|
Date |
ArticleType |
|
1/16/2020 |
General |
|
Expanded Partnership Increases Strategy To Support Business Growth and Retention |
|
|
The Marion Economic Development Corporation and Marion Chamber of Commerce plan to launch a new business retention and growth strategy in 2020. Through a customized community survey, staff from both organizations will jointly interview more than 150 businesses this year. The confidential data collected will be used to better align the services and support provided by both organizations.
For many years Marion Economic Development Corporation has facilitated a similar program together with local utility providers. That program historically targeted interstate commerce companies, businesses who have customers outside of the state of Iowa. The expanded program will provide an added focus on service and retail businesses. Data collected will be confidential and provide for the creation of a community dashboard that can be benchmarked against regional and statewide communities that utilize the same tool.
“Creating competitive advantage for our business partners requires our teams to have a broad understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that exist inside companies of all sizes,” says Nick Glew, President of Marion Economic Development Corp. “The strength of business and industry has a direct impact on the strength of retail and service sectors. Collaborating with the Chamber is another way our community strives to be the best place to grow a business.”
“We enthusiastically support this effort with MEDCO as it will strengthen communication and build our knowledge of Marion’s existing business community,” says Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber President. “It’s an excellent practice to talk with businesses in different industry sectors and of all sizes, including the retail and service sectors as they are the heart of the community. I see great value in having these in-depth conversations with our members.”
|
|
|