Latest news with #Columbus2025
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Travel + Leisure
19-05-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This Southern City Is the Most Welcoming Community in the U.S., Report Finds
About 8.2 million Americans moved between states in 2022, and as census data shows, that number is only going up year after year. If you're one of the millions looking to pack up all your stuff and move to a brand-new state in 2025, MakeMyMove has a few places for you to consider. In April, MakeMyMove, an online relocation marketplace for recruiting remote workers, released its list of the most welcoming places in the U.S. It noted in its findings that "these cities and regions have gone beyond traditional growth strategies to successfully attract and integrate new residents, proving that a thoughtful, hands-on approach can reshape a community's future." It added that it selected these destinations for their "innovative approaches to population growth," including via initiatives like Columbus 2025, a project aimed at increasing "prosperity, reducing poverty, and improve overall quality of life for a stronger and more vibrant region for decades to come," and the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) program, whose mission is "to solve the deep-seated issue of population retention and growth in Eastern Kentucky." After reviewing all the programs and efforts, it named Columbus, Georgia, a city tucked along the Western border of the state, as the No. 1 pick, thanks to its "precision in people-matching." "Columbus is strategically growing its population, with a community talent strategy aiming for a 4 percent increase by 2026," the findings stated. "Their matchmaking approach thoughtfully selects movers who will relocate for the long term. The Columbus team doesn't just recruit remote workers—they connect them with local leaders and community opportunities to ensure they stay." Coming in second is Eastern Kentucky, which earned a top spot thanks to its neighborly care. "What distinguishes it? A deeply rooted culture of hospitality, where residents personally welcome newcomers—sometimes with home-cooked meals, assistance with moving or even a ride to town," it stated. And rounding out the top three is Noblesville, Indiana, known for its "concierge-level" community integration. It added, "The city's hands-on approach ensures that newcomers feel like part of the community from day one." "These communities understand that relocation isn't just about moving boxes—it's about building a life," Evan Hock, the co-founder and COO of MakeMyMove, shared. "The leaders behind these programs are creating real human connections, removing barriers for newcomers, and proving that a welcoming community is the best incentive of all." Want to find even more welcoming communities? See the full list and what makes each destination special enough to call "home" at
Travel + Leisure
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the Most Welcoming Communities in the U.S.—and No. 1 Is a Southern Gem
About 8.2 million Americans moved between states in 2022, and as census data shows, that number is only going up year after year. If you're one of the millions looking to pack up all your stuff and move to a brand-new state in 2025, MakeMyMove has a few places for you to consider. In April, MakeMyMove, an online relocation marketplace for recruiting remote workers, released its list of the most welcoming places in the U.S. It noted in its findings that "these cities and regions have gone beyond traditional growth strategies to successfully attract and integrate new residents, proving that a thoughtful, hands-on approach can reshape a community's future." It added that it selected these destinations for their "innovative approaches to population growth," including via initiatives like Columbus 2025, a project aimed at increasing "prosperity, reducing poverty, and improve overall quality of life for a stronger and more vibrant region for decades to come," and the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) program, whose mission is "to solve the deep-seated issue of population retention and growth in Eastern Kentucky." After reviewing all the programs and efforts, it named Columbus, Georgia, a city tucked along the Western border of the state, as the No. 1 pick, thanks to its "precision in people-matching." "Columbus is strategically growing its population, with a community talent strategy aiming for a 4 percent increase by 2026," the findings stated. "Their matchmaking approach thoughtfully selects movers who will relocate for the long term. The Columbus team doesn't just recruit remote workers—they connect them with local leaders and community opportunities to ensure they stay." Coming in second is Eastern Kentucky, which earned a top spot thanks to its neighborly care. "What distinguishes it? A deeply rooted culture of hospitality, where residents personally welcome newcomers—sometimes with home-cooked meals, assistance with moving or even a ride to town," it stated. And rounding out the top three is Noblesville, Indiana, known for its "concierge-level" community integration. It added, "The city's hands-on approach ensures that newcomers feel like part of the community from day one." "These communities understand that relocation isn't just about moving boxes—it's about building a life," Evan Hock, the co-founder and COO of MakeMyMove, shared. "The leaders behind these programs are creating real human connections, removing barriers for newcomers, and proving that a welcoming community is the best incentive of all." Want to find even more welcoming communities? See the full list and what makes each destination special enough to call "home" at
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Columbus, Georgia Invites Remote Workers: 2025 MakeMyMove Program Now Accepting Applications
Georgia Community Aims to Attract More Talent with $8,700 incentive COLUMBUS, Ga., January 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applications are now open for the Columbus Remote Worker Incentive Program, designed to attract talented individuals and families to the growing community. Selected applicants will receive a $5,000 cash incentive and an exclusive benefits package valued at over $3,700, including access to local events, co-working spaces, and unique community experiences. Following the resounding success of the 2024 program, which drew over 7,000 applicants and brought 12 new families to the community, Columbus is expanding the program, with a goal to attract 24 households in 2025 – doubling last year's cohort. "The 2024 program exceeded our expectations," said Columbus 2025 Executive Director Tabetha Getz. "While last year we focused on a pilot program with a smaller cohort, we anticipate doubling the number of participants every year going forward. Building on that momentum, we're excited to welcome even more remote workers who can enjoy the unique combination of community, culture, and affordability Columbus offers." What's New in 2025? In addition to the $5,000 cash incentive and $3,200 in community integration perks, the 2025 program introduces the $500 Columbus Experience Package. This new benefit can be used for tickets to local events like Columbus Clingstones Baseball, Springer Opera House and RiverCenter shows, and other local attractions, connecting newcomers with the community. Eligibility criteria remain the same: Full-time remote employment with an annual salary of at least $75,000 Residence at least 75 miles outside Columbus, with plans to move to Muscogee County within six months Commitment to living in Columbus for a minimum of one year The program is expected to fill quickly, thanks to its proximity to Atlanta and the strong interest generated in 2024. "Recruiting remote workers isn't just about the numbers—it's about building community and creating lasting economic benefits," said MakeMyMove Co-founder and COO Evan Hock. "Columbus is showing other cities how to successfully attract talented people." Interested applicants can learn more and apply at Highlights of the 2024 Program: 7,000+ Applicants from 36 states $2 Million Annual Economic Impact $1.57 Million in Muscogee County Real Estate Purchases $8.5 Million Projected Five-Year Economic Impact Among the new residents is Jennafer Lester, who returned to Columbus after two decades in Atlanta. Lester, who relocated to Columbus through the program last year, works remotely in the tech industry and was drawn to the program by the opportunity to reconnect with her hometown. Lester was a student at the Springer Opera House's Springer Theatre Academy for almost 10 years, and today enjoys the opportunity to pour back into an organization that shaped many aspects of her personal and professional growth. "I've been incredibly impressed by the opportunities to get involved and truly immerse myself in this vibrant city," said Lester. "Since moving to Columbus, I joined the Board of Directors at the Springer Opera House, State Theatre of Georgia. It's been truly fulfilling to connect with the city's rich arts and culture scene and contribute to the future of arts in our community." About Columbus 2025: Columbus 2025 is an economic and community development strategy to create a more competitive and prosperous Chattahoochee Valley Region. The guiding principles of the plan are to increase prosperity, reduce poverty, and improve the overall quality of life for a stronger and more vibrant region for decades to come. For more information, visit: About MakeMyMove: MakeMyMove is the country's first and only online marketplace where remote workers can explore the communities that are incentivizing their relocations. Since launching in December 2020, more than 2,000 remote workers and their families have found and relocated to new communities through the platform. View source version on Contacts Angela Tuell, Communications Redefined, info@
