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Business Management

People Moving Can Face Fiscal, Emotional Potholes

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
People Moving Our Town America

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (June 2015) – Kevin Drewery has moved from Pittsburgh to Oregon to Texas and recently back to his native community in Beechview over the past 12 years for family and other personal reasons. He says all the moving has practically emptied his bank account and left him in a deep hole of debt. “Moving from state to state due to life changes has taken a toll on my pockets,” said the 44-year-old man, who has disabilities. “I got in trouble with the bank for letting my debit card go negative, and I even owe relatives and friends.” Mr. Drewery’s experience is not unusual, according to a national survey of 300 people who have moved recently, commissioned by Our Town America, which reveals moving creates a financial nightmare for 1 in 6 people who find themselves in debt after a move. Money problems aren’t the only challenges. Our Town America, a new mover marketing company based in Pinellas Park, Fla., found 49 percent of people reported a recent move not only caused them serious financial stress but lasting friction with a significant other. “Moving is a very difficult time,” said Denis Byrd, owner of an Our Town America franchise in Robinson. “We have found through surveys how stressful and expensive moving can be.” The marketing company helps build relationships between local business owners and people who move into town by delivering personalized welcoming packages full of gift certificates to new residents each month. The company is similar to Valpak, except it focuses exclusively on people who have relocated. Moving business has picked up in recent months, according to Our Town America. An improved economy means businesses are hiring and people looking for work will move for jobs. But employers don’t always cover the cost of moves. Almost half of those surveyed said their employer did nothing to help pay for relocation. One in 10 people said the average cost of their move was $5,000 or more. That might help explain why 35 percent said moving tarnished personal relationships, citing financial strain (49 percent), increased bickering (51 percent) and decreased intimacy (49 percent). “A lot of the stress occurs due to people not financially preparing for the move,” Mr. Byrd said. “Ultimately, the financial stress leads to other stress and it can affect relationships.” Read full article on Post-Gazette.com. If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Local Business Marketing Can Minimize Moving Stress

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Minimize Moving Stress Our Town America Local Business Marketing

CBS Tampa Bay (May 2015) – Forty million Americans are expected to move in 2015, but the decision to pick up and leave may be harmful to both your wallet and your relationship. A new survey from the new mover marketing franchise, Our Town America, finds that 1 in 6 people go into debt after they move and half of couples felt a sense of both “decreased intimacy” (49 percent) and “increased bickering” (51 percent) as a result of moving’s financial strain. May’s National Moving Month is expected to see a large number of movers as people move to pursue new careers and put bad credit from foreclosed homes behind them. But while moving may boost one’s career – the survey indicates a harmful effect on relationships and your finances. More than one-third of survey respondents said their moved “scarred personal relationships” and nearly half (46 percent) said their company did not help pay for any part of their relocation. Nearly 1 in 3 survey respondents admitted to “accidentally losing” a significant other’s prized possession and half of those surveyed said intimacy with their significant other decreased during the move. “Knick knacks, photo albums, books, decorative towels, and old trophies” were among the items purposefully tossed or donated away by significant others. Although an overwhelming majority (88 percent) of respondents said that receiving a housewarming gift would make them feel more comfortable in their new residence, less than half (46 percent) said they actually received any welcoming gift. And more than half (53 percent) said today’s neighbors are less friendly than those from their childhood because everyone “seems too busy.” “These survey results show that it’s critically important for neighbors and local businesses to welcome new movers to town with open arms,” says Our Town America President & CEO, Michael Plummer Jr. “The emotional and financial stress associated with moving takes a heavy toll on new movers. They desperately need a helping hand to limit stress, minimize costs and feel comfortable in their new home.” Our Town America’s data is from a local survey of more than 300 men and women who have moved in the past five years. If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf Source: CBS Tampa Bay   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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May Brings Busiest Moving Season in Years

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
National Moving Month Our Town America

