized as one of the nation’s premier organizations impacting programs, policies and practices that change the lives of girls and women nationally.
Additionally, as a colon cancer survivor, he tirelessly advocates on behalf of colon cancer awareness and was asked to provide his fundraising expertise to the Borland-Groover Clinic Foundation which operates the largest digestive disease practice in the southeast to increase funding for their annual 5K. He attended Florida State college and was a member of the US Navy.
Steve Stevens is currently a senior project director at RDG: A Convergent Company. For nearly all of his career, Steve has worked with business and association leadership with some of the best regional and state nonprofit organizations anywhere and has seen big things happen when exceptional leadership with great staff and volunteers come together around a common vision and goals.
Having established a strong work ethic while obtaining invaluable business skills as he worked for his family’s mechanical contracting business, Steve stepped into the world of economic development nonprofits. Becoming the CEO of two different chambers across the country from each other, he honed his resource development skills, advocacy and appreciation for these organizations.
Adding the role of CEO of the Kentucky State Association of Realtors, Steve brings a wide range of leadership, business acumen, innovation and team building abilities to serve and benefit our Clients. Steve received his BBA in Business Administration and Management from the University of Kentucky.