Chamber Releases Results Of Business Survey

The Manager of the Dryden District Chamber of Commerce says they received nothing but positive feedback from the Regional Business Retention and Expansion survey.
82 businesses were involved in the process as a number of groups reached out to determine what they need to succeed.
Gwen Kurz says they have identified ten strategies and developed 30 action plans to deliver.
Plans include developing a business networking program, establishing a Young Professionals Network and partner on regional marketing campaigns.
Other suggestions include involving the business community in annual municipal budgeting, investigate a Shop Local Campaign, adopting municipal and economic development strategic plans and developing an employee handbook.
Other ideas on the table include researching options for a regional business directory, organize a Funders Forum to inform businesses about support services and establish an informal business visitation program.
Kurz says they also plan to host a Businesses Forum this Fall to promote available services.
When asked what changes businesses would like to see in the next five years, top responses included more people, economic development focused on business start up and expansion, tourism development, cultural diversity, positive municipal leadership, airport development and youth attraction.
Results from the survey show 104 net new jobs have been created over the past three years.
Partners involved in the survey: Chamber of Commerce, NTAB, PACE, City of Dryden, DDC, Machin, Ignace and Patricia Region.
Results of the survey can be found at www.dryden.ca or www.ntab.on.ca