2024 was a transformative year for MakeMyMove, with impressive milestones and meaningful stories underscoring the company’s mission to help communities attract new residents. Here's a look at the highlights and achievements that defined the year.

, showcasing a growing interest among remote workers seeking new opportunities and communities. Among the top destinations with the highest number of applications:

Applicants primarily hailed from states like Georgia, Florida, Texas and Illinois - signaling strong interstate interest. Georgia led the way with 6,295 applications per capita, followed by Tennessee and Mississippi.

MakeMyMove’s impact was felt across the nation as 

930 movers relocated through the platform 

—more than doubling 2023’s total of 411 movers. Many of these movers chose to settle in communities experiencing population decline, with 58% moving to such areas. Notable relocation hotspots included:

South Bend, IN - 100 movers (53 households)

Off-platform mover data, such as 10 relocations to Cumberland, MD, further highlighted MakeMyMove’s broad influence.

The economic benefits of relocation were substantial. Movers brought over 

, with 46% of that income flowing to communities with declining populations. Their relocations had an estimated new economic impact of $41.2 million in their adopted towns.

On average, movers increased the value of their salaries by relocating to areas with a lower cost of living. For instance, a $122,000 salary in a higher-cost area felt like $137,000 in their new community.

The profile of the movers showed a diverse and dynamic group:

69% had no prior connection to the community they moved to.

Movers’ professions spanned industries, with notable representation in business and finance (44.5%), engineering and technology (29%), and healthcare (6.1%).

Three key traits defined successful relocation programs:

 Communities effectively marketed themselves by identifying and communicating their unique appeal—whether affordability, safety, or a sense of community.

 Top programs prioritized frequent, transparent communication and hands-on support to ensure smooth transitions.

 Retention efforts, such as events and networking opportunities, helped integrate new residents into their communities.

Based on the keys to running a successful program and feedback from the communities on our platform, MakeMyMove has released a host of new features and updates to the platform. Including:

New capabilities for a community include customizing their page and adding content about why their community is such a great place to live.

Expanded communication tools and options for communities to engage with their applicants.

New Questions feature that allows communities to answer questions to potential movers.

Behind the data are stories of life-changing moves.

, was met with overwhelming community support, from neighbors helping her unload her moving truck to immediate invitations for local engagement.

, originally from Seattle, dreams of homeownership became a reality in South Bend, Indiana, thanks to the area’s affordability.

transitioned from Detroit to Eastern Kentucky

, where neighbors—and fresh garden vegetables—made them feel at home.

, a newcomer to Harlan County, experienced snow for the first time and found familiar childhood foods in his new local grocery store.

 in Dubois County after escaping the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC and joined the local workforce while achieving other professional pursuits.

These narratives underscore the profound human impact of MakeMyMove’s mission.

The year ahead promises continued growth and innovation, with trends shaping the future of remote work and community development:

Adaptation to “Back to Work” Trends -

 Communities will continue leveraging remote work opportunities as competition for talent evolves.

 More towns will refine their pitches to prospective residents, prioritizing quality of life over monetary incentives.

 Investments in networking, co-working spaces, and social activities will foster deeper connections among remote workers.

2024 was a year of growth, impact, and inspiration for MakeMyMove. With strengthened programs, increasing community participation, and powerful success stories, the foundation is set for an even brighter 2025.

Discover MakeMyMove's transformative impact in 2024: Record-breaking applications, $41M in economic benefits, and life-changing relocation stories. Explore how remote work reshapes communities and the exciting innovations setting the stage for 2025.

2024 A Year in Review

In the heart of Illinois, Jacksonville—a small, rural community—has embraced an innovative approach to address workforce needs and strengthen its population. By partnering with 

Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation

 (JREDC) has redefined its talent recruitment strategy, demonstrating that rural communities can thrive and successfully attract top professionals.

have long sought creative ways to bolster their populations and draw in skilled workers. Local employers, including leading manufacturers like Reynolds Consumer Products, have faced challenges in finding the right talent to fill essential roles. The COVID-19 pandemic, while presenting unique hurdles, also opened the door to fresh ideas and new strategies for talent attraction.

