Program brings businesses,
city officials together
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A new program has been implemented by city leaders in an effort to improve the business climate in the Star City.
City Manager Jim Bennett discussed the issue recently with councilors, who expressed their approval of the program.
“This business visitation program — I’m glad it’s up front and implemented. It will get us a lot of information and could bolster our efforts with other items,” said Council Vice Chair Randy Smith. Councilor Craig Green also expressed his support.
“This may head off some of the things we’ve discussed (that need to be accomplished). We may find out one business is doing something and we can tell them ‘so are they’ and link them up” with another business doing similar, said Green.
Councilor Dick Engels agreed with Green, noting the outreach program “could be used to develop a list” of businesses and resources of a similar nature.
Bennett said city officials are trying to encourage businesses to “have a conversation on what they see and what’s going on.”
“That seems to be the tone so far,” said Bennett.
“Perception is reality. If we can get a window into that, that will be enormous,” said Green.
Bennett told councilors the business owners he and city officials have met with so far have provided input into what interests them, issues that concern them and suggestions on improvements. He said while he is available for these meetings, other department heads and councilors are welcome to attend. Or if an owner wants a specific party to visit, all they have to do is ask.
The Business Visitation Program is an effort to spur economic development and improve the business climate within Presque Isle.
As a key component of their work plan for next year, councilors have encouraged city staff to be more aggressive in their outreach efforts. The program is the initial major initiative toward the Council’s goal.
“It has become clear that we need to encourage more business investment within our great city. From my perspective, I need to help by ‘setting the tone’ within Presque Isle city government. I believe that we need to become quicker in our reviews of projects, more predictable in our decision-making and generally friendly towards commercial enterprises seeking to move, expand or grow their businesses.”
Bennett has extended a personal invitation to meet one-on-one with more than 200 business owners in the Presque Isle area. He and key city staff are excited to hear their thoughts, ideas and suggestions about improving the ‘business friendliness’ of the Star City.
“I clearly have my thoughts regarding how we can make improvements. However, I also know that business owners have more to offer than I do,” said Bennett.
City Council appreciates the personal investment that business owners have put into Presque Isle and recognizes the importance of fostering sustainability and growth in those businesses, he said.
All business owners in Presque Isle are welcome to set an appointment with Bennett by calling his office at 760-2785 or by sending an e-mail to
jbennett@presqueisleme.us.