WABC-TV (May 2015) – With 40 million Americans expected to pick up and move in 2015, May’s National Moving Month will kick off the busiest moving season in years for two reasons: A robust economy means companies are hiring and folks will move for jobs. Plus, people who foreclosed on their homes in the recession have waited seven years for their credit scores to come clean, and now can buy a home again. While moving is great for the economy, it’s a killer for relationships. A recently released local survey reveals a move scars personal relationships as couples fight over why they moved and where they moved while struggling with money problems and decreased intimacy. And talk about relationship revenge! Nearly 1 in 3 survey respondents admitted to “accidentally losing” a significant other’s prized possession or purposefully tossing it in the Goodwill bag. According to the local survey of more than 300 men and women who have moved in the past five years, movers can expect: More Arguments, Money Problems and Less Sex – Of those in a relationship, more than 1/3 (35%) say moving has scarred their relationship due to increased fighting (51%), decreased intimacy (49%) and financial strain (49%) – the top three moving relationship stressors. The Kids May Not be Alright – Those with children say the stress hit the whole family with “choosing the right school” and “helping the kids find new friends” as the top two moving stressors related to their kids. And missing Prized Possessions due to Dirty Dumping – Topping the I Hate it Hit List of the 5 things people secretly toss are “knick knacks,” photo albums, books, decorative towels, and old trophies. Our Town America, the national new mover marketing franchise who commissioned the survey, has a local representative in our area who is making the transition easier by delivering welcoming packages to new movers full of personalized gift certificates with free offers for goods and services at local businesses. According to Our Town America’s President and CEO Michael Plummer Jr., these thoughtful offers, like a free pizza or free haircut, help local families recover quicker from the emotional stress related to their recent move as they settle into their new home. And research shows, once the new movers try the business, they repeatedly come back. “These survey results show that moving is highly stressful on relationships so it’s very much appreciated when local businesses make the transition easier,” says Plummer. “In a move, people are overwhelmed with learning new roads, meeting people and perhaps starting a new job. These welcoming packages help families focus on their relationships instead of worrying about what to cook for dinner – when they haven’t had the time to unpack the pots and pans yet.” If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. Source: WABC-TV New York   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Veteran-Owned Franchise Connecting Communities Nationwide

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
our town america franchise connecting community

Franchising USA (May 2015) – For families who have just moved into a new community, finding all new services like salons, pizza joints, doctors, dentists and even hairstylists can be daunting. That’s where Our Town America steps in, connecting those new arrivals with the businesses that want to extend a warm welcome and gain new customers. “Our organization essentially connects those new families with those businesses who need them,” president Michael Plummer Jr. said during a recent interview from the company’s headquarters in Pinellas Park, just outside Tampa, FL. The company has been in operation since 1972 and is family owned, with Plummer having taken over the operations of the company from his father, who started it. Late Franchising Bloomer While the company has been around for a number of decades, it actually only started franchising in 2005. Prior to franchising, it issued licenses to people to use the brand. These were generally people that Plummer’s father knew throughout the decades and all those licensees are now franchisees. “Franchising proved to be practical for Our Town America in 2003 when we went through a major technological upgrade, switching to variable printing,” Plummer said. After that, they started the process of becoming a franchise business in 2004 and by 2005 were legally able to start franchising. Now, the company boasts 55 franchisees positioned all over the country, but focused mainly in the Mid-West and on the East Coast. On the Move “Our Town America has locations available across the country,” Plummer said. “This is one franchise that can be successful in smaller markets as its success is largely dependent on the number of movers.” Considering that 17 – 20% of Americans relocate each year, there will always be a lot of potential new customers for businesses to reach out to in their area. For families who are new to a community, it’s a great welcoming gift. Even if people are only moving to the next town, they still have to find all new services in that new town. And Our Town America helps those businesses connect with new potential customers. “We’re the personal invitation for the businesses to stand out from the crowd,” Plummer said. So, a salon could put a gift certificate in the Our Town America package for a free haircut. The new family is then personally welcomed to their new neighborhood by the salon with the free haircut and likely to become a loyal customer. Looking for Relationship Builders Because the company is all about facilitating relationships —between recently relocated families and businesses, as well as between those businesses and Our Town America — Plummer is looking for franchisees who are not only sales oriented, but who really understand the importance of these relationships. “What we really want is a relationship maker, a networker, a community builder, someone who is able to connect with people,” he said. Some of his most successful franchisees have a background in retail, marketing or sales. “Those who connect and communicate well with others do great with our franchise model.” Getting Specific Over the years, Plummer has found that the newly arrived families are more apt to open the welcome packages as it’s not perceived as everyday advertising – but as housewarming gifts. In addition to targeting newly arrived families, Our Town America also provides their clients the option of targeting by various demographics. For example, Plummer said that a rent-to-own business could use Our Town America to specifically target new arrivals within a five mile radius who have an income level of over $50,000 and who are between the ages of 20-40. Any new arrivals that fit that profile would be targeted, while those who did not would not be targeted. Support and Training “Sales people should be out there selling,” Plummer said. “Which is why Our Town America wants to make things as simple as possible for new franchisees.” The company offers assistance in the way of production, creating graphics, creating invoices and even setting up appointments with business owners. Ideally, Plummer wants them to primarily concentrate on connecting with local businesses. Veteran-Owned In addition to being family-owned, Our Town America is also veteran-owned, as Plummer was a combat medic with the United States Army from 1997 – 2001. For any honorably discharged veterans, he gives a $10,000 discount on the franchising fee. For anyone looking to invest in a home-based franchise business offering flexibility and a steady income, Our Town America offers just the thing. Apply online by filling out a Franchise Application. View article in Franchising USA’s Veterans in Franchising, Pg. 13-14.   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Six Tips for a Successful Direct Mail Campaign

