How to Introduce the Community to Your New Office Location

Setting up shop in a new office location is an exciting endeavor. At the same time, it can be daunting to introduce the company to the surrounding community. Here are 10 proven strategies to make an unforgettable introduction and earn the business of the greater community.

1. Understand the Demographics

The people who live in the community can become loyal customers. By understanding who these individuals are, any marketing efforts can be tailored to their needs. Important information to collect includes the population’s income, ages, education, and occupations.

Most of the demographic data can be gleaned from online sources, such as the US Census Bureau, the local Chamber of Commerce, and similar sites. Plus, companies also benefit from identifying organizations in the community, cultural features, and local events.

2. Develop a Marketing Strategy

Tailor the marketing strategy to suit the characteristics of the population’s demographics. For instance, if seniors primarily live in the community, the marketing campaign might focus on direct mail, such as printed postcards, promotional brochures, or newsletters, to highlight the business’s goods or services.

Conversely, if young adults outnumber seniors in the community, online marketing may work well. Advertise on the company website or social media. Also take advantage of local broadcast media and issue a press release to showcase available goods and services.

3. Update the Website

Upon settling in, the company website should be updated to prominently reflect the new office location and relevant contact information, like email and phone. Add a street map and driving directions to make it convenient for nearby customers to find the business’s physical office.

Include the company in online business directories. Companies might also work with other local businesses to trade website links and feature them on each other’s sites. The web address should also be visible on any customer receipts, correspondence, and similar business documents.

4. Hold a Grand Opening Ceremony

Offices that hold a grand opening ceremony at their new location make a splash. Along with serving food and drinks, offer coupons or discounts to entice the community members to explore available goods and services. Invite local organizations and key community members to the ceremony.

5. Become Familiar with Local Officials

An effective way to become acquainted with local government officials is to invite them to the grand opening ceremony. Local congressmen and congresswomen, city clerks, city council representatives, and the mayor have insights into their community and how the office can best serve these needs.

Maintaining relationships with local government officials is an asset when the office expands. The officials are in the position to provide resources and support the office’s growth. Furthermore, officials can connect the office to similar offices, which could lead to valuable community partnerships.

6. Connect with Other Offices

Developing community partnerships is just one advantage of reaching out to other offices in the area. But when offices form allies, they support each other’s growth. Socialize with the other offices to build camaraderie: go bowling, take a tour, or hold a wine-and-cheese dining event.

Along these same lines, growing offices must network in their new location. As a place for new employment and vitality, offices new to the community spur economic development. Establish a network that is beneficial to everyone involved. Ideally, this is done before the relocation.

7. Tap Into Economic Resources

The new community may offer resources that aid in economic development, which can be advantageous to growing offices. Reach out to the community to learn about possible state grants and manufacturers, for instance. These resources help offices establish themselves and gain new business relationships.

8. Volunteer

Employees at the office may elect to volunteer their time and skills. By investing in their new community, office staff meet passionate, likeminded people, which is a networking benefit. Plus, offices that contribute their time and energy show their commitment to their new community.

9. Attend Professional Events

Attending local events is another way to introduce the office to the community. For instance, tech offices might register for tech conferences where staff have opportunities to network with likeminded professionals. Visit online event directories to learn about upcoming events.

10. Offer a Class

Depending on the nature of the business, an office might hold a class related to their services or line of products. Offering learning opportunities is a great way to showcase skills and a commitment to the community. When done effectively, this strategy draws in new customers.

Succeeding in the new office location requires planning and a long-term investment in the community. Each office that relocates brings along with it potential for economic growth and unbridled enthusiasm. By getting to know the community, the office is rewarded almost instantly.

When your business has plans to move to a vibrant, new location, enlist the help of Chicago Office Movers, a reputable commercial moving service. With our comprehensive office moving services, we’ve helped countless businesses, large and small, relocate to greener pastures.

All your moving needs are fulfilled with our expert planning, packing, transporting, and unpacking services—designed to manage the relocation from start to finish. Additional conveniences we offer include short- and long-term storage facilities, paperwork storage, and tailored add-on services.

