What do Cranbrook car dealerships, manufactures, law offices, restaurants, retailers and financial services have in common? They represent some of the businesses that will be visited by business and civic leaders during the 2016 Cranbrook Business Walk on Tuesday, June 28.

The Cranbrook Business Walk 2016 program is powered by a partnership between the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures East Kootenay, City of Cranbrook and Provincial Government Ministry of Jobs, Tourism & Skills Training.

The Business Walk, being conducted from 1 to 4 p.m., will allow representatives of organizations that serve the business community to take the time to connect face to face with business operators in an informal, casual way and determine how conditions can be improved.

“The Business Walk will offer an excellent opportunity to listen to the local business community,” said Community Futures East Kootenay general manager Sean Campbell. “The data will assist in identifying common themes for action while bringing together resources, municipal services and representatives of the business community for specific action plans.”

Business walks have proven highly effective in strengthening local economies by retaining businesses in a community and creating an environment where they can grow.

Volunteer ‘walkers’ will call on over 300 businesses and have a brief conversation around a series of key questions. Companies with specific needs will be followed up and provided one-on-one assistance.

The information gathered during business walks will be used in a number of ways. After subsequent business walks the data will also be used to track the pulse of the business community over time.

“Recognizing the economic impact small businesses have on the local economy, business retention and enhancement is crucial. The Business Walk is an excellent way for service providers to come together to improve the services we provide to our local businesses and ensure a sustainable economic climate that promotes growth in Cranbrook,” said David D. Hull, executive director of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce.

The collated results of the Business Walk will be used to identify needed programs and services to the community. Civic leaders can better connect with businesses in their communities through the face-to-face conversation that is initiated, and identify and remove barriers to doing business in their areas.

Organizations such as Community Futures East Kootenay and the Chamber of Commerce can tailor their services to the expressed needs of the businesses they serve.

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