Culver “BEAR” Program Aims to Identify Needs and Develop Solutions for Local Businesses

Providing support to local businesses is a priority in Culver. Town Manager Jonathan Leist made a statement earlier this month, explaining that Culver is dedicated to planning projects that will help the community grow and improve the quality of life in the area. He went on to say that officials are now turning their focus to another important part of the community, small businesses.

In order to show their dedication to helping local business owners, the Town of Culver is teaming up with the Culver Main Street Corporation as well as the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation to launch the Culver Business Expansion and Retention (CBEAR) program.

The CBEAR program will be coordinated by a team of trained community volunteers, according to a press release issued by the MCEDC. The team will hold one-on-one, onsite interviews with Culver business leaders, using a formal survey that aims to gain individual perspectives about business-related issues.

The data and impressions gathered from the businesses will allow officials to continue to develop plans that address concerns and work to help businesses thrive, as they are a vital part of Culver’s economy.

Town Manager Leist stated that meeting directly with the town’s restaurants, shops and other local businesses will help officials understand what they need and how they can be helped.

MCEDC conducted similar interviews with Marshall County manufacturers, which has lead to the organization’s current business retention programs. However, CBEAR is the first program in the county aimed at commercial businesses and similar programming could be developed as a result of its implementation.

For more information about the program, contact Marshall County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jerry Chavez at 574-935-8499.