Kennedale — Chelsea Petty of CP2 Consultants told the Kennedale Economic Development Corporation on July 22 that outreach to local businesses is ramping up and that a new EDC website and an inaugural Business Connection luncheon are imminent.

"We spent most of our time this month getting ready for business retention and expansion," Petty said, summarizing work that included in-person visits to more than 40 businesses and delivery of invitations to the luncheon, which she said is scheduled for next Thursday. Petty said five companies had RSVP'd at the time of her report and that she expected more responses in the days before the event.

Why it matters: CP2’s outreach is meant to create a contact database for regular communication with businesses, surface marketing and workforce needs, and connect owners to grants and other resources that may help them grow.

What staff told the board

Petty described multiple activities: hand-delivering luncheon invitations; discussing sponsorships for the Hometown Christmas event; outreach to two potential restaurant chains for the town center; and a near-complete first draft of a revamped EDC website expected by the end of the week. She said the bulk of the website work is finished and staff are in the process of fine-tuning design and content choices.

Survey findings and partnership work

Petty presented early survey findings that were not described as comprehensive but identified recurring concerns among local businesses: finding new customers (marketing/advertising), attracting and retaining employees, and local competition. Effects from construction on the Southeast Connector also emerged as a common business concern. Petty said the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce plan to work together on marketing and training assistance, including lunch-and-learn sessions and a dining-local guide.

Events and outreach details

- Business Connection luncheon: scheduled for next Thursday; five firms had RSVP'd at the time of the report.
- Hometown Christmas: CP2 is helping source entertainment and sponsors; the EDC expects to lease equipment for about two months to support seasonal decorations in the town center and parks.
- Website: first draft due by the end of the week; staff said most content is complete and they are choosing final design elements.

Petty emphasized relationship-building and database development as priorities: having reliable contact information will let the EDC and Chamber disseminate construction and traffic updates and promote local resources. Petty also thanked the Kennedale Chamber of Commerce for contributing staff time and resources to the initiative.

Next steps

Petty said CP2 will continue one-on-one business visits, push final edits on the EDC website, and share fuller survey results with the board after compiling more responses. The Business Connection luncheon will serve as an outreach point to encourage further awareness of EDC programs and the grants process.