October 2025 Lander Chamber Newsletter

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POINTS to PONDER

How Strong Businesses Stay Standing When Others Fall

If running your business has felt like steering a ship through choppy waters these past few years, you’re not alone. Leaders everywhere have been tested by supply chain breakdowns, hiring challenges, economic swings, and the constant appearance of new technologies. Some organizations get knocked off course; others find a way to not only keep moving, but to come out stronger on the other side. That difference isn’t luck; it’s resilience.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding risk or clinging to the hope that things will “go back to normal ” It’s about building organizations that bend without breaking teams that can adapt quickly, recover well, and keep moving forward no matter what’s thrown their way

It Starts with Leadership

In uncertain times, people crave clarity They don’t expect their leaders to have all the answers, but they do expect honesty, direction, and confidence

The most resilient organizations have leaders who can make decisions even when the information is imperfect, who communicate openly, and who show their teams they believe in them That kind of leadership builds trust, and trust keeps people focused when the path ahead looks cloudy

Next Comes Flexibility

Businesses with rigid systems and complex red tape struggle to pivot when things shift Flexible operations whether that means diversifying suppliers, leaning on digital tools, or empowering managers to make local decisions give organizations the speed they need in a fast-changing environment Put simply: agility is what keeps opportunity within reach when circumstances change overnight

Resilience Lives in the Workforce Itself

The strongest organizations know that innovation often starts on the frontlines When employees feel valued, trusted, and supported, they bring fresh ideas and spot problems early Companies that invest in training, foster collaborative environments, and invite employee input unlock a level of creativity and problem-solving that top-down decisions alone can’t deliver

For the Chamber, resilience is more than a talking point; it’s a chance to help businesses prepare for tomorrow instead of scrambling in the moment. By connecting employers to best practices, peer learning, and leadership development, we can give their members the tools to meet disruption headon and come out stronger.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman

Tom Davis

Fremont Therapy Group

Vice Chairman

Ryan Preston

Hampton Inn & Suites

Riverton

Treasurer

Jennifer Hamilton SageWest Healthcare

Past Chairman

Chris VonHoltum Central Bank & Trust

DIRECTORS

Brian Rohrbacher Grand Altitude Federal Credit Union

Joseph Susanka Wyoming Catholic College

Tiffany Hartpence

Home Source Realty, Inc.

Helen Wilson Wind River Visitors Council

PROFESSIONAL STAFF CEO Owen Sweeney

Associate Director

Carol King

Program & Event Coord. Meghan Manning

Member Relations Coord. Grace Jubber

Caeli Sweeney

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!

Olsen Orthodontics has built a reputation for crafting not just beautiful smiles, like experience for every patient who walks through its doors. Led by Dr. Marc team, the practice has become a trusted resource for orthodontic care in Frem With a focus on excellence, innovation, and genuine patient relationships, Olsen precision of modern orthodontics with the warmth of small-town care.

From Vision to Reality

Dr Olsen’s journey in orthodontics stems from a passion for helping people feel confident in their smiles After years of specialized training, he returned to Wyoming to open his own practice one built on the belief that every patient deserves individualized attention, cutting-edge treatment, and a comfortable, uplifting atmosphere. Over time, the practice has expanded its services, upgraded to state-of-theart technology, and created an environment where patients of all ages feel at ease.

Innovative Care and Personalized Solutions

Olsen Orthodontics offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments, from traditional braces to advanced clear aligner systems. The team tailors each treatment plan to the patient’s needs, ensuring results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With advanced 3D imaging, digital scans, and flexible treatment options, the clinic ensures comfort and accuracy at every step

Reasons to Reach Out to Olsen Orthodontics

Comprehensive orthodontic evaluations for children, teens, and adults

Traditional metal braces and ceramic braces

Invisalign® and other clear aligner treatments

Early interceptive orthodontic care for children

Retainer therapy and post-treatment care

Flexible financing and payment plans

A Pillar in the Community

Olsen Orthodontics isn’t just about orthodontics it’s about community. The practice actively participates in local events, supports area schools, and frequently hosts giveaways and fun contests for patients. Whether it’s sponsoring youth sports teams or joining in on community festivities, Olsen Orthodontics makes giving back a core part of its mission. Their social media channels are full of smiling faces, from contest winners to patients receiving their coveted bag of braces off treats!

