The Business Walk program in Lakeport is designed to familiarize the business community with the City and other resources available to them. City staff and members of the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee (LEDAC) contact local owners and managers, providing them with the opportunity to speak with representatives about issues of concern. The goal is to help local businesses thrive and grow.
Last fall, 16 teams of staff and volunteers, totaling 29 individuals, surveyed 115 businesses in 16 areas of the city. Findings from the visit have been compiled by LEDAC and will be presented to the City Council at its meeting on April 4.
The City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan identified annual in-person visits as an important element in the support and retention of existing local businesses. The walks were put on hold during the Covid pandemic and were resumed to engage with and hear from the business community.
Denise Combs, chair of the Business Walk subcommittee, notes that “respondents were satisfied with business life in Lakeport, describing it as a laid-back, friendly, cooperative environment” in which to do business.
“Significant challenges have changed since the last survey in 2019, with worries about lack of business declining considerably while the inability to find competent staff has more than doubled, reflecting national trends,” summarized Pam Harpster, another subcommittee member.
The report contains recommendations to the Council for action items to address specific findings. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting in person at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. or via https://www.cityoflakeport.com/agendas_and_minutes/index.php.
LEDAC is an advocate for a strong and positive Lakeport business community, and serves as a conduit between the City and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs. The Committee meets bi-monthly on the second Wednesday, 7:30-9:00 a.m. All meetings are open to the public.