Kristin Jamison, President of the JREDC and a dedicated community leader, recognized the potential of remote work to attract talented individuals to Jacksonville. "I first heard about MakeMyMove during the COVID era," Kristin recalls. “It was a great opportunity for rural towns to welcome people to their ‘safe havens’ and then I attended the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs annual 

Rural Community and Economic Development Conference

, an early adopter of the MakeMyMove program. This inspired me to launch a similar initiative in Jacksonville."

Initially, Kristin was still determining if her organization could invest in such a program. However, the pandemic forced a pivot, and the organization shifted its focus to small business relief efforts. This experience not only helped maintain investor interest but also highlighted the pressing need to attract talent to the region.

“The JREDC works with manufacturers and various employers who are not able to work remotely. They were telling me they don't have enough people to fulfill their orders - build a new line or expand,” Kristin explained. She continued, “I decided to use Mattoon as an example on how a small town similar in scope to Jacksonville was able to attract workers to relocate to their rural setting. Initially, I wondered if MakeMyMove would be open to my focus on attracting people to local jobs rather than solely targeting remote workers. It’s been wonderful to see how flexible and supportive they are in embracing this broader approach to talent attraction."

Kristin's strategy involved a three-pronged approach:

 - The city offered attractive relocation packages to entice remote workers to move to Jacksonville. "The incentive package caught most of the traction," Kristin says. "It was a key factor in attracting talented individuals."

Building Strong Employer-Community Partnerships

 - Kristin worked closely with local employers to identify their specific hiring needs and align the MakeMyMove program with their requirements. "We wanted to ensure that the program directly addressed the needs of our region’s economy," she explains.

 - The JREDC developed a compelling marketing campaign that showcased the region's unique qualities, such as its affordable cost of living, a strong sense of community and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. "We utilized digital marketing tools to reach a wider audience of potential remote workers and job seekers," Kristin says.

What set JREDC’s approach apart was its commitment to genuine community connection. The $5,000 incentive was merely a starting point. "The incentive package was about more than a steak dinner—it was about providing tickets to events, making introductions and helping newcomers become part of the communities in Morgan and Scott counties," Kristin emphasized.

When Kristin put her plan into action, she was glad that she had the technology to help her with the recruitment process. “MakeMyMove’s Mover Dashboard is a great tool. It provides you with an initial snapshot of each candidate and when you're dealing with hundreds of candidates, you can't have too many pieces of information there or you will never get through the application. And then collaborating with the Client Success Team, they were able to change some of what we asked to be overt about, such as questions like - was a candidate interested in local employment? That was super helpful and their responsiveness and ability to quickly address my needs helped me accomplish what I wanted to achieve.”

One of the key factors in the success of the program has been the emphasis on community integration. "We've been focused on making sure our new residents feel welcome and connected," Kristin says. "We've organized community events, networking opportunities and social activities to help them integrate into the community."

The first recruitment cohort brought five professionals to the Jacksonville region from major cities like San Diego, Philadelphia and Austin. Two engineers joined Reynolds Consumer Products, while others worked in scientific and professional services roles. Notably, most recruits had existing connections or familiarity with the Midwest, making the transition smoother.

“We offered a new resident welcome this summer at one of our concert series that is offered every Friday night in our downtown square. And one of our MakeMyMove candidates happened to be in town for an interview. I was able to meet with her in person and start making introductions to other locals, which she said was what sealed the deal for her. The fact that she was able to meet the people she was talking to on Zoom in real life and get acquainted with the town helped her make up her mind to relocate here. We are small enough that we can do that. We’ve also helped introduce these new residents during JREDC’s investor appreciation event, Chamber of Commerce activities and young professional networking meetups for newcomers to our area.”

Kristin also highlights the importance of tailoring the program to the region’s specific needs. "We've been flexible and adaptable in our approach," she says. We've adjusted our eligibility criteria and incentive packages to attract the right talent for our local employers."

The impact of this strategy has been significant:

 - The Jacksonville Region has successfully attracted 5 new households with an average household income of $103,000, resulting in a $326,600 annual economic impact for the community.

 - The region has also successfully recruited a diverse group of talented individuals, including 1 remote worker, 1 self-employed and 3 professionals who took local jobs. Some of their fields include engineering, science and healthcare.