What Patients Are Saying

“The staff is so friendly and helpful They make you feel like family every time you walk in the door”

“Dr Olsen is amazing! He explains everything thoroughly and is so patient with my kids ”

“I couldn’t be happier with my smile! The whole experience was better than I could have imagined ”

BUSINESS EDUCATION

The Hidden Cost of Poor Employee Onboarding

Why the First 90 Days Define Productivity and How to Get Them Right

The first 90 days of a new hire’s tenure are critical but too often, they become a productivity sinkhole. This is more than an onboarding checklist; it’s the foundation of how quickly and confidently new employees contribute to business momentum. In fact, nearly one-third of new hires (30%) depart within the first 90 days.

When onboarding is left to chance with scattered orientation, unclear expectations, or delayed access the costs compound You’re paying full salary for partial output, and your team bears the burden of filling the knowledge gaps.

The impact isn’t small. Research shows that structured onboarding programs can improve employee retention by up to 82% and boost productivity by over 70%. That’s not an administrative nicety it’s a cost-saving, highimpact lever.

So, how do you onboard thoughtfully and effectively?

Start with Empathy

Step into a new hire’s shoes and map their early journey Define what they must know, whom they should meet, and how to feel confident, connected, and clear

Use Structure (Instead of Hoping for Magic)

A 30-60-90-day plan sets expectations Pair it with a logistics checklist tools, access, schedules and make it a shared anchor for manager and new hire.

Build Relationships

Assign a peer buddy who can guide, translate culture, and answer day-to-day questions. New hires who meet with a mentor even once are measurably more productive.

Enable Early Wins

Small but meaningful projects completed quickly and recognized openly build confidence, reinforce trust, and deliver tangible value.

Close the Loop

Use checkpoints at days 30, 60, and 90 to solicit feedback: What’s working? What’s missing? What could be simplified? These loops help you refine the process and prevent entropy

The Bottom

Line

The first 90 days are make-or-break Poor onboarding whispers losses: frustrated new hires, stalled productivity, hidden turnover. Structured onboarding that blends empathy, clarity, support, and iteration doesn’t just welcome people it accelerates them to impact.

September’s BAH was hosted by Wyoming Catholic College. Join us October 16 for the next BAH, hosted by SageWest Health Care!

HOME SOURCE REALTY

NEW MEMBERS!

Located in Lander, Matt’s Mini Excavating provides reliable small-scale excavation services tailored to homeowners and local projects. Matt specializes in jobs such as dirt work, digging, trenching, spreading dirt or rock, stump and shrub removal, and large garden tilling. For property owners in Fremont County, Matt’s Mini Excavating is an ideal resource for the work that’s not too big, but still important. Matt also offers self-storage units, so you can have the extra space you need! Reach out to Matt today!

Dubois has long cherished the nearby Whiskey Mountain bighorn sheep herd. In the late 1980s, as Dubois’ lumber mill closed and the town sought new economic drivers, Wyoming Game and Fish considered a small observatory in Whiskey Basin. A citizen proposed instead a sheep-themed visitor center in town. With support from state and federal agencies, local leaders, and conservation groups, the idea became reality. On July 3, 1993, the National Bighorn Sheep Center opened, blending education with tourism.

