Home-based business throws out welcome mat for new Maricopans

By Fran Lyons[quote_box_right]JILL SMITH
Owner
Maricopa Welcome Service
Background: Born in Iowa
Personal: Married to David Smith, whom she met in Colorado 28 years ago. He is also her business partner.
Residence: Rancho El Dorado for seven years
First job: Retail merchandising and re-set design for over 20 years
Hobbies: Traveling; visiting family
Eye toward the future: Expanding the business to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community[/quote_box_right]

It can be overwhelming to move to a new town. You usually don’t know anyone, and you don’t know your way around. Everyone needs a place to start from to connect to a new environment.

Providing an opportunity for new residents who have lived in Maricopa for six months or less to get acquainted with their new “hometown” is rewarding for Maricopa Welcome Service.

“We really enjoy the satisfaction of helping people get settled and connected,” owner Jill Smith said. She operates the home-based business with her husband David.

The Smiths’ goal is to bring focus and awareness to all that Maricopa has to offer, highlighting its many resources, events, local and reputable businesses and the “small-town” atmosphere and friendliness of the community. Businesses can pay an entry-fee of sorts to be included in the welcome package.

“Our aim is to steer people in the right direction,” Smith said.

Maricopa Welcome Service began three years ago and offers new residents a folder filled with information and coupons along with a basket loaded with goodies, sponsored by local home-based businesses. A fresh pineapple – a symbol of hospitality – and the company’s logo is also included. Smith wants to make them feel they are among friends.

“The feeling of isolation shifts to a feeling of belonging after being introduced and welcomed to a new community,” Smith said.

303-483-1330
[email protected]

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This story appears in the March issue of InMaricopa.