The Norwalk Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) was pleased to organize the 8th Annual Norwalk Area Business Appreciation Week during April 25 - May 3, 2011. It has proven again to be a very effective and innovative method of business outreach and retention for economic development in our area.
This program and its success could not continue without the participation of our outstanding local businesses and volunteers who dedicate their time and effort, making this event a reality.
By sending out teams of community and private sector leaders and government representatives to visit with Norwalk area businesses, NEDC’s goal of Business Appreciation Week is to show our appreciation of area businesses and their commitment to our community.
During this annual event, visits were made to 120 businesses (our highest number to-date) throughout the Norwalk area. Nearly 50 volunteers volunteered their time to make the visits:
- NEDC Board Members
- Mayor & City Department Heads
- City Council Representatives
- Main Street Norwalk
- Huron County Chamber of Commerce
- Huron County Commissioners
- Huron County Development Council
- Huron County Department of Job & Family Services
- Ohio Department of Development
- Ohio Edison Representative
- Norwalk’s SCORE Office
- US Small Business Administration
- EHOVE Career Center
- BGSU – Firelands Campus
- Small Business Development Center
Of the 120 companies that participated this year, over 70% reported they had a good or great year in 2010. Nine businesses reported they had their best year ever in 2010, and several experienced very strong 1st quarters in 2011.
Reports from the visitation teams came in even more positive than the year before, which is a great testament to our area businesses and their commitment to success.
As with 2010, companies took advantage of the economic changes and made a concerted effort to break into new markets and increase productivity. Many said their hard work and investment have paid off.
There was also a reported increase in local expansions and renovation projects this year, up 11% from 2010.
Many businesses stated they were hiring new employees this year, and the information reported from employers projected that approximately 170 jobs will be added in the area by the end of 2011.
Transportation, fuel prices, taxes and the need for more jobs were at the top of their list of concerns. Most of the government related items noted were directed at the state and federal levels. “Despite the issues mentioned, most people stated they were very happy to be in the community and shared good news about their businesses,” stated Heinz.
Many companies noted that the Norwalk area is a great place to do business and stated the top reasons are Norwalk’s location, the community support, the good and improving economic conditions of their industries and also the business partnerships they continue to cultivate in the region.
The program’s reach continues long after the event is over. “We identified over eighty companies that requested follow-up from the visitation reports,” said Heinz. “We are already working on those items and are happy to connect businesses to the additional resources.”
Business Appreciation Week is a major component of our Retention & Expansion program. In addition to this very important week, the NEDC staff meets with many businesses every week throughout the year.
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