Local Economic Development in Bath County

The outcome of this project is intended to identify import substitution opportunities for Bath County. Import substitution can occur at both the retail and industrial level. The research component of this project includes completing a comprehensive leakage analysis. This will include a GIS map of the industries in Bath County and where the dollars are flowing. To accomplish this we will utilize a myriad of data including County Business Patterns, Economic Modeling Specialists Inc (EMSI), IMPLAN, Esri Business Analyst, and others. The results will be both a visual representation and a report of areas of opportunity to further expand their economy either through entrepreneurial development, business retention and expansion, or targeted attraction. It is likely we will also implement the Community Business Matching (CBM) Model in Bath County. This is a program that identifies the types of businesses that would suit the community the best all the while adhering to the assets and preferences of the community. The CBM is a peer-reviewed research program that originated at the University of Nevada while Dr. Davis was there.