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As U.S. Reopens, Coronavirus Concerns Could Lead to Mass Exodus

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Survey Reveals People want to Move due to Coronavirus

Franchising.com (May 2020) – Call it the Epicenter Exodus. As the U.S. starts reopening in time for May’s National Moving Month and the busy summer moving season, a just released survey reveals a good chunk of residents from coronavirus hot spot states would voluntarily pack up and move out to areas not as crippled by the virus. It’s not only the city slickers in cramped quarters who want out. Spread-out suburbanites want to hit the road, too. The Our Town America national survey of 1,000 Americans reveals a large percentage of residents living in the ten states with the most Covid-19 cases would consider moving – even though many have lived in their state for more than twenty years, or even their whole lives. The states with the most coronavirus cases are New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Louisiana, Connecticut, and Florida. The survey, commissioned by Our Town America, the nation’s leading new mover marketing franchise, reveals: More than 40% of folks polled say they’d consider moving because they live in a coronavirus hot spot state. More than half polled live in the suburbs and more than 30% live in the city. Of those who would move, more than 1/2 (53%) say they say they would move to an area of the country less affected by the coronavirus for peace of mind (44%) and because there’s less chance of a resurgence of coronavirus (40%). Some also say it’s important to live somewhere their kids will be able to start school sooner. When would they move? Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) say they’re ready to move NOW – as quickly as possible. More than 3 in 5 (64%) say they’d want to move by the end of the year. Numb Nation The new survey of 1000 American adults from the 10 hotspot states reveals a country shell-shocked by Covid-19. As America reopens, more than 3 in 4 polled (76%) say they’re still worried about the virus. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) say they’re also concerned about the future and 1 in 3 (33%) said they don’t believe the state they live in will ever get back to pre-pandemic normal. Folks are most worried about their families, health, and finances. More than 1/3 (35%) say they or someone in their family lost work or a job. And almost half (46%) say they want better mental health. Those with kids also ranked their children’s well-being as a top worry. The South Atlantic states rank as the top areas people would move to right now- states on the east coast from Florida up to Delaware. (DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, WV, FL) More than 1 in 4 (28%) eager to move say they’d move to a warmer climate. More than 1/2 (53%) of those folks say warm weather is better for their physical and mental health and more than 1 in 6 (17%) believe the virus has less chance of spreading in warmer temperatures. Pandemic Prisoners Want Out! Folks polled say the country can’t open soon enough. Nearly 1/3 (30%) say the Stay-At-Home orders in their state were too severe. They describe their neighborhoods during quarantine as the “Apocalypse,” “Armageddon” and “Hitler-esque”. Nearly 2/3 (65%) of respondents are ready for the country to open now! And when asked if the lockdowns were necessary, more than 1 in 4 (28%) say they would have preferred NO Stay-At-Home orders and would have taken their chances on contracting the virus. Almost a third (27%) of those eager to move say they’d relocate as a chance to move on from the virus in a new place, for a fresh start. “It’s clear the coronavirus has scarred people physically, mentally, financially and geographically. We could see a mass exodus of people leaving these hot spot states to begin a new chapter of their lives for different opportunities for them and their families,” says Our Town America’s CEO Michael Plummer. “Our new mover welcome packages stuffed with certificates to try out new area businesses is more critical than ever because social distancing may keep neighbors away from new families so there won’t be anyone to welcome them.” Covid Concerns In fact, in the survey, people who want to move from hot spot states fear new neighbors will keep their distance for fear of contracting the virus. More than 2/3 (68%) say they worry neighbors might stay away because they come from a state heavily infected with the virus. More than 2/3 (69%) say receiving a housewarming gift would make them more comfortable, but more than half (60%) also say the best way for neighbors to welcome them is to flag them down in the front yard and introduce themselves following social distancing guidelines. “In this coronavirus era, we probably won’t see neighbors welcoming new families with dinner invitations and home baked goods because people will keep their distance,” says Plummer. “A free meal, haircut or service that comes in our envelope, will be the boost and welcome new movers need to feel part of the community.” The survey suggests Americans agree with Plummer as respondents say they’ll continue supporting local businesses after the Coronavirus chaos dies down, especially the places that stick to curbside/takeout and share more information online. More than 4 in 5 (81.4%) say they’ll take advantage of a proven offer (i.e. free meal, haircut, etc.) from a local business that welcomes them to their new community but nearly 1/2 (49%) say they’ll be sticking to takeout and curbside when they do. The responses also prove folks are craving a new online directory that lists restaurants open for takeout and delivery. More than 7 in 10 (70.6%) say they would have used that type of directory while living in quarantine and even more (73%) say they’ll use it when the quarantine is lifted. *Editor’s Note: *Please cite Our Town America as the source for this survey *This online survey of 1,000 American men and women was conducted by a third party and commissioned […]