SilverSpur Courts

(307) 349-8483

The Silver Spur Motel is entering an exciting new chapter as Silver Spur Courts Apartments. Built in 1949, the twostory motel featured 25 units and long served travelers visiting local attractions. Now, it’s being converted into studio and extended-stay apartments, meeting growing demand for flexible, affordable housing. With existing infrastructure, parking, and office space, the project promises an efficient transition. This revitalization honors the building’s history while providing modern, comfortable homes for Lander residents.

brianmfabel@gmail.com More info

Auto Medic, LLC

61 Washakie St., Lander (307) 332-0482

landerautomedic.com

Clark’s Landscaping

PO Box 1204, Lander (307) 332-7759 clarkslandscaping307.com

CMBC Building & Restoration

23 Tweed Ln., Lander (307) 335-5631 cmbcbuild.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1002 11 St., Lander th (307) 332-4005 ihg.com

Hyde Out Guest Cabin & Snowbound Studio

15 N. Dexter Ave., Atlantic City (307) 330-7933 snowboundstudio.com

Kusel’s Furniture & Appliance

326 E. Main St., Riverton (307) 856-2583 kusels.com

Maven Outdoor Equipment Company

1042 Pronghorn Dr., Lander (800) 307-1109 mavenbuilt.com

Olsen Orthodontics

799 S. 2 St., Suite B., Lander nd (307) 332-2000 olsenortho.com

Pirate Propane

608 Main St., Lander (307) 335-7333 piratepropane.com

Sweetwater Fishing Expeditions, LLC

PO Box 1201, Lander (307) 332-3986 sweetwaterfishing.com

Valley Lumber 290 N. 2 St., Lander nd (307) 332-4646

valleylumbersupply.com

WELCOME, NEW MEMBER!

The Bullock Agency PO Box 355, Logan, UT (435) 753-4416

thebullockagency.com

Chamber CEO Owen Sweeney and County 10’s Charene Herrera interview a Lander Chamber member every week on our 3x award-winning radio show/podcast. The interviews air weekly on KOVE radio and are distributed on County 10, the Chamber’s websites and social media channels, and all popular podcast platforms to make sure thousands of Fremont County residents learn about your business! Get on the recording calendar today!

Repeating Events

Oct. 1–22 LAC Guns, Boots & Brands Progressive Exhibition. Tues. through Fri. from 2 to 7 p.m., and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 258 Main St., Lander.

Oct. 1, 8 Riverton Wed. Farmers Market. 5 p.m. 901 E. Fremont Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Exploring Watercolor. Learn watercolor basics, color theory and develop an artistic vision. 9 to 11 a.m. 258 Main St., Lander.

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Stitch & Be Sewcial at the Library. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 202 N. 1st St., Dubois.

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Enhanced Storytime at the Lander Library. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 200 Amoretti St., Lander.

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Exploring Oil Painting. Learn the basics of medium, color theory and art history. 9 to 11 a.m. 258 Main St., Lander.

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Beading Social at Frank B. Wise Business Center. 6:30 to 8 p.m. 3 Ethete Rd., Fort Washakie.

Oct. 4, 11 Lander Valley Farmers Market. 9 to 11:30 a.m. 505 Main St., Lander.

Oct. 4, 16 Creative Writing Group at the Riverton Branch Library. Sat. at 11 a.m. and Thurs. at 5:30 p.m. 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 Lander Art Center Saturday Morning Jam. 10 a.m. 258 Main St., Lander.

Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 Still Life Drawing. Enhance observational and drawing

October Events 2025

skills in this charcoal-focused class. 9 to 11 a.m. 258 Main St., Lander.

Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 Lego Club at the Riverton Branch Library. 3:30 to 5 p.m. 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 9, 23 Youth Chess Club at the Library. 4 p.m. 200 Amoretti St., Lander.

Single Events

Oct. 1 Coffee with a Cop. Join the Lander Police Department at Loaf ‘n Jug. 9 a.m. 195 W. Main St., Lander.