Our licensed and background-checked commercial movers are trained and equipped to move a wide range of office items, whether bulky, oversized, or heavy. In fact, we’ve successfully transported valuable antiques, fragile artwork, sensitive IT systems, delicate electronics, and large office furniture.

Climate-controlled spaces and air-ride suspensions are available on our trucks to further protect your office goods. Corporate customers receive tracking information to track the progress of their items, whether they are being transported on our trucks or stored in our secure storage facilities.

Request a free estimate for your upcoming local, long-distance, or international move and join the ranks of several prestigious companies that rely on Chicago Office Movers. We deliver exceptional customer service and are committed to serving area businesses with excellence. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office today.

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Tips for Planning a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
How to Announce the Relocation of Your Business

Planning a retail store move is a complex task—but with the right preparation and commercial mover, it can proceed smoothly and efficiently. Before setting off for more profitable pastures, retailers must plan their move. Here are 11 tips to make this giant leap a success.

Retailers move for a variety of reasons. When a competitor moves in next door, the retailer may want to relocate to a strategic area to stay competitive. Sometimes a customer base shifts to another location, making it a good business move to follow them and sustain sales.

Many retailers offer their products online. This may prompt them to open up a smaller store that offers a unique experience to complement their online store. Profits get a boost when retailers move into a space with lower rent. Conversely, a larger store is necessary to sell new product lines.

Or, a lease may simply end, prompting the retailer to find a new storefront with better terms. Whatever the reason behind the move, retailers must pick the perfect new location, keep their customers informed, and manage their inventory to ensure a seamless relocation.

Tip 1: Plan in Advance

A desirable move date aligns with the retailer’s slowest sales period. By opting for a time when business is slow, the retailer does not miss out on sales and gains greater flexibility during the move process. Overlap the lease dates to allow time to move out of the old store.

Tip 2: Thin Out Inventory

Reducing inventory before the move is a good financial strategy. The more goods a storefront has to relocate, the higher their moving costs will be. Avoid the extra expense by thinning out inventory by holding a store-wide sale—which can also serve as an effective advertisement for the new location.

Tip 3: Pack Efficiently

Streamline the packing process by either delegating it to a commercial mover or handling it in-house. Efficient packing makes it easier to unpack at the destination. Use small boxes to pack heavy items and large ones for lighter objects. Label each box with their intended location at the new store.

Tip 4: Use Storage

A climate-controlled storage facility is useful for temporarily storing sensitive products. When exploring storage units, look for one with security to safeguard valuables as well as one with easy access. A flexible storage plan is ideal, as the terms work with any relocation plan.

Tip 5: Notify Customers

Keep loyal customers in the loop. Notify them via channels, like social media and the store’s email list. Place a banner on the store’s website with the new location and its effective date. Hang signs inside the store to alert walk-in customers. Consider sending a press release to local media.

Tip 6: Notify Employees

Employees are the backbone of a successful retail store. Make a formal announcement to let them know about the move before notifying customers. Provide staff with information about amenities, like coffee shops, or gyms, in the new location to drum up excitement.

Tip 7: Set Up Early

Setting up the new storefront early allows the retailer to be up and running quickly. Arrange for utilities and internet before moving in. Plan the layout so staff knows where merchandise goes. If renovations are needed, perform them while the new store is still empty.

Tip 8: Plan for Downtime

Even amid the frenzy of the store move, downtime is expected. Maintain the sales momentum by offering pre-orders via the online store. Use the time to train employees on new systems or processes. Practice good customer service by letting customers know of any anticipated interruptions.

Tip 9: Use Technology

Streamline the move by harnessing the power of today’s advanced technology. Keep track of the inventory being moved with inventory management software. Set up cloud-based systems to access data from any location. Project management tools keep the entire move organized.

Tip 10: Mind the Details

Pay attention to the details to ensure the move goes smoothly. Technology is vital, but keep backup paper copies of important documents in a safe place. Create a floorplan of the new store and photograph the current space to simplify setup and recreate current displays.

