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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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.

Companies that relocate produce a significant amount of waste. Reducing moving waste prevents businesses from contributing to landfills. Implementing various methods of landfill diversion is key to protecting the environment. Here are five ways businesses can reduce their moving waste.

What is landfill diversion?

Landfill diversion is the effort to minimize sending waste into landfills. While on the surface landfills appear to keep the environment clean, they actually degrade local water, soil, and plant systems. Plus, keeping copious amounts of waste out of landfills delays the need to create new ones.

Once products are sent to a landfill, their utility is complete—they can never be used again. The natural resources and energy directed into producing those products are wasted. But recycling materials that have reached their useful end creates further value.

Landfills are filled with plastics and harmful chemicals. Rainwater that falls into the landfills draws out these chemicals, creating a toxic soup that seeps into groundwater and contaminates it. Landfills are also major sources of greenhouse gases, which pose risks to humans and animals.

What types of moving waste do companies produce?

Businesses on the move leave behind significant waste. Office furniture, consisting of wood, metal, foam, and plastic, releases toxic substances when left in landfills. Technology waste contains hazardous materials, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can harm the environment.

Companies handle various paper documents, such as agreements and contracts. Paper waste accounts for 26 percent of total waste in landfills and contributes to deforestation. Plastic waste, like bins, storage compartments, and packing materials, takes years to decompose when discarded.

How do companies reduce moving waste with landfill avoidance?

When a corporate relocation is on the horizon, businesses are urged to avoid sending office products to the landfill. Business owners and managers should make a conscious effort to practice landfill avoidance and mitigate the harmful environmental impact of the move.

1. Use Sustainable Supplies

Opting for reusable crates and pallets reduces waste during an office move. Plastic bins are alternatives to cardboard boxes; moving companies drop them off ahead of the move and pick them up after employees unpack. Use recycled packing materials, like cardboard boxes, which are less expensive than ones bought new. Both these tactics save companies money and avoid sending more waste into landfills.

Reusable bubble wrap is a sustainable packing option that can be used on multiple moves. One version of such is Comp-U-Wrap, which is used for packing computer equipment & peripherals.

2. Donate

Rather than contribute to the 17 billion pounds of office assets in landfills, donate furniture and equipment that are in good condition to charities or organizations in need. Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill may take certain items; be sure to call ahead to check and coordinate the logistics.

3. Sell Items

Businesses might consider selling their used office furniture to companies that buy, disassemble, and remove them. Small start-ups, in this way, are able to obtain the furniture they need at affordable prices. Selling furniture prevents the items from unnecessarily piling up in landfills.

4. Recycle

Recycle paper waste and cardboard once the relocation is complete. Large quantities of paper can usually be recycled through the city’s recycling program. Contact the local public work’s department for locations of receptacles or hire a company to haul away recyclable items.

5. Downsize

While moving less items is good for the company’s budget, it also has a positive effect on the environment. Assess the goods in the office and eliminate unnecessary items. Inventory management ensures only the essential office items are transported to the new location.

Companies can practice sustainability well before and after a move. For instance, instead of producing mass amounts of paper waste, move to digital documentation. Digitized documents save paper and reduce the business’s environmental footprint. Alternatively, use recycled paper or print on both sides.

Consider opting for eco-friendly technology to reduce technology waste. Eco-friendly technology equipment, such as printers and scanners, is manufactured with sustainable materials and energy-efficient. Eco-friendly copiers are designed to use less energy while operating and emit low levels of harmful chemicals.

Invest in eco-friendly furniture to minimize the impact on the environment. This type of furniture is made from eco-friendly materials, such as natural fibers (organic cotton, jute, or hemp) used in the upholstery. Office desks and chairs, for instance, may be sustainably sourced.

The environmental impact of a corporate relocation is significant. But companies can minimize waste and avoid landfills with the right practices, like those above. Audit the move’s environmental impact beforehand, considering the transportation methods and volume of items to prioritize sustainability.

When a sustainable corporate move is desired, choose Chicago Office Movers. As a comprehensive commercial moving service, we’ll start by helping you plan a sustainable relocation that minimizes adding waste to landfills. We support the use eco-friendly practices.

Our moving crews are licensed, trained, and background-checked to give businesses confidence as we handle secure and fragile items. We rely on advanced equipment to safely load and unload your goods, from bulky office furniture to sensitive electronics and pricey antiques.

We offer convenient services to cover all your relocation needs. Our valued customers have access to short- and long-term storage, paperwork storage options, and boxes and crates that protect your items.

Chicago Office Movers is prepared to relocate your business locally, long-distance, or internationally. You receive tracking information, allowing you to track the progress of your move. Expect us to expertly handle every phase of the office move.

When you seek an affordable, environmentally-conscious and efficient office mover, contact Chicago Office Movers in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Our service is the top choice for major Chicagoland corporations seeking to minimize company downtime and ensure a successful relocation.

Call us at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Safety is paramount when moving heavy machinery and equipment. Accidents, damage to the machinery, and delays are possible without careful preparation. Adhering to safety tips and guidelines, such as the ones that follow, is key to a smooth and effective relocation process.