 - By filling critical job vacancies, the program has contributed to the growth of local businesses and industries.

 - The influx of new residents is helping revitalize the community, leading to increased social activity, cultural events and economic development.

 - Jacksonville has gained a positive reputation as a welcoming and thriving community, attracting further interest from potential residents and businesses.

The success of JREDC's initiative demonstrates the potential of rural communities to attract and retain talent in the age of remote work. By leveraging innovative strategies and strong community partnerships, cities like Jacksonville can thrive in the face of economic challenges.
As Kristin concludes, "Our goal is to make the Jacksonville region a destination for talented individuals who are looking for a high quality of life. We believe that by investing in our communities and attracting new residents, we can create a brighter future for generations to come."
The JREDC's approach demonstrates that rural communities can attract talent through strategic, personalized recruitment. Small towns can compete effectively in the modern job market by combining financial incentives with genuine community engagement. As Kristin puts it, "We're not just bringing people here; we're building a community."

At MakeMyMove, we help communities grow by recruiting new residents. To get your community started, 

Discover how Jacksonville, Illinois, is growing its rural community by attracting top talent through innovative recruitment strategies, incentives, and community engagement with MakeMyMove. Learn how small towns can thrive in the modern job market.

Jacksonville

Rural Revitalization: How One Small Community Cracked the Talent Attraction Code

In the heart of America, a quiet revolution is taking place. Rural communities, long plagued by population decline, are discovering a new lease on life thanks to an unexpected ally: remote work. As digital nomads seek greener (and often more affordable) pastures, small towns are rolling out the welcome mat – and reaping the rewards.


But how exactly are these communities turning the tide? During a panel discussion at the 2024 

 Summit community leaders from several successful rural relocation programs offered valuable insights on attracting and retaining remote workers to their communities. The panelists were:

Colby Hall, Executive Director at Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR)

Kristal Painter, COO of Discover Southern Indiana

Kelly Gourley, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation in Kansas


Let's dive into why they say remote workers are the answer to combatting population decline and the strategies they are implementing to breathe new life into rural America.

Watch full video of the panel at Stand Up Rural America


The Remote Work Renaissance: A Golden Opportunity


For decades, the narrative in rural America has been one of exodus. As Gourley puts it, "We have been losing people for the last 100 years. If you look at our demographics, Lincoln's population was the highest in the 1940s and we've been losing people since then. However, the rise of remote work presents a unique opportunity to reverse this trend.”


Painter says she also saw the writing on the wall: “We launched our program to help attract remote workers to the area in the summer of 2021 when remote work was becoming very popular. We have a lower cost of living and great quality of life so we thought it was a great time to introduce that to people who were now experiencing the ability to work from home or work remotely from anywhere.”


The shift is so profound that Gourley notes, "Economic development is no longer,’ recruit the business and people will follow, it's recruit the people and the business will follow’." This paradigm shift is reshaping how rural communities approach growth and sustainability.


Why Rural Communities Are Betting on Remote Workers

With traditional industries like coal mining on the decline, communities need new sources of revenue. Hall explains, “If we don’t get more people to replace the tax base we lose with the decline of the coal industry which impacted our schools when families moved out of the area which then impacts the state income we receive for our public schools, everything else is going to be a lot harder.”

New residents come from different backgrounds or countries and this diversity can fuel innovation and entrepreneurship. Painter boasts, "We have over 70 movers from 23 states and 5 different countries including Costa Rica, Ecuador and Malibu Beach in California."

Remote workers often bring spouses to the local workforce or sometimes end up joining themselves. These new residents bring a fresh perspective and a wider range of skills to the community. Gourley explains “We’ve had some of our remote workers eventually quit their jobs which made some of our stakeholders worried about the loss of income but then they joined the local workforce or brought spouses with them that took jobs in industries like healthcare and education which was a further benefit to our community.”


5 Winning Strategies from Successful Rural Relocation Programs


It's not just about attracting people; it's about making them feel at home. Successful communities are:

Showcasing local resources, cost of living and quality of life

 to create a welcoming environment for newcomers and help them find the right community for their lifestyle

Hall notes, “When we get feedback on why people want to move to Eastern Kentucky it’s never about the financial incentive to move there, it’s the cost of living, quality of life, safe schools, it’s all those things that make Eastern Kentucky an attractive option.”

