Self-reliant local economies and improved business climates are the goals of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program. The program promotes job growth by helping communities identify the concerns and barriers to survival and growth that local businesses face. This approach is community based and focuses on existing businesses. Why? Research shows that 40 to 80 percent of all new jobs are created by existing firms rather than through the attraction of new businesses to the community. For more details, see BR&E brochure, PDF format, 2 pp, (48K).
Some examples:
Logan County, W.Va., officials followed the procedures recommended by the BR&E program when they got early warning of a potential plant closure. They were able to save the 50 existing jobs and create an additional 25 jobs.
Taylor County, W.Va., had a similar experience. Community leaders there saved 100 manufacturing jobs and created an additional 30. Taylor County also initiated a business and education partnership, which resulted in raises for employees successfully completing a training program.
For more detailed information on the Business Retention and Expansion program, contact:
David W. Hughes, Extension Specialist & Extension Associate Professor
DWHughes@mail.wvu.edu
(304) 293-6131 ext. 4240
