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• Is BR&E right for your community? - Business Retention & Expansion Strategies - Unive... Page 3 of 4 <br /> How we help <br /> See our Business Retention & Expansion Offerings <br /> Benefits of the Program <br /> BR&E benefits both the community as a whole and those who <br /> volunteer to serve in the program. A successful program can <br /> produce both short-term and long-term benefits in many <br /> different areas. <br /> BR&E volunteers like the program. <br /> BR&E programs are fun! Everybody says "This is fun" after <br /> completing their first firm visit. You will enjoy socializing with <br /> other key community leaders and participating in important <br /> community decisions. <br /> BR&E programs build networks. You can build relationships <br /> with local businesses and leaders and with regional and state <br /> economic development professionals, as well as University Of <br /> Minnesota staff. These contacts can help your community in <br /> the future. <br /> BR&E programs are a learning opportunity. You will learn <br /> about your local economy's strengths and weaknesses from the <br /> perspective of local businesses.. You will learn about new <br /> options for working with existing firms and ways you can shape <br /> your local destiny. <br /> BR&E programs bring communities together. In many <br /> communities, citizens and local leaders think about their future, <br /> but are not working together to influence that future. BR&E <br /> programs can bring the community together. Business persons, <br /> local government officials, education officials, professional <br /> developers, and interested citizens all work together for the <br /> benefit of existing local businesses and their community. <br /> BR&E programs are doable and generate results. People <br /> just like you and your neighbors have done this program in all <br /> sizes and types of communities. BR&E programs have been <br /> completed in rural, suburban and urban areas and are getting <br /> results. Naturally, success makes the experience rewarding. <br /> BR&E programs demonstrate that "We care about local <br /> businesses." It is surprising how many business leaders feel <br /> unappreciated. They do not hear that the community values <br /> them. Just visiting firms demonstrates that your community <br /> cares and appreciates the economic contribution businesses <br /> make. <br /> BR&E programs are low-risk. When done correctly, the <br /> BR&E program is safe. As one Task Force member and owner <br /> of a small firm said, "I just can't see any risk in getting <br /> involved in this. How can you possibly lose?" <br /> Program Costs and Financing <br /> The fees for BR&E Strategies Program options help to defray <br /> the cost to University of Minnesota Extension for providing <br /> http://www.extension.umn.edu/BusinessRetention/isitright.html 3/13/2009 <br />