Tip 11: Hire a Commercial Mover

A commercial mover is a pivotal partner for ensuring the transition is a success. Choose an experienced mover with a track record of carefully moving antiques, sensitive electronics, or large items. If special requirements are necessary for moving delicate items, discuss them with the mover.

Book a commercial moving service well in advance. Certain months of the year, like during the summer season, are busiest for movers. Avoid peak times and schedule the relocation outside of normal business hours, like weekends or evenings, to minimize disruptions to business operations.

The right commercial mover, like Chicago Office Movers, offers convenient services important to retailers, such as secure storage facilities and packing and unpacking services, among others. We’re experienced in moving businesses of all sizes and are ready to relocate your retail store, too.

Whether you need large equipment or small, delicate items relocated, our moving crews are equipped to handle the task. We’ve moved lab equipment, heavy electronics, and even assembly lines with utmost care. Our electrical generators can also power your machinery.

Our experienced movers have helped countless local businesses relocate, including well-known universities and major corporations. Whether you own a small storefront or run a large corporation, we possess the equipment, trained labor force, and skill to facilitate a smooth move.

Each of our licensed movers is qualified to handle your store’s goods. Plus, they are background checked, ensuring your merchandise is in safe hands. When you’re looking for a commercial mover invested in eco-friendly practices and green moving supplies, choose our green company.

When your retail store is planning to move down the street or across the ocean, Chicago Office Movers is prepared to accommodate your relocation needs. Expect an efficient, timely and budget-friendly move. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office today to request a free estimate.

After relocating to greener pastures, launching a business in its new location is celebrated with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Complete with giant scissors, bright red ribbon, and an elated business owner, a well-planned ceremony draws numerous eager guests, from the mayor to new customers.

What is the purpose of a ribbon cutting ceremony?

A brand-new chapter in the life of a business starts upon moving to a prime location. Once the company is settled, the next step is planning for the grand opening. The ribbon cutting ceremony brings awareness to the company’s new location and the goods or services it offers.

This major milestone can be leveraged to attract local media attention and new customers or clients. The business owner, business associates, and board members have a chance to thank employees and others involved in the forward momentum of their company. Use these nine tips to plan the ceremony.

What are tips for planning a ribbon cutting ceremony?

Tip 1: Choose a Milestone

A successful ribbon cutting ceremony must be planned in advance. One of the early steps is to decide what milestone the ceremony is intended to celebrate. Some are held once an important project is completed. Others occur when a new business launches.

Tip 2: Decide When to Hold the Ceremony

The timing of the ribbon cutting ceremony is also important. Hold the ceremony on opening day to draw curious crowds at the front door. Or opt for a soft launch, when the company throws the ribbon cutting ceremony a few weeks or months after the official opening.

Tip 3: Consider Invitees’ Schedules

Take into account the schedules of important guests. VIPs may be scheduled to speak at the ceremony, so consider their dates of availability. Event participants may be torn between the ceremony and another big event happening concurrently, making it essential to plan so everyone can attend.

Tip 4: Pick the Best Hours

The local Chamber of Commerce is a vital resource for determining if other ongoing events create a conflict. Then schedule the ribbon cutting ceremony during a time that’s convenient for most attendees, such as during noontime and afternoon hours when offices give employees breaks.

Alternately, weekends are practical for businesses that want more guests to attend and stay longer to explore their offerings. However, government officials won’t be available. Weekdays are advisable when the company aims to attract government officials and prominent local business people.

Achieve the best of both worlds by holding two separate ribbon cutting ceremonies: a weekday ceremony when the mayor, other dignitaries, and the local press are available to attend and, on the weekend, a grand opening celebration to attract potential clients.

Tip 5: Choose a Fitting Venue

Many ribbon cutting ceremonies are held onsite, at the place of business. But if that venue is too small to accommodate a long list of guests, invite a few people to the actual ceremony. Afterward, hold a reception for all other guests in a larger facility.

Tip 6: Prepare a Guest List

A business that reaches its pinnacle does not do so alone. Stakeholders, leadership, management, and employees contribute to its success. Prepare a guest list by consulting with staff members, from leadership to management. This step ensures no VIPs are omitted.