Oct. 3 Torrey Valley Petroglyph Tour. Visit petroglyphs with Spencer Pelton, Wyoming State Archaeologist at 1 p.m. Join Spencer’s talk at 7 p.m. in the Ron Ball Gallery. 10 Bighorn Ln., Dubois.

Oct. 4 Rare Relics Roadshow. Appraise your valuables, then enjoy dinner and spirited bidding. Appraisals: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dinner & Auction: 6 to 9 p.m. 950 Buena Vista Dr., Lander.

Oct. 4 Glow Run 5K. An evening of running, glowing and community spirit. 6:30 p.m. 2002 W. Sunset Dr., Riverton.

Oct. 7 Wildlife On Tap. Pushroot Brewing. 7 p.m. 595 Main St., Lander.

Oct. 9 Lander Volunteer Fire Dept. Open House for Fire Prevention Week. 6 to 8 p.m. 430 Garfield St., Lander.

Oct. 10–12 Bookmarked Literary Arts Festival. A three-day event for Wyoming authors and readers. Enjoy Alma’s Haunted History Walking Tour on Friday, the Senior Center Book Fair on Saturday and more. Lander.

Oct. 11 Dubois Branch Library Book Sale. 11 a.m. 202 N. First St., Dubois.

Oct. 11 Live Bluegrass at the Rustic Pine. 7 p.m. 119 E. Ramshorn, Dubois.

Oct. 15 Fremont Haunts by Alma Law. Located at the Riverton Museum. Free. 6 to 7 p.m. 700 E. Park Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 15 Never Sweat Book Club at the Dubois Branch Library. “The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Bramer. 6 to 7 p.m. 202 N. First St., Dubois.

Oct. 17 Pumpkin Pickin’ and Corn Maze. SRD #24 is going to Son Harvest Farms. Visit the corn maze and pick a pumpkin. srd24.com . $20. 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Oct. 17 Storytime Cook the Book Club at the Dubois Branch Library. 12 p.m. 202 N. First St., Dubois.

Oct. 17–18 Halloween at the Museum. Costumes, treats and Halloween-themed activities at the Pioneer Museum. 6 to 9 p.m. 1443 W. Main St., Lander.

Oct. 18 Kids Corner: Corn Husk Dolls at the Dubois Museum. $3. 10 a.m. 909 W. Rams Horn St., Dubois.

Oct. 18 Bookworm’s Buffet Book Club at the Riverton Branch Library. “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. 1:30 p.m. 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 18 Annual Pumpkin Trail at the Riverton Museum. See pumpkins carved by local businesses, cocoa and cookies. 5 to 8 p.m. 700 E. Park Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 18 Haunted Downtown Adventure Trek with Alma Law. Tour Riverton and hear local scary stories. $15. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 700 E. Park Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 18 Swing into Giving! Live music, dancing, appetizers, raffle prizes and silent auction at the Lander Senior Center. 6 p.m. 205 S. 10th St., Lander.

Oct. 21 CommuniCare Launch Party at the Fremont County Fairground in Heritage Hall. 12 to 3 p.m. 1010 Fairground Rd., Riverton.

Oct. 24 Guns, Boots & Brands. An evening of dinner, drinks, silent and live auctions featuring art from local artists, entertainment from local acts and more. Western attire suggested. 5 p.m. 950 Buena Vista Dr., Lander.

Oct. 24–25 SDR#24 Haunted House. Located in the basement of the Senior Center. Children under the age of 12 must be with an adult. $5 per person, or $3 with a canned food donation. 6 to 9 p.m. 214 E. 2nd St., Shoshoni.

Oct. 25 Annual Fall Fun Fest. Visit the Riverton Museum for cookies, cocoa, Halloween games, crafts and costumes. 2 to 4 p.m. 700 E. Park Ave., Riverton.

Oct. 25 National Bighorn Sheep Center Halloween Open House. Costumes, games and a safe place to celebrate the season. 3 p.m. 10 Bighorn Ln., Dubois.

