Pike Chamber surveying businesses

MILFORD — At a retreat of the board of directors of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, the directors reinforced the importance of strengthening Chamber services to members and the business community, especially during the current economic slump. To strengthen the regional economy by understanding the needs of community businesses, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is seeking feedback from county businesses. The Pike County business survey, developed by the Business-Education committee of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, welcomes participation from Chamber members and non-members. The goal of the survey is to identify the needs of businesses in Pike County so that the Pike County Chamber of Commerce can develop programs and services to meet those needs. The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center is a co-sponsor of the effort. “With businesses facing a great economic challenge in 2008 and beyond, we are at a critical point in the growth of our area’s economy,” stated Scott J. Weiland, executive director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. “It is important for the Pike County Chamber of Commerce to help support our county’s businesses and we are committed to this effort.” The survey, which is available until July 18, is in an electronic format via www.pikechamber.com. A print version is available by contacting the Chamber office at 570-296-8700. Hundreds of chamber members will be notified about the survey through “eNewsFlash,” the digital newsletter of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, and through “NewsFlash,” a monthly printed publication. The survey will be conducted during the months of June and July, 2008, and the results of the survey will be compiled at the end of July, with the results announced in August. As an incentive, participants who complete the survey will be entered in a drawing to win highly valuable prizes, including a free, thirty second commercial for airing in Pike County and Wayne County, which includes $500 of air time and production of the commercial. The commercial is sponsored by Viamedia Cable TV Advertising and Digital Reality Productions. Other prizes include a four week advertisement on the Weather Channel’s weather crawler, which is a $500 value and is sponsored by Viamedia Cable TV Advertising and free advertisements in various Chamber media, including www.pikechamber.com. Participants will also be entered to win a $25 Price Chopper gift card, which is sponsored by Price Chopper. For more information contact Weiland at 570-296-8700 or at sweiland@pikechamber.com. Individuals can also visit the Pike County Chamber of Commerce for more information at 209 East Harford Street in downtown Milford, Pennsylvania.