Canvassing the borough's economic pulse

MILFORD — As the nation continues to undergo an economic downswing, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the intensity and effects of that recession on the local level. In June, the Chamber began conducting a survey for all area businesses to partake in, whether or not they’re one of the 500 or so Chamber members. The survey, which can be completed on the Chamber’s Web site or by mailed paper form, gages participants’ satisfaction with the Chamber’s services. It was developed by the Chamber’s Business-Education Committee and co-sponsored by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center. Executive director Scott Weiland avoided using the “r” word, saying that it’s crucial to ascertain the needs of Pike’s businesses during the “continuing slump of the economy.” “We created this survey to look at the needs of the businesses in this community,” he said. “With the economy as questionable as it is, it’s important for the Chamber to see what we can do to help.” While the initial surveying period will end on July 18, Weiland said that date could be extended for reevaluation purposes, pending questionnaire results. By Wednesday, July 16, a quick glance at the still-inconclusive results offered Weiland “very positive feedback.” According to Weiland, since Milford generates significant revenue from tourism, it’s no surprise that numerous town vendors are beginning to feel the sting of tourists staying home. “It worries me a lot, the whole economy worries me,” said Reggie Cheong-Leen of Forest Hall Antiques. Cheong says Forest Hall has been spending more money on advertisements in New Jersey and Middletown, N.Y., to try to combat the 25 percent decrease in sales — a trend he says will certainly continue throughout the summer. Hare Hollow Country Store is also undergoing a similar decline. While owner Kelly Wilson reported 20 percent less people are coming into the shop and a “definite decrease” of traffic in town, the tourism season is just beginning and it is too soon to tell if the rest of the summer will produce the same results. Wilson was unaware of the Chamber’s business survey, but said Hare Hollow does make use of some of it’s services. Some businesses are faring better than others. Lauren Santelli, an agent of Davis R. Chant Realty, attributes Chant’s ability to stay afloat to its long-time establishment. “We’ve been here for 44 or 45 years, and have a database of around 56,000 people,” she said. “It’s really been the saving grace, having the large network.” Santelli acknowledged, however, that Chant has seen “somewhat of a change,” saying price levels have come down lately. At any rate, Weiland hopes the survey helps them ascertain the public’s needs, wants, likes and dislikes, so they can adjust or enhance their services appropriately. The survey includes a section for participants to rate the Chamber’s services, such as its networking opportunities, seminars, workshops, or educational programs, member-to-member discounts, business counseling, government advocacy and tourism development on a scale of 1 to 5. For those who have completed the survey at www.pikechamber.com, they will be entered to win a 30-second commercial to be aired in Pike and Wayne counties, sponsored by Viamedia Cable TV and Digital Reality Productions, a four week advertisement on the Weather Channel’s weather crawler, or a $25 Price Chopper gift card, sponsored by Price Chopper.