Hi! My name is Jenny Campbell, and it's been my pleasure to put this BeLocal magazine together with you in mind. My goal has been both to help and guide you as my new neighbor. This welcome guide was formed 6 years ago to be a resource for you to connect quickly with your new community. We have since won awards for connecting neighbors with our newcomers and the best local businesses.

As you will see, my goal is to expedite your acclimation to your new community and to make you and your family comfortable in your new surroundings as soon as possible.

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 point out the countless highlights of living in the Cedar Park and Leander areas and make your transition more seamless.

Many businesses are 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 communities. They wanted to support this magazine being mailed to you and look forward to saying hello when you call.

What can you expect to see as you continue 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?".

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 to 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.

Here are a few highlights:

• Numerous personal recommendations from residents wanting to be the first to say Welcome to our Neighborhood.

• Several guide-style 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, the park, or anywhere else in the neighborhood.

• 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.

Lastly, let me know what you think. I'd love to hear how this BeLocal magazine helped make your transition easier. Email me (jenny.campbell@belocalpub.com), follow us on Instagram (@BeLocalCedarParkLeander), or find us on Facebook (BeLocal Cedar Park & Leander). We 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!

- Jenny Campbell