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North Carolina Local Businesses Begin to Safely Reopen

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
North Carolina Local Businesses Begin to Safely reopen

Spectrum News (May 2020) – Bassam Safi of Our Town America shares how local businesses in North Carolina are preparing to reopen since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Local businesses have been largely impacted by the Coronavirus, and need support now more than ever. Safi’s partnered local businesses continue to take precautions in order to ensure employees and consumers are safe. Triangle Family Dentistry of North Carolina, for example, are “going above and beyond all ADA and CDC guidelines and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of their employees as well as their patients” according to Safi. Safi encourages consumers to consider shopping at local businesses whenever safe and possible. Our Town America wants small business owners, as well as consumers, impacted by the Coronavirus to know they aren’t in this alone Watch the full Spectrum News clip below. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local business in the Wilmington, Cary, Raleigh, or Durham, NC area looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, you can reach Bassam Safi at 910-352-5776 or safi.bassam@ourtown.net. If your business is located outside the Wilmington, Cary, Raleigh, or Durham area, you can reach Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to get connected with your local representative. 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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Local Businesses Meet Consumer Needs During Coronavirus | KTVU San Francisco

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Local Business San Francisco

KTVU San Francisco Live — Our Town America of San Francisco owner, Suzi Dupries, says that local businesses are open and ready to serve their community during the Coronavirus pandemic. Small businesses continue to meet consumer’s shopping needs by implementing new ways of delivering goods and services.  Dupries’ partnered local businesses have also transitioned during this time, one example of this is contactless ordering and delivery. Consumers can order products from their favorite local businesses over the phone or online and have their products delivered to them without breaking social distancing rules.  Dupries stresses the importance of shopping local during this time, here are some small business facts to consider: Small businesses account for 99.7% of all businesses in the U.S. For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately $0.67 stay in the community. Our Town America wants small business owners, as well as consumers, impacted by COVID-19 to know they aren’t in this alone. Watch the full KTVU San Francisco clip below.       — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local San Francisco-area business looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, reach out to Suzi Dupries at 415-755-4574 or dupries.suzi@ourtown.net If your business is located outside the San Francisco area, you can reach Our Town America headquarters at 1-800-497-8360 to get connected with your local representative. 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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Your Pizza Is Delicious. Get New Customers to Take a Bite with New Mover Marketing

