Officials see survey as key to growth

The Plainville Economic Development Agency is sponsoring an on-line business survey, developed with assistance from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, to assess the needs and priorities of Plainville's business community and corporate citizens. The results will be used by the EDA to develop economic strategies that promote business retention and growth.

"Participation by area businesses, regardless of size, is crucial to the success of the survey and our ongoing process to be responsive to business and economic concerns," said Val Dumais, chairman of the Economic Development Agency.

Businesses can access the survey for the next two months at www.plainvillect.com or can obtain hard copies form the Office of Planning and Economic Development. Responses, which can be submitted anonymously on-line or in writing, will provide an indication of the overall local business attitude and help the EDA identify the needs and concerns of its corporate citizens. If preferred, businesses can identify themselves so that a follow-up on particular issues can occur.

"We are helping the Town of Plainville obtain direct insight from business owners about the issues facing them in the local community that will allow the EDA to develop the tools and programs needed to adequately address those issues," said Jeff Blodgett, vice president of Research at CERC.

CERC's research staff will analyze the results of the survey and produce a summary with key findings, which will be published on the town's Web site for public review in the fall.

Business owners with questions are encouraged to contact Mark DeVoe, town planner, at (860) 793-0221, ext. 210.