EXTON, PA — The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Chester County Board of Commissioners are announcing the 2018 launch of a county-wide, comprehensive survey for business decision makers. Analysis of the third annual Take the Pulse survey results is expected to provide new insight on workforce needs, transportation investments and factors influencing Chester County’s “Quality of Place.”
“This annual survey is a tool we use to identify emerging trends and issues in our local economy. Coupled with other outreach programs like Engage! and our industry partnerships, we feel like we can really be proactive in addressing the needs of Chester County businesses,” says Michael Grigalonis, CCEDC’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President.
Developed in partnership with the county’s ten chambers of commerce, key business leaders, educators, and non-profit executives, the Take the Pulse business survey is a key component of VISTA2025, Chester County’s ten-year economic development strategy designed to strengthen the economic health of the county. Now in its third year, Take the Pulse is administered by CCEDC with survey design, data management and analysis provided by West Chester University’s School of Business. All Chester County business decision makers are invited to take the online survey, which is available here. The survey runs now through June 8, 2018.
Chester County business decision makers are asked to express their views on a range of issues, from attracting talent to affordable housing. All businesses that participate are eligible to take advantage of free follow-up support from a new program called Engage! Spanning six counties across southeastern Pennsylvania, Engage! is a statewide business retention and expansion program administered locally by CCEDC that assists with referrals and direct technical assistance.
CCEDC and the Chester County Board of Commissioners expect to release the results of Take the Pulse in July, benchmarking data to that gathered in 2016 and 2017 and identifying initiatives needed to enhance the county’s economic well-being.
“The Take the Pulse survey is important because we believe that the data collected directly from businesses will better guide our solutions moving forward and help us track progress over time,” says Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline, who co-chairs the VISTA 2025 initiative.
Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone notes, “Each year, this survey allows us to hear the needs of county business decision makers loud and clear, and their input has already guided our prioritization of such issues as transportation and traffic congestion.”
“We’re pleased to be partnering with CCEDC and the chambers of commerce for the third annual Take the Pulse survey, and we urge all area businesses to participate,” adds Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell. “It’s essential that everyone’s voice is heard.”
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 50 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships, and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. With the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit https://ccedcpa.com/
Take the Pulse is a key component of VISTA 2025, a public-private partnership between the County of Chester and the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) focused on creating and implementing a 10-year economic development strategy for the county. Implementation of the strategy is a collaborative effort involving the CCEDC, the Chester County Commissioners, Chambers of Commerce, key county business leaders, educators and non-profit executives. For more information on Vista 2025, see www.vista2025.com. For information on Chester County, see www.chesco.org. For more information on the Chester County Economic Development Council, see www.ccedcpa.com.
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