Participate Now: Front Royal EDA Launches Business Feedback Survey

he Royal Examiner recently held a Town Talk with the Front Royal Economic Development Authority (FREDA) to discuss their latest initiative—a business survey designed to gather insights from the local business community. The conversation included Lizzie Lewis, Director of Community Development & Tourism, Rick Novak, Chairman of the FREDA Board, and board member Tom Eshelman.

Rick Novak explained the purpose behind the survey, “We’ve been meeting and trying to get our feet underneath us and figure out where we are. We thought one of the best things we could do was ask the public. Ask the businesses what they think. Where do they think we are? Where’s our choke points?” After several meetings and revisions, the survey was launched and is now live, collecting responses.

FREDA has been proactive in distributing the survey. Rick Novak has been handing out business cards with a QR code that links directly to the survey. “It has the questions. It’s very simple,” Novak noted. The survey allows detailed responses beyond simple yes/no or multiple-choice questions. This format gathers comprehensive feedback on various aspects of the local business environment.

Tom Eshelman highlighted some of the key questions in the survey, “There are questions about their infrastructure. How many employees do you have? Are you having problems getting employees? Are they part-time? Are they full-time? Does your business space meet your needs? Are you looking to grow?” The survey also touches on workforce development, collaborating with local educational institutions like Laurel Ridge and the Blue Ridge Technical Center to ensure they meet the town’s needs.

One significant focus of the EDA is workforce development. McCool and the board members discussed the importance of having a skilled workforce to attract new businesses. They acknowledged the efforts of Blue Ridge Technical Center and other local institutions in providing excellent workforce training programs. “Their workforce training is amazing,” said Novak, emphasizing the potential for future collaboration.

The survey aims to identify problems and highlight what businesses appreciate about operating in Front Royal. “We ask what they like. So there are positive aspects to it as well,” Eshelman said. The EDA encourages businesses to share tips for success in Front Royal, fostering a community of shared knowledge and support.

Lizzie Lewis pointed out that this survey is just the first step in a phased approach. “We feel this will be a phased approach, so this is step one. Let’s cast a wide net, see what feedback we can get, and figure out what’s bubbling to the surface.” FREDA plans to follow up with more detailed surveys and in-person conversations based on initial responses.

The survey deadline is tentatively set for mid to late June, but the EDA is flexible to ensure maximum participation.

Encouragement to Participate

FREDA emphasizes the importance of participation from all business community sectors, including absentee business owners, and hopes to use the survey results to identify areas of improvement and opportunities for growth in the local business environment. By engaging with the community, they aim to create a thriving economic landscape in Front Royal.

To participate in the survey, click here.