Business Walk 2015: Taking the Pulse of Local Business
By Contributor
By Terry Van Horn
The Lower Columbia Region’s first Business Walk event is taking place this month during Small Business Week. The Business Walk enables elected officials and economic development partners to take the pulse of downtown areas by connecting face to face with businesses. Representatives from the Ministry, City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development office will be going door to door in Trail on October 19th, Rossland on October 20th, and Fruitvale on October 21st between 9:30 am -12:30 pm to check in with as many of our region’s businesses as possible!
The Business Walk program involves a partnership facilitated by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, municipal leaders, Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation (LCIC), representatives from the Trail & District Chamber of Commerce and local service providers. These volunteer “walkers” will go from business to business asking owners or managers a couple of simple questions about their business that will only take approximately 5 minutes of their valuable time. Once as many businesses are visited as possible, the Economic Development office (LCIC), will collect and collate the information and provide a summary and recommendations to participants and City Council on the health of the local small businesses. Businesses that need assistance will receive a follow-up visit and be provided with assistance if necessary.
Business Walks is recognized as an Economic Development Best Practice by the Provincial Government. Gathering community and business information is a key ingredient to foster the area’s economic growth and expansion potential.
Business owners and managers will be receiving an invitation to participate in this important initiative and are encouraged to be at their businesses in Trail on October 19th, Rossland on October 20th, and Fruitvale on October 21st between 9:30 am -12:30 pm, when the teams are engaged in the Business Walk. By taking the time to answer just a few questions, you will be providing valuable information that the LCIC can use to guide future work plan initiatives to support local business.
About LCIC:
The LCIC works to develop a creative, dynamic and competitive business environment that fosters economic growth. The LCIC works collaboratively with the communities in the Lower Columbia region, local agencies, organizations and businesses to develop and implement strategies that will assist in strengthening our local economy.
