Laehn, Tim, Ltr - Newcomers Pkt503 Locust St.
P.O. Box 25
Allison, IA 50602
October 6, 2003
City Hall
50 West 13~ Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Members of the Dubuque Council,
The enclosed sheet explains a project that I started in Allison, Iowa. I deliver welcome
packets to new community residents. I have met with all the city councils in Buffer County to
spread the idea to the other tom in our county. I am sending this letter to the city councils of
other cities in the state in hopes that my suggestions might be helpful in starting a similar project
in your city. I truly appreciate your time and consideration of these ideas. Feel free to contact me
with any questions, concerns, or comments you may have.
Thank You,
Tim Laelm
Allison Welcome Packets
Purpose: To wek~me ~-.~.-.' reside~/~ to the Atlison Community, to help them adjust to
their new surmundlngs-l~i~rm~on, gifts, and special offers, and to
showcase the positive things Allison has to offer.
Process: I started this project by going to the Allison City Hall and getting a list of all the
new residents who had moved to town in the last year. They also agreed to let
me know any time someone new moved to town in the futura. I then began to
create numerous booklets, brochures, and pamphlets to be included in the
packets. I also talked to several businesses in town to find ou~ if they would be
willing add a gift or coupon to the packets. When the packets were finished, I
started to personally deliver the tham to the people on my list I made all the
deliveries on my list, and I continue to make more as new people move into
town.
Every Packet Includes:
· Personal letter from me
· Churches of Allison brochure
· Auto Services in Allison brochure
; History of Allison brochure
Booklet with pictures, addresses, and hours of all
: Wilder Park pamphlet
Allison Swimming Pool- hours and Prices
- Business Cards
· Coupons:
<> J&C Grocery- onefree 6-pack ofpop
~ Allison-Drug Store- one'free Tlower
~ Allison .Auto Parts-onefree ~"~n of Penr~y Glass and Utili~ CJeaner
<> Allison Hardware - one free key
-o 'Gifts:
o De?_',s?~ Office - floss dispenser
<~ Java s Bake,~ & Deli- pensand menus
~ Allison Thera~y'Clinic'-,~,~-,pans. and brochures
o Allison Health Care Center - notepads and brochures
<> Elm Springs Assisted Living - notepads and brochures
<> Butler County Tribune Journal - printed ~ envelepes
Future: 1 will be graduating from high school a~er next year, so I am hoping an organization
in town such as the Community Club, the Commercial Club, Or the LionsClub will
continue the project when I leave. Some interest has already been expressed by
certain groups.
I would encourage you to start a project similar to this in your commUnity, either
through an individual or through a group. It makes the town more friendly and welcoming to
newcomers and gives the town a stronger sense of community. Businesses also beneiit
because they have a chance to advertise in the packets. All who receive packets are very
appreciative.
Thank You,
Tim Laehn