Besides sending personal invites to stakeholders, send invitations to local dignitaries who can help the business network with others in the community. These well-connected individuals may be government officials, such as the mayor, city council members as well as various commissioners.

Don’t forget members of the team who’ve helped the company achieve its milestone, such as employees, architects, accountants, various levels of management, and administration. Allow staff to bring one family member. Create buzz around the ceremony by inviting local media outlets.

Tip 7: Advertise the Event

Spread the word about the ribbon cutting ceremony through social media. An official company account can bring attention to the event as equally as local influencers. Hang posters and billboards with the date, time, and location of the ceremony. Send out press releases, too.

Tip 8: Hire Professionals

Food and refreshments are an important part of any event. Hire a caterer to serve foods that promote the business’s agenda, like nutritious appetizers during a medical facility opening. Enlist a company photographer to take high-quality photos for later use in social media and marketing campaigns.

Tip 9: Prepare a Speech

At the start of the ceremony, guests will expect to hear from the business owner. Prepare a short speech beforehand, one that evokes emotion from the attendees. A heartfelt speech has the ability to connect with audiences. Also hand out brochures or pamphlets showcasing the company’s offerings.

The tenth tip involves the most eye-catching part of the ceremony: cutting the ribbon. Find large ceremonial scissors at a party supply store. But before you plan a grand ribbon cutting ceremony, schedule Chicago Office Movers to help you relocate to your desired location.

As highly experienced commercial movers, we offer your business comprehensive relocation services. We cover every phase, from the planning to the packing and the unpacking. Extra conveniences are also available, including short- and long-term storage options, insurance contracts, and add-on services.

Our dependable crew of office movers has expertly handled a wide range of items, including precious antiques, bulky office furniture, fragile IT systems, sensitive electronics, and cubicles. We’ll deliver the highest level of care when handling your office possessions and transport them in our climate-controlled trucks for extra protection.

Working with Chicago Office Movers gives your company less downtime. Your employees have the opportunity to continue focusing on job-related tasks while we take care of the packing and transport. Satisfied customers that have relied on us include University of Chicago and Alcatel Lucent.

Choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming local, long-distance, or international corporate relocation. We offer budget-friendly moves and exceptional customer service. Be onsite for your next ribbon cutting ceremony by letting us help you relocate.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Choosing a reputable commercial mover is critical to the success of an office relocation. Unknowingly hiring a non-licensed, unqualified mover can lead to a host of problems, not to mention disruptions to business operations. Here is how to know when a moving company is reputable to avoid a bad moving experience.

Why is it important to hire a trustworthy mover?

Relocating a business is a daunting and time-consuming task. Business owners spend time planning, coordinating, and executing the move. By choosing the right commercial mover, company owners can be assured that their valuables will be delivered on time and within budget.

A reputable commercial mover trains their moving crews to safely pack all types of office assets. Careful packing prevents damage to the goods throughout the office relocation. A good mover also utilizes a well-planned moving process, completing the move in a timely manner, reducing downtime, and minimizing risk for damage to both building and company property.

What are the risks of hiring an unreputable mover?

Hiring a rogue mover, on the other hand, increases the number of problems a business owner may face. A bad mover causes unnecessary delays, which can significantly impact workflow. Damage to business assets during the move costs a business owner more time and money.

Scammers posing as commercial moving company representatives are out for money, asking for payment upfront and holding the business goods hostage until the additional fees they demand are paid. Denying payment provokes rogue movers, who sell the goods or disappear completely.

How do business owners tell if a moving company is reputable?

1. Look Up the DOT Number

Identifying a legitimate commercial moving company is a priority for businesses planning to relocate across state lines. Check the USDOT (US Department of Transportation) Number first. Good movers follow the regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The FMCSA mandates that movers register a DOT Number, which serves as a unique identifier for the DOT and FMCSA to monitor and assess a company’s compliance reviews, crash investigations, audits and inspections. The number can be easily used to look up safety information prior to hire.

