The Chamber launched the Community Concierge service in fall 2016. The mission of this program is to help employees and their families relocate to the region and forge lasting connections within the community. The Chamber has found, anecdotally, that the trailing spouse and children are often the ones who make the final decision about whether to move to, or stay in, a community. This is why this program’s focus is extended to the entire family, not just the employee.
The Community Concierge program has multiple facets, but the primary initiative is a referral service for Chamber member businesses. When an employer is in the final stages of recruiting, or has recently hired, a new executive/physician/plant manager/etc., they refer that employee to the Community Concierge.
Assistance may include a personalized, guided tour of Mason City and nearby Clear Lake; employment for a trailing spouse; help locating quality rental housing; connections with the principal or teachers at a child’s future school; introductions to service clubs, churches and volunteer opportunities; and much more, depending on the individual’s needs.
The Chamber has also put a special focus on assisting with physician recruitment to ensure North Iowa remains a medical hub for the region. Our Community Concierge works in partnership with recruiters from Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa to ensure we attract and retain the best and brightest providers, so patients can feel confident in the care they receive.
In the long run, this service will not only attract new residents to North Iowa—it will also keep them here. The Chamber of Commerce is excited to see the Community Concierge service continue to grow in the coming years.