PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

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Enhance Economic Development Activities in Local Communities and Foster Development of Physical Infrastructure to Support Future Economic Development

This is accomplished through such things as the Business Retention and Expansion Survey conducted by JCEDC. The business survey reached employers thought out the county. The survey generated extensive data and used statistical analysis to provide accurate representation of the business community. Employers contacted had a combined labor poll representing over 25 percent of the labor force in Jefferson County. The business retention survey was designed to provide us with comprehensive data on the wants, needs and perceptions of many businesses in our county. Armed with this information we can direct our resources more effectively toward solving business problems before those problems become reasons for business relocation. The survey was designed to assist business in creating more jobs and giving communities a stronger municipal tax base.

Another example of enhancing the economic development activities includes Dennis' active involvement in the Rural Economic Development Forum. This is designed to promote economic development strategies and to develop economic programs which help promote rural economies and their unique niche within the region. This forum is looking at developing tools, resources and strategies to educate promote and enhance opportunities for our rural communities.

Dennis represents Jefferson County in the Ten Counties Initiative. This organization is design to look at ways to improve Jefferson County through a regional approach to economic development. A variety of initiatives and strategies are analyzed for applicability. This helps Jefferson County from being an "island of its own".