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Crawford, Clayton, Allamakee counties launch market analysis

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Driftless Development, Inc., the newly formed economic development organization for Crawford County, is partnering with Allamakee and Clayton counties in Iowa, on a new market analysis study of the greater Prairie du Chien market area. As a part of the study, residents and business owners in the region are encouraged to participate in a short survey including questions about shopping habits and preferences; perceptions of the communities where they live, shop and work; satisfaction with various aspects of the region; resources that could most support local businesses; and challenges they face. 

The survey was developed by Driftless Development, Inc. and the University of Wisconsin-Extension to understand residents’ preferences for retail and service business development in the region. The results will inform a plan to support existing businesses, attract new businesses and create a vision for revitalizing the regional economy. “This is a great opportunity for residents and businesses to contribute to a broader vision for economic development in our region,” said Artie Johnson, of Seneca, chairman of the Trade Area Study Committee.

Each survey takes about 5-10 minutes and the survey will close on April 22. Residents and businesses can visit http://bit.ly/ddistudy to take the survey or find printed copies at public locations around the region. Final completed surveys should be mailed to Driftless Development, Inc.; 225 N. Beaumont Road, Ste. 139, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821. Key findings will be reported to the public as soon as they are available via local media and Driftless Development, Inc.

The survey data will be integrated into a process developed by the Purdue Center for Regional Development called Strategic Doing, which links community networks across organizational and political boundaries to quickly translate ideas into action. Driftless Development will begin by asking for ideas from the larger community. That feedback will occur through the survey and also through listening sessions and interviews with individuals and communities throughout the Crawford County area.

“Strategic doing will focus on three ‘big ideas’: recalibrating of our economy for the 21st Century, enhancing our identity and brand, and investing in our children – the next generation,” said Jim Bowman, executive director of Driftless Development. “They are the most critical pieces to making the Crawford County area a great place to live, work, visit and invest.”

Questions about the survey or Driftless Development can be directed to Jim Bowman at 326-0234.

Driftless Development, Inc. formed as a merger of the Crawford County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) and the Prairie du Chien Economic Development Corporation (PdCEDC). The merger came about through discussions about how to improve efficiency and avoid duplication of efforts between the existing organizations. By combining resources, the new organization can address new challenges in economic development. 

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