摘要：This study used a telephone survey of coordinators of local Business Retention andExpansion Programs (BR&E). The focus of the of the study was to survey BR&Ecoordinators who conducted programs in the last five years to better understand thefactors that lead the community and the coordinator to undertake a BR&E program. We used state program leaders to identify coordinators in six participating states:Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and West Virginia. The statesrepresented programs that had a similar approach to BR&E in terms of a communityapproach which used volunteers by design. A total of 94 Coordinators were identified,and 80 responded to the survey during the summer and fall of 1998 (85% responserate). Of those that did not respond, six were no longer working in the community andcould not be contacted. Initial contact was made by phone to explain the project and toschedule a phone interview. Following the initial phone contact, a copy of the surveyand an explanation of the project was mailed to the respondent. Most of the interviewswere conducted over the phone, but in some cases coordinators sent the surveys in themail.For the most part coordinators reported few concerns or conflicts prior to beginning a BR&E program. However, local coordinators reported that many businesses were notaware of programs available to them and that this was a motivating force in initiatingthe program. Furthermore, many indicated that citizens were not knowledgeable abouteconomic development and the problems faced by local businesses. In general the coordinators recognized and supported many of the benefits that wegenerally use to promote BR&E programs. When asked what attracted them to aBR&E program they answered (in order of importance) -- the program emphasized aresponse to local business needs; it focused on existing local businesses; it allowed forlocal decision-making; and there was a written report and written priority projects. Coordinators were also asked to rate factors about the program that influenced theirpersonal participation. Their answers reflected a mix of community and personalinterests. The factors with the highest rankings were: it would help firms remain andgrow; it would help them develop better contacts with businesses; it would help themlearn about businesses; it would help their organization; and the program was neededin the community.
