OPEN for Business Program

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Leon County’s Outreach Partnership and Enhanced Navigation (OPEN) for Business Program was created in 2013 in an effort to address local businesses impacted by public works projects. The Leon County Board of County Commissioners recognized the need to provide additional support to local businesses affected by public works projects. The OPEN for Business Program includes efforts to encourage citizens to patronize affected businesses during construction while also ensuring that these establishments remain accessible and therefore viable during the implementation of a public works project. Leon County used available resources to launch the program, including existing television and radio advertisement contracts, social media, and its communication mediums with citizens to make it a success. Thus, the program itself took shape at no additional costs to taxpayers. The program resulted in local businesses being able to continue operating as normal without the burden of having to develop plans to keep their doors open or temporarily relocate. This fell in line with the County’s desire to support local businesses as a function of long-term economic vitality.