While financial incentives can attract interest, they're not the whole story:

Use financial incentives to de-risk the move

Focus on building connections and community integration

Get creative with welcome gifts that reflect local culture

Kelly Gourley shares, “The financial incentive is the hook, it's what gets people to click. But the connections will make them move and make them stay. We give them a dozen farm fresh free eggs every month for a year because we're an agricultural community and it aligns with who we are."

Success takes a village – or in this case, a network of local partners:

Collaborate with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce

Seek diverse funding sources to sustain programs

Offer personalized support by fostering connections to the community.


Painter explains, “We’ve developed a program that MakeMyMove helps us advertise on the platform where we host events every quarter. It helps us showcase our region and all of the things there are to see and do because we want to keep our movers. Events have included baseball games, kayaking and we even hosted a beach party. It shows people that once they move here they have a friend in us and that we’re going to keep that engagement going with them.”

One of the biggest challenges? Housing. But innovative communities are finding solutions:

Build relationships with local realtors and property managers

Provide newcomers with guidance in finding suitable housing

Consider creative housing solutions to meet demand


Painter advises, “One of our challenges has been lack of housing and each of our communities has been trying to address this issue. People aren’t going to list things on Zillow so we try to connect with realtors and property managers in our area so we know what types of housing are available. We're not expecting someone who lives in another state to make the connections. We've hosted people on tours and they've signed leases immediately so it’s been a successful strategy."

Measuring and communicating impact is crucial for long-term support:

Use tools like MakeMyMove's platform to track and demonstrate benefits


Educate stakeholders with concrete data to secure ongoing funding


Share success stories to build community enthusiasm


Hall says that Eastern Kentucky is planning on utilizing both technology and manpower to help with its future remote worker relocation expansion. “Expanding from 4 to 30 counties is going to help our housing stock. These leads come in and they’re hot leads! We have to respond quickly. Having someone full-time helps and the MakeMyMove platform does a great job of preselecting based on criteria.


Gourley also highlights the importance of data: "MakeMyMove just recently rolled out a new tool that provides reports that show the economic impact the program is having... which makes [stakeholders] more open to providing funding."


As Hall succinctly puts it, the key to success is to "just do it." While the road may not always be smooth – Gourley admits, "Not every board member voted for this. It was a tough conversation" – the potential rewards are transformative. Painter adds "Don't be afraid to ask MakeMyMove about other workforces you can attract. It's not limited to remote workers."


This is an opportunity for rural communities to evolve and embrace a new future. As Gourley concludes, "What MakeMyMove is to me, It's like Match.com for economic development directors. You are connecting 1:1 with people who have an interest in you and you have an interest in them." By harnessing the power of remote work, rural communities can attract new residents, revitalize their economies and create a vibrant future.


It's time to make that match and breathe new life into rural America. The future is calling – and it's got a great Wi-Fi connection.


Discover how rural communities are reversing population decline by attracting remote workers. Learn key strategies from successful relocation programs to revitalize your local economy and build a better future in rural America.

Lincoln County

French Lick

Pikeville

How to Attract New Residents to Your Rural Community: Lessons from Successful Communities

We are excited to announce a new feature in the 

: the ROI Dashboard. This powerful tool provides a real-time look at the economic impact of your recruitment efforts.

New residents are very valuable to their chosen destinations. They spend money and support the local economy, pay taxes, many will buy homes and bring kids to the local schools and so much more. All that activity generates economic impact. For instance, the school system might hire more teachers to accommodate new students. Or the local coffee shop might hire more staff and will pay incremental taxes as they meet the increased demand. To generate these estimates, 

 uses the IMPLAN input/output model to calculate the induced economic output of the workers and supplement that output with the expected state and local income taxes these workers pay in each region.

Economic Development projects often require significant time and resources before yielding tangible results. However, recruiting remote workers allows communities to grow their economies and do it quickly. MakeMyMove’s ROI Dashboard offers a real-time look at the economic impact of these efforts, providing invaluable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders alike.

Using individual mover income information, we calculate the new annual economic output and tax impacts of your new residents.

