Chamber Foundation launches marketing campaign to attract talent back home
The Columbia Chamber Foundation, in conjunction with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, has launched its Boomerang Marketing Campaign, an initiative designed to reconnect with young adults and working-age individuals who have roots in Columbia. The campaign invites former residents and alumni to rediscover the place they once called home — where front porches, Friday night lights, and familiar faces are never far away.
Funded in part by the city of Columbia through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, the campaign is an investment in both workforce development and community renewal. This strategic support allows the Chamber and its partners to focus on bringing talent back to Columbia — helping them find not just a job, but a true sense of belonging.
Awarded to COMO Companies on June 2 after a competitive bidding process, the Boomerang Marketing Campaign will be a collaborative effort among the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, local higher education institutions, K–12 schools, and key community partners. The campaign will target former residents, graduates, and those with ties to Columbia — encouraging them to “boomerang” back to the place that helped shape who they are today.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about coming home,” said Matt McCormick, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. “This campaign is more than marketing — it’s a message to those who grew up here, went to school here, or once called Columbia home. Thanks to ARPA funding from the city of Columbia, we’re able to highlight the career opportunities, strong schools, and rich community life that make this a place worth returning to. We want people to know that Columbia hasn’t just grown — it’s grown with them in mind.”
The Boomerang Campaign will feature a mix of digital storytelling, targeted advertising, and community engagement events to showcase Columbia’s strengths, including:
- Career pathways across growing industries and innovative employers.
- Educational opportunities through strong partnerships with local universities and schools.
- Community vitality with rich cultural, recreational, and family-friendly amenities.
- Affordable living and a welcoming environment for individuals and families alike.
The campaign’s focus on personal connection and pride of place aims to inspire a new wave of talent to return home—bringing with them fresh ideas, experiences, and energy to help Columbia thrive.
Rollout for the Boomerang Campaign will begin in summer/fall 2025, with outreach through social media, alumni networks, and statewide channels extending well beyond Mid-Missouri.
For more information about the Boomerang Marketing Campaign, or to find out how you can get involved, contact Lisa Buchanan at lisa@comochamber.com.
About COMO Companies
COMO Companies is a Columbia-based marketing and communications firm specializing in community engagement, brand strategy, and digital media. With deep roots in Mid-Missouri, COMO Companies brings a unique understanding of the region and a passion for helping communities grow.
About Columbia Chamber of Commerce
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce was established in 1905 and is a voluntary, member-supported organization of business, industrial and professional people who are dedicated to developing, promoting, and maintaining a healthy economic climate for Columbia. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is recognized as a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the United States Chamber of Commerce, which places it as one of the top operating chambers of commerce in the country.