Written by Steven Sgroi
pizza marketing can make a huge impact on your business

Pizza marketing doesn’t have to be a challenge. Two things are inevitable: everyone moves at some point in their life, and everyone needs to eat to survive. And, while maybe not applicable to every single person in the US, MOST people like pizza. In fact, pizza is a $30 billion per year industry. So, as a restaurant owner or marketer for a local or chain pizzeria, it seems like a no brainer to advertise your product to new residents in your market/area/city. But why haven’t you started yet? You do Facebook marketing and sometimes you stick a sign about an event you’re hosting on your business lawn, but these methods are not necessarily geared towards new movers. What if your prospective clients don’t have internet yet or simply haven’t driven by your storefront to see that sign? In fact, getting new, working internet can take up to 2 weeks after moving into a new residence. …Partnered pizzerias and pizza restaurants can see response rates over 27% This is where New Mover Marketing comes into play. While we can’t speak for all New Mover programs, Our Town America’s partnered pizzerias and pizza restaurants can see response rates of 27.66% (based on our historical data). This means over 27% of new movers who receive gift certificates are redeeming them. That number is unheard of! ‘How the heck is that even possible? Isn’t direct mail dead?’ You may be thinking to yourself. Very far from dead, actually. According to the U.S. Postal Service, 98% of Americans check their mail on a daily basis. While email can get overwhelming with hundreds of promotional emails received daily, direct mail is delivered just once a day. Many people actually look forward to opening a tangible envelope that was placed in their personal mailbox. Furthermore, the Our Town America envelope is personally addressed to the new mover by name – not to “current resident” or “owner”, but to ‘The Robinson Household’, for example. Unlike other mailers, the Our Town America New Mover Welcoming Package is received only once – not periodically, eliminating the possibility for consumers to see it as a bother. Not only will your prospective customers be inclined to open this piece of mail addressed directly to them, but they will also be intrigued by the “Housewarming Gifts from Your Neighborhood” text on the front of this beautifully crafted, oversized envelope. Your pizzeria will stand out from others in your area, as you will be the only pizza restaurant in your chosen zip codes’ package. This is key, as you are introducing your business to new movers before your competition even has a chance! Your new mover gift certificate offer is decided upon by you with the help of our skilled New Mover Experts who have access to 46+ years of historical response rate and offer data at their fingertips. Once your new customers redeem their one-time housewarming offer, the gift certificate is scanned to gather accurate tracking data, as well as trigger the second loyalty mailing. This loyalty mailer is a one-time postcard mailed to the new mover shortly after they redeem their New Mover Gift Certificate. This loyalty mailer allows you to present new residents with a second offer, or just simply thank them for stopping in and invite them back. This is seen as an extra touch, as not many pizzerias will go out of their way to thank their customers for stopping by, or even know who is new to their establishment. This shows that you are in tune with your business, the neighborhood, and that you go the extra mile. If you are looking for a way to ramp up your pizza marketing, look no further than in your own backyard. While there are many ways to market your business, there is no other like our New Mover Marketing program; a one-time mailer to new residents, personalized by name, offering free offers (not just discounts), trackable, full color, exclusive to your pizzeria and offering a second follow-up mailer. If you are looking for a way to ramp up your pizza marketing, look no further than in your own backyard. Our Town America is available in all US markets, and would love for you to gain new, loyal customers while creating a bridge between your business and consumers. Want to get started? Contact me at 800-497-8360 and let’s discuss how we can develop a pizza marketing strategy that will work for you! Steven SgroiSteven is Our Town America’s corporate sales manager and oversees the national sales team. www.ourtownamerica.com […]

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Playing A Key Role in Veterinarian’s Journey

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
New Mover Marketing for Veterinarians Laurel Road

Our Town America, the nation’s premier new mover marketing franchise, is committed to helping families settle into their new community. From restaurants to gyms to veterinary offices, new residents have to find their community staples. Our Town America presents new movers with a welcoming package filled with discount offers to local businesses, delivered right to their mailbox. These offers can serve as a convenient starting point for residents as they work to establish their new normal. Dr. Ilene Serentill, owner of Laurel Road Veterinary Clinic in Nokomis, Florida, has first-hand experience with Our Town America’s New Mover Marketing program. After moving to the area a few years ago to be closer to her child’s school, Serentill was greeted with a personalized New Mover Welcoming Package from Our Town America. She was immediately drawn to the colorful, appealing offers. Upon flipping through the offers, she discovered a free pet exam from her neighborhood vet, Laurel Road Veterinary Clinic. This piqued her interest as she herself was a veterinarian and was seeking employment close to her new home. Dr. Serentill realized the veterinary clinic was within walking distance of her new house. She decided to stop by, introduce herself and see if there were any job openings for a veterinarian. Fate was on her side that day; a full-time veterinarian had just turned in their two-week notice a few days before, and the clinic needed a new vet. Dr. Serentill decided a great way to get to know the clinic was to utilize her Our Town America gift certificate for a free, comprehensive exam for her dog, Sarge. During that visit, Dr. Serentill was able to meet the clinic owner and staff members. She immediately felt at home and was confident in moving forward with the veterinarian position at the clinic. Fast forward to today, and Dr. Serentill is now owner of the Laurel Road Veterinary Clinic. “It’s been a long journey, but it all started with Our Town America,” says Dr. Serentill. “I first found out about the clinic through an Our Town America offer, and now, after a lot of long hours and hard work, I am the owner! I took over the business in September of 2018, and I am excited to continue our partnership with Our Town America. They have been incredibly valuable to our business.” As a new business owner, Dr. Serentill is very budget-conscious and has cut back on all marketing expenses…except Our Town America. Today, the Laurel Road Veterinary Clinic still offers new movers a free, comprehensive exam for their pet, valued at $45. Additionally, Dr. Serentill and local franchise owner, Jennifer Moseley, decided to send Our Town America thank you cards to new residents that took advantage of the free exam. Those thank you cards are good for $5 off the customer’s next visit. (check out this Veterinary News article for more details on how this program works for veterinarians) “Our Town America gives us a measurable metric to determine the effectiveness of the campaign and helps us establish relationships with new customers,” says Dr. Serentill. “On average, we see three new clients per month who are using their new mover offer for a free exam. Those customers often come back time and time again; many become life-long, loyal customers. That new business is great for our bottom line.” Our Town America has been helping businesses across the country capture the attention of new movers for more than 45 years. Capitalizing on new residents through appealing vouchers, discounts and unique offers can give local businesses a competitive edge. By providing new residents with personalized coupons, delivered straight to their mailbox, Our Town America helps stimulate the local economy and grow local businesses. Are you interested in putting our industry leading new mover marketing program to work for your business?   Click here to get started – https://www.ourtownamerica.com/movers-on-demand/#business-info 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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Cleveland Woman is $3,000 New Mover Survey Winner!

