Feedback sought from area employers
By John Faucher
The New London School District and New London Area Chamber of Commerce are collaborating on a survey aimed at businesses.
District administrator Scott Bleck explained the 18-question business survey to school board members Jan. 27.
He said the chamber launched the survey to its members earlier that morning.
The survey asks participants to rate the district and the chamber, and it asks them to list one or two items each could do to enhance the services provided to businesses.
The survey then asks participants to rate attributes they are looking for when they hire new employees in their business.
The survey also asks participants about their awareness of school district programs designed to engage students within the business community.
Bleck said the survey is intended to identify critical feedback for the district and the Chamber of Commerce in the areas of communication, workforce readiness, awareness and potential partnerships within the school and business community.
“It certainly doesn’t stop with this but, it certainly will give us some insights that are actionable and hopefully help us continue to expand our business relationships,” said School Board President Terry Wegner.
Bleck said chamber members will have access to complete the survey through Friday, Feb. 7.
“We will look at the data and ultimately gather all those that are interested at the high school on Feb. 25 where the chamber and the district will share the findings of the survey,” said Bleck.
NL Connect app
Executive Director of the New London Area Chamber of Commerce April Kopitzke said the two groups would also utilize the meeting to share information about a newly launched “NL Connect” app.
In early January the chamber, school district and the city of New London collaborated to launch a “NL Connect” app for mobile touch screen phones.
The app is available free for download at the Apple store or Google play. Click here for instructions.
NL Connect is a tool designed by CMS4 Schools to help community members, businesses, parents and students stay connected through unified cross platform communications via push notifications and social media.
Kopitzke said the chamber saw over 450 downloads of the newly created app in just the first few weeks.
“My hope is that the momentum continues to build around this resource,” said Kopitzke in an email correspondence with the Press-Star Tuesday, Jan. 28.
“From the chamber prospective, workforce development is always a primary focus and sharing with investors that a quick link on the app puts their job posting right in the hands of more students, faculty and community members has been very well received,” wrote Kopitzke.