Oct. 25 Annual Halloween Carnival at the Dennison Lodge. A fun, safe place to wear costumes and play games. 3 to 5 p.m. 909 W. Ramshorn St., Dubois.

Oct. 30 Wyoming Life Resource Center’s Hallows Eve Pre-Trick or Treat. 4 to 7 p.m. 8204 Hwy. 789, Lander.

Oct. 31 Creepy Cookie Decorating at the Dubois Branch Library. 11:30 a.m. 202 N. First St., Dubois.

Oct. 31 Lander Main Street Trick-orTreat. Businesses traditionally hand out candy starting at 3 p.m. until they run out or the businesses close, usually between 5 and 6 p.m. Lander.

For more information, a complete list of events or to request a vacation packet, visit WindRiver.org or call (307) 332-5546.

PHOTO: MELANIE LIMPUS

OCTOBER 2025 PROMOTIONS

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NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS SUNDAYS

10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Earn 200, 400, and 600 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “No Tricks, Just Treats” promotion button. The Free Slot Play won will be automatically added to your Rewards Card. Earn up to $150 Free Slot Play per promotional week. Limit of three redemptions per promotional day/per patron.

CLASSIC MONDAYS

8:00 am - 11:59 pm

By earning same-day points guests 55 and older can receive up to $55 Free Slot Play, a free meal voucher, and a free entry into our $100 Free Slot Play drawings! Swipe your Rewards Card every 555 points to activate additional Free Slot Play!

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BAG & TAG TUESDAYS

10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Earn 50, 100, and 150 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “Bag & Tag” promotion button. The Free Slot Play won will be automatically added to your Rewards Card. Earn up to $60 Free Slot Play per promotional week. Limit of three redemptions per day/per patron.

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LUCKY PUMPKIN PICK WEDNESDAYS

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Earn 100, 100, and 100 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “Lucky Pumpkin Pick” promotion button. The Free Slot Play won will be automatically added to your Rewards Card. Earn up to $60 Free Slot Play per promotional week.

Limit of three redemptions per day/per patron.

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WE LOVE OUR LOCALS THURSDAYS

10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Earn 200 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “We Love Our Locals” promotion button to receive 3X Points, $15 in Free Slot Play, and $10 Food Offer. Your Free Slot Play will be automatically added to your Rewards Card and the food voucher will be printed from the kiosk. Local Zip Codes Eligible: 82510, 82501, 82520, 82649, 82513-82516, 82523-─82524

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WHOLE LOTTA DOE FRIDAYS

1:00 pm - 8:00 pm (Excludes31st)

Earn 50 same-day points for your chance to be our lucky winner. Drawings take place every hour from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Your Free Slot Play prize is determined by your current tier, and ranges from $50 Free Slot Play to $200 Free Slot Play! One (1) winner will be drawn every hour.

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SATURDAY SLOT SHOWDOWN: ROAD TO $5K SLOT TOURNAMENTS

OCT. 4, 11, 18, 25 | NOV. 1, 8, 15, 22 | FINALE NOV. 29

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

All Wind River Hotel & Casino Reward Card members can earn one (1) tournament entry by earning 200 same-day points. Earn additional entries by earning an additional 200 points, up to 3 entries per promotional gaming day. Please see the promotions desk for more information about the lot tournaments and weekly prize lists.

ONE-TIME PROMOTIONS

................................................................................................. ONE-TIME $5 FREE SLOT PLAY

8:00 am - 8:59 pm

Any day in October receive a one-time $5 Free Slot Play for Wind River Casino or Little Wind Casino. Just earn 150 points by playing slot machines using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points go to a kiosk and choose the One Time $5 Free Slot Play promotion button.One prize per patron.

10 FOR 10 - FUEL REWARDS

OCT. 1-31

8:00 am - Closing time

Get rewarded for fueling up at 789 Smokeshop! Bring your 10-gallon receipt to the Wind River Casino promotions desk and receive $10 in Free Slot Play! Fuel purchases must be made on the same day as redemption.Redeemable at Wind River Hotel & Casino promotions desk only.