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America 2017 New Mover Survey Winner

Cleveland, OH (April 2018) – When Danelle Daniels moved to Cleveland, she didn’t anticipate a housewarming gift worth thousands of dollars. On Tuesday, the Cleveland-based franchise owner of Our Town America, the nation’s leading new mover marketing company, presented Daniels with a $3,000 check after naming her the grand prize winner of our 2017 National New Mover Survey. “We are thrilled to celebrate and support anyone who calls the Cleveland area home,” said Dave Handa, Cleveland’s Our Town America franchise owner. “Like so many other new residents, we’re grateful she took the time to fill out our survey. It’s our turn to show our appreciation of her choice to move to a great city.” Daniels was one of the thousands of new movers across the country to complete the annual survey included in the Our Town America welcoming package — a personalized collection of free offers from local businesses, like Cleveland’s Rivals Sports Grille where Daniels received a giant oversized check for $3,000. A New Mover gift certificate led Daniels to the friendly neighborhood bar, and now Rivals Sports Grille has become one of her favorite new restaurants. Owner John Simmons says he enjoys connecting with new residents like Daniels through the Welcome Package— it’s one of many reasons he relies on Our Town America to introduce his business to Cleveland’s growing community. “A housewarming gift is supposed to make someone feel welcome and accepted,” said Simmons. “We want every new resident to feel like there’s always a seat for them at our table.” No word yet on how Daniels will spend her winnings, but she can of course spend the $3,000 to buy additional goods and services from local businesses! Dave Handa with Our Town America says the New Mover Survey is an excellent opportunity for local businesses and newcomers to Cleveland. “We’re learning more from new movers nationwide,” said Handa. “Danelle’s big win showcases how important it is for local business owners to reach out to new movers who appreciate their support as they settle into their new community.” “Moving was a huge step for my son and I, I’m thankful for the Our Town America package, because it helped during our busy transition. Thank you for caring and making us feel welcome,” said Daniels. Cleveland-area businesses interested in the Our Town America program can complete a Contact Form or call franchise owner Dave Handa at 440-376-1254.  For more information on the annual New Mover Survey, we invite you to explore our website. Want to see who the 2016 winner was? Click Here. [/column][/row][/lead] 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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Boise Business Owners Teach Middle Schoolers a Valuable Lesson

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
We Dine Together Our Town America Boise