 - Utilizing IMPLAN, an industry-standard input-output model, we calculate your new residents' economic impact on the community. This feature not only showcases immediate benefits but also projects the value of the program into the future.

 - Measures how much new movers are contributing to the community's tax base each year, highlighting the fiscal advantages of resident recruitment efforts.

 - By estimating the potential value of the current pipeline of movers, the dashboard helps communities forecast future economic gains and plan accordingly.

- You can view total applications, likes and impressions from potential movers.

Economists and economic developers widely use IMPLAN for this purpose. According to IMPLAN, their models are "based on the work of Nobel Prize winner 

. The foundational concept is that all industries, households, and government in the economy are connected through buy-sell relationships; therefore, a given economic activity supports a ripple of additional economic activity throughout the economy." To achieve this, they gather data from a large variety of federal sources, convert them to a consistent format, and control the newly formatted data against other known data sources to maintain accuracy. Learn more about how 

One of the most significant advantages of the ROI Dashboard is its ability to provide transparent economic returns. This level of clarity is crucial for garnering support from community leaders, taxpayers and other stakeholders. By demonstrating the concrete benefits of resident recruitment initiatives, communities can justify their investments and build confidence in their economic development strategies.

Stay tuned for more updates to the dashboard as we continue to make it easier for our program owners to see the impact of their efforts.

At MakeMyMove, we help communities grow by recruiting new residents. To get your community started,

This article showcases MakeMyMove's newest feature in the mover recruitment studio. The ROI dashboard is a powerful tool that helps communities understand the real time impact of their efforts to recruit remote workers. 

Revolutionizing Economic Development: Real-Time ROI Tracking for Resident Recruitment

New Exciting Features in the MakeMyMove Mover Recruitment Studio

At MakeMyMove, we're constantly listening to our 

 and people considering a move to a new community. Based on that feedback, we're excited to announce new features in our Mover Recruitment Studio—designed to make connecting with potential movers simpler and more effective.

Our new Tasks feature streamlines interactions by automating crucial steps in the mover engagement process. Now, program owners and the MakeMyMove Mover Guides can create tasks directly from the Mover Recruitment Studio dashboard. Whether it's sending a welcome message, or scheduling a call to discuss housing options, these tasks help to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Automated reminders and scheduled tasks activate at key points, so you can spend more time customizing messaging and helping your applicants.

Communication is key, which is why we've enhanced our platform with  texting capabilities. Early results show that movers have a 17% increase in task completion when communities use texting to interact with movers. This feature not only speeds up the communication process but also allows for immediate engagement, proving that a quick text can make a big difference in someone's moving experience.

These updates are just part of our commitment to enhancing your experience. We're dedicated to rolling out new functionalities that make our platform more user-friendly and responsive to your needs. As we continue to evolve, your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of MakeMyMove.

We're excited to see how these new features will help our users and communities thrive. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make it easier and faster for communities to connect with potential movers.

Discover how the latest features in MakeMyMove's Mover Recruitment Studio streamline communication, making connecting with potential movers simpler and more effective.

New Features in the Mover Recruitment Studio Enhance Communication With Potential Movers

When the Wall Street Journal ranked Evansville, Indiana as one of the 

, Abby Elpers, Director of Marketing for 

 (E-REP), knew that it was due in part to the area's culture of inclusivity and belonging. Solidifying its reputation as a place where people from all walks of life can feel at home. “We’ve got a lot of representation and diversity here that you wouldn’t expect in the Midwest,” says Ashley Riester, President of River City Pride.

E-REP represents a four-county region in Southwest Indiana. While looking for new ways to stimulate population growth in the area, E-REP connected with MakeMyMove. "We knew remote work was a growing trend and we saw a chance to attract new residents and boost our economy partnering with MakeMyMove,” says Abby Elpers, Director of Marketing for E-REP.

In partnering with MakeMyMove, E-REP was able to amplify the community motto, e is for everyone, through its authentic voice to attract remote workers seeking an affordable lifestyle. “What made the program enticing is that we weren't asking people to move here for a specific job. They already had a secure job as a remote worker and they just had to choose Evansville as the community that wanted to relocate to. So, that put pressure on us and how we would sell our community. It was a risk, of course, but a risk we were willing and happy to take,” says Elpers.

