If only making economic decisions were as simple as consulting a crystal ball, our households, communities, and country would probably be a lot better off. Elected leaders and business owners never seem to have enough information to make informed decisions or, too often, the information they have tells conflicting stories. In an attempt to put together as complete a picture of the Grand County economy as possible, area residents and business owners are being encouraged to participate in surveys as a part of a project called “The Grand Profile.”

The collaborative Grand Profile effort had its genesis within the Grand County Board of County Commissioners and the Grand County Office of Economic Development. Along with all of the county’s town managers, chambers of commerce, economic development committees, and a number of business leaders, a process began to compile publicly accessible data as a starting point for understanding the drivers of Grand County’s economy.

In an effort to add depth and texture to the hard data that comes from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Grand Profile project leaders want input from the area residents. Surveys hit mailboxes, inboxes, and town offices last week [depends on timing]. By completing the confidential survey, residents and business owners will assist in the process of information collection, which will be invaluable to future decision making.

“Effective leadership demands access to having the best and most comprehensive information possible at one’s disposal,” said Grand County Commissioner Merritt Linke. “Our hope is that a broad cross section of our county’s residents and businesses will be represented in the survey responses we receive. The only way for that to be possible is to have a high level of participation from our citizens.”

Survey participants will be eligible for a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards and all Grand County residents will have access to the information collected through a dynamic website, periodic newsletters, quarterly e-updates, and community meetings. Information about signing up for these updates is available at http://www.grandprofile.org.

If you would like more information about the ongoing Grand Profile project or have questions about the resident and business surveys, please visit http://www.grandprofile.org or contact Jeremy Kennell, Project Manager/Economic Development at (970) 283-3547 or jkennell@playwinterpark.com.