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Our Town America of the Treasure Valley Supports Small Businesses

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Local Business Our Town America

KTVB Boise – The long hours. The hard work. The aching back and feet! These are the hardships of Boise’s small business owners, the backbone of our local economy. So, for Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25), Boise’s “Small Biz Support Squad” celebrated some of their partnered local businesses. Amy Hecht traveled through town to surprise local owners with balloons and stress-relieving gifts to thank small businesses 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 small 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. Boise is a perfect place to celebrate Small Business Saturday as brave entrepreneurs work tirelessly to build reliable businesses in their community. Forbes has recently named Boise as the 11th fastest-growing city in America. The area’s population grew 1.83 percent in 2016, with a projected growth of 1.69 percent in 2017. In 2015, Boise made the top 10 cities for millennial entrepreneurs by Fast Company, coming in at number 2, and was ranked first on USAToday.com’s list of America’s 50 best cities to live in. Watch both KTVB Boise clips below for full story. To contact Amy and Scot Hecht of Our Town America of the Treasure Valley, 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. […]

Our Town America acts as Small Business Support Squad

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America Support Local Business

WBTV Charlotte (November 2017) – The long hours. The hard work. The aching back and feet! These are the hardships of Charlotte’s small business owners, the backbone of our local economy. So, for Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25), Charlotte’s “Small Biz Support Squad” is celebrating some of their partnered local businesses. In the past, they have traveled through town to surprise local owners with balloons, gifts and stress relieving massages to thank small businesses 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 small 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. Charlotte is a perfect place to celebrate Small Business Saturday as brave entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to build reliable businesses in their community. Forbes has recently ranked Charlotte as a top 10 place for businesses and careers and U.S. News & World Report ranked Charlotte as #14 in its “Best Places to live in the USA” list, and according to WalletHub’s May 2016 research on 150 large cities, Charlotte ranked #2 in average growth of number of small businesses and the #3 best place to start a business. Also, recent Charlotte Chamber of Commerce research shows Charlotte’s population is ranked #16 in total population among US Cities and has grown almost 40% in the last 10 years as a young and diverse population has flocked to the area for jobs, opportunity and quality of life. Watch WBTV Charlotte clip below for full story. To contact Jane and Tom McElhaney of Our Town America Charlotte, complete a Contact Form or call 704-341-4982. 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. […]

Small Business Saturday: Area shops beat odds as they battle giants

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Small Business Saturday Fort Myers Our Town America

