The economic well-being of any community is based upon its existing businesses.
In recognition of this, the Township of Wellington North, with the support from the Arthur and Mount Forest Chambers of Commerce, as well as OMAFRA, is launching an economic development project to identify and meet the needs of local businesses.
The Wellington North Business Retention and Expansion project is a community-wide effort that emphasizes personal business visits and/or surveys as a way to identify the needs of existing businesses.
Specifically, the objectives of the project are to:
– identify the needs, concerns and opportunities of existing local businesses in order that, where appropriate, local action can be taken to respond to the businesses’ needs or opportunities;
– learn of the future plans of the area’s local businesses with respect to expansion, relocation and/or retention and assess where assistance can be provided;
– demonstrate the community’s pro-business attitude and develop an effective means of communication with local businesses; and
– have the community actively involved in economic development.
A survey was included along with invitations to the upcoming networking reception to all Wellington North businesses. Officials hope the reception during Small Business Week will help ensure a successful launch to the project. Responses will be kept confidential and businesses will not be identified.
A summary of the survey results and recommendations will be provided to all the participants at the end of the project.
