County Business: We Can Use More Interns

08/09/2009

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EDWC Provides Results From County-Wide Business Retention Survey
Workforce Development, Economic Conditions, & Healthcare Costs Key Issues

West Bend, WI (August 6, 2009) — The Economic Development/Washington County Corporation unveiled results of a recently completed county-wide Business Retention Survey today. The survey, which included development efforts, execution and summarization, was conducted by UW-Washington County on behalf of the Economic Development/Washington County (EDWC) that is focused on area business retention efforts. The survey was conducted under the authority and guidance of the Business Retention Committee of the EDWC. “We are very pleased with the participation of area businesses in the survey and will be utilizing the results as a baseline to identify initiatives that will be undertaken by the EDWC. We look forward to these businesses joining us in promoting the economic development of our community,” said Doreen Buntrock, EDWC President.

Key issues discussed included: hiring issues, regulatory climate, business outlook, purchasing patterns, health care, and satisfaction level with the county area as a business location and the top ten challenges facing area organizations. Executive Committee Member Andrew Gumm stated: “This is a great opportunity for us to coordinate economic development efforts on a county wide and regional basis. It will help us coordinate efforts, yet still help address the needs of area businesses.”

The survey instrumented was delivered both face to face by members of the EDWC working committee with the remainder delivered by mail.

The data base was provided by the EDWC Business Retention Committee and was narrowed to 771 businesses in the county. Of the 771 businesses, 115 responded. EDWC is very pleased with the overall combined response rate of 15%

A public meeting for all interested parties is being scheduled for business survey participants, members of the non-profit community, local and state government officials and members of the press on Tuesday, August 18 at Washington County Fair Park, Ziegler Building-South Meeting Room from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with registration/networking beginning at 10:30 am.

For more information about Economic Development/Washington County visit www.businessreadywi.org or call (262) 335-5769.