FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 8, 2006

Survey Examines Barriers and Potential for Tri-County Business & Commercial Contracting Opportunities

Successful bidders and contract awardees are the most interested in continuing and adding to their business relationship with Fort Drum, according to a recent survey of tri-county businesses.  “Those that have contracts want more, and those without frequently report a desire to become involved,” explains Doug Schelleng, chair of the FDRLO’s Economic Development Task Force, shepherd of the study.

The January 2006 telephone survey was conducted by The Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College on behalf of Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization. Two hundred twenty-six businesses in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties were interviewed.  The report provides an analysis of the market situation, examines key outcomes, and makes recommendations based on both secondary research of regional economic and demographic data and the survey results.

Dr. John Deans, chair of Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization, describes the FDRLO’s purpose in conducting the survey. “We anticipated the survey would provide us with a better understanding of how to leverage the presence of Fort Drum for greater economic growth in the North Country and increase local business opportunities. Specifically,  we wanted to know how best to assist our local businesses who aren’t doing business with Fort Drum to do so and how to help those who are to be even more successful at what they are doing. I believe we have some very useful information and recommendations on how to proceed in this area.”

The survey questions were designed to examine three key areas and to identify:

• the barriers that prevent local businesses who could contract with Fort Drum from doing so
• the factors that enable local businesses that are contracting with Fort Drum to be successful, and
• the assistance that is most useful and desired by businesses pursuing contracting opportunities.

While 48% of the businesses not currently doing work at or for Fort Drum are interested, better than half (52%) are content with their current business volume.

The report offers four recommendations for consideration by the FDRLO and its’ partners:

1. Promote the general benefits of Fort Drum business to the tri-county business community. 
2. Develop and promote training programs around specific contracts/opportunities.
3. Establish a mentoring program among companies that are seeking Fort Drum business.
4. Concentrate efforts on Supplies and Services and Construction.

Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization’s Economic Development Task Force will review the report in detail and make recommendations on next steps to the full board shortly.

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For more information, contact: Carl McLaughlin, Executive Director, FDRLO, 836-1531 or  Douglas Schelleng, Chair, FDRLO Economic Development Task Force, 785-7932

Click here to view the complete Study.