2. Check the ICC Website

While looking up the DOT Number is helpful for interstate moves, not all states require this number for local moves. Illinois movers for instance, are not required to register with the federal government. In cases of local relocations, obtain valuable info from the Illinois Commerce Commission website.

Check the ICC website at https://www.icc.illinois.gov/transportation. Enter the transportation entity name in the field under Motor Carrier Information System. Upon entering the prospective commercial mover’s company name, their ILCC Number, DOT Number, and Public Carrier Certificate information will appear and can be used to verify the legitimacy of their details.

Once the DOT Number appears, visit the government’s Safety and Fitness Electronics Records (SAFER) System at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx. Upon entering the mover’s DOT Number, the pertinent safety rating, inspections, and status will appear. Use this information to assess the potential mover.

The company’s name and contact information, for instance, should match what is provided by the mover or found online. The DOT Number should be active. Plus, their operating status should be listed as “active” and not “out of service” or “unauthorized.”

3. Seek an Online Presence

Ensuring that a potential office mover has an online presence is also telling. A mover without a website should raise a red flag, as it indicates a possible moving scam. Moving company reps who arrive without a uniform or a moving truck without a logo are suspect, unless proven otherwise.

4. Examine Business Certifications and Licenses

A reputable mover is certified by the American Moving & Storage Association. Check online directories, such as the Better Business Bureau, for ratings and any complaints. Make sure the prospective mover is licensed and insured by the state, which protect the company and their customers.

5. Obtain an Estimate

The FMCSA mandates that movers provide a written estimate of all charges. These include transportation, accessorial, and advance charges. The estimate can be binding, which means the charge will not go over the estimate at delivery, or non-binding, which is not a guarantee of final costs.

6. Check Reviews

A credible commercial mover is usually well-rated. The business relies on their reputation within the community. Check for positive reviews and customer feedback to learn about the experiences of past corporate customers and their overall impression of working with the commercial mover.

7. Consider Additional Services

An office move is highly complex, necessitating additional services, such as packing and unpacking, as well as the availability of safe storage space. The availability of extra offerings helps streamline the commercial move process and reduces the business owner’s investment in time and effort.

Experience also influences the process of securing a reputable office mover. Years of industry experience signal to potential customers that the mover is trustworthy. When you’re looking for an experienced mover who ticks off all of the above boxes, look no further than Chicago Office Movers.

As a commercial mover offering interstate relocations, we abide by USDOT regulations and have a DOT Number. Moving crews are licensed, background-checked, and trained to deliver exceptional customer service and ensure that your office goods are handled with utmost care and maximum security.

Companies large and small trust us for our many conveniences that make their corporate relocation easier. Among our offerings are short- and long-term storage facilities, paperwork storage, insurance and service contracts, and a free estimate. Our specialists can also help you plan the office relocation.

Our professional movers are experienced in undertaking the packing, transport and unpacking of a range of office goods. We’ve moved valuable antiques, bulky office furniture, and cubicles. Crews are trained to safely handle fragile IT systems, electronics, and science lab equipment, too.

Whether you plan to relocate locally, out of state, or internationally, Chicago Office Movers offers the experience, qualifications, and reputation that you can count on. Join our extensive list of satisfied business customers.

Schedule your free estimate today and let us help you relocate successfully. Call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Glass tabletops and mirrors offer elegance to any office space. But fragile items like these require forethought when planning a corporate relocation. Knowing how to safely pack them is key to preventing them from shattering and leaving dangerous glass shards to clean up.

Glass desks in the office are ultra-modern. Sleek and stylish, they add spaciousness and a contemporary feel to the workspace. The most visually stunning pieces can cost a few thousand dollars each. The last thing a relocating business wants is for the glass to break before it reaches the destination.

How are glass tabletops safely packed?

1. Gather the Supplies

Safe packing starts with obtaining the supplies necessary to protect the glass during the move. Gather packing paper, packing tape, and bubble wrap. Mirror boxes are ideal for housing mirrors, while cardboard boxes are required for the glass tabletops. Obtain foam corners for added protection.

