Do you have new employees who have started within the last 12 months? Don’t let them navigate this journey alone. Studies show that if your new employee does not feel a sense of belonging within 90 days, you could be at risk of losing them.

Our Community Concierge program is here to ensure they seamlessly integrate into the community and feel right at home, strengthening your workforce and our community as a whole.

Make the most of this opportunity – we want to help your new employees thrive in Fort Dodge.

Step one: Contact our office today so that we can sign up your new employee and get their personalized navigator survey completed.

Step two: We match your newcomer with a Certified Regional Navigator who will assist with their integration for 12 months.

Step three: We value your feedback after the program has concluded – after all, we can only get better with your input.

What to expect for your new employees

• Guided tours. Personalized tours of the community to help new residents familiarize themselves with their new home.

• Employment support. Assistance with employment opportunities for trailing spouses.

• Educational connections. Direct connections to integrate employees’ children into area school districts.

• Childcare and elder care. Resources and connections for pre-K childcare and elder care.

• Community engagement. Introductions to places or worship, service clubs, and volunteer opportunities.

• Personalized interests/event information. Updates on community events and activities tailored to their preferences.

• Hobby and interest connections. Information and connections regarding specific areas or interests and hobbies.

• Local knowledge. Insights on lifestyle, recreation, business, health care, and arts and culture opportunities.

The Growth Alliance’s Community Concierge program is designed to support employers in retaining (and in some cases attracting) valuable employees by facilitating their integration into the greater Fort Dodge region. Through personalized assistance from a volunteer community navigator, the program helps employees and their families build relationships, access resources, and engage with various aspects of the community during their first year.

Astra Ferris is the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.