The News-Press – Jennifer Williams has owned her Fort Myers boutique for a long time: 35 years, to be exact. Jennifer’s Boutique has done business in the same location on McGregor Boulevard in Cypress Square all that time. About half of all businesses don’t make it past five years and only one-third make it 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlighting how hard it can be to achieve success and stability. That’s one reason American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010. It’s a way to recognize small business owners in communities across the nation, including Southwest Florida. Highlighting Small Business Saturday helped local businesses generate $15.4 billion the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2016. Williams thought back to when she started her boutique at the age of 23. “I was pretty directed and pretty focused,” she said. “I put my head down and kept going. I can’t even wrap my head around it’s been 35 years.” Now a change is in order. Williams is moving the store just north, to the Design Center, by year’s end. The center includes The Melting Pot, First Watch, Spada, Sweet Bean Coffee Café and other retailers. The new store is about the same size as the existing location, but has 20-foot ceilings. “I love the store, but I felt I needed to be in a shopping center that had partners more suited to what I do,” she said. “Everyone likes excitement and change and energy. It’s nice to offer people something different. It’s really close.” Sally Hanson is a new arrival to Fort Myers, recently starting Our Town of Southwest Florida. She also owns the Our Town at the Triangle franchise in Raleigh, N.C. Both are part of Our Town America. “We welcome new people that are moving into the area,” she said, adding that moving is a major stressor. “They don’t know the area. We make their transition easier for them and introduce them to local businesses.” Hanson and her Fort Myers Small Biz Support Squad will be visiting small business owners in Lee County on Small Business Saturday, handing out goodies. “This is just growing and growing and growing because small businesses are the backbone of our community and we just want to thank them for all the hard work that they do,” she said. While most people are enjoying time around the holidays with family and friends, many small business owners are putting in their longest hours of the year. “We’re going around with balloons and gift cards from local businesses to thank them for their service,” she said. “It’s going to be a surprise. I have some businesses in mind, but it’s kind of random. I know how hard these people work. Through good times and bad, they keep chugging along.” Speaking of “chugging along,” Williams thought back to challenges along her journey, including the rise of online shopping. One silver lining: it has helped that her clientele skews a little older. “They still want that experience of touching the merchandise, feeling the merchandise, having someone assist them, getting feedback,” she said. “The store is kind of like ‘Cheers.’ There have been a lot of friendships made. You’re not going to get any kind of camaraderie at 2:30 in the morning on Amazon searching for a pair of jeans.” Jennifer’s Boutique has a big event each November for the anniversary. This time of year, the focus is on holiday wear and small items that make nice gifts. On Small Business Saturday, customers will receive a gift with purchases and get an additional 25 percent off sale merchandise. “We definitely cater to our clients for the holidays,” she said. Naples businesses For Footed Friends, an all-natural pet food store in Naples, has participated in Small Business Saturday for about a decade, using the marketing materials and swag that come along with it, but not offering any special discounts geared just for the day. “We’re hoping that Small Business Saturday is as popular as it has been in the past,” said owner Rose Scarisbrick. “It has been busy in the past.” With predictions of more online shopping this holiday season, she’s not sure how that will affect her business. Though customers can’t buy products on her company’s website, she offers free delivery in Collier County, so customers can arrange orders and get products without making a trip to the store at no extra cost. Retail spaces revamp as digital disrupts At Ooh La La Jewels Du Jour in Naples there are always specials to be had on Small Business Saturday. This year deals will include 20 percent off sterling silver jewelry and savings of 20 to 50 percent throughout the store on a variety of merchandise. Offers will include buy three-get one free on ginger snaps. There will be sales on readers (three for $15) and sunglasses (three for $12). Black Friday sales, however, will be even better, and will include a $100 gift bag with a $75 purchase, said Tammy Kipp, one of the store’s owners. She hopes to see customers come in both days to take advantage of the different offers. “It’s nice that people think about the mom and pops instead of the big boxes all the time. We are locally grown here,” Kipp said. “We’ve been here for 46 years and it’s nice that the locals support the locals. Read article on The News-Press — Fort Myers-area businesses looking to team up with Our Town of Southwest Florida can contact Sally Hanson at 919-349-7611 or sign up online now using our New Movers on Demand platform. 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. 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. […]

North Carolina New Movers Make Top 45 Fastest Growing Cities List – WBTV Charlotte

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America Charlotte New Movers Fastest Growing City

WBTV Charlotte (July 2017) – As Independence Day celebrations came to a close, Our Town America of Charlotte and all franchisees and employees of Our Town America began gearing up to help movers during the busiest time for new moves (more than 40 million moves will occur this year, most of which will be completed in July and August). As the nation’s first and fastest growing new mover marketing franchise, Our Town America is excited to help thousands of local businesses welcome millions of new movers to their new homes and new communities this summer. In honor of Our Town America’s 45th Anniversary, we are celebrating the 45 fastest growing American cities with the “Top 45 Fastest Growing American Cities” list. Our Town America has identified the “Top 45 Fastest Growing Cities in 2017” – the 45 cities with the highest mover activity in the last 12 months (May 2016 – April 2017) when compared to the previous 12 months (May 2015 – April 2016). This list, ranked in order with the fastest growing at the top, is comprised of the 45 fastest growing cities and neighborhoods nationwide. Each of these cities is filled with forward-thinking business owners who are eager to form long-term, loyal relationships with impressionable new movers of all ages. Fortunately, most of these cities are also served by an Our Town America franchise owner who helps local business owners spark those relationships by delivering personalized and thoughtful offers direct to new residents as soon as they move to town. Below are the North Carolina cities that made the list. Rank City-Neighborhood 2 Charlotte, NC 4 Raleigh, NC 11 Wilmington, NC 14 Fayetteville, NC 17 Durham, NC 20 Greensboro, NC 22 Winston-Salem, NC 27 Jacksonville, NC 31 Gastonia, NC 34 Huntersville, NC 36 Concord, NC Our Town America applauds each of these cities and neighborhoods for generating the highest mover activity over the past 12 months. Clearly, local political leaders, business owners, and established residents from each of these places have worked hard to make their city or neighborhood a great place to live and work. Charlotte-area businesses looking to team up with Our Town America of Charlotte can contact the McElhaney’s at 704-341-4982 or complete an online Contact Charlotte 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. Jane McElhaney, owner of Our Town America of Charlotte, was featured on WBTV Charlotte discussing these moving trends. Watch full clip below. —– Methodology The “Top 45 Fastest Growing American Cities in 2017” list was determined based on data derived from Our Town America’s new mover database that tracks new moves (including property deed transfers, change of address, new utility connections and other proprietary sources). As the nation’s first and fastest growing new mover marketing franchise celebrating 45 years in business in 2017, Our Town America has established itself as the leading expert on moving trends and statistics. Our Town America worked with its industry leading IT team to compile highly targeted new mover data that serves as the foundation for these rankings. Equipped with this data, Our Town America identified the 45 cities with the highest mover activity in the last 12 months (May 2016 – April 2017) when compared to the previous 12 months (May 2015 – April 2016). This list is comprised of the 45 fastest growing cities and neighborhoods nationwide and is in rank order with the highest at the top. The ranking criteria was restricted to the amount of moves into or within each city and does not take into consideration any other factors. 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. […]

