Jenna Kraeger: Our Business Retention and Expansion program as a whole, is really focused on reaching out to our local businesses and seeing what their needs are. Last year was our first time doing a more formal approach to this; we sent out a survey and were able to get the intel as to why people are expanding and what types of financial needs they might have to move those things forward. It’s kind of the other end of the entrepreneur spectrum of the small business looking to scale up. So, it’s kind of the middle of the road businesses that we need to make sure that we’re checking in on an annual basis, to make sure that they’re in a spot to stay in our commu - nities and in a lot of ways, is more important than attracting the next big business to our area. Spotlight on Business: If we have business owners reading this article that are thinking about relocating their business, we have one simple question, why should they consider Lewis County? Brittany Davis: I always say, if you want to make a large impact in a small community, Lewis County is the place to be. You can be a large fish in a small pond, and even the smallest businesses can have a large impact on the quality of life, tourism, and overall economic impact of Lewis County. There is an opportunity to make a large impact in Lewis County. Cheyenne Steria: I think the support system that we are offering, I think the fact that we’re trying to model walking with a business and support - ing a business throughout their process. And how that process then snowballs, and other busi - nesses walk alongside of synergistic businesses. That’s exciting to me. We are proud of what we offer here in Lewis County and businesses need to know that there are just endless opportunities to be part of what we are doing here. Jenna Kraeger: When you think about going to a new area and starting a new business, the three things that you think about are living, working, and building your business there, right. We really encompass the first two, really well. It’s a great place to live and we have incredible people that are dedicated, and they love to live here, which really drives their motivation to work here as well.
Brittany Davis: We survey our businesses on an annual basis to both see what the opportunities and future of businesses are, but to also mitigate any closures. This has been a helpful tool for us to collect data. For example, last year’s survey showed that close to half of our businesses surveyed stated that they were looking to expand either their products, services, square footage or workforce. This shows us what programming we need to create to support our growing business - es.
“if you want to make a large impact in a small community, Lewis County is the place to be.” I don’t think that you’ll find anyone here that isn’t excited about what their company or their own businesses are doing for their community. Everyone is focused on giving back and that is what I think makes us unique. Spotlight on Business: When you live in an area you have something that is special to you about where you live and work. In saying that, what do each of you find yourself promoting most often when asked about Lewis County professionally or personally. Brittany Davis: I find myself promoting the unique businesses in our County. Depending on where someone is spending their time, I will recommend the must see or must go-to shops, restaurants, or locations in that area. I also promote the hidden gems of Lewis County, like that “off the beaten path” waterfall spot, or scenic location, or the manufacturing operations unique to Lewis County. For example, Qubica AMF, who produces 97% of the world’s bowling pins, is right in Lowville, NY! Cheyenne Steria: For me it is a simple answer, ‘Work Life Balance.’ I love my job and I love the area that I live in and all that it offers, and I always share that with others when they ask about Lewis County. Jenna Kraeger: I grew up here and I still learn new things about Lewis County daily. Things like, there’s hidden waterfalls or there’s new business - es that popped up. I love to show people that live here, that there’s opportunities here that they don’t necessarily think about daily. But as for new people coming to the community, I find myself promoting outdoor recreation and local foods the most. literally put the two together, you can go for a hike and travel the cuisine trail and grab a bite along the way and finish with a local craft beer or seltzer, which is it’s pretty cool.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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