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America Direct Mail Campaign

PMQ Magazine (May 2015) – The introduction of social media has helped many pizzeria operators reduce their marketing budgets. However, while you’re spending hours hunched over a computer trying to figure out the best way to get 100 customers to “like” you, the guy down the street just mailed 10,000 direct mail pieces emblazoned with an irresistible offer to your customers. Which strategy sounds more effective to you? Some say that direct mail has gone the way of the dinosaur. With so many ways to reach customers online, they insist there’s no reason to spend money on snail mail anymore. Alyson Lex, founder and CEO of Rock Your Marketing in Baltimore, says that direct mail has been touted as dead for so long that business owners are starting to believe it. “Mailboxes are becoming emptier, but people still check them every day,” Lex says. “You don’t have to speak as loudly to be heard in a place where there isn’t as much competition.” Unlike the Internet, direct mail can be more personalized for your audience and allows your customer to physically hold your message in his hands, notes Linda Duke, CEO of Duke Marketing in San Rafael, California. “With the right offer, a direct mailer can deliver your message without any other brands clouding their memory, allowing your brand to stand out,” Duke says. In other words, the old-school method of direct mail is starting to feel fresh and new again. “Our lives have all gone online—from social media and online bill pay to telecommuting and streaming movies. We’re all so bombarded with emails, Facebook posts and tweets that they’ve lost their impact,” says Adam J. Toris, founder and owner of Cognicom Media in Bridgewater, New Jersey. “With direct mail, the person has to see it. Even if they just drop the mailer into the trash, they’ve held it in their hand, looked at it, and, at the very least, read part of it.” Creating a Direct Mail Campaign You may be thinking, “I’ve tried direct mail in the past and it didn’t work for me.” Maybe no one brought in a mailer, signed up for your email list or redeemed your coupons. So why waste your time trying it again, right? Wrong. With direct mail, the devil is in the details. Even the smallest tweak can mean the difference between a new customer and a mailer that’s destined for the recycle bin. So let’s take a look at six essential ways to make your next—or first—direct mail campaign a success. 1. Nail the Basics. There are certain elements that are required on every direct mail piece that you send out. If you’ve sent a mailer recently, grab it and see if it contains basic info such as contact information, hours, error-free copy, a compelling offer, a call to action, and an expiration date. “Don’t forget the contact info,” says Jenne McCarty, brand manager at Marco’s Pizza, a Toledo, Ohio-based chain. “And proofread, proofread, proofread. Customers want to buy from someone they can trust, and this is your chance to impress. Pay attention to the hierarchy of messaging as well. What do you want them to think about first when they see your direct mail piece?” However, while making sure to include all of the essential information, you can easily go overboard with too much info. “Remember that less is more,” Toris says. “Don’t try to cram too much information on the piece. You do not need to list all of the pies you make or tell the 50-year family history of the pizzeria. Keep it simple, concise, and to the point.” 2. Make It Exciting. Lex warns that being boring will get your marketing piece put in the trash faster than anything else. “Have fun and send something unique and different,” she says. It’s a busy world out there; getting attention means you must think outside the box. Try sending your piece in a red envelope designed to look like Priority Mail or look into suppliers—such as 3D Mail and Oriental Trading—that offer attention-getting “lumpy mail” products. We’re living in a fast-paced, technology-driven world, so when you’re thinking of sending out a plain paper flier, think again. “Do something to stand out in the mailbox,” McCarty says. “Die-cuts, complex folds and oversized pieces tend to pop, and that translates into more eyes viewing.” When you have only a moment to grab someone’s attention, what will you do? “Historically, pizza places have used bland and basic graphic design for direct mail pieces,” Toris observes. “If you’re going to make the investment in printing and mailing it, you should also invest in having it professionally designed. Use real pictures of your pizzas and your shop in the design and stay away from stock photos and clip art.” 3. Make Them an Offer They Can’t Refuse. According to Bert Martinez, a marketing and sales consultant in Phoenix, 80% of your direct mailer’s success is dependent upon its headline. “Your logo is not a headline,” he says. “An attention-grabbing headline makes readers stop and read more. Once they stop to read, you need to make [an appealing] offer, such as Kids Eat Free or Free Pizza, not 10% off. Give them something they actually want.” “Just offering coupons isn’t good enough,” Toris says. “What makes you special? Do you use a wood-burning or brick oven? Has your pizza won any awards? Do you offer artisan pies? Special or unusual toppings? What separates you from the rest? Figure it out and promote it.” Duke agrees, saying that many pizzeria operators make their offers too weak and then wonder why there’s no redemption. “Food cost should be part of the budget for the direct mailer. Give something away to those who receive the offer, as a ‘Come Try Us’ special,” Duke says. “Entice them with something only your restaurant offers and then draw them in with your compelling offer.” 4. Make It Personal. How well do you really know your current and potential customers? […]