The Top 45 Fastest Growing American Cities in 2017

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America The Top 45 Fastest Growing American Cities in 2017

As we approach the first day of summer (June 21), all employees and franchisees at Our Town America are gearing up for the busiest time for new moves (more than 40 million moves will occur this year, most of which will be completed in June, July, and August). As the nation’s first and fastest growing new mover marketing franchise, Our Town America is excited to help thousands of local businesses welcome millions of new movers to their new homes and new communities this summer. […]

Unique Ways to Finance a Franchise Opportunity

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America Credit Cards

creditcards.com (May 2017) – Starting a business, paying for education and even financing a once-in-a-lifetime trip – sometimes credit cards allow people the freedom to take a risk they couldn’t otherwise afford. “There are times when making a charge that is beyond your ability to promptly repay makes sense,” says Martin H. Lynch, director of education for Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., in Agawam, Massachusetts. Financing a dream is one such case, but while dreaming big is good, having a repayment plan is better. After you’ve exhausted other payment options such as low-cost loans, crowdfunding and asking loved ones for help, funding a risky or dream venture with a credit card may be your best option. Here are seven rules to help you determine if the risk is worth it, and how to avoid ruining your financial life in the process. 1. Determine the value of the risk. Make sure you’re spending your money on something that has value. One example: Paying for a training course that could increase your future earning potential. There may be intangible benefits to using credit to finance a risky venture to consider, too. Investors often look favorably upon those who are willing to take on debt themselves for their businesses, says Clifford R. Ennico, small-business expert and author of “Small Business Survival Guide.” “As one investor once told me, ‘Don’t ask me to put my house at risk if you are not willing to do so yourself.’” 2. Consider your credit history. Your credit score influences the amount that new debt will cost you. With a high credit score, you can take your pick of loan offerings with low interest rates. Case in point: Susan Nagi of Tempe, Arizona, took out $52,000 in personal loans and used credit cards for living expenses when she started a business in 2014. She says owning an Our Town America franchise – a company that helps local businesses connect with new residents in a community – was a success partially because with a credit score in the 800s, “Everybody wanted to give me money.” 3. Make sure you understand the downside. Credit card interest rates are rising in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, so know that paying for your dream will cost you more in the months ahead. Also, taking on debt will likely lower your credit score. Talk over your plans with loved ones, too. If you’re not single, “Make sure your spouse and family are on board before you do this – they may not have the same appetite for risk that you do,” Ennico says. 4. Imagine the worst-case scenario. Think about what you would do if your dream failed. Would you be able to pay the debt you’re getting ready to take on? When Dallas-based small-business funding expert Myra Good used credit cards to finance a handbag line back in 2010, she was still working full-time so she knew she’d have a salary to help pay off the debt even if the venture did not succeed. Having multiple streams of income or the ability to pick up contract work in a pinch can also minimize the risk of going into debt. 5. Start with the end in mind. Calculate a time frame to pay down your credit card balance quickly by paying more than the minimum. Josh Skolnick used credit cards to spend $75,000 on advertising and marketing costs for his southeastern Pennsylvania tree removal business Monster Tree Service in 2008. He paid off all of that within six months out of the profits he made from his business. “When I put the charges on the credit card, it was never meant to be a long-term play,” Skolnick says. 6. Look for a promotional rate. Shop around for a business credit card. Your best bet is a business card offering 0 percent for an introductory period, which is basically a temporary interest-free loan. Several business credit cards currently offer 0 percent interest for nine or 12 months. Matthew Blackmon of Long Beach, Mississippi, used credit cards to help cover living expenses while he got his pool service franchise, America’s Swimming Pool Co., off the ground in 2012. “If you have 24 months of 0 percent interest, make a plan to get it all paid off, or a large majority of it paid off by the time that interest kicks in,” Blackmon advises. 7. Find tangible things to sacrifice. When Good used credit cards to finance her handbag line, she gave up trips to Dubai and other exotic locations she enjoyed visiting. Look for ways to cut back in order to speed up the repayment process. Ask yourself: “Are there expenses that you could significantly reduce or eliminate, at least temporarily?” Lynch says. “Make those cutbacks now to make paying yourself back easier.” Read article on creditcards.com. By: Tamara E. Holmes — Looking to open your own Our Town America franchise? Call 800-497-8360 ext. 236 or complete an online Franchise Application. 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. […]

