Auburn’s economy remains stronger than other cities across the nation during the current economic recession according to Jennifer Dodson.

Dodson is vice president of communication and marketing at Auburn’s Chamber of Commerce. She is originally from Pennsylvania, but moved to Auburn in 2004.

“If you have never lived somewhere else, then you can’t really appreciate living in Auburn,” she said as she joked about being a snow bird.

The Auburn COC is a business services organization. “We are here to support and strengthen the business community,” Dodson said. “We are the voice of business in Auburn.

This communication with businesses provides the chamber with information about the state of the Auburn economy

“We are by no means immune,” the vice president said. “We haven’t felt the impact nearly as bad.”

Dodson said that despite economic trouble, Auburn is still growing in some areas. Between 2007 and 2008, the number of home lots increased in Auburn, and the housing market stayed steady, she said.

Not all the businesses that residents see closing can be attributed to the recession, Dodson said. Some went under due to the natural ebb and flow of business.

This does not mean that Auburn has not been affected by the recession. “Everyone is having a tough time,” she said.

Dodson said that the reason that Auburn is doing better than other cities is because of planning. The city had already made plans, and they were cautious about the possibility of these problems happening.

The chamber also works to make sure that the city’s economy stays on track. Businesses invest in the COC to be apart of the network. This network between businesses helps build a stronger economy.

When businesses work together with the COC, they can support each other in protecting their business. These businesses can campaign to have more business friendly legislation and provide goods and services that other members may need.

In one example, the COC and a network of Auburn businesses came to an agreement with the city about a sign ordinance. The city was pushing to have all business signs conformed to brick. Some COC members had not financially prepared for this move.

Through city council meetings, the Auburn City Council and local businesses reached an agreement. Current businesses would not be required to change their sign unless they were building a new facility. New businesses would be required to make brick signs.

“The worst thing that could happen is that businesses be isolated,” she said. The COC will be starting two new programs soon that are aimed at preventing business isolation. There will be a program called Lunch and Learn where business members can meet and eat. The other is a networking program. These programs are to teach businesses how to become more connected.

That is how the COC helps business, but they also help Auburn residents.

The COC publishes “Shop Auburn.” The publication is aimed at residents. It encourages them to buy within the Auburn community. This brings in revenue for the city, and it helps keep businesses that provide jobs running. Many of these businesses already donate to the community by sponsoring city programs and events.

Buying locally keeps money in Auburn, and this keeps the city’s economy strong, Dodson said.

The Auburn COC continues to help businesses build partnerships, buy from each other and encourage residents to buy locally.

“That’s why Auburn has done so well, and that is going to be really important in the coming years,” Dodson said.


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