Wilton’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) met last night (Wednesday, Sept. 18) with the status of its business satisfaction survey as the main topic of discussion.

The online survey currently in progress was designed to gather input from the Wilton business community and provide insights on how the EDC and the Town might improve the local business environment.

Commissioner Tom Shimko, who has taken a lead role on the survey execution, updated the EDC on the survey’s progress. Shimko reported 52 completed questionnaires, which he said was “not unreasonable” and, perhaps more importantly, represented a “good, diverse group” of business owners, including:

  • A wide variety of business types such as professional services, retail, financial services, nonprofits, and healthcare, among others
  • A mix of sole proprietors, small businesses with under 5 employees, and a few larger businesses
  • New businesses as well as more established businesses
  • A significant number of home-based businesses

While generally satisfied with the number of responses so far, commissioners voted unanimously to extend the deadline for completing the survey until Sept. 30.

It’s the second time they have extended the deadline. The survey was initially launched on Aug. 2 with an Aug. 31 deadline, which was extended to Sept. 15. Commissioners agreed it might be worthwhile to make one final push to maximize responses and leave the survey open until the end of the month. They urged business owners who have not participated in the survey yet to weigh in with their opinions, experiences and suggestions.

The deadline extension will not delay the EDC’s analysis. At Commissioner Marty Avallone‘s suggestion, the EDC will start looking at completed responses in order to begin formulating some topline findings, rather than wait for any additional questionnaires to be completed.

Shimko said his preliminary look at the responses suggests the survey will yield “a lot of great feedback” from the business community and point to ways the Town can better support local businesses.

EDC Chair Joe Favarolo discussed the analytical plan for the survey data, which will consist of a group effort by all members of the commission. He also noted the challenge of summarizing responses to the survey’s open-ended questions effectively “in a way you can digest it.”

Commissioners are expected to begin discussing the data as soon as their next meeting, on Oct. 18.

More EDC Activity

Looking ahead, commissioners will continue to work on the following:

  • With school back in session, planning is gearing up for the Business Spotlight program at Wilton High School, which is slated for the spring semester.
  • The EDC is anticipating two open seats on the commission, including one that will be vacated by Commissioner John DiCenzo, who currently serves as the EDC’s primary liaison with the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and the Business Spotlight program. Residents who are interested in serving on the EDC (or any Town board or commission) can find information on how to volunteer under the “Residents” tab on the Town website.
  • The EDC’s social media activity, led by Commissioner Alison Smith, is expected to continue with the EDC’s ongoing effort to support and promote local businesses.
  • Representatives of the EDC will support the POCD Plan Implementation Committee and the America 250 Celebration when those initiatives get underway.