TABLE GAMES MATCH-PLAY

OCT. 5–9, 12 -16, 19–23, 26–30

10:00 am - 11:59 pm

Match-Play values are based on tier. Print out your ticket at the Promotions Kiosk and present the ticket to a dealer at Table Games.

SWEET REWARDS!! GIVE A BAG, GET DOUBLE THE PLAY! ONCE A DAY

OCT. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 @ WIND RIVER CASINO ONCE A DAY

11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Patrons who donate bags of candy will receive Free Slot Play on their rewards card, equivalent to double the value of their donation. Donations must be bags of assorted bags candy! The variety bags of candy must be individually wrapped. Patrons must have a receipt for proof of purchase. Purchases must be new and purchased within the time frame of promotion. Max donation value up to $25, max Free Slot Play up to $50. Receipt transaction must be cash, debit, or credit card only. No single candies will be accepted. Only new unopened bags accepted.

SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY

EARN & GET GIFT OF THE WEEK

OCT. 5-28 • 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Earn 2,500 total same-day points to get the gift of the week! Limited quantities.

Earn & Get date:

Week 1 • October 5, 6, 7 | Week 2 • October 12, 13, 14 Week 3 • October 19, 20, 21 | Week 4 • October 26, 27, 28

See Promotions Desk for full details. While supplies last.

Exclusions apply. Patron not eligible if receives Continuity offer. One (1) gift per week/per patron.

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY HOT SEATS

OCT. 13 @ WIND RIVER CASINO ONLY

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

To be eligible for our hourly Hot Seat drawing, you must be actively playing slots and earn 20 same-day points with your Rewards Card. Win $20 Free Slot Play & an Indian Taco. Food prize available only at Cee Nokuu Café.

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HALLOWEEN BASH & COSTUME CONTEST

OCT. 23 IN THE SPRING MOUNTAIN ROOM

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Join us for a spooky night of fun! Dance the night away to live music, indulge in delicious treats, and enter our costume contest for a chance to win your share of $4,100 in Free Slot Play! It’s sure to be a hauntingly good time!

• Doors open @ 7:45 pm • Registration from 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm

• Judging from 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm • Winners announced @ 9:15 pm Participants must be 18 years of age or older with a valid ID and a Rewards Card. To enter the contest, you must arrive in costume and have a valid Rewards Card. Masks are allowed only in the Spring Mountain Room. All costumes must be tasteful and modest—no revealing attire. Dresses should extend at least 2 inches below your fingertips. All winners will be required to sign an Acknowledgment and Photo Release form.

WITCHES’ RICHES

OCT. 31

10:00 am - 11:59 pm

Earn 100, 100, and 100 same-day points by playing slots using your Rewards Card. Once you earn your points, visit a kiosk, and choose the “Witches’ Riches” promotion button. The Free Slot Play won will be automatically added to your Rewards Card. Earn up to $300 Free Slot Play! Limit of three redemptions Halloween only.

2026 Travel & Relocation Guide

The official guide to Lander and the nearby area. Promote your business to thousands of visitors who travel to Lander and Wind River Country. The Lander Chamber distributes this guide to local hotels and lodging establishments and includes it in welcome bags at Lander’s many events.

contact name address city, state, zip

CIRCULATION: 1,000+ COPIES, GLOSSY MAGAZINEGRADE QUALITY, 75 PAGES

CONTENT: RELOCATION GUIDE, BUSINESS DIRECTORY, TRAVEL GUIDE

name of business or organization

phone number

email address

AUDIENCE: VACATION SEEKERS AND THOSE SEEKING THE PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE

AD DEADLINE: RESERVE BY DEC. 13, 2025 PAYMENT DUE WHEN INVOICED

PRINTED BY: FEBRUARY 2026

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