2008.01.22 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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BR & E Local influential leaders who are active in the community HOW THE BR&E VISITATION are usually the best volunteers because they recognize the PROGRAM BENEFITS importance of helping to improve the community's economy andwell-being. VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITIES Volunteer Visitors should include people from both the Benefits to Volunteers public and private sectors. Volunteers such as chamber of commerce executives are important to the program Citizens and local leaders who have worked with the BR&E because they have the resources,contacts,and leverage Visitation program cite the following reasons why they have to address many of the concerns that industry reveals been active participants:' during the visits. And when your roster of volunteers also includes business owners and executives from the BR&E Visits arefun private sector,the program is more legitimate from industry's point of view. The program is perceived as We guarantee you will have fun! Everybody says, more of a community effort rather than a"chamber," "This is fun"after completing their first firm visit. "council,"or"city"effort; in some communities,these You'll enjoy socializing with other key community labels could damage the credibility of the program. leaders and participating in important community decisions. Visited Firm Operator's Role BR&E Visitation Program builds networks Typically between thirty and one hundred firms are visited. You can build networks with other local businesses and Generally,Volunteer Visitors are instructed to interview the leaders,and with regional and state economic firm owner or operator,but if this person will be unavailable development professionals. These contacts can often for a long period of time,then volunteers are instructed to help your business or future development efforts. interview the highest management official possible. • BR&E Visitation Program is a learning experience REASONS VOLUNTEERS You will learn about your local economy's strengths PARTICIPATE and weaknesses from the perspective of local businesses and gain insights on how your community is likely to develop in the future. You will learn about Many volunteers participate because they care about the new options for working with existing firms and ways economic development of their community. Some volun- you can shape your community's destiny. teers(public officials,extension agents,development department representatives)participate because the program BR&E Visitation Program brings the community is essentially an extension of their current job. Some together volunteers participate because they want to learn more about local industry,while others(new residents)participate In many communities,citizens and local leaders are because they want to learn more about their community in thinking about their future,but they're not working general. Still others(public officials,new residents, together to have an impact on the future. The BR&E business owners and mangers)participate because they want Visitation program can bring your community together to meet new people and develop more personal and profes- Business persons,local government officials, education sional relationships,while others(retirees,housewives) officials,professional developers and interested citizens participate because they want to become more active in their all work together for the benefit of existing local community. And still others participate because of peer businesses and their community. pressure. These are just some of the reasons that volunteers have been motivated to participate in previous programs. Is It for Our Community? -- I I