In economic development, it is important to stay connected with companies and the community, to encourage businesses to grow, and stay in-tune with what the community sees as important issues. Direct interactions, events, and research all go into what is deemed as Business Retention and Expansion (BRE).
Individual meetings, participation in committees and boards, and community connection through social media or events are a major part of BRE. The intent is to gain insight into business practices, planned future actions and challenges of companies in the community, and to use this information to add services and programs in the community, or address individual and shared opportunities and problems.
Each business interaction is focused on the following: to demonstrate appreciation to businesses for their contribution to the local economy, to help them solve problems, to assist by sharing programs that can help them become more competitive, and to develop strategic plans for long-range business retention and expansion activities. Community interactions are meant to give insights into what is happening in the area, but more importantly, to gain insight from residents about concerns and hopes for their community.
Solutions to problems are often centered around building community capacity to sustain growth and development. Bringing the right people to the table for housing and industrial planning, addressing workforce development needs, applying for grants to support growth or business needs, and seeking support for programs and services are typical considerations.
It is through BRE, that Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) supports childcare initiatives, partners with the Extension’s Green County Leaders program, hosts entrepreneurial programs like the Small Business Series and Pop-Up Shop program. It is why community events like the leadership breakfast, annual dinner and awards, and community conversations are held. BRE leads to further research, out-of-the-box thinking for workforce and community development, and with programs like the Home Construction Cooperative and a upcoming Housing Seminar to educate on TIF and TID districts.
The continual connection to community, to industry, and to resources that can support economic development are a necessary part to being strategic with consideration to the culture and future goals of those who live, work, and do business in Green County.
GCDC is here to listen and to guide, to push and to pull, and ultimately to make our county a place where we all want to live, work, play, and grow — together.
Contact Green County Development Corporation at 608-328-9452 or by email at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com with questions, comments, or ideas. As always, there is more to come!
— Tracy Brewer is the Marketing & Project Manager of the Green County Development Corporation (GCDC). She can be reached at tracy@greencountydevelopment.com, or by calling 608-328-9452.
