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Valley Vision’s BEAR survey finds manufacturers planning expansion; report urges workforce training, broadband and streamlined development
Summary
Valley Vision president Jerry Chavez presented a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) summary showing manufacturing employment and revenue in the valley and recommended targeted workforce training, broadband improvements, regulatory streamlining and infrastructure investment.
Jerry Chavez, president and CEO of Valley Vision, briefed the Lewiston City Council on July 28 on findings from the organization’s Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program and offered recommendations to support local manufacturers.
Chavez said the manufacturing base employs about 5,300 people and produces just over $1 billion in revenue that circulates locally. He told the council that for every dollar of private‑sector payroll there is additional economic activity supporting that wage, estimating total circulation at roughly $1.5 billion. Chavez said his team interviewed a sample of local manufacturers using a 77‑question survey to gauge growth plans and business needs.
Key findings included a higher local share of manufacturing workforce (about 14% of employment) than many peer communities and that 10 of 17 interviewed firms expected to expand. Chavez identified barriers to growth such as regulatory ‘red tape,’ housing shortages, limited reasonably priced industrial land and workforce gaps. He recommended three Lewiston‑specific actions: include property owners in development review committee meetings, implement an applicant satisfaction survey for development processes, and circulate proposed development process changes for stakeholder feedback.
At least three valley‑wide recommendations were presented: target workforce training dollars and programs (including community college and CT Center opportunities), invest in broadband and technology infrastructure where businesses need it, and continue to invest in water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure to support new development. Chavez said Valley Vision will provide a longer report on request and pursue deeper surveys.
Councilors thanked Chavez and noted staff engagement with Valley Vision and development stakeholders. Council members asked to follow up with staff to ensure the city’s infrastructure and development review processes align with the report’s recommendations.
Ending: Chavez said the full report is available upon request and indicated Valley Vision will keep working with the city on detailed survey follow‑ups and implementation measures.