Small Business Support Squad Giving Back To Local Small Businesses

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Small Business Saturday Our Town America on WUSF Radio

WUSF Radio (November 2016) – Some small businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area will be getting surprise visits this week, as part of the inaugural “Small Business Support Squad”. The “Small Business Support Squad” was created by Our Town America, a national marketing firm that targets new residents and businesses, to thank small businesses. Melissa Nelson helped create the support squad, and says they will be going to small businesses before Small Business Saturday, on November 26th. That’s where people are encouraged to patronize small businesses on Thanksgiving weekend. They’ll be surprising local business owners with gifts, such as wine and massage certificates. “They work so hard that it’s just gonna be fun to give them something that’s gonna help them relax when this really busy season winds down for them,” Nelson said. Nelson says they plan on making the “Small Business Support Squad” an annual thing, and hope to include even more businesses next year. Listen to clip here >> Our Town America of Greater St. Petersburg on WUSF Radio — St.Petersburg, FL area businesses looking to team up with Our Town America of Greater St. Petersburg can contact Melissa Nelson & Steve Schroeder at 727-490-8155 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. Listen to clip of Melissa Nelson on WUSF Radio below. 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. […]

Our Town America knows Small Businesses mean Big Business – WBTV Charlotte

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Small Business Saturday Our Town America

WBTV Charlotte (November 2016) – This year, for the second year in a row, for Small Business Saturday, Jane and Tom McElhaney of Our Town America of Charlotte will head out to thank small business owners for everything they do for our community. Small Business Saturday, the shopping holiday held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, encouraging shoppers to patronize small and local businesses. Jane and Tom are small business owners themselves, as Our Town America franchisees, and understand that small businesses mean big business to the community. The McElhaney’s support small businesses year round, as the Our Town America business model is focused on helping local business owners create a sense of community at their stores by welcoming new movers to town with free one-time gifts. The McElhaney’s created the “Charlotte Small Business Support Squad” to show their appreciation for small and local businesses in their area. On Saturday, they will drive through Charlotte to surprise their partnered local business owners with a Community Service Award and more! Charlotte-area businesses looking to team up with Our Town America of Charlotte can contact the McElhaney’s at 704-341-4982 or complete an online Contact Charlotte 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. Watch clip of Jane McElhaney on WBTV Charlotte below. 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. […]

Our Town America Expands Reach for Minnesota Business Owners

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America of Minnesota New Mover Marketing Welcoming New MoversOur Town America of Minnesota New Mover Marketing Welcoming New Movers

Our Town America, the nation’s premier New Mover Marketing franchise, recently opened its fifth Minnesota location, further expanding its reach in a state that was recently ranked #1 for businesses and families alike*. […]

Our Town America 2016 Top Low-Cost Franchise

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America Low Cost Franchise

Franchise Business Review – For their 2016 Top Low-Cost Franchises Report, Franchise Business Review surveyed over 11,000 franchisees representing 125 low-cost brands to identify the top low-cost franchises with the most satisfied franchisees. Our Town America is ranked one of the best in this comprehensive list of businesses under $100k. Our Town America is the leading Advertising franchise on the list. Franchise Business Review asked Our Town America what traits we feel our most successful franchisees share, in addition to a willingness to follow proven systems… “Motivation, internal drive, and a plan is what franchisees need to be successful,” says Michael Plummer, CEO of Our Town America, which specializes in New Mover Marketing. “Motivation, whether it be wanting to get the kids through college, set up something for a good retirement or simply wanting more money is important. Internal drive gets you through those days when it is tough. Planning is key to measuring when you have arrived at a milestone or goal and where to raise the bar to keep you moving towards your objectives.” If you’re interested in purchasing a low-cost franchise, page 6 is a great place to begin. Access the FREE Low-Cost Report HERE. Download the PDF. Complete an application to franchise with Our Town America or Contact Us us for more information. 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. […]