It has been a long-held dream of Kimball Area Chamber of Commerce members to launch a welcome program for new residents of the Kimball area. This fall the Chamber of Commerce will begin this program with the help of another partner, the Kimball Early Childhood Coalition. Modeled after the Welcome Wagon program, which welcomes new residents and families to the neighborhood, the Chamber of Commerce has collected helpful civic and community information and free gifts and literature from businesses in a bag to deliver to new residents. It’s the chamber’s way of saying “we are glad you are here.” Discussions for the welcome program began when the Kimball Early Childhood Coalition was looking for a partner to distribute a newly published early childhood resource directory. Representatives from both organizations have been meeting since February to plan and organize the program. Letters went out to Chamber members asking for literature and items that would be helpful to new residents. The response was overwhelmingly positive. “We know our community is growing and there isn’t a centralized location for new residents to obtain information they need when they first arrive,” said Sherry Donabauer, a chamber volunteer working on the program. “This is a wonderful way to greet new residents and tell them all that is here in Kimball. It’s important to know what a community has to offer. We know from the Kimball Area Chamber of Commerce Expo that businesses also want an opportunity to market their business or just simply let them know we are here.” In addition to the early childhood resource directory, the bags include company literature, civic information, discount coupons and giveaways. Items are free and for new residents to keep. Mary Johnson is leading a group of volunteers who have agreed to deliver the welcome bags. “Informally, Mary has been welcoming people to the community with a greeting and a friendly smile for years,” said Sherry. “We are so fortunate that she has agreed to do this on behalf of the community and the chamber.” Currently the bags are being assembled and will be ready for delivery beginning this fall. The Chamber needs your help. If you are new to the community or know someone else who is, please contact TyLynn Theis or Joyce Libbesmeier at the State Bank of Kimball at (320) 398-3500. The Kimball Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes chamber members as well as non-members to participate. To inquire about including items in the bags or about Chamber membership, please call TyLynn Theis at (320) 398-3500 or Sherry Donabauer at (320) 398-3043. Please note: The Kimball Area Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to decide which literature is appropriate for the welcome bag. Lists are shared for welcome bags only and will not be used for further solicitation purposes.
