BRACEBRIDGE BUSINESS RETENTION

1
BRACEBRIDGE BUSINESS RETENTION EXPANSION PROGRAM

• COUNCIL UPDATE,
• APRIL 7, 2004

2
Bracebridge BR E Purpose

• Program Launched August 2003
• Short Term Objectives
• Show community support for local business
• Identify and solve immediate business concerns

3
Bracebridge BR E Purpose

• Long Term Objectives
• Increase local business competitiveness
• Assist business development, job creation and
  business retention
• Make community a better place to live, work and
  play

4
Bracebridge BR ELeadership Team

• Steve Meadley, Chair
• Don Coates
• Chuck Horne
• John Crawley
• Suzanne Martineau
• Cheryl Kelley
• Kristy Cairns

• Additional Support
• Christopher Thorpe, Muskoka Community Futures
• Bob Sjonnesen, Ministry of Northern Development
  Mines

5
Bracebridge BR E Survey Results

• Total of 66 businesses surveyed 17 larger
  employers in Phase I and 49 in Phase II
• Over 40 volunteers participated in survey process
• Proof that business community cares and willing
  to donate their time for the benefit of the town.

6
Bracebridge BR E Survey Results

• Feedback
• Process a good forum to voice issues and
  concerns.
• Businesses want to work together to promote our
  town
• Worry that its just another survey and nothing
  will get done.

7
Bracebridge BR E Survey Results

• Number of the issues raised have been identified
  in Towns Strategic Plan
• However businesses are unaware
• That Plan exists
• What it contains
• Current status of initiatives and
• Timetable

8
Bracebridge BR E Survey Results

• Respondents have indicated
• Looking for more shopping choices e.g. box stores
• Increased promotion and marketing of Bracebridge
• Common store hours
• Streamlined development process
• Land for development database

9
Bracebridge BR E Timetable

• Completed
• Business visits 66 surveys
• Total of 22 Issues identified from survey
  results.
• Top 10 Issues selected for inclusion in Action
  Plan as immediate priorities.
• Remaining 12 labeled as longer term priorities

10
Bracebridge BR E Timetable contd

• Pending
• Presentation of Action Plan to Council
• April 28
• Community/Public meeting to announce Action Plan
  (first week of May)
• Final Report to Council May 31

11
Bracebridge BR ETimelines

• Next Steps
• Develop committees or identify organizations to
  implement the Recommended Action Plans
• Incorporate Actions Plans into the Towns
  Strategic Plan