The risk has paid off handsomely as remote workers nationwide have embraced Evansville for its realness and uniqueness. Many like mover Joseph, who traded his busy life in New York City for a backyard full of bunnies. “Utilizing the MakeMyMove program has been a fish-in-a-barrel tactic for increasing the area’s population growth and bringing people to our community that are excited and want to get involved,” Elpers says.

Personalized Engagement Facilitates Deeper Local Connections

While the financial incentives and application process are streamlined through MakeMyMove's platform, the program's success is rooted in E-REP's personalized efforts to attract interested remote workers to the community by analyzing applicants' backgrounds and preferences and tailoring responses to showcase Evansville's offerings relevant to each individual.

“We focus on creating a personalized approach so they feel that one-on-one connection and are comfortable asking us questions," says Elpers. “If they contact us and have questions about housing or if we see on their application that they have children, I’ll be sure to include that information in my response, so they know I’ve personally read their application and care about what matters most to them in finding the right community. I respond to applicants who have lived in the area before with a “welcome back” instead of “welcome to Evansville” - little things like that can make a big difference.”

Riester agrees and says that they take a similar approach, “I've reached out to several applicants who were interested in the LGBTQ community here and sent them relevant information including the date of our annual Pride Festival. I think that's a big selling point for them because you don't think of Indiana and queerness in the same sentence typically but we're everywhere and that gets them excited to feel a sense of belonging here.” Riester also says that personal touch is executed in their mover boxes. “We give each mover a box with their name on it which contains items such as an event calendar, newcomers guide to the region and local merchandise.”

Contrary to initial expectations Elpers says that she was surprised that the majority of movers had no prior connection to the area. “We thought that we would have more people with a previous tie to our region interested in moving back here but it turns out that two-thirds of them didn't. Some returned home to be near family or aging parents but a lot of them had never even heard of Evansville and were willing to move across the country from states like Texas, Illinois, California, Utah and New York. We actually have a map of all the areas movers have come from and it's fascinating because the dots are just everywhere.”

Instead, she says they were drawn by factors such as affordability and the desire for a change of scenery. “A slower pace of life is a common reason we hear along with affordability. Some people are excited about being able to experience all four seasons or want something new. One mover from Florida was excited that her dogs got to see the snow for the first time.”

Another motivating factor for some movers has beenEvansville's identity as a community of acceptance. One of the ways Evansville showcases its diversity is through its 

campaign which promotes inclusivity in the local community.

According to Elpers and Riester, several movers have helped promote the community through word of mouth. One mover and his wife who relocated from Illinois not only bought a home sight unseen based on the community's appeal but they're actively recruiting their friends and family to move there. As Elpers joked, " I'm like 'Jeff, thank you for doing our job for us.'" Additionally, his wife found a job in the community and in doing so - is supporting the local workforce.

Another mover surprised everyone by securing several grants for Evansville. “Logan was one of our first movers and he's a bit of a celebrity around here. He has gotten several grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and it’s generated a significant amount of money for us. He also recently partnered with the University of Evansville’s Center for Innovation and Change to support the work of his non-profit, Circular Venture Lab. The funds will be used to create the Evansville Energy Nucleus, which will highlight resources for manufacturers considering a move to the region. We weren't expecting that level of impact," Elpers admitted. "It showed us the potential these newcomers bring."

Evansville positioning itself as an inclusive and welcoming destination for individuals seeking a new place to call home along with its partnership with MakeMyMove has proved successful in attracting remote movers to the area. To qualify for the program, movers can move anywhere in Vanderburgh County. Since the program started it has:

Moved 30 new households and 64 people to Evansville.

Experienced 171,702 Unique Page Views to content about Evansville on MakeMyMove.com.

Attracted remote workers with job titles like Software Engineer, Remote Learning Lead, Executive Director and Remote Nurse to the region.

Brought an average household size of 2.1 and an average household income of $127K to the community.

Provided Evansville $3.5 million in new annual economic output.

