Longmont Economic Development Partnership focuses on the primary businesses in Longmont. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unable to conduct in-person meetings to learn more about the needs and concerns of Longmont’s primary business community. This spring, LEDP will once again reach out in person.
LEDP is known in the region for its outreach among primary employers and for providing them with data insights and reports, incentive negotiations, administration of the North Metro Enterprise Zone, advocacy and site selection services.
“We are really excited to be able to go out and visit people at their companies and really dive into the issues and opportunities that might exist in regard to doing business in Longmont,” Erin Fosdick, executive director of LEDP said.
These interviews coupled with ELEVATE Longmont’s online survey have identified issues such as talent retention, cost of housing and availability and more.
The data collected has provided LEDP the opportunity to work with the city of Longmont to remedy some issues while also creating advocacy groups — such as Prosper Longmont.
Prosper Longmont is a group dedicated to creating equal access to residents to participate in the local economy whether through advancing their careers, building wealth or investing in their future.
The data is presented at the LEDP’s economic summit each year to give a comprehensive how conducting business in Longmont looks for the previous year.
In the years, LEDP was not able to conduct in-person interviews, Fosdick said, the organization was not able to get a full picture of the economic issues and opportunities. While LEDP sent out surveys and tried to stay connected with Longmont’s primary businesses, some were missed due to survey fatigue and other challenges.
“This gives a real opportunity for folks to talk about the great work that they’re doing at their business. It is a great opportunity for our investors to hear about what is going on and we can help create connections,” Fosdick said.
Volunteers will spend the next few months setting up meetings with Longmont area employers.
