Organizers of Grow Wabash believe the community has a quality of life enticing enough for others to relocate. Behind the initiative of MakeMyMove, local leaders seek to offer incentive packages to individuals willing to make a commitment to Wabash for a specified amount of time.
MakeMyMove is a marketplace product that connects remote workers and other work-from-anywhere talent with communities that are attracting new residents. The technology company, based in Indianapolis, provides leads for Wabash officials to recruit these prospective residents.
For those who qualify, and willing to live here for a year, they will receive an incentive package valued at $8,400. Among those incentives include $5,000 cash for relocation; $250 investment into early award scholarships; $100 travel fund for family members to visit Wabash County; 50 percent off Wabash County’s Development Leadership Program; and dozens of other amenities.
“We obviously are promoting the quality of life. The size, pace, and cost of living are all big pluses,” said Angel Werhly, project leader for MakeMyMove.
Werhly said new residents mean growth, economically and culturally. Leaders are recognizing this opportunity, and assembling relocation programs that make the moves a little easier, and integrate new residents into the community.
One individual, who wished not to be identified for this story, has already been approved and relocated to Wabash County from the East Coast. Werhly expects more to move to the area very soon.
Eligibility requirements include full-time employment and ability to relocate while retaining their current position, or are self-employed and able to relocate while retaining their current clients. Applicants must make at least $50,000 annually and are U.S. citizens of 18 years or older and reside outside of Indiana. They also must have the ability to relocate to the area within six months.
The initiative’s local partnership with Grow Wabash includes the Community Foundation of Wabash County; Town of North Manchester; City of Wabash and Wabash County.
Grow Wabash will be enlisting the help of local leaders to serve as a Wabash County Community Champion. In this capacity individuals representative all areas of commerce and service to the area providing local knowledge to help movers understand the area and feel connected upon arrival. Their key tasks will include communication during the application process; record a brief video testimonial; provide Website content; and share information on social media.
“This is a great way to grow the community,” said Chelsea Parson, Grow Wabash. “We have this opportunity to put our best foot forward and attract potential residents.”
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