Elpers says that without E-REP’s relationship with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the funding they received from the Eli Lily Foundation along with their partnership with MakeMyMove, none of this would have been possible. “Our program has been successful, and our numbers look great on paper but when we can impress our Board of Directors and local leaders start to hear and understand the value in the program, that’s when it all comes together.” Abby and Ashley both mentioned their gratitude for the support received from the Mover Guides. “They are excellent at answering our questions or addressing any concerns we have, and it’s impressive that they never confuse our movers or program with anyone else’s. We appreciate them being so on top of things all the time.”

When it comes to the future, Elpers feels confident that movers will continue to flock to the Evansville area. “One of the movers who relocated from a large metropolitan area said that he thinks Evansville is up and coming and that we're here on the ground floor of something really special and how excited he was to see the growth that's coming, especially with our revitalized riverfront, and all the changes planned for the community in the next several years. It’s encouraging to hear people who have lived in other vibrant communities come here and decide this is where they want to belong.”

Discover how Evansville, Indiana's economy is growing through individual connection with potential movers and community engagement. Explore the initiatives driving growth, fostering partnerships, and attracting remote workers to Evansville's hub of opportunity.

Evansville

Evansville Recruits Remote Workers Through Facilitating Local Connections

Perry County, a rural community on the banks of the Ohio River in Indiana, wanted to grow its population and optimize its economic development efforts. Recognizing the need for proactive measures, Erin Emerson, President and CEO of Perry County Development Corporation (PCDC), started exploring incentive programs to attract new residents in 2015. Despite some success through the Pick Perry Population Project, a lack of funding and infrastructure hindered her progress.

In 2021, Emerson learned about MakeMyMove, a company dedicated to facilitating remote worker relocation, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) initiatives to support such programs. Recognizing the potential for a structured and performance-based approach, she reached out to MakeMyMove.

“Knowing that it was an Indiana-based company was appealing and we really enjoyed working with everyone on the Client Success team,” Emerson says. “I also think that the timing and the way the workforce was evolving due to COVID was a big deciding factor. MakeMyMove had the foresight to see this as an opportunity to recruit remote workers to communities like ours and we were impressed with what they were already able to accomplish.”

One of the key advantages of the partnership for Emerson was that it could quantify the program's impact through measurable ROI and analytics. "One of the things that I think is most beneficial on the administration or the community side is having those ROI numbers," Emerson emphasized. "We know we want to attract people to Perry County but we also need to be able to quantify the impact. Additionally, the funding from IEDC made the return on investment worth it."

Additionally, MakeMyMove’s Mover Recruitment Studio platform allows Shiraz Mukarram, Marketing & Special Initiatives Manager at PCDC, to access and review mover profiles and applications so he can do his job more effectively. "Each day, I get to see mover's profiles come in through the platform and read through their applications,” Mukarram says. “This has given me a lot of insight into what they love about Perry County and I’m able to be strategic about the photos and videos I upload to the Mover Recruitment Studio to highlight what makes Perry County such a great place to live."

Personalized Outreach and Customized Templates

Mukarram also says that he has recognized the importance of personalized outreach and fostering a sense of belonging for new residents. As someone who has recently relocated to Perry County, he is able to use the customized email templates as one of the tools MakeMyMove provides him with for initial outreach so that he can share his own story to establish a connection with applicants.

"One of the first automated emails that we send to movers when they apply to the relocation program tells my story about moving to Tell City in Perry County and how I was in their shoes just a year and a half ago. Even though I didn't know about MakeMyMove at the time and wasn’t able to utilize the program, I think they feel a lot at ease that this person knows what he's talking about."

Leveraging Local Connections for Housing Solutions

Housing is a critical concern for many prospective movers, and Emerson says that PCDC leverages their local connections to help find suitable options for their movers. "Sometimes the information about housing options online is limited, especially in rural communities. If we connect with prospective movers or when they are starting the process of relocating, we can use our own “underground” network of connections to find them housing. So even if a home or apartment might not be listed yet, we know that it's undergoing a renovation or the current tenants are getting ready to move out and it will be available when an applicant and their family is ready to move here.”

Mukarram added, "I always try to make sure that I tell movers that the properties they find online are not their only options. And that I have connections with realtors and locals who I can reach out to help them find them exactly what they are looking for.”