2. Disassemble the Table

Disassemble the base of the table from the delicate glass top. If the table has multiple detachable parts, make note of these first with a video or photo for reference when reassembling it later. Disassembly also helps when moving large pieces through doors, narrow halls, and up and down stairs.

3. Tape the Glass

The tabletop glass is extremely fragile. Protect this part of the furniture by using packing tape to tape an X across the glass. The crisscross of tape should keep the glass from shattering during transport. If it does shatter, cleanup will be easier and less dangerous.

4. Wrap the Glass

Wrap the glass in generous layers of packing paper. Secure the wrapped glass further with more packing tape to ensure it is both scratch and fingerprint resistant. Add extra protection by surrounding the wrapped glass with bubble wrap. The bubbles should face inward for maximum protection.

5. Prepare the Box

Crumple packing paper and stuff it into the cardboard box. Place the wrapped glass into the box. Fill any gaps with additional packing paper or cloths. Test whether the glass shifts by lightly shaking the box. If the glass moves, add more packing materials until it is stable.

Creating a crate for a glass-top mirror is strongly recommended in specific scenarios, such as for a conference table or when transporting over long distances.

6. Mark as Fragile

Seal the packed box with tape. Mark the box as “fragile.” Consider writing the location in which the glass will go, such as “first floor conference room” or “lobby.” The movers will know to handle the box with care and place it in the right location at the destination.

How are mirrors safely packed?

1. Lay the Mirror Flat

The packing starts by laying the mirror flat with the reflective side up, ideally on an elevated surface, such as a countertop. If the mirror is especially large, clear space on the office floor. Keep smaller mirrors together to make the process easier.

2. Tape the Surface

As with glass tabletops, tape the mirror with painter’s or masking tape. Form an X on the mirror from the top corner to the bottom. Also tape a gride across the mirror’s entire surface. The tape helps strengthen the glass and minimizes the risk of breakage during the relocation.

3. Protect the Mirror

Affixing foam or cardboard corner shields prior to packing is an excellent way to protect the mirror. Further protect the mirror by cutting two pieces of cardboard slightly larger than its front and back. Sandwich the mirror in between them and secure with packing tape.

4. Wrap the Mirror

Wrap the mirror with various materials. First wrap it with packing paper. Follow with bubble wrap so that the bubbles face inward, which grips the mirror better and keeps it from shifting around during transit. Add an extra layer of protection by covering the mirror with moving blankets.

5. Place into the Box

Create a layer of padding on the bottom of the mirror box with crumpled packing paper. Slide the wrapped mirror into the mirror box. If gaps exist, fill them with more packing paper. Close the box and shake it; if the mirror moves, open the box, and add packing paper.

6. Mark the Box

As with all delicate packed materials, label the box as “Fragile.” Write “Do not lay flat,” on all sides of the box. The professional movers will know to keep the mirrors upright to prevent cracks or breakage. Since mirrors are strongest at the edges, never lay them on the ground.

Keep both the boxed glass tabletops and mirrors on their sides to prevent any other boxes or items from being stacked on top of them. This step is also advised to prevent heavy items from falling onto them and shattering the glass.

Packing glass tabletops and mirrors is a straightforward task. But when an office is filled with several glass desks or mirrors, it’s a time-saving measure to hire the professionals at Chicago Office Movers. As a full-service commercial mover, we offer efficient packing services to local businesses.

For thriving companies, time is money—which is the reason to leave the packing to us. Your employees experience less downtime with our quality packing services. At the destination, we unpack and reassemble the office goods so your business can get up and running fast.

We offer additional conveniences, such as receiving and warehousing. Your office possessions are housed in our secure storage facility. Our crews deliver and assemble the goods when they are ready to be removed from storage. We can also help with decommissioning your office space.

An office relocation is an exciting opportunity—and you need the experts at Chicago Office Movers on your side. Our experienced move specialists are available to help you coordinate the move from start to finish, including planning, packing, unpacking, and reassembly.

Whether your company is relocating, renovating, or simply needs storage space, count on Chicago Office Movers. We serve businesses large and small in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.