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Case Study
An older adult’s service agency was located in an attractive, quiet location of a small Minnesota city. Rent was reasonable. The location was convenient for its staff. However, the agency had no broader public visibility.
The board discussed the lack of visibility at this location. After six months of investigating other locations, a space for rent opened up in large building with government and social service agencies.
After careful discussion and consideration, the agency decided to move.
Within months, the agency found that being physically located near other social service and city government offices increased referrals. During lunch and break times, government and business employees in the building would stop by for a brief welcome and learned more about the agency. Many individuals had specific, challenging questions on caring for elders.
The agency learned that while their valued service benefits were central to their success, a visible space – shared with other public, private and social service agencies – was responsible for a huge boost in business. This agency’s story illustrates the importance of “place.”
