LACDC News:
Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation will soon begin a comprehensive Business Visitation Survey to gather information from local businesses.
This project is an important tool for LACDC to collect hard data along with anecdotal data from business owners about the local business climate.
In 2004, LACDC performed an extensive Business Visitation Survey in Los Alamos County as part of a Business Retention and Expansion effort. A survey of more than 120 questions was created to gather information from local businesses covering a wide variety of topics including business history, workforce demographics, sales, customers, local business environment, local taxes, and government provided service.
Nearly 100 businesses participated in the project. The data was analyzed and both strengths and issues were identified. Several presentations were made to stakeholder groups including local business owners, County staff, elected officials, Los Alamos National Laboratory management and the public.
The identified issues provided for the first time, hard data that supported anecdotal evidence. These issues guided LACDC’s business retention and expansion strategies over the next few years. Several initiatives were started to address the identified issues and progress was made.
It has been more than 10 years since the data has been refreshed and much has changed. By collecting and analyzing new data, LACDC can identify the current issues and challenges facing our business community and address them head on. The findings will also help LACDC to prioritize strategic goals for the next fiscal year.
LACDC staff will meet with business owners in person to conduct the survey and expect to interview 75-100 businesses by June 30. Following this initial blitz, results will be presented to several stakeholder groups. LACDC will continue to interview 5-10 business a month on an ongoing basis to continue to collect data and stay in tune with the local business community.
The survey will take about 30 to 60 minutes and be conducted in person. All individual business data will remain confidential and only aggregate data will be presented. It’s important that LACDC hear directly from business owners. Local businesses will soon be contacted to schedule an appointment. Feel free to contact Patrick Sullivan (patrick@losalamos.org) or April Dukes (april@losalamos.org) at any time to volunteer to be interviewed.
The LACDC is a private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization serving Los Alamos since 1983. LACDC serves as the umbrella organization for the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamos MainStreet, Los Alamos Meeting & Visitors Bureau, Los Alamos Small Business Center and Los Alamos Research Park.
LACDC’s mission is to build a vibrant community through a thriving economy by leveraging public and private sector investment to achieve sustainable economic development. LACDC works to drive economic progress by providing services to businesses using its broad portfolio of programs and initiatives.