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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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Direct Mail Still Works: How To Use Tech To Elevate Traditional Marketing

Written by Michael Plummer, Jr.
Direct Mail Still Works: How To Use Tech To Elevate Traditional Marketing

Forbes — Direct mail may sound old-fashioned and outdated in today’s technological world, but if we only utilized new forms of advertising, there would be no Super Bowl ads — or TV ads, period (television has been airing for the masses since the 1940s). There would be no radio ads (America has been listening to radio programs since the 1920s). We wouldn’t do trade shows (those have been around since the 1800s). Even some modern-day marketing strategies are growing gray hairs, as email has been around since the early 1970s and internet advertising was launched in the 1990s. Direct mail — especially niche-based, targeted direct mail such as the new mover marketing program we offer at Our Town America — has endured because it works. Helping local businesses create valuable, long-term relationships by delivering thoughtful and personalized gift certificates direct to new mover doorsteps is what we do. It’s in our DNA. Sure, it’s old-school, print-based advertising, but it’s effective because it can reach a niche customer base when they’re interested in finding new, go-to solutions for everyday needs (groceries, hair care, restaurants, etc.). That’s the key to effective marketing, both online and offline: the ability to reach customers when they’re actively searching for answers. And in today’s world, technology plays a pivotal role in determining who those customers are and where/how they’re searching for solutions. You must always be open to embracing new technology — even if it’s in conjunction with an old-school form of advertising — that helps you efficiently reach and influence target audiences. So what if you own a direct mail company and know you need to evolve? Or perhaps you’re a business owner considering direct mail marketing and you want to be sure the company you choose “gets it.” Keep these three things in mind: Technology Is Still Essential To Key-In On Target Audiences Direct mail efforts without demographic-based strategies can be a waste of money. These days, you can use technology to pinpoint target audiences. If your core customer group is within two miles of your place of business, don’t send to a 10-mile radius. If your products are best-suited for senior citizens, don’t send offers to millennials. And if you want apartment dwellers, it’s silly to send direct mail to McMansions. Too many businesses throw money to the wind because they aren’t specific about reaching their core audiences at the right time. Technology affords us the ability to only send to specific zip codes, neighborhoods, etc. Create Human Connections With Customers Ready To Act … And Track Redemptions That is, when you send potential customers gift certificates to try out your business, include a tracking mechanism (like a QR or barcode on the certificate that you can scan). This should be done so that if they redeem your offer, you will know it’s being used. This also helps you secure their contact info, so you can follow up with an additional offer, thank them for being a customer and invite them back. All customers want to feel appreciated. But they don’t just want discounts or coupons — they want real, thoughtful offers (such as a free pizza, not just 10% off). That’s the key to inspiring action and increasing redemptions — getting them in the door when they’re ready to act and delivering an unbelievable in-store experience that keeps them coming back for years. This is the human factor of direct mail that technological advancements don’t compromise — the opportunity to send a real, tangible, personalized offer delivered directly to someone’s doorstep. Don’t Let Technological Advancements Scare You Away From Direct Mail Look, it’s easy to think that direct mail doesn’t work because everyone’s using the internet to find out where they’re going and what they’re buying. But that’s actually a reason direct mail could be beneficial. Potential customers can be overwhelmed by all the information they find online and don’t know where to turn. You’ve got that person’s mailbox, sometimes to yourself, and you can use technology as a facilitator to help connect with potential customers in a direct way. So it’s important to remember that technology is your friend. Implement tiny aspects of it to create a personal touch and avoid bombarding potential customers with emails and push notifications. The internet is a technological marvel, but everyone uses it. Seeing an ad on the internet is like looking at the night sky and picking out a favorite star. They all look the same after a while. But that’s where direct mail — if you use it properly — can separate your business from the crowd … especially when you’re using technology to elevate the reach and impact of direct mail programs. And, besides, as the saying goes: Everything old is new again!   Michael Plummer, Jr.Michael Plummer, Jr. is Our Town America’s President and CEO. Michael strategically leads Our Town America while maintaining our core principals of connecting new residents to the local businesses in their communities. www.ourtownamerica.com […]

