June 10, 2004
Early in 2003, the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation in Kenora embarked on a Business Retention and Expansion project (BR+E) to provide a forum for local business owners to make their concerns and issues regarding the local business environment known. The BR+E is an internationally recognized community-based, volunteer-driven, economic development tool.
The success of the BR+E depends on the cooperation of the local business community and the various business development organizations. Grant Carlson, an Economic Development Officer with the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation says, “Participation was not a problem for us. We had the direct involvement of 103 businesses, while another 20 in the Kenora area took part in related workshops.” Commitment from businesses meant the willingness to participate in a lengthy survey, which would help identify any issues, challenges and opportunities. The surveys were then tabulated and analyzed and a report was drafted.
The Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation was charged with coordinating and leading the project. Grant Carlson, however, is quick to point out that the project couldn’t have succeeded without the partners involved. “The combined contributions from FedNor, First Nations, the business community, and the Incentive Corporation, have allowed this project to run smoothly. We’re now in the implementation stage and it’s been a blessing to have so many partners around the table. We’re able to review data and pass it on to the appropriate organization or level of government for action.”
An action plan that utilizes business owners recommendations is currently being prepared. It will outline steps to be taken to make the local business community more viable and enticing. Some changes to existing programs, however, have already taken place as a direct result of the BR+E findings. For example, survey results showed that businesses could benefit from an increase in customer service levels. As a result, guest speakers have been brought in to talk about how to improve customer service, and training sessions are being planned. Another interesting example is the finding that some people in the community were unaware of the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation and its mandate for business and economic development. Carlson says, “This has been a eye opener for so many of us on so many different levels. This particular finding has seen our own corporation put a lot more effort into letting the community know we exist. The BR+E project has brought to light many issues, and it’s encouraging to see them being worked on by a dedicated group of partners and a committed community.”
The long-term benefits of the BR+E project include improved competitiveness of businesses in the Kenora area, increased communication between business owners and development and planning officials, and the creation of more jobs. So far, the BR+E project seems to be doing a great job of keeping each of these benefits on track.