Taking the pulse of business leaders
Third annual business survey underway
EXTON » Chester County business leaders are being asked to participate in the third annual “Take the Pulse” survey.
Launched Wednesday by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Chester County Board of Commissioners, “Take the Pulse” is a county-wide, comprehensive survey that provides an opportunity for business leaders to express their views a range of issues — from attracting talent to affordable housing.
“This annual survey is a tool we use to identify emerging trends and issues in our local economy. Coupled with other outreach programs like Engage! and our industry partnerships, we feel like we can really be proactive in addressing the needs of Chester County businesses,” Michael Grigalonis, Chester County Economic Development Council’s chief operating officer and executive vice president said in a press release.
It is expected that results from the 2018 “Take the Pulse” survey will provide new insight on workforce needs, transportation investments and factors influencing Chester County’s “Quality of Place,” according to the release.
The survey was developed in partnership with the county’s 10 chambers of commerce, business leaders, educators and non-profit executives, and is a key component of VISTA 2025, Chester County’s 10-year economic development strategy.
The online survey is available now through June 8, with the results of this year’s survey expected to be available in July. The results will be benchmarked against data
collected in 2016 and 2017 and initiatives identified that are needed to enhance the county’s economic wellbeing according to the release.
“The ‘Take the Pulse’ survey is important because we believe that the data collected directly from businesses will better guide our solutions moving forward and help us track
progress over time,” Chester County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Michelle Kichline said in the release. She is also co-chairwoman of the VISTA 2025 initiative.
According to Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone, input from previous surveys has, “guided our prioritization of such issues as transportation and traffic congestion.”
Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell urged all area businesses
to participate in this year’s survey.
“It’s essential that everyone’s voice is heard,” he said.
Businesses that participate in the survey are eligible to take advantage of free follow-up support from a new program called “Engage!,” a statewide business retention and expansion program. Administered locally by the Chester County Economic Development Council, “Engage!” assists with referrals and direct technical assistance.
“Take the Pulse” is administered by the Chester County Economic Development Council with survey design, data management and analysis provided by West Chester University’s School of Business.
A total of 330 respondents participated in last year’s “Take the Pulse” survey conducted during March and April 2017.
According to the 2017 results, posted on the Chester County Economic Development Council’s website, 92 percent of the business
owners surveyed in 2017 said the business climate in Chester County was stable (39 percent) or improving (53 percent). In addition, business owners in 2017 were significantly more optimistic for growth in Chester County (53 percent improving) compared to 2016 (46 percent improving).
Areas where 2017 respondents felt improvements are warranted include public transportation and traffic congestion and to a lesser extent permitting process/municipal approval
process, cost of land and housing affordability.
For more information about the Chester County Economic Development Council visit https://ccedcpa.com/
For more information about Vista 2025 visit www.vista2025.com. For information on Chester County, visit www.chesco. org.