ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, October 12, 1996 TAG: 9610140028
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
A market analysis for downtown Pulaski will start next week with a survey of business operators and consumers for their ideas on future developmen plans.
Graduate students from the Virginia Tech Economic Development Assistance Center will make the survey, part of a comprehensive market study to identify downtown Pulaski's strengths and opportunities. It is also aimed at helping the community position itself to take advantage of those opportunities.
The study process was developed by the National Main Street Center and has been used for hundreds of downtown focus studies across the nation. The project is to be completed by early December.
The data to be collected will help Pulaski continue the revitalization in its downtown area, which includes a state-designated Enterprise Zone where new businesses can take advantage of tax breaks and other perks.
Participating students include David Mills, Wayne Lee, Mike Pulley and Mike Daniels.
They will also obtain data from such sources as population and housing census figures, the Virginia Employment Commission, sales tax reports, a 1996 Pulaski housing study and the Vision 20/20 brainstorming project. They will obtain information from building owners and leasing agents on the age, condition and historic status of various structures.
A focus group will be set up toward the end of the process to look at the data, and a summary of results will be written. A community workshop will follow to help develop a market position strategy for the downtown business district.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB