Local Business Archives • Our Town America, Inc.

Des Moines Volunteer Wins $3,000 from Marketing Franchise | NBC

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

2023 New Mover Survey Winner Beth Vitiritto, Our Town America Marketing Drawing

NBC Hello Iowa — A local Des Moines woman known for giving back is getting more than she ever expected in return. Beth Vitiritto, who relocated last year, has become quite a familiar face in the Ankeny community. Beth inspires the younger generation in her everyday work as a teacher, serves on the Iowa board, frequently contributes to local causes and volunteers whenever she can. Beth is the kind of person who pours her all into everything she does and deserves the world but would never ask for it. The type of person who, even when faced with cancer, woke up every day with a positive attitude and a smile. So, when Beth’s name was drawn to win $3,000 amongst tens of thousands of people nationwide, it seemed more like Good Karma than luck. New Mover Welcome Package The drawing Beth entered is the Our Town America Annual New Mover Survey Drawing. She was entered by providing feedback on local businesses who welcomed her into the Des Moines area through Our Town America’s New Mover Package. The package welcomes residents who have just moved into their new neighborhood and introduces them to nearby reputable businesses with free one-time-use housewarming Gift Certificates. Little Ceasars Ankeny, Portofino Italian Ristorante, The Chicken Coop, and ACE Hardware were among the businesses that welcomed Beth to the area. “I used a Gift Certificate right away and took a friend out to lunch!,” Vitiritto said. Beth says that Our Town America’s Welcome Package played a significant role in helping her feel immediately connected and informed about the community. “The support network is incredible,” she says. “From local businesses to community events, everything is designed to help newcomers integrate smoothly and feel at home.” “Our package helps people get settled in, find their way around and get connected with local businesses,” said Tim McGrath, Our Town America of Iowa franchise owner. “In addition to being an aid for new movers, our franchise is a marketing resource for local businesses. We’ve been helping businesses thrive by bringing them new customers for over 50 years,” said McGrath. “It’s a feel-good business that I’m proud to be a part of.” Community Impact Local TV show Hello Iowa hosted Beth, McGrath, and Little Caesars Ankeny store owners Katrina and Brad Loney in-studio to hear this heartwarming story. As expected, Our Town America presented Beth with her $3,000 winnings and, to nobody’s surprise, Beth’s students and friends joined the event to support her. In the spirit of supporting the local community, on behalf of Beth and her late father, former Ankeny Chief of Police for 30 years, Our Town America donated $500 to the Ankeny Police Foundation. Additionally, Katrina and Brad of Little Caesars Ankeny, who are also known locally for their volunteer efforts, donated $500 to the John Stoddard Cancer Center on Beth’s behalf as well. Our Town America and Little Caesars of Ankeny are honored to have had the opportunity to give to someone so deserving. Press play below for the full Hello Iowa interview. Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. Iowa businesses looking to gain new customers, can contact franchise owner Tim McGrath at (515) 240-6845. Businesses in all other U.S. states can contact Our Town America HQ at (727)345-0811 to be 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. […]

Market Your Small Business to New Residents in Tampa Bay

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Market Your Small Business Tampa Bay Our Town America New Mover Marketing

Great Day Live Tampa Bay (CBS) — In the vibrant world of small businesses, the key to sustained growth lies in continually reaching out to new customers. Every year, a percentage of your customer base naturally moves away from your local area, but this doesn’t have to be a setback. New Mover Marketing presents a powerful solution, allowing you to seamlessly replace departing customers with those freshly arriving in your area. By targeting the new mover demographic, not only do you achieve a substantial return on your marketing investment, but you also cultivate a genuine sense of hospitality, far removed from conventional advertising tactics. In the clip below, Michael Avallone, owner of Our Town America of Tampa Bay, delves into the myriad advantages of marketing your small business to new movers. “Welcoming newcomers when they’re yet to establish brand loyalties and ensuring a positive experience can forge a lasting customer relationship for as long as they live in your area,” shares Avallone. Our Town America’s New Mover Program offers a turnkey, comprehensive service encompassing design, printing, postage, and in-house mailing. The campaigns are trackable using 2D barcodes, QR Codes, and/or Call Tracking. With over 50 years of experience, Our Town America has been instrumental in helping businesses secure devoted new customers. Additionally, we provide Postcard Marketing and Digital Marketing programs that can either complement or stand independently from your direct mail campaign. Hit play below to learn more. Tampa Bay area businesses: Call Michael Avallone at 614-378-2977, or submit a Contact Form. Businesses outside Tampa Bay, FL: Contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative, or submit 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. […]

Former Parkland Teacher, Now Atlanta Resident, Wins $3K | FOX

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Atlanta New Mover wins $3K from Our Town America Survey

FOX 5 Atlanta — A former Parkland, Florida teacher, who recently moved to Atlanta is this year’s national winner of the Our Town America New Mover Survey contest. Amy Kleinman-Kenny was randomly chosen from thousands of surveyors to win a $3,000 check. Kleinman-Kenny was teaching at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School on the day of the tragic mass shooting in 2018. Unfortunately, she lost friends and students in the horrible tragedy that killed 17 people. Following the shooting, Kleinman-Kenny quickly became a leader in the community by offering her yoga expertise to the victims. She started the nonprofit ‘Yoga 4 MSD’ to help people heal. Once the Freshman class of MSD graduated, she moved to the Atlanta area to start a new life and continue her path forward after that horrific day. Shortly after moving into her Woodstock, GA home, Amy received the Our Town America (OTA) New Mover Welcome Package loaded with free welcome gifts from local businesses and a letter from the local franchisee, Chris Beer. Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, Vingenzos & Vintage Barrel, Woodstock Car Wash, and Buffalo’s Cafe were among the many local businesses to extend housewarming offers within the OTA package. “I was really excited to try all the new places! There was so much money to be saved from this package!,” Kleinman-Kenny said. OTA has been welcoming new movers and helping businesses find new, loyal customers for over 50 years. “We love the sense of community our program helps facilitate,” said Beer, the Atlanta OTA franchise owner. “Not only do we offer free one-time offers within our new mover package, we now also give businesses the option to welcome customers in via digital advertising as well – further extending the invite and strengthening these B2C relationships”. Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet has been advertising via Our Town America’s New Mover Welcome Package for 24 years and counting — gaining new customers monthly. FOX Atlanta met Kleinman-Kenny and Beer at Woodstock Furniture Outlet to hear more about this heartwarming and inspiring story. Amy was presented with her $3,000 prize. Kleinman-Kenny is currently teaching part-time at Woodstock Middle School, continuing to inspire students through yoga and plans to allocate some of her winnings to her non-profit. Press play below for full FOX News interview. Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. Local Atlanta area businesses looking to gain new customers via direct mail or digital advertising, please contact Chris Beer, our Atlanta franchise owner, at 800-887-9364. If your business is outside the Atlanta area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be 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. […]

Personalized Direct Mail Combined with Powerful Digital Marketing

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Personalized Direct Mail Combined with Powerful Digital Marketing Our Town America

WFLA Tampa Bay — Michael Avallone of Our Town America of Tampa Bay sat down with Farron Hipp to discuss the powerful impact digital marketing has when combined with the personalization of direct mail. Our Town America has been helping businesses gain new, loyal customers for over 50 years. Their services include New Mover Marketing, Postcard Marketing and Our Town Digital. Campaign results have demonstrated that combining a direct mail campaign with digital marketing enhances the effectiveness of the campaigns. Typically, your digital ads will run before, during and after your direct mail campaign, but they can be ran alone as well. Our Town America is a turnkey, full-service program including graphic design, printing and mailing which are all managed in-house. Business owners even have the ability to track their campaigns through 2D barcodes, QR Codes, and/or Call Tracking. The personalization of direct mail and the power of digital ads sets this combination apart from a simple digital ad campaign. As Avallone mentions in the below TV interview, wedding invitations are sent via U.S. mail to let the recipient know that they’ve been specially chosen to receive your invite. It allows them to touch and feel the message – leaving a lasting impact and unavoidable decision to follow through on the piece or quite literally throw it away. Direct mail marketing messages are no different; they are just now more powerful when supplemented by a digital ad. To learn more, press Play below. Tampa Bay area businesses: Call Michael Avallone at 614-378-2977, or submit a Contact Form. Businesses outside Tampa Bay, FL: Contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative, or submit 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. […]

Our Town America Digital Ads Gain Traction | FOX 40 Sacramento

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Digital Advertising Sacramento

FOX 40 Sacramento — David Frisch of Our Town America of Sacramento sat down with Gary Gelfand and Scott Moak of FOX 40 to discuss Our Town America’s new marketing service – Digital Advertising. While Our Town America has been helping businesses gain new, loyal customers for 51 years through their New Mover Marketing program, they’ve recently rolled out Our Town Digital to further enhance the effectiveness of campaigns. Typically, the Digital Ads will run before, during and after a direct mail campaign – whether it be a New Mover Marketing campaign or a Postcard Marketing campaign. Depending on business needs, a Digital Ad campaign can also run alone. Between handling daily tasks, managing employees, inventory, etc., business owners have enough on their plate. Our Town America is here to take the stress out of marketing. As a turnkey, full-service program, graphic design, printing and mailing are handled in-house. Business owners even have the ability to track their campaigns through 2D barcodes, QR Codes, and/or Call Tracking. To learn more, press Play below and read up on Our Town Digital. If your Sacramento area business is looking to gain new customers, contact David Frisch at 916-474-1494 or submit a Contact Form.‬ If your business is located outside Sacramento, CA contact the Our Town America corporate office at 1-800-497-8360 to be 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. […]

Out-of-the-box Marketing to Increase Revenue & Help Locals

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Out-of-the-box Marketing to Increase Revenue & Help Locals Our Town America

CBS Atlanta — With the holidays around the corner, many people will be spending a large portion of their hard-earned money on gifts while attempting to save the rest for bills. Our Town America, a national marketing franchise, wants your local business to know you can lend a hand during these trying times while simultaneously increasing your revenue. Our Town America connects people who have recently moved with established local businesses looking to increase their foot traffic. We provide one-time housewarming gift certificates from partnered local businesses enabling new residents to try various businesses at lower cost (or cost-free!) upon move-in to their new home. Our Town America of Atlanta owner, Chris Beer, has been helping local businesses gain new customers for 23 years and says the concept has never worked better. “As we talk about inflation, stress and needing direction — our package really helps, because right at the new movers fingertips is a reason to visit a pizza restaurant, get a car wash, and hopefully develop a real positive relationship with these local businesses,” says Beer. Beer sat down with CBS Atlanta to divulge just how this unique marketing strategy works. Press Play for full CBS interview. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If your North Georgia business is looking to gain new customers, contact Chris Beer at 1-800-887-9364 or complete a Contact Form.‬ If your business is located outside North Georgia, please contact the Our Town America corporate office at 1-800-497-8360 to be 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. […]

Northern Coloradans Can Reach New Customers in a New Way

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Northern Coloradans Can Reach New Customers in a New Way | ABC Denver

ABC Denver — Our country’s busiest moving season, summer, matched up with some of the highest inflation numbers in decades. Unfortunately, that made the process of moving for many in the Northern Colorado area tough on the wallet. Our Town America, a national marketing franchise specializing in reaching out to new movers, with an office in the Denver area, is reminding new movers to take advantage of the benefits of being new to town. The Our Town America Welcome Package is just one of the ways new movers can save money as they look to regain footing after spending thousands on a move and, at the same time, support local businesses. Our Town America connects people who are new to town with established local businesses who are looking for new customers and interested in welcoming them to the community. We provide a one-time housewarming gift certificate from each partnered local business in the area, which enables the new resident to try many businesses at a much lower cost, and many times even for free! Kurt North, owner of Our Town America of Fort Collins, met with ABC Denver to discuss how new movers can support their economies and save money while local business owners increase their customer base. Click Play below to watch the ABC interview. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If your Northern Colorado business is looking to gain new customers, contact Kurt North at ‭970-692-3859‬ or complete a Contact Form. If your business is outside the Northern Colorado area, please contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be 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. […]

The Law of Reciprocity: Proof that New Mover Marketing is Powerful

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

New Mover Welcome Package Generates Law of Reciprocity

Persuasion by reciprocation is based on the Law of Reciprocity; use this to your advantage to build a loyal customer base through New Mover Marketing. The art of reciprocity is ingrained in human culture. A part of sociological phenomena, the law of reciprocity states that when a person receives something, they feel compelled to return the favor. It’s a learned behavior that is rooted in childhood when parents focus on teaching their children the practice of sharing as a tool to build relationships. The law of reciprocity was put to the test in 1974 when Phillip Kunz, a sociologist at Brigham Young University, conducted an experiment with Christmas cards. As part of the study, he sent handwritten notes or holiday cards to 600 strangers. Even though the recipients did not know Kunz, he received at least 200 replies from people who felt obligated to reciprocate. The Law of Reciprocity is widely used in the business world by marketing gurus like Brian Tracy and Colin Shaw. To see reciprocity at work in your daily life, simply head to your local coffee shop for a caffeine fix. Notice how people respond when you greet them or the many tips left for the barista who made their favorite drink. The law of reciprocity is alive and well, and it’s a great tool local businesses can use to help drive profits. Our Town America Helps Add Loyal Customers Our Town America’s New Mover Marketing program relies on the law of reciprocity to help businesses obtain new customers. New Mover Marketing puts your business in front of people who are likely to buy now and buy again in the future. We send new residents a Welcome Package filled with free offers to introduce them to their local community. Between unpacking boxes and turning their houses into homes, new movers feel the urge to reciprocate the kind gesture by visiting the businesses who welcomed them and redeeming the offers. The generous welcome also prompts them to speak highly of the business to fellow neighbors, fueling word-of-mouth promotions. Quality customer service encourages new residents to return as repeat customers. To help new residents form loyalties with a local business, Our Town America’s mobile tracking technology can also send a thank you note to new movers once they redeem their welcome offer. New Mover Marketing helps solidify the reputation of your small business amongst local residents. Last year, more than 27.1 million Americans moved, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People changed residences for a variety of reasons, including lower cost of living, job relocation, and being closer to family. Following the pandemic outbreak, remote work allowed many people who were usually tied to a corporate office to relocate. No matter how well you plan, moving is stressful. Unloading boxes and getting the lay of the land takes time and effort. New Mover Marketing strives to capture new residents before they form loyalties to your competitors and introduce them to your business with a free one-time housewarming offer. “I love helping local business owners grow their businesses by directing new residents through their doors each month,” said Susan Nagi, a multi-unit Our Town America franchise owner in Arizona & Nevada. “New movers truly appreciate the kind gesture from the welcoming businesses and, as response rates demonstrate, the law of reciprocity is in effect”. Focus on Reciprocity to Grow Business Learn more about how the law of reciprocity can help your small businesses become a mainstay in your local community by trying our New Mover Marketing and direct mail services for yourself. 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. […]

Royal Oak New Mover wins $3K from Our Town America Survey | NBC Detroit

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Royal Oak New Mover wins $3K from Our Town America Survey

NBC Click On Detroit — For 50 years, Our Town America has been connecting new movers with local businesses and harvesting feedback on their marketing program from thousands of new movers across the country. This year, a Metro Detroit new mover won Our Town America’s $3,000 grand prize for simply filling out that survey. Emily Ciaramellano is the lucky winner! She said some friends questioned if this is a scam, but Ciaramellano kept hoping for the best. In Emily’s words, “This is definitely a good sign to fill out your [Our Town America] survey, because somebody will win and it could be you!” Our Town America has been sending new residents a Welcome Package containing a survey and gift certificates to local businesses upon move in for half a century. “We help new movers connect with businesses; it’s a win-win for everybody,” said Larry Neal of Our Town America Detroit South & West Metro. Emily Ciaramellano filled out the survey and used a few of the gift certificates within Our Town America’s Royal Oak welcome package – including TLC Car Care, Hollywood Markets, Pet Supplies Plus, and Jax Kar Wash. “This is great,” said Robb Remick of TLC Car Care, a 9+ year partnered business of Our Town America Detroit East. “And that’s what we try to build on. Obviously, once we get the customer through our door, it’s our job to make them a customer for life”. Ciaramellano moved from Rochester Hills to Royal Oak and added to her growing family by adopting two rescue cats. Ciaramellano tells Local 4 she plans to buy $300 worth of pet supplies and donate it to local shelters! “I think the more supplies they have, the longer they can keep those animals in the shelter,” she said. The New Mover Marketing company prints millions of personalized gift certificates to send to millions of movers across the United States, introducing them to their new communities and local businesses in the area. Watch video for full interview with Our Town America franchisees, Curtis Crawford, Larry & Becky Neal, Robb Remick of TLC Car Care, winner Emily Ciaramellano & her partner Andjela Grabovac. Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. Local Detroit businesses looking to gain new customers via direct mail, please contact one of our Detroit area franchisees: Becky Neal (South & West Metro Detroit) ➞ 248-672-6048 Curtis Crawford (East Metro Detroit) ➞ 248-760-2966 If your business is outside the Detroit area, contact Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to be 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. […]

