The Village of Evendale undertook several exciting programs in 2005 to help attract and retain businesses. Foremost among these was the resurrection of the Evendale Business Retention & Expansion (R&E) Program. Last conducted in 1998, the purpose of the Evendale R&E Program is to ensure that the Village of Evendale offers its businesses a competitive and efficient place to do business.
What are the R&E Program Objectives?
The objectives of the Evendale R&E Program are:
* Identifying firms with expansion needs to ensure that these firms expand in Evendale;
* Providing the Village a "pulse" on local business concerns and needs;
* Enhancing public relations between the village and business community;
* Demonstrating Evendale’s pro-business attitude;
* Developing a business database that can be used to design a strategic economic development plan;
* Providing a means for solving short-term problems of businesses; and
* Increasing the competitiveness of local establishments in the long term.
How Does the R&E Program Work?
The Village schedules an appointment with the CEO, manager or local decision maker at Evendale businesses and conducts a site visit and interview with that person or persons. The visit is similar to an account executive, (the Village in this case), calling on his or her customers to identify and address any questions, concerns or needs they are experiencing.
To provide program continuity and maximum benefit, the Village intends to administer the survey to all Evendale businesses every two years.
What Is The R&E Program Survey?
The R&E survey form was developed by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as part of its R&E program. Whereas the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s R&E Program serves an eight county region, Evendale’s R&E program focuses exclusively on our local business partners. The intent of the survey is to help the village engage each business in a meaningful conversation about their business, their current issues and future
needs. The survey information is input into a regional database and used to help the Village monitor its customers and provide customer service and follow up.
Why Do This?
The Evendale R&E program is an important economic development tool for several reasons. First, over 70% of new job growth in Ohio in 2004 came from existing companies expanding. The R&E Program is an excellent way to help support and encourage businesses to grow and prosper in Evendale, thus increasing the Village's bottom line in the form of new tax revenues. Second, Evendale is committed to providing the best customer service possible, and we want all companies to realize and experience the benefits of doing business in Evendale. Third, in the business of economic development, there is no better testimony than a satisfied customer. If we can set a standard of excellence for what a business can expect from Evendale, that standard will be reflected in our reputation as a
premier business location. Finally, establishing good relations with local businesses generates a healthy attitude and culture among our business partners that goes well beyond tax generation.
For more information or to schedule a site visit for your business please contact Jack Cameron via email or call 956-2666.
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