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Veneta EDC approves framework for 2026 Business Retention and Expansion survey
Summary
The Economic Development Committee endorsed a BRE methodology that combines a small-business survey, in-person interviews, and a final report to run Feb.–Sep. 2026; members volunteered as interviewers and asked staff to return with a refined methodology and targeted business segments.
The Veneta Economic Development Committee on Feb. 18 endorsed a framework for a 2026 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) report designed to replicate the 2022 approach: a small-business survey, in-person interviews, and a synthesis report to inform local economic strategy.
City Management and Communications Intern Marlon Harris presented the proposed timeline and structure, proposing committee formation in February–March, interviews in May–June (with some members suggesting April also be considered), a survey rollout in June–July, and final report preparation in July–August for presentation in August–September. Harris said staff would recruit six volunteer interviewers working in teams of two to conduct interviews and take notes.
Committee members emphasized standardization and interviewer training. "The focus should be on economic development and current businesses," Chair Herb Vloedman said, noting that community questions in 2022 had been "shoehorned" into the previous survey and recommending a business-centered approach with limited community questions about desired services. Council Liaison Robbie McCoy urged expanding the interview sample beyond the prior 12–15 interviews for better representation.
Members volunteered to serve on interview teams and asked staff to refine the methodology and return with a final list of targeted business segments for approval before interviews begin. The committee also discussed using recording devices to improve accuracy while preserving conversational flow and expanding the geographic scope to include businesses outside city limits.
