OLDS — The town has decided to undertake a survey, rather than a town hall meeting, to obtain feedback from businesses on how best to help them cope with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
A link to the survey can be found on the Town of Olds website or click here: Town of Olds Business Impact Survey . Plans call for the survey to close at 4:30 p.m. on April 28. Results will be shared in via a report which will be presented during the town’s May 3 policies and priorities meeting.
Mayor Mike Muzychka first brought up the idea of gaining feedback from businesses on COVID-19 assistance during an April 12 council meeting.
During an interview, Muzychka said after discussing the matter with business people and doing some research, it was decided that a survey would work better than a town hall, which would likely be held via Zoom.
“One of the supporting reasons behind this decision was that participation is expected to be higher if information may be provided and collected anonymously,” an email sent by Muzychka said.
“We are confident that the feedback we gather will provide information on how the town can further support local businesses. In addition, we are seeking to gather information that can inspire, uplift, and hopefully help others.”
Olds & District Chamber of Commerce president Cassidy Kirsch likes the survey idea.
“I do agree that it could be a way to provide businesses more of an opportunity to collect information,” Kirsch said during an interview.
“Especially having it anonymous provides everyone a safe environment to speak their minds as opposed to Zoom, which sometimes can have technical difficulties, or people just don’t feel comfortable speaking up.
“So we’re hoping that businesses take this opportunity to fill out the survey and make sure their voice is heard as much as possible."
