Business Walk Project 2012

OUTLINE:• Purpose of Project

• Community Partnership

• Design of Project

• Results and Outcomes

Purpose of ProjectUltimate Goal: Business Retention

Using project findings in two ways:

“[…]identify resources and strategies that support the retention of existing businesses” – Town of Marana 2012 Strategic Plan: Commerce Center Focus Area

Identify first-hand current needs of the business community.

Facilitate a dialogue between the Town, Marana Chamber, and local businesses.

Design of ProjectHow is business?

What do you like about doing business in the area?

What should be done to improve business?

Business Walk ResultsCommunication Bottleneck Phenomena

• Road Improvement Projects

• Certificate of Occupancy

• Signage Permitting Process

• Request for Services

Business Walk Outcomes

• Working with Planning Department to address sign code issues

• Working with Economic Development Department to assist with Emergency Recovery Plan

• Designing a new project for Home-based businesses

• Working with Northwest Fire Department to communicate the importance to Certificate of Occupancy

Business Walk Outcomes

• Businesses love the community and customers

• Businesses feel that Marana is business friendly

• Businesses prefer doing business in Marana

• Marana Police Department is doing a great job