The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce released the results of the Humboldt Regional Business Needs Study on May 24.
The survey was conducted as an online survey during the month of May. It asked residents whether they thought Humboldt businesses met all their needs.
"In listening to the participants of our Focus Group earlier this year, one area the Chamber was asked to address was service gaps," said HDCC president Jodi Smith in a press release. "This survey of our membership, is a way to communicate to our existing business owners what areas they may want to expand into and, at the same time, give an indication to others wanting to invest or start a new business in our Region."
Since the Chamber's goal is to have the region be a destination, they want to create more activities and initiatives to encourage people to shop locally, explained Smith.
According to the survey, the biggest gap in the Humboldt business district is the lack of retail stores, such as family footwear, clothing stores, electronics, toys and games, sporting goods, book stores and many more.
Gaps were also seen in real estate, such as finding rentals, and lounges, bars and full service restaurants.
The biggest need that residents felt was not met was medical services, which 96 per cent of people who took the survey said did not meet their needs.
Although there were some gaps in service according to the results, there were also some positive results.
The survey showed residents' needs are being met in industries like real estate services, tire shops, legal services and hair salons.
The results will be a great tool for HDCC, to help show what kinds of businesses are needed in the region.
"The business needs survey will serve as an excellent tool for current businesses or those considering opening a new business in the region," said Greg Velonoff, chair of the Business Retention and Expansion Committee in a press release. "Businesses can modify and expand their product or service offerings to help fill in the gaps that have been identified."
The survey results can be found on the HDCC website, www.humboldtchamber.ca.
