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EDC proposes business survey and ambassador visits to boost retention and recruitment
Summary
The committee discussed launching a short business survey, an ambassador outreach program and a marketing package of existing city tools to improve business retention and gather input for the strategic plan.
Estacada’s Economic Development Committee discussed a set of outreach tools aimed at hearing directly from local businesses and improving retention: a short business survey, a business‑ambassador visitation program and clearer materials explaining available city programs.
Members said a short, focused survey (five questions was suggested) and in‑person outreach would likely yield better response rates than mass emails. The committee proposed using an outreach event where business owners could scan a QR code or complete a brief paper survey on site, and suggested EDC members act as business ambassadors to have conversational visits with local firms.
City staff said the city maintains a business-license list that can be provided to the committee for outreach. The group recommended targeting a representative mix of business types and sizes so results would reflect the local economy rather than only retail or restaurant owners.
Cindy Moore and other members proposed packaging an easy-to-read one‑pager for prospective or expanding firms describing permitting timelines, available incentives and a contact pathway. Several members also suggested a community “talent assessment” to inventory local skills and match workforce training to employer needs.
No formal actions were taken; the committee asked staff to provide a current business‑license list and to draft a short survey and outreach plan for discussion at a future meeting.
