Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council
May 8, 2013 – The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is partnering with the Tenino Area Chamber of Commerce to conduct visitation surveys with local businesses in and around the city of Tenino during the months of May and June. The purpose of these interviews is to better understand the characteristics of the businesses in the community and to determine how the Thurston EDC and the Tenino Chamber can better serve the needs of those businesses.
“Both the Tenino Chamber and the Economic Development Council possess unique tools and resources that can be utilized to retain and grow local business,” says Michael Cade, Executive Director of the Thurston EDC.
This joint project is an outgrowth of the South Thurston Economic Development Initiative, a recently-formed group that is committed to ensure that business owners in south Thurston County have access to resources. A number of organizations are involved, including Thurston Regional Planning Council, the Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau, local municipalities, Washington State University TeleWork program, Yelm Chamber of Commerce, Tenino Chamber of Commerce and Thurston EDC.
The Thurston EDC works to connect local businesses with experts and resources to help them stay competitive through its Business Resource Center – providing counseling, mentoring, and technical assistance to new and existing business owners. The Tenino Chamber of Commerce works to be the collective voice of local small business owners and gives Tenino-area businesses the ability to help strengthen and improve their community.
The information that businesses provide through this survey will remain confidential. Local businesses that are unable to participate in an in-person survey are encouraged to contact Michael Cade at the Thurston EDC office: (360) 754-6320 to access an online survey.
