We received 50 business survey responses.  Thank you to everyone for taking time to complete the survey - the results will be very beneficial in guiding EDC efforts in the future.

EDC Business Survey (October 2008)
1. Do you own a business in the Town of Litchfield?
Total Business Survey Responses = 50
50 Responses (Question 1)
	Yes	40	80%
	No	10	20%

The majority, 40 out of 50 (80%), indicated they currently own a business in Litchfield.  The other 10 respondents either previously owned a business in Litchfield or were managing a business in the town.

2. Why did you decide to open/operate a business in the Town of Litchfield?
	44 Responses (Question 2)
	Live here	15
	Connections with the community	4
	Started/Expanded home based bus.	2
	Community support	1
	Litchfield's reputation/character	9
	Location	3
	Purchased existing business	2
	Financial need	2
	To fill business void	2
	Other	2

Many of the responses (22 total) indicated a close connection to the community - live here (15), connections with the community (4), started/expanded home based business (2), and community support (1).  Litchfield's reputation/character (9) and location (3) were also cited as reasons for owning/operating a business in the town.

3. What are the key issues affecting your business?
	45 Responses (Question 3)
	Economy	15
	Business/Community Support	12
	Taxes	9
	Energy/Utility Costs	6
	Health Care	5
	Planning & Zoning	5
	Cost of Doing Business	4
	Roads/Transportation/Traffic	4
	Parking	3
	Signs/Visibility	3
	Workforce	3
	Communication	2
	Housing	1

The general state of the economy was identified by fifteen (15) respondents as the most important factor affecting their business.  Another issue identified by twelve (12) survey respondents was the strong support of the local community.  Business owners realize that strong support from the local customer base is vital to their success.  Taxes were identified as a key issue by nine (9) survey respondents.  Some (6) thought property taxes were too high, while others (2) thought a reasonable tax rate was beneficial to the business climate.  Energy/utility (6) and health care (5) costs are also major concerns for local businesses.  Overly restrictive zoning regulations were identified by five (5) respondents as a deterrent to business growth.

4. How can business growth and expansion be improved in the Town of Litchfield?
	48 Responses (Question 4)
	Local Commission/Boards	20
	Business & Community Needs	15
	Business Challenges	6
	Marketing	4
	Taxes	4
	Parking	3
	Jobs	2
	Special Events	1

Numerous (20) survey respondents identified support from local commissions and boards as vital to business growth and expansion.  More business friendly zoning regulations were cited by ten (10 respondents as key to a more vibrant business community.  Another five (5) respondents recommended a more business friendly environment.  Fifteen (15) respondents recommended matching business growth and development more closely with community needs for services and/or products.  Six (6) respondents recommended attracting more unique businesses to town.  High lease/rent rates and parking were identified by six (6) respondents as issues affecting their businesses.

5. Do you have plans to expand your business? (If yes, how soon?)
40 Responses (Question 5)
	No	26
	Yes	10
	Maybe/Later	6
	Other	1

Many of the survey respondents (26) do not plan to expand their business.  Ten (10) respondents are planning to expand if economic conditions are favorable.

6. What new businesses would enhance the existing business community in the Town of Litchfield?
	43 Responses (Question 6)
	Services - Food/Drink	16
	Food/Grocery Stores	7
	Restaurants	9
	Services - Entertainment/Tourism	9
	Recreational	4
	Inns/Motels/B&B	3
	Movie Theatre	2
	Retail (in general)	28
	Book Store	9
	Clothing/Shoes	5
	No More Antique Dealers	4
	Services	7
	Industrial/Manufacturing	6
	Transportation Related	5
	Affordability	4
	Other	8

Since this was an open-ended question there was a wide range of responses.  A variety of retail stores was identified by twenty-eight (28) respondents as potential enhancements to the current local business environment.  A book store was identified as desirable by nine (9) respondents.  More ethnically diverse restaurants were suggested by nine (9) respondents.  Larger grocery stores with more variety was suggested by seven (7) respondents. Affordable clothing and shoe stores were cited by five (5) respondents.  Six (6) respondents suggested broadening the tax base with additional light/green manufacturing companies.