The Logansport Economic Development Foundation