Title/Name/Summary
Business Retention Contract
History
Economic development statistics indicate that between 65%-80% of new jobs and investments come from the expansion of existing businesses in a community. This statistic alone justifies the need for a strong, proactive Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program. The Village has a strong record of assisting existing businesses through the Mayor’s Business & Expansion program and the Village’s Revolving Loan Program. In previous years, the Village has also conducted BRE visits; however, limited resources and competing responsibilities have impacted the prioritization of this initiative.
In order to supplement and enhance the BRE program, Village staff recommends partnering with the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce. Under the proposed contract, the Chamber would conduct the outreach and actual visitation/survey with the selected businesses. Information obtained would be shared with the Village of Orland Park, for analysis and follow-up. The Village would approve the list of businesses, as well as, the individuals who would be conducting the interviews. Village staff, along with the Chamber, may also attend some of the visits. At the end of the year, the Chamber would provide an annual business retention report to the Village (see attached scope of work). Village staff will provide training to the Chamber, prior to their initiation of the program. It is anticipated that 60 visits could be completed by the end of this year, per the attached contract.
The Goals of the BRE include:
1. Introduce VOP & OPACC staff to the business community;
2. Demonstrate Orland Park’s appreciation for its existing businesses;
3. Provide information about available programs and services;
4. Respond to specific requests of the business community;
5. Learn & analyze local business needs, trends and attitudes of the community through a formal survey;
6. Promote Orland Park as a good place to do business;
7. Retain jobs and tax...
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