Recognizing the importance of social connections, PCDC makes concerted efforts to introduce new residents to each other and facilitate their integration into the community. "I always tell movers that if they are interested in getting to know other movers or members of the community that they share common interests with once they move here, we will help them get together over lunch or dinner so they can start to feel more acclimated to their new community," shared Mukarram.

Emerson highlighted this personalized approach, stating, "I feel like we try to leave that door open at all times and make sure that they know that if they want to meet people in the community to just let us know. Additionally, part of the incentives we offer in their relocation package includes two tickets to our annual Farm-to-Table dinner, Concert & Fun in the Park. This is an event hosted by our local Perry County Quality of Life committees every year and I think that it’s just a great opportunity for movers to meet a lot of different people in the community while enjoying local food, wine and beer and listening to music from local musicians. It’s a great way to get involved and feel like you belong here."

The partnership between PCDC and MakeMyMove has yielded remarkable results, attracting new residents and facilitating the return of former residents with deep ties to the community. The program has moved 8 new households with a combined total annual income of $791,000. These seven new households are made up of 20 new people who are generating $347,822 in new annual economic output for Perry County. By utilizing funds from the Lilly Endowment and matching funds from the IEDC to help pay for the program, Perry County has been able to see a return on investment of $12 for every $1 spent on recruiting remote workers.

Success stories abound, with movers expressing appreciation for Perry County's natural beauty, cost of living and welcoming community. 

 who relocated from Florida, were particularly enamored with their new home, with Mukarram sharing, "He's over the moon and so appreciative that he moved his family here and I don't think he's looking to ever move again."

Beyond attracting new residents, the partnership has also facilitated the return of individuals who had family ties to the area. As Emerson remarked, "I just think that recognizing the value of re-attracting individuals with deep roots in the community is important.”

The innovative partnership between MakeMyMove and PCDC has proven to be a catalyst for community growth and revitalization. Through the Mover Recruitment Studio platform, Perry County officials gained invaluable insights into prospective movers' preferences and aspirations, enabling targeted outreach and tailored solutions. Additionally, by leveraging data, personalized services and structured processes - the community has not only attracted new residents but has also laid the foundation for addressing critical gaps in services.

Moreover, by tapping into local networks and connections, the PCDC effectively addressed housing concerns, a critical factor in retaining new residents. The personalized approach, including customized templates for initial outreach and facilitated social connections, fostered a sense of belonging and community integration and the ability to upload photos and video allows them to capture what makes Perry County such a great community to live in.

As the partnership continues to evolve, Perry County remains committed to leveraging MakeMyMove's resources to attract diverse talent and fill employment gaps, further enhancing the community's vitality and quality of life.

Discover how Perry County's innovative partnerships and personalized community integration strategies are driving economic development by attracting remote workers and revitalizing the community. Learn about the success of the Perry County Development Corporation (PCDC) and MakeMyMove, achieving a significant return on investment and enhancing local quality of life

Perry County

Perry County Case Study: Accelerating Economic Growth through 1:1 Marketing

Cities and towns across the U.S. are facing unprecedented growth challenges in the form of labor shortages and declining population growth. Every year, states and municipalities spend $70B to grow their economies, but most of these dollars are focused on attracting more employers, not people.


As many as 23 million Americans are expected to move in the coming years as a result of remote work. This is an unprecedented opportunity for communities to benefit from the economic impact remote workers bring while simultaneously growing the workforce and population.

MakeMyMove helps communities grow by recruiting new residents who bring a job (and all of its economic value) with them. Our platform enables communities to promote themselves on a national stage to a highly targeted audience, engage with move-ready people on the site, and execute a recruitment process that generates immediate return on investment.

Communities who work with us recruit new households that bring:

26% of relocated households bring a spouse that will work for a local employer 

Over 80% of relocated households have a bachelor’s degree

Unlock the potential of remote work to drive economic growth and population expansion with MakeMyMove. Our innovative platform empowers communities to attract high-income remote workers, delivering new jobs, tax revenue, consumer spending, and a highly educated workforce. Learn how we help towns and cities across the U.S. overcome labor shortages and declining growth, achieving an impressive $8 return for every dollar invested. Start transforming your community's future today.

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