Business Retention and Expansion Study-2008 Fulton County is in the planning stages of a Business Retention and Expansion Study of Fulton County's industrial sector during the first quarter of 2008. The program is conducted in Cooperation with the Fulton County Community Improvement Corporation, Economic Development Office and Ohio State University Extension with assistance from the communities of Archbold, Wauseon, Metamora, Delta, Lyons, Swanton and Fayette. The Business Retention and Expansion Study acknowledge the value of the current business community in job creation and economic health of the local economy. Studies have shown that 80% of new job creation comes from the expansion of businesses already in the community. Understanding their needs, challenges and opportunities are essential for a healthy economy. All of Fulton County’s industrial sector will be questioned related to their needs and how local governmental units can support their activities in job creation and retention. The benefits of a local BR&E Program are: * Establishment of an integrated approach to economic development * Development of community economic decision-making capacity * Improvement of quality of life * Development of a pro-business message * Improvement of community leaders’ response to residents’ concerns * Creation of a factual basis for attraction and community marketing General Information on Ohio State University Extension’s Business and Retention Program can be found at The Ohio BR&E Initiative website. If you have a question or want more details on the Fulton County Study please contact Lisa Arend, Fulton County Economic Development Director, (419) 337-9215 or Greg LaBarge, Ohio State University Extension Educator-Fulton County, (419) 337-9210