Survey: Rolling Meadows businesses want better communication with city
Rolling Meadows business owners who responded to a survey on the strengths and weaknesses of doing business in town said they want communication with city government to improve - an issue officials say they're already working to resolve.
Of the nearly 1,000 business that operate in Rolling Meadows, 148 - about 15 percent - took the online survey after it was launched by the city in June. It was the first city business survey since 2003.
About 30 business owners also gave feedback during one of three focus group sessions held in August.
"The overall message was, 'We want you to communicate with us more and better, and provide us with accurate information, so we can do what we need to, to thrive in your community," said Melanie Santostefano, of Vicarious Productions Inc., a Palatine-based communications company that conducted the survey and focus groups.
Vicarious presented its report and findings last week to the city council, which hired the firm in April for $20,000.
Among the report's findings:
• Business owners said there was a lack of consistency among the various city departments on information provided to them. Others said there was no communication at all, including some long-standing businesses who said they've never had contact with city officials. Newer businesses had more favorable responses about their interactions with the city.
• Some commented about a lack of vision or master planning for economic development.
• There were "repeated and substantial" complaints about community development department inspectors.
• Many described the cityscape as being "cold," "desolate," and having "low curb appeal."
• For the city to be more "business friendly," owners said business resource opportunities, incentive programs, and event partnerships would be helpful.
City Manager Barry Krumstok said much of the survey validates things the city already knows and has been planning to address, including increasing communication efforts and completing a new comprehensive plan. Members of the city's economic development committee last year started making calls to new businesses, and there have been discussions about starting a business expo in 2018.
Mayor Len Prejna said the business survey was just "the first step" in improving communication efforts with businesses. He also liked Santostefano's suggestion that the city give awards to longtime businesses.
The city also restructured its community development department recently. Instead of replacing department director Valerie Dehner after her retirement, officials created the position of a "business advocate" who reports to Krumstok.
Last month, the city hired Martha Corner to fill that position, which includes serving as a liaison between the city and commercial property owners, business owners, business prospects and residents. Corner has nearly 15 years of municipal economic development and planning experience, including time as economic development coordinator/manager in Arlington Heights, Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn.