So, what does “Settling In Services” really mean? It means that our work isn’t done when a candidate says yes and relocates to CLE/AKN, it’s often just the first step.
EA’s Director of Settling In Services, Kristen Joyce, fields questions from newcomers who are looking for everything from babysitters to general contractors to ethnic markets for spices from their home country.But she is also responsible for the guest list and the logistics of the newcomer gatherings and we believe this is where EA really shines as it is where the social connections that make each person truly feel at home happen. These newcomer events kindle new friendships with fellow transplants and showcase one of our beloved institutions.
This week, EA hosted 50 guests for a reception and a performance of Six The Musical at Playhouse Square, in town until September 10th and we highly recommend you see it!. We gathered in the lower level at Kennedy’s in the lobby of the Mimi Ohio Theater. This cool, dimly lit, brick walled event space is like stepping into a 1920’s speakeasy. And, while it’s a great space to create an intimate gathering, the lighting makes it challenging to take crisp photos so we settled for sepia tones….but we captured smiling faces regardless!
Our newcomers had recently relocated from San Francisco, Denver, Tempe, Seattle, Rochester, Chicago and Houston.
Our guests were greeted not only by several Red Coats – the legendary volunteers who make each of the one million+ guests in the theater distcrict feel welcome and find their seats – but with a warm hello from Playhouse Square CEO Craig Hassall who is a recent transplant from London, and an EA alum himself!
We mixed in a few locals who work at area institutions and who help us show off the town on our orientation days. These VIP Hosts provide a glimpse of all that is waiting here for candidates to enjoy should they relocate….so we thought we’d treat them back!
Our partners in talent attraction joined us from the Cleveland Clinic, Parker Hannifin, University Hospitals, Case School of Medicine, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Nordson Corp, Medical Mutual, MetroHealth, Holden Forests & Gardens, Swagelok, and Akron Children’s Hospital.
Throughout the evening we heard, “This is my first show at Playhouse Square”, which delighted us! We know that most people need to unpack the boxes and spend a few months in town before they are ready to start exploring and we were happy to provide a non-work related social invitation to get the ball rolling.
Creating that critical first impression of our town doesn’t end with an area orientation, it’s just the beginning. EA stays in touch with newcomers throughout their first year in town! If your organization could use this personalized high touch retention program for recruits and new hires, let’s talk 216.231.9311