CED: Business Retention And Expansion

Business Retention and Expansion Visitation Program

Description: A healthy local economy and an improved business climate are the goals of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Visitation program. The program establishes an economic development plan for the local community. The process creates a broad-based community coalition to sustain long-term economic development efforts.

In the long-term, the BR&E Visitation program can make local businesses more competitive by evaluating and addressing their broader needs and concerns. Businesses that stay competitive are more likely to remain in the community and possibly expand.

Studies show forty to eighty percent of all new jobs are created by existing firms rather than by attracting new businesses to communities. Furthermore, business attraction efforts are less likely to be successful if existing businesses are not happy with the local business climate.

Target Audience: One or more communities, or a county

Length: 2-3 years to complete (part is planning and part is the implementation of the plan)

Cost: A low-cost option, compared with many economic development programs

Participants: Limited to one or two BR&E Visitation programs in a given year

Scheduling: Via mutual agreement

Point of Contact:
Greg S. Taylor
Professor and Extension Specialist,
Community and Economic Development
E-mail: gregtaylor(at)tamu.edu
Phone: 979-845-7046
Fax 979-847-9378