Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce

The economic well being of our community is based upon our existing businesses. In recognition of this, positive action is being taken to identify and meet the needs of these businesses. The Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring such an economic development project in cooperation with the support of Winkler Community Development Corporation and Community Futures Heartland.

The Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce Business Retention and Expansion project is a community-wide effort that emphasizes personal business visits as a way to identify the needs of our existing businesses. Specifically, the objectives of the project are to:

1. Identify the needs, concerns, and opportunities of existing local businesses in order that, where appropriate, local action can be taken to respond to the businesses’ needs or development opportunities.
2. Learn of the future plans of the area’s local businesses with respect to expansion, relocation, and/or retention and assess where assistance can be provided.
3. Demonstrate the community’s pro-business attitude and develop an effective means of communication with local businesses.
4. Have the community actively involved in economic development.

The BR+E survey will indicate the future plans/needs of local businesses and how businesses view the community as a place to do business. In turn, this survey information will be used to plan future economic development activities.

The Volunteer Visitors and I will review the completed surveys for any “red-flag” issues or requests for information. “Red-flag” issues are areas where BR+E team members may assist you with a concern or opportunity.

I respectfully invite you to participate in the BR+E survey. Your input will be a valued addition to the project, and your responses to the survey questions will be kept confidential. All BR+E Volunteer Visitors and the entire Leadership Team sign a “Confidentiality Contract” and are committed to this principle. A summary of the survey results and recommendation for future development efforts will be announced at Public Meetings held twice a year. No business will be identified individually.

Brenda Storey
BR+E Project Coordinator