Speak up about impact of business, transportation changes

A survey launched by the Cordova Chamber of Commerce seeks resident input on the impact of changes in ferry service, 36-mile bridge closure, sport fishing and the success and failures of the commercial fishing season.

The web-based 10-question survey can be accessed at www.cordovachamber.com by clicking on “Cordova Economic Impact survey,” or by emailing executivedirector@cordovachamber.com for a direct link.

The deadline to response is Oct. 31.

Community input is crucial, said Cathy Long, executive director of the chamber.

“We really need folks to tell us what is working and what isn’t before necessary items get cut from local and state budgets,” she said. “We don’t have many opportunities like this to so clearly make our voices heard to decision makers.”

Results of the survey will remain confidential, she said.

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Survey results will be used to offer insight to the Cordova City Council, the state of Alaska and others as they budget for 2017 and beyond. Survey participants will have access to survey results and could win an “I heart CDV” tee shirt, she said.

The idea for the economic impact survey originated with Chamber President Jim Kacsh.

“I noticed that there was no question whether or not my business was affected by certain events like the success or failure of the commercial fishing season, and thought (Cordova) City Council would benefit from a comprehensive, community wide survey showing them what really affects Cordovans,” said Kacsh, a former mayor of Cordova.

The chamber hopes to gather 400 completed surveys by Oct. 31.

The 130-member chamber, governed by a 15-member board, operates the Cordova Visitors Center and works to maintain residential quality of life, economic development, destination marketing and leadership development.

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