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One Man’s Decision to Take Over the Family Business Has Helped Thousands

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America franchise business

Our Town America is more than just a business to many By Yitzi Weiner and Casmin Wisner I had the great pleasure to interview Michael Plummer, Jr, President and CEO of Our Town America, the nation’s leading new mover marketing franchise business with more than 60 franchises nationwide. Thank you so much for doing this with us! What is your backstory? My journey to becoming the CEO of Our Town America began when I was 20 and my dad—a very hard working and generous man to everyone—offered me a job at the family business. The salary would have been a fortune for most 20-year-olds, but I declined. Instead I enlisted in the army and became a medic for the U.S. Army. My dad didn’t exactly think it was a great idea, but I wanted to work in medicine and create my own path. That was a decision I will never regret—and eventually my dad came around. Before long, you could tell he was very proud of what I was doing, and that I was forging my own path. In the year 2000 my dad had a major heart attack, and while he came out of it okay, I decided to finally take his job offer and work with him at Our Town America. I’ve never regretted that decision either. In 2009, my dad—who was only 57—had another heart attack and passed away suddenly. A few days after the funeral I was in my dad’s office signing paychecks for his 30 employees when once again I had a big decision to make. A business broker asked if I was interested in selling the business. I immediately said that I was not, but then I started having doubts. The recession was raging and it was a scary time. I started thinking that it might not be such a bad idea to sell the company. Long story short, I decided to throw myself into Our Town America, and fortunately, I’m three for three. I’ve never regretted that decision either. I’m extremely proud that we are celebrating 45 years in business as we unveil our brand new 44,000 square foot facility in Clearwater. Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company? After growing up into my teens swearing I didn’t want to be like my dad, I am proud to say I am very much like him. I remember sitting with him on many occasions at 6:30 in the morning, enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to him explain some things that we were working on and why they were important. Some of the choices didn’t make a lot of sense to me at the time, but now—since having been in similar situations—I find myself doing similar things and making similar choices. While some situations call for obvious decisions, some need a little more heart and finesse. So, what exactly does your company do? We are a new mover marketing company that specializes in connecting businesses with new, loyal customers. For 45 years our innovative, new mover marketing program has helped businesses nationwide develop a constant stream of new, loyal customers. We do that by connecting businesses with families that have just moved into the community and other potential customers near their businesses using our famous welcoming package and full-color postcards. You get new customers each month who are actively searching for new businesses. It’s a niche market, but if you think about it, businesses want new customers, and customers who have just moved into an area want to know what’s out there. They’re actually far more receptive to advertising than residents who have lived in the area forever. What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story? After 45 years we have not only perfected our craft, but we have grown to be the most technologically savvy new mover marketing franchise in our industry. Our program offers tracking by barcoded certificates and postcards, tells you who came in by month, and allows you to build reports based off who redeemed the first offer. Unlike most other welcome programs, we reach all new-mover families (not just home purchases). Plus, people really respond to our high-value gift certificates. Our loyalty program thanks customers after their visit with a postcard to generate repeat visits, and our e-survey gives business owners survey feedback from their customers to help them monitor customer satisfaction and post favorable comments to their Facebook page. None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? This won’t be surprising, but I’m grateful for my father Michael Plummer Sr. He founded Our Town America in 1972 and truly had a love for our company and each of our franchisees. His guidance—in business and in life—helped shape me into the person that I am today and paved the way for this company. How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? I believe that hard work breeds success. If you truly want something, go for it. I’d like to think our company is making life a little better and friendlier for people moving into a community. A big move can be stressful and even scary, so I hope we’re doing our part to help people. I’d also like to think our company is helping franchise owners and their employees provide for their families. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I became CEO,” and why? Having been mentored by my father, I think I was somewhat told what to expect, but here are some lessons I have learned through experience and from my father. By no means is running a company a spectator sport. The job can be 24/7. I have worked on vacations, my honeymoon, and during breaks at family events. When things need to be done, you need to do them. I […]

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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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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. […]

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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. […]

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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. […]

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