Field Notes: Business Recruitment
The International Economic Development Council in their Economic Development 101 training suggest the best business recruitment strategy is a business retention strategy. How does one go about accomplishing that? Regular contacts for one. In a Main Street setting the motto should always be to “get out.” Only when the manager is out and about in the district can they see, feel, and understand what businesses need. Visibility is important too. Retention can be achieved through direct and indirect methods. Direct methods might include technical and financial assistance, such as a storefront improvements program with grants. Indirect methods might include enhancing cleaning and maintenance of the surrounding area, placemaking activities that welcome people, and marketing campaigns that help to expand the secondary market area and bring new customers in.