My name is Rick Miller, and it’s been my pleasure to put this BeLocal magazine together with you in mind. My goal has been to both help you and guide you, as my new neighbor.   

Whether you’ve moved here from the next town over, from a state or two away or even from overseas, settling into a new community can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. The ultimate purpose of this BeLocal magazine is to bring to light the countless highlights of living in the Portage and Stark County areas and to make your transition just more seamless. 

What can you expect to see as you continue on throughout the magazine?  A helpful, insightful and carefully constructed educational resource, built from the mindset of being a word-of-mouth referral before you may know anyone to ask “Who should I call?”.

Here are a few highlights:

>>> Numerous personal recommendations from local residents wanting to be the first to say Welcome to our Neighborhood

>>> Several guide-styled articles sharing options that you have for your day-to-day activities 

>>> Several “Local Tips” spread throughout the pages, with names and pictures attached so you can hopefully recognize someone when you go to the grocery store or the park or anywhere else in the community 

>>> Countless photos of your new neighbors, their pets, the landmarks in your new community, and the destinations you’ll soon be exploring as you figure out how to spend your free time going forward

As you can start to see, my goal is to expedite your acclimation to your new community and to make you and your family comfortable in your new surroundings in the shortest amount of time possible. 

There are several businesses listed in this magazine as a recommendation to you for the needs you are likely to have as you move into your new home and community.  These businesses are excited to meet you and have an opportunity to serve you and your family. Their participation in this BeLocal magazine is all about making a deeper connection and commitment to their own communities. They wanted to support this magazine being mailed to you and they are looking forward to saying hello when you call.

That said, I’d like to ask a favor: Take time to read the articles, the recommendations and the helpful tips. Please hold on to the magazine, and use it as a tool allowing you to always know who to call and where to go. Check out the Facebook page and our BeLocalpub.com website. Remember, everything in this BeLocal magazine is from a local expert who was excited to contribute and help you.

Lastly, let me know what you think. I’d love to hear how this BeLocal magazine helped make your transition easier. Send me an email (rick.miller@n2co.com), follow us on Instagram (@belocalstarkportage) or find us on Facebook. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Congratulations on your new home purchase, welcome to the community, and I look forward to seeing you around town! If you get a chance to say hello, please do... I’m looking forward to meeting you. 

Welcome home! – Rick Miller