‘MakeMyMove’ initiative seeks to attract new residents to county with incentives

With a goal of infusing new residents into Henry County, the community’s MakeMyMove efforts are officially underway.

MakeMyMove.com is an online directory launched in December 2020 that connects communities trying to attract new residents with remote workers and other work-from-anywhere talent.

Henry County Incentives

Henry County’s MakeMyMove offer includes: $5,000 cash for relocation, free co-working space for a year, a complimentary Arts Association of Henry County membership, free internet use for a year (within certain locations), a free gym membership, and a Henry County Welcome Basket.

Movers can also choose three of the following amenities: a state and local park pass, a golf course membership, $200 local wine-and-dine package, a free youth sports registration, allaccess high school sports pass up to $300, or $200 worth of ice cream and treats.

While the primary focus of the marketing in this effort is remote workers, the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will extend incentives to people who currently live out of state and are coming to work for local employers. Employers who have potential qualifying staff members should notify the EDC with the name of the person before they apply to MakeMyMove.

Encouraging Data

The effort is gaining traction and reaching interested people. Consider this MakeMyMove data for March: l More than 2,500 unique views received. l Almost 200 people applied.

Indiana communities including Greensburg, West Lafayette, and Muncie are among the other places offering relocation incentives to encourage new movers.

Henry County’s offer was piquing the interest of movers before the promotional page on MakeMyMove.com was complete.

The team at MakeMyMove made several visits to Henry County this fall and created a series of videos, capturing the community’s story to share with potential movers.

A “PLAYFUL” THEME

The theme behind Henry County’s MakeMyMove campaign is “Everyone can play,” summarizing the options available for all ages to participate in recreation around the community. From youth sports at the Henry County YMCA to the theatrical opportunities at the Guyer Opera House, Henry County provides plenty of ways to “play.” l Ten offers were made, and one was accepted.

One new resident has moved and a total of seven have accepted offers since the local campaign began last fall.

“I am excited to welcome new residents to our beautiful county,” said Henry County Commissioner Bobbi Plummer. “From the small towns along the National Road to the rural countryside, we have a safe community for new people to call home.”

The local MakeMyMove initiative is a partnership between the EDC, Henry County, City of New Castle, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The team recently began a full marketing campaign around the community’s offer targeted to out-of-state movers.