4:01 p.m., July 18, 2008--When the Greater Georgetown (Del.) Chamber of Commerce decided to conduct an overall economic survey of the area, they turned to UD's Institute for Public Administration (IPA) for assistance. The result is the Greater Georgetown Area Comprehensive Market Analysis, funded by the chamber of commerce and town, which was officially presented to the Georgetown Town Council at its meeting July 9.

Troy Mix, an IPA policy specialist, headed the project for UD, working closely with Bill Pfaff, a manager in UD's Small Business Development Center, who chaired the survey committee.

“The report is an economic development tool to get an overall picture of what is in place now and to use as a base to track changes and plan for the future,” Mix said. “It is the first step to help make informed and strategic economic choices in the years ahead.”

“The economic report is a great blueprint for the future,” Pfaff said. “It is an important part of Georgetown's comprehensive plan. Economic development is to a community what fuel is to an engine, and this plan sets Georgetown apart and will help move the town forward.”

The report, which looks at the businesses and the population of the town of Georgetown and the surrounding area, is divided into three parts--a trade area analysis of greater Georgetown, a customer survey and business and sales analysis.

“In the first part, we looked at the demographics of the area which is predicted to experience a population growth and identified current and future business opportunities,” Mix said.

The second part of the report surveyed 316 customers about their shopping habits, their level of satisfaction with existing businesses and what they would like to see in the area. Some of the common requests were a movie theatre and steak and seafood restaurants.

In examining the business sales in the area, the report pointed out that U.S. Rt. 113, which runs through the center of Georgetown, is an important economic factor, attracting not only local customers but also people driving through. The survey also identified gaps in services and businesses that are not available now and could have future potential.

The report recommended that a market-guided plan should be developed, that the current infrastructure should be preserved and that there should be a focus on downtown businesses and creating a more visitor-friendly Georgetown.

IPA also has conducted surveys for Middletown's Main Street and Brandywine Village.

To review the report, visit [www.ipa.udel.edu/localgovt/municipalities/georgetown].

Article by Sue Moncure