“Greeters” serve as ambassadors to River Region newcomers and military members moving into our area. They offer a warm welcome to the community, share local tips and information, and distribute our newcomer resource guide, “Know the Community!”
This week’s Greeter Spotlight is: Renea C. Pruitt! Get to know more about Renea below:
I grew up and graduated from High School near Dothan, Alabama. I am an only child. I have one beautiful daughter, Savanna. I moved to Montgomery because my husband’s job was here with the phone company. I have lived in Millbrook near the Alabama River for about two years and love the abundance of nature and peacefulness. I was working as a Patient Representative for a local Anesthesia billing company in 2020 when COVID-19 began. I was laid off with over half of the company at that time. I still wanted to spend my time in a useful way if I was able to because the bills didn’t pay themselves. My daughter, Savanna, who began working at Explore Media during High School kept encouraging me to try my hand at being a Greeter for new families moving into the River Region, giving me a very flexible schedule and extra income. So, I began the role of a Greeter in 2021. Turns out, I really enjoy the opportunity to meet so many nice families moving into our area here and answering any questions they may have. I believe I have a knack for connecting with people based on a common interest that I easily pick up on.
I have two fur babies, Jack and Harlee, and two grand-pups, Max and Chase. I enjoy making family-friendly content on social media. I absolutely love skincare and makeup. My favorite movie of all time is The Wizard of Oz. I’m a sucker for a sappy Hallmark movie. I grew up on 80’s and 90’s country music, with George Strait and Alabama being two of my favorites, and those are still my musical roots. However, I am, admittedly, a 3/4 Swiftie and got to experience the Eras Tour in Tampa with my daughter. My favorite candy is Reeses Cups. I am shamefully addicted to Diet Coke. I love Mexican food, but I enjoy any kind of food in general (with the exception of steamed yellow squash and mayonnaise coleslaw.) I am an avid thrifter and if there is a good bargain to be found, I’ll find it! I have over 75 houseplants that depend on me for survival on a daily basis and I take that very seriously.
If I could start over on my career path, I would be a full-time florist and own my own flower shop. That was my dream growing up. I just connect with the outdoors and nature and I believe it keeps me grounded. If I could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, it would be my mom, whom I lost to cancer in 2007 at the young age of just 53. She’s the first thing I think about when I wake up each morning (as cliche as that sounds) and the first person I think of every time I am outside because she was as connected to nature as I am.
When I’m not working as a Greeter for Explore Media/Know the Community, I assist wherever I can with projects around the ExploreMedia office. I also volunteer with the Alabama Women’s Commission to spread positivity among women via the 211 Know Program and I really enjoy meeting people from all over the state of Alabama through that avenue.
And my days would not be complete without at least one and usually more conversations with my dad, who is the greatest and largest-hearted man I have ever known.
If you are interested in becoming a Warm Welcome Greeter yourself, visit our website to learn more and apply!