Attitudes are changing. Some communities now focus on the keeping the businesses they have. With eighty percent of new jobs being created because existing businesses expand, long-term economic growth can happen if businesses remain in their communities. I can see why it is so successful. She is convinced that once businesses know about it, they will want to be involved.
Strong leadership is needed for a community-based visitation program to make a difference.
The process is straightforward. A small group of keen people takes the lead and coordinates the project, reaching out to other community members to who take on different roles. Teams of volunteers interview two or three business owners in a confidential setting, then take the responses back to a task force of community leaders looking for issues and concerns. The task force sets priorities and develops an action plan to deal with the concerns. The group presents this information to the businesses and community members.