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B R & E <br /> ......... <br /> IS A BR&E VISITATION PROGRAM WHY ARE EXISTING BUSINESSES <br /> FOR YOU AND YOUR IMPORTANT TO DEVELOPMENT? <br /> COMMUNITY?' <br /> Existing firms are an engine of economic growth. Some <br /> If you are interested in encouraging economic development studies estimate the percentage of new jobs created by <br /> in your community,this booklet is for you. Whether you are existing firms as high as 80/o,while the most conservative <br /> a professional economic developer,a chamber of commerce estimates say 40%.Z When a community commits to <br /> official or member,a local government official,an education "Forking with its existing firms,it commits to working with <br /> official,or an interested citizen who wants to see your area a group of firms that are important to the future of the local <br /> become more economically resilient,you will be interested economy,and to those who have already invested in the <br /> in this approach to economic development. It's called the community. <br /> Business Retention and Expansion Visitation(BR&E <br /> Visitation)program. Many communities have pursued policies designed to attract <br /> outside firms to move into the area. However,such a <br /> This booklet will help you understand this local develop- strategy is not likely to be effective if existing businesses <br /> ment strategy, its benefits and costs,and what you and are not happy with the local business climate. Sometimes <br /> others need to do to have a successful local program. This communities that are successful at attracting new firms do <br /> booklet will help you decide whether or not to adopt this not see much growth. While new firms come in the front <br /> strategy,and,if you do,how to do it. This booklet and the door,their existing firms downsize or exit through the back <br /> accompanying video can help you see the possibilities for door. Increasingly,communities are recognizing that it <br /> your own community. The final results depend upon you makes sense to pay attention to the survival and growth of <br /> and your community. their existing firms. <br /> To help you decide if this approach fits your community,we <br /> cover the following questions: <br /> • Why are existing businesses important in local <br /> economic development? <br /> • What is the BR&E Visitation program? <br /> • What are the BR&E Visitation objectives and <br /> process? <br /> • What roles do local citizens and leaders play in the <br /> program? <br /> • What are the benefits to a community and to the <br /> volunteers in program? <br /> • What are the costs of the program? <br /> • What assistance is provided by universities,state <br /> agencies,and others? <br /> • How can you learn more about this program? <br /> 6 -- Is It for Our Community? <br />