In today’s economic environment, companies are examining their decisions about where and how to expand much more carefully than in recent years. Retailers, restaurants, builders and other businesses want to be sure that they’ve located the best possible market for expansion.

When the Alamosa County Economic Development Board wanted to strengthen their appeal to prospects, they knew they needed to go beyond emotional appeals, civic pride and their “gut feel,” and deliver the cold, hard facts needed to sway decision makers. With Buxton, they were not only able to illustrate the demographics of the region in new and dynamic ways, but also build a stronger business case for developing there.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

FOR THISCOLORADO COUNTY

One of the first successes the board experienced was landing Beall’s, a leading department store chain. Beall’s had been open and receptive to presentations. But after a continued dialog, the retailer remained undecided about whether or not to commit.

“Buxton was able to give us that little extra push that was needed to get Beall’s to move forward,” says Mayor Kathy Rogers. Using Buxton’s market data, the board was able to demonstrate an existing retail leakage of $15 - $18 million a year that left the underserved market. For a county of 17,000 and a market area of 40,000, the opportunity was too big for Beall’s to pass up, and they soon signed on.

SHOWING BEALL’S EXACTLY WHAT’S IN STORE

LOCATION / POPULATION: SAN LUIS vALLEY / 16,000+ RESIDENTS

COMMUNITY NEEDS: • QUANTIFY RETAIL SALES POTENTIAL FOR THE COUNTY• LOcAL bUSINESS RETENTION

“Another great thing about working with Buxton is that they allow us to bring greater value to local businesses and entrepreneurs,” says City Manager Nathan Cherpeski. “Buxton’s robust database enables us to help people evaluate their business ideas.”

Buxton’s data goes far beyond the usual surface data, enabling users to drill down into specific business categories like clothing, food and automotive. For example, when a local entrepreneur wanted to open up a frozen yogurt shop, the board was able to provide market insights that suggested a traditional ice cream shop might be a more successful match for the region’s demographics. This type of insight is a win for the community, the board and local businesses.

BUILDING WEALTH BEGINS WITHRICH DATA

Making a stronger case for commercial and retail developers is only one benefit that enhanced data and state-of-the-art modeling can provide. With Buxton, counties and municipalities have a powerful new resource for showing businesses the true potential they offer, and attracting the type of businesses the local population truly needs.

“In the future, we can use the data to draw employers and jobs by preparing studies that compare utility rates, housing prices and other factors,” says Nathan.

SEE YOUR CITYIN A WHOLENEWLIGHT

What types of businesses are under-represented in your community? Exactly how much leakage is occurring in specific retail, health care or service sectors? What are your strongest calling cards for attracting employers and relocating businesses? How can you develop a more targeted and strategic approach to building tourism?

For counties and municipalities that are interested in finding a smarter approach to growth, Buxton offers a level of depth, insight and expertise that is unparalleled. To find out how to put the power of Buxton’s dynamic data, modeling and decision support to work for you, call 888-2BUXTON or visit us online today at www.buxtonco.com/community.

WHERE DO YOU

FROM HERE?GROW