Highland County Business Retention and Expansion Program addressed

Studies show that an average of 80 percent of new jobs are created by existing businesses. As such, we understand that Highland County's economic growth and stability depend on the well-being of our existing businesses.

Therefore, in cooperation the Highland County Ohio State University Extension, Economic Development Director, and the Chamber of Commerce are taking action on this opportunity to complete a local Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program. The primary objectives of the program are to assist existing businesses in their expansion efforts in Highland County, to

identify and address issues and to promote a pro-business climate within the community.  This project is financed through an economic development grant from American Electric Power, AEP-Ohio.

A group of community leaders has been working on this project for over a year. A survey was designed, completed and the results were compiled from three business sectors: Health, Industrial, and Retail/Service.  To help us better understand some of the Highland County businesses and the results of the survey, we will be conducting interviews with businesses to see how we can further assist them during these difficult economic times.  A twelve question survey has been developed for these business interviews, which ask about the businesses' perceptions, plans and concerns as they relate to doing business in Highland County. The responses to these questions will help us address four primary goals:

1) Create a clear picture of business and industry in Highland County and continue to strengthen the economic base and enhance the quality of life.

2) Assess the current state of business and industry to identify needs and opportunities and plan for the future.

3) Identify growth potential of existing business and industry.

4) Seek opportunities to recruit new businesses to Highland County.

Please realize that in publicizing the results of this project, individual responses will not be reported, but rather will be aggregated with all other responses and reported in 'group' form.