Implement Compelling Marketing Ideas to Drive Traffic and Boost Sales

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Marketing Ideas to Drive Traffic by Our Town America

Modern Restaurant Management — While the past two years have been a challenging time in the restaurant industry, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for restaurant owners. Falling Covid-19 numbers and the lifting of mask mandates in many cities is helping give restaurateurs hope for increased traffic this holiday season. However, restaurant operators are now encountering a new set of challenges. Supply chain issues, high food costs, and labor shortages are cutting profits at restaurants nationwide, the National Restaurant Association reported. At least 95 percent of operators said their restaurant experienced supply delays or shortages of key food or beverage items in recent months, according to a September survey of 4,000 restaurant operators. Supply shortages have also resulted in operators having to change their menus on the fly. Additionally, 91 percent of restaurateurs said their total food costs are higher than they were prior to the pandemic. Finding reliable staff is also a challenge. With all the challenges on your plate, implementing a robust marketing plan might not be on your radar. However, taking steps to increase your loyal customer base will ensure your restaurant flourishes during this difficult season. Here are a few unique marketing ideas designed to boost customer traffic and develop loyal customers. Create a Customer Loyalty Program Loyalty programs drive repeat traffic by offering discounts based on the number of visits. Having the prospect of a free meal in the future will make customers more likely to choose your restaurant when picking where they eat out. Host Fun Events to Drive Traffic Customers are eager to attend fun events, especially post-pandemic. Restaurants that offer special events for customers will generate buzz in the community and drive traffic. Adding music bingo, hosting an evening featuring local fare, or simply offering a holiday special will help set your eatery up for success. Offer BOGO Deals Buy-one-get-one deals encourage your customers to introduce your restaurant to their social circle, as well as serve as a great reward for regulars. Send a Thank You Note Current technology enables you to keep in touch with customers when they aren’t at your restaurant. My company, Our Town America, helps restaurants add loyal customers by targeting new movers. We mail new residents a welcome package complete with a proven offer they redeem at your eatery before they’ve formed a loyalty to your competitor. As part of our service, we can send those new customers a thank you note after they redeem their gift to encourage them to return for another meal. It’s an easy and affordable method for enticing customers to not only visit your establishment one time, but return as a repeat customer. Social Media Contests You probably understand the importance of having a social media presence. Social media gives you the opportunity to highlight your fare and engage with diners where they spend their time. In 2020, the average American spent 145 minutes each day scrolling on social media, reported Statista, a provider of market and consumer data. Holding a contest on social media can increase online engagement. Solicit Feedback Encouraging customers to write online reviews or simply getting feedback on their experience shows them you value their opinion. On average, 87 percent of people read online reviews before visiting a new business, according to a survey of more than 1,000 people conducted by BrightLocal, a marketing firm. Reviews are especially important for restaurants; 93 percent of restaurant customers pay attention to reviews, the survey revealed. In addition, 72 percent of people surveyed wrote a review of a business simply because the establishment requested feedback. Support Local Businesses Being a valuable member of the local community impresses diners. Promoting the fact that you buy hamburger buns from a local bakery, serve beer from a nearby brewery or that you are the exclusive pizza restaurant welcoming locals tells customers you understand the importance of fostering local resources and supporting other small businesses. Don’t Forget the Basics In addition to implementing unique marketing ideas to encourage repeat business, there are a few steps every restaurateur should take to create loyal customers and ensure repeat business. Customers return to a restaurant because they received stellar customer service and enjoyed their experience. Make sure your kitchen staff greets customers with a smile, maintains portion sizes and provides the same delicious fare each time. Consistency is key. Focusing on serving delicious meals and implementing unique marketing ideas can help your business thrive this winter and recover sales lost during the pandemic. 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. […]