What makes some towns more appealing than others? This is one of the many questions the North Bend Business and Economic Development Commission (EDC) will be addressing during 2005. The EDC will be asking for help from visitors, businesses and consumers (including local residents) through several carefully crafted surveys. In order to build upon the city’s unique strengths of its various commerce centers, the results will be analyzed and made available to the public.
To give the reader some background, the EDC consists of a seven-member volunteer board appointed by the mayor to provide guidance and direction to the North Bend City Council. In mid-2003, the Community Economic Summit initiated two EDC economic planning projects, which included the 2004 Economic Development Element for the North Bend Comprehensive Plan, and the current 2005 project, the Downtown and Business District Market Analysis, for which, in January, we will be requesting the local business community’s participation by completing a survey.
The upcoming business survey is part of a comprehensive market analysis workbook from the Center for Community Economic Development, University of Wisconsin. The EDC selected this model program because of the opportunity to understand, at a small-town level, the changing market place and assist in identifying business and real estate opportunities that are realistic and make sense for North Bend. The EDC also selected this model because the process requires input from local residents so that recommendations reflect both market conditions as well as preferences of the community. In addition, the process provides a “community approach,” which actively involves volunteers, local and regional consumers and businesses.
In December, the EDC conducted its first survey with a few of the 9,000 people who visit North Bend each holiday season to ride the Northwest Railway Museum’s Santa Train. The EDC learned that a high percentage of survey responders have visited North Bend previously, most also shop during their visits and most would like to see more restaurants, retail shops, recreation events and entertainment in this community. Although this small survey represents only a “snapshot” of the visitor experience, the EDC will be collecting additional information from consumers including North Bend residents later in 2005.
During January and February, our focus is on the existing business community. A business survey was mailed to each business in the 98045 Zip code with a cover letter encouraging all businesses to complete the survey online by going to the city of North Bend’s Web site (http://ci.north-bend.wa.us) and selecting “Business Survey” on its homepage. The online version will allow the data to be collected automatically into a database, but just as importantly, it provides ease and convenience for the businesses.
This is an exciting time for the city of North Bend’s community. It is imperative for the city to have a solid economic development strategy that encourages a healthy business economy. The business survey will help the EDC to understand the North Bend trade area, to address specific issues, to demonstrate the economic importance of the commerce areas, to support business expansion and recruitment and to develop a market-driven promotional plan. The business survey is a way of building on the uniqueness of the North Bend community, its charm and heritage.
As mentioned before, the survey results will be analyzed and used as the cornerstone of a business growth and retention program. The business survey is the starting place to better understand the local businesses’ perspectives, which in turn will assist the EDC in making recommendations to the City Council so that it makes sound business decisions. It is the business community’s opportunity now to make a difference in shaping the future business environment and economy of North Bend.
The EDC invites businesses to complete the survey at their earliest available time by going to the city of North Bend’s Web site.
If you would like to be involved in this project or receive additional information from the EDC, please contact Tonie Cook at North Bend City Hall, (425) 888-1211.
The city of North Bend has lots to look forward to in the future; the EDC looks forward to meeting it with you.
Terril Perrine is chair of the North Bend Business and Economic Development Commission. To contact him, e-mail tperrine@avionengineering.com.