KTVB Boise (April 2018) — The cafeteria—the loneliest (and scariest) place for any anxious middle schooler—but not at Eagle Middle School Thursday,  April 12th morning. Armed with dozens of free donuts, a few icebreakers, and a little encouragement, two local business owners teamed up to help students make new friends and feel less isolated. “My family moved around a lot, so I know what it feels like to always be the ‘new kid,’” recalled Amy Hecht, a former Eagle Middle School teacher, turned local business owner. “As an educator, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of bullying and loneliness on children who are doing their best to fit in at school. We want them to know that we see them, and we care about them.” Making new residents feel welcomed in Boise is the mission of Hecht’s successful business Our Town America, a new mover marketing franchise. After learning about the “We Dine Together” movement — a national student-led initiative that helps students from all walks of life feel included— from a recent “Seven’s Hero” feature by KTVB’s very own Maggie O’Mara, Hecht joined forces with Prum Nouhem, the owner of DK Donuts. Together, they lead by example. With a passion for activism and youth, both entrepreneurs are inspiring Boise’s youngest residents to embrace newcomers and learn more about their community. “Our kids represent the best of Boise, and it’s up to the grownups to support them,” said Nouhem, an immigrant who now calls Treasure Valley home after escaping political persecution in Cambodia. “We want a world where everyone can work toward peace, and that starts with encouraging our kids to believe in themselves.” Dozens of students enjoyed freshly baked donuts and friendly conversation with their classmates and teachers Thursday. Hecht and Nouhem have issued a challenge to other local business owners, asking them to donate food, supplies, and lessons in leadership for future “We Dine Together” events. “We can’t just tell them to make new friends, we have to show them how to do it,” said Hecht. “That means giving them space and the resources to make our world a better place.” Watch the KTVB Boise clip below for full story. To contact Amy Hecht of Our Town America of Boise, ID, complete a Contact Form or call 208-866-9540. 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 of Atlanta: Helping the Market One New Mover at a Time

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town of Atlanta on New Mover Marketing Business Radio X

Business Radio X (December 2017) – As one of Our Town America’s longest tenured franchisees, Chris Beer is an expert at helping local Atlanta businesses connect with new movers and create long term, lasting relationships. Listen to the clip below to learn more about New Mover Marketing, why your business should invest in it, what sets it apart from every day marketing tactics, and more! Click play to listen to clip below. Atlanta, GA area businesses looking to team up with Our Town America of Atlanta can contact Chris Beer at 770-655-2116 or complete an online Contact Form. Small businesses in any U.S. market can reach out to Our Town America’s corporate team to get in touch with their local representative.  Call by phone at 800-497-8360 or complete a Contact Form.     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 of Atlanta Joins Small Business Support Squad

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Small Business Saturday Our Town America on WUSF Radio

WDUN (November 2017) – Like many other Our Town America franchise locations, Our Town of Atlanta joined in on the Small Business Saturday fun by starting the “Small Business Support Squad” in their local area. The “Small Biz Support Squad” was created by Our Town America, a national marketing firm that targets new residents and businesses, to thank small businesses. On behalf of Our Town of Atlanta owner Chris Beer, Marketing Executive Brittany Johnson of the Corporate Headquarters, met with WDUN to discuss what Our Town America does for small businesses. Click play to listen to clip below.   Atlanta, GA area businesses looking to team up with Our Town America of Atlanta can contact Chris Beer at 770-655-2116 or complete an online Contact Form. Small businesses in any U.S. market can reach out to Our Town America’s corporate team to get in touch with their local representative.  Call by phone at 800-497-8360 or complete a Contact Form. 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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Small Business Saturday by Our Town America Phoenix

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Small Business Owners for Small Business Saturday

KNXV Phoenix (November 2017) – Phoenix’s small business owners are the backbone of our local economy. So, for Small Business Saturday, which took place on Nov. 25th, Phoenix’s “Small Biz Support Squad” celebrated some of their partnered local businesses. David Cox traveled through town to surprise local owners with balloons and stress-relieving gifts to thank small businesses them for everything they do for our community – create jobs, provide goods and services and keep our local economy chugging through good times and bad. American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 to honor local business owners in thousands of communities across the country.   In just seven years, the annual event has blossomed into a hyperlocal phenomenon as more than 112 million American shoppers helped local businesses generate more than $15.4 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2016. Phoenix is a perfect place to celebrate Small Business Saturday as brave entrepreneurs  work tirelessly to build reliable businesses in their community. Arizona is home to 511,828 small businesses and employs 955,194 workers, according to the S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  Forbes recently ranked Phoenix as the 35th best place for business and careers, and reported that the city saw 3.3 percent job growth in 2016. The Phoenix Chamber of Commerce reports that 9 out of 10 companies project revenues to increase in the coming year, while 98 percent of companies rated the business climate as excellent or good. Watch both KNXV Phoenix clips below for full story. To contact David Cox of Our Town America Phoenix, complete a Contact Form or call 602-923-7770. 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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