What are types of common heavy machinery?

The range of heavy machinery and equipment is vast and numerous. Many are used in the construction industry and include forklifts, bulldozers, and wheel loaders. Trenchers, feller bunchers, excavators, drills, and skid steer loaders are other types of heavy machinery and equipment.

Track loaders designed with moving tracks rather than wheels are used in large-scale projects. Scissor lifts are ideal for use in warehouses or stockroom storage facilities. Telehandlers are also used in warehouses to move bulk material. Wheel loaders move dirt but can be equipped like snowblowers.

What are the risks involved in moving heavy machinery?

Without careful planning and execution, relocating heavy equipment can lead to dangerous scenarios. Workers moving the machinery are susceptible to crush hazards or being caught between the equipment. When moving the items from elevated platforms, falling is a potential danger.

The sheer size and massive weight of the machines pose serious risks of collisions. Electrical hazards, visibility limitations, and rollover accidents can occur without proper methods of transportation. Fire and explosion risks are possible when workers fail to abide by best practices for moving the items.

What are tips to safely move heavy machinery?

Tip 1: Perform a Pre-Move Assessment

Prior to moving the equipment, assess the machinery. Document the dimensions, weight, center of gravity, and requirements for disassembly. Equipment with electrical connections, fluids, or delicate parts must be carefully handled and secured, so identify potential hazards as a preliminary step.

Tip 2: Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Each piece of machinery comes with delicate components. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how it should be handled and transported. If the manufacturer’s information is unavailable, check with industry experts on best practices for lifting and moving the weighty items.

Tip 3: Create a Detailed Moving Plan

Moving heavy machinery requires developing a detailed moving plan. Prepare a step-by-step outline that factors in potential obstacles on the moving path, such as narrow doorways, low ceilings, or uneven floors. Once these risks are identified, formulate strategies to overcome them.

The moving plan should involve acquiring the necessary permits to haul heavy equipment. Approvals may alternately be required to transport the oversized loads. Make sure all resources are accessible; if not, obtain them as an initial part of the moving plan.

Tip 4: Disassemble the Equipment

Disassembly, per the manufacturer’s instructions, may be required prior to the move. If so, take ample photos of the components prior to disassembly to aid in reassembly. Disconnect hydraulic or electrical connections and seal fluid lines to prevent leaks. Safely pack all detachable components.

Tip 5: Choose Appropriate Tools

The right tools support the relocation process of heavy machinery. In contrast, the wrong tools complicate the process and lead to accidents or damage to the equipment. Select tools that are rated for the weight and dimensions of the machinery being moved.

Common tools used when moving large equipment include cranes, forklifts, and rigging gear. Cranes, for instance, are useful when lifting large, heavy items. Specialized rigging gear includes slings, chains, and hooks and should be suitable for the dimensions of the machinery being moved.

Tip 6: Secure and Inspect the Load

Properly securing the machinery with straps, chains, and other methods is critical for a safe transportation process. Without adequately securing the equipment and ensuring it matches the weight and size of the machinery, the load can shift, movement during transport leads to damage or accidents.

Straps and chains should be heavy-duty and rated to meet the dimensions and weight of the machinery. Prevent movement and tipping with braces. Once the equipment is secured, inspect the security of the load regularly and correct any issues before they lead to damage or safety issues.

Tip 7: Wear Safety Gear

Handling bulky equipment and machinery requires wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Wearing safety gear minimizes the risk of injury. If accidents occur nevertheless, have an emergency plan in place to address them.

Tip 8: Monitor the Load

While transporting heavy machinery in accordance with the moving plan, unforeseen challenges or issues may arise. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed or as conditions change. Flexibility in the approach curtails accidents and keeps the move on schedule.

Tip 9: Hire Heavy Equipment Movers

Evaluate potential movers with experience moving heavy machinery. The right commercial moving company has access to the equipment, expertise, and insurance to handle transporting large machinery. Check references, ratings, certifications, and insurance coverage before settling on a professional mover or rigger.

Businesses that wish to simplify the process of relocating their heavy machinery and equipment can delegate this task to an experienced commercial moving service, like Chicago Office Movers. We’ve successfully moved heavy equipment and machinery for countless satisfied corporate customers.

As experts in heavy equipment moving, we are prepared whether you need to move one major piece of equipment or an entire assembly line. Our moving crews are trained, IOMI-certified and experienced, thereby assuring our customers a safe, efficient, and timely relocation.

Chicago Office Movers can also help your business disassemble and reassemble the machinery. Our movers are available to reconnect, level, align, and anchor equipment. With convenient services like these, your company experiences less downtime and can resume operations right away.

Short- and long-term storage options are available when your equipment must be stored. Our climate-controlled storage facilities are ideal for housing sensitive machinery. Once you need the equipment, our moving crews are available to deliver it to your new location.

The machinery movers at Chicago Office Movers meet the needs of corporations in Chicago, Illinois. From budget-friendly moves to equipment storage options, you can be assured of a seamless move from start to finish. Given our industry experience, we handle obstacles with ease.

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