As Bloomington expands its welcoming arms, local businesses are being called upon to contribute to the 'Welcome to Bloomington' program. Beginning earlier this year, the initiative has focused on fostering connections among new homeowners and renters through various events including monthly meetings, neighborhood gatherings, a resource fair, and a cultural fair. But now there's a new twist—collaboration with realtors.

As reported on August 28th by the City of Bloomington's official website, the welcome initiative is enhancing its outreach efforts. These welcome gift bags will be distributed by realtors, cozying up to new residents as a symbol of the community's spirit—reminiscent of those parting gifts one gets when they close on a new house. In a move to ingrain local businesses in the fabric of newcomers' lives, the City is now seeking these establishments to chip in with discounts or coupons.

"We're hoping to highlight some of the fun businesses Bloomington has to new residents who may not be familiar with the community yet," Isela Mendiola, Office Assistant at the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging said in a statement. The intention is clear: by drawing in local enterprises to participate, the program aims to weave an initial web of engagement between Bloomington's fresh faces and its economic bedrock.

Realtors, being described as the conduit for these welcome packets, can gather these gift bags at the Civic Plaza from Monday to Friday, thus ensuring that new residents receive a tinseled snapshot of Bloomington's local charms upon their entrance to the city. Furthermore, businesses interested in showcasing their offerings to this fresh audience can reach out to Isela Mendiola at [email protected]. The expectation, laced with an air of community and commerce, is that this gesture will help mutate simple transactions into lasting relationships. Further details on the program can be unearthed at blm.mn/welcome.