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David Cox Sits Down With Money Radio

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America New Mover Marketing Family

Money Radio (Mar. 2015) – David Cox, Phoenix, AZ Our Town America franchise owner, sits down with Money Radio to chat about the New Mover Marketing program.  In this 4-minute audio clip, David discusses the ins and outs of the unique marketing program and the success it brings businesses nationwide.  For more information on New Mover Marketing in your area, complete a Contact Form. Press play to listen. Source: Money Radio     Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Innovative Marketing. Genuine Hospitality.

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America Marketing

PMQ Magazine (Jan 2015) – While traditional marketing and advertising will always have its place, sending targeted and personalized direct mail pieces to a brand-new audience each and every month is a unique and irreplaceable marketing strategy. Distinct from traditional marketing methods, new mover direct mail marketing with Our Town America allows businesses to reach consumers in an intimate fashion at an opportune time. Timing is Everything The Our Town America community Welcome Package arrives in the mailbox of new mover families while they’re actively seeking new go-to businesses in their new neighborhoods. Perceived as a community sponsorship package rather than everyday marketing, the Our Town America package gets opened and acted upon. In fact, 90% of respondents in Our Town America’s 2014 New Mover Survey said housewarming gifts would help them feel more comfortable and settled in their new home. Our Town America’s Welcome Package includes gift certificates with free offers from participating local businesses in the community—for example, a pizza shop, a dentist office, a hardware store, etc. Each one is personalized by name, includes a map directing the new mover to the business (since he/she is new to the area), and is tracked on the spot by a 2D barcode using the Our Town America TruTrak® application (available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play). This pinpoint tracking enables the business to track the response of the program and triggers a second mailing. The Extra Mile Each step of the Our Town America program provides various opportunities for businesses to develop long-term relationships with their new customers. The second mailing, the Thank You Postcard, hits the mailbox of the new-mover family after their initial visit, further solidifying the business-to-consumer relationship. In the aforementioned survey, 100% of new movers said it’s likely they’ll re-visit a business that welcomes them to the community. The Thank You Postcard is full-color, oversized and attention-grabbing. This postcard allows the business to personally thank the new-mover family for visiting, invites them back a second time, and is customizable, providing the business the option of extending a second offer to the family. Thousands of businesses across the nation rely on the Our Town America program to expand their customer base and increase revenue. Most businesses experience double-digit response rates and heightened brand awareness. With direct mail volume down—resulting in a less cluttered mailbox—now is your chance to stand out as the reputable business in your community. What are you waiting for? Read article on PMQ.com. By Brittany N. Johnson Source:  Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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A Long-Term Business Building Marketing Strategy Discussed

