Frontenac County asking business owners to complete annual survey

The Frontenac County economic development department is asking every business owner in Frontenac to complete their annual business survey, which will be open until Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.

Results of the survey will help County staff better understand Frontenac’s economic landscape and make informed decisions about how best to serve businesses in the region, according to a release from the County of Frontenac, dated Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.

“This has been a challenging year for many of our small businesses,” said Ron Vandewal, Warden of Frontenac County. “I encourage everyone who owns a business in Frontenac to complete this survey to help staff and County Council understand what we can do to contribute to our economy’s recovery and growth in 2021.” 

Since 2017, the economic development department has conducted similar annual surveys to gather information about the business climate in Frontenac, feedback that has influenced program development and staff activities, according to the release.

“This year the survey takes on a special importance for us,” said Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development at the County of Frontenac. “We have stayed connected to our business community since the pandemic began, and we have an anecdotal understanding of how they are doing. This survey will refine that understanding and help us identify opportunities, challenges and priorities across the region.”

The survey is now open, and will be available until Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. The County says it will take up to 30 minutes to complete and everyone who does so can enter into a draw to win a prize of locally made products. Their goal is to gather feedback from at least 200 business owners in Frontenac.

Last May, through Report 2020-050, County Council supported changes to the 2020 – 2024 Economic Development Business Plan to address changes to the local economy related to the COVID-19 Pandemic, according to the release. Response efforts were grouped into four categories: Support Businesses, Promote Shopping Locally, Prioritize Tourism, and Establish Conditions for Investment and Growth. Throughout 2020, the County says staff implemented many actions identified in the revised workplan and continue that work into 2021.

A comprehensive analysis of survey results will be reported to the Community Development Advisory Committee and County Council this spring.

Take the survey here: https://www.infrontenac.ca/survey