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America Marketing

TCOB Show (Nov 2014) – Our Town America franchise owner, Sondra Conk, joins Donna Powell of the Taking Care of Business Show to discuss new mover marketing with Our Town America. Listen in as Sondra and Donna talk about the Our Town America program and the success it’s brought business owners in both the Sarasota/Manatee area as well as nationwide. Listen to full podcast here         Source: Spreaker Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Our Town America Supports Small Businesses 365 Days a Year

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Open Sign Shop Store Color Blue Signage Door

PRWeb (Nov. 2014) – For the past four years, November 29th has been recognized nationally as a celebratory day for consumers and small businesses alike to support local, small businesses within the community; however, for Our Town America, the nation’s premiere new mover direct mail marketing franchise, Small Business Saturday takes places all 365 days of the year. Our Town America has been in support of small businesses for 42 years by connecting local, small businesses with new residents in town by mailing housewarming gifts in a premium community Welcome Package. Rather than filling a passport with stamps to obtain a one-day discount or giveaway gift, the Our Town America new mover direct mail marketing program rewards consumers who take advantage of visiting participating small businesses with follow-up gifts and long-term relationships with the best small businesses in town. Well over 3,000 businesses around the country currently use the Our Town America program to increase their customer base each and every month. These businesses depend on the program to create powerful results – many experiencing double digit response rates. In a 2014 survey of new movers, 95% of respondents said they would visit a business that welcomed them to the community and 90% of these respondents said housewarming gifts would make them feel more comfortable and settled in their home. When a part of the Our Town America program, both consumers and small businesses feel a sense of community each and every day. In support of small businesses across the country, Our Town America is offering 1 FREE MONTH to all new annual sponsor businesses who sign up the week of Small Business Saturday. For businesses interested in new mover marketing, contact Our Town America directly. Read on PRWeb. Source: PRWeb Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Our Town America CEO on Owning a Franchise

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America Franchise

biz-opp.biz (Nov. 2014) – For 43 years, Our Town America has been providing new movers with traditional hospitality by mailing warm gifts from neighborhood businesses in a premium gift package. And, thirteen years ago this Friday, when I wrote my first blog post on this website about a franchise, it was about Our Town America. That original post is now long gone, but Our Town America is still around. And this week, I finally got a chance to speak with the CEO Michael Plummer Jr. Hi Michael, thanks for doing this interview. Glad we finally got the chance. So, where did the idea for Our Town America come from? My father started the company in 1972. He discovered the power of welcoming new movers when he was running a pizza shop. He started with sending physical welcoming baskets as a one-time gift welcoming people to the neighborhood. He started to see new faces that would soon become loyal customers and bring in hundreds of dollars a year. How did you bring it to life? My father was the one who brought the company to life. Growing up, I helped where I could. In 2009, when my father passed away unexpectedly, I decided that carrying on his dream was the only choice there was. He did an incredible job running this establishment; I can only hope I do half as great a job as he did. Where do you see Our Town America in five years? Expanding with new relative offerings. Still remaining true to our special niche but expanding into other frontiers. Can’t say much more without spilling the beans. If you were to start again, what would you do differently? Not sure much of anything. After being in the industry as long as we have, our pitfalls, bumps, and bruises along the way were lessons learned that helped build us to whom we are today. While hiccups may not be pleasant, they are valuable learning experiences. Not to mention, what you do during the more difficult times really helps define who you are in getting through them. Read full interview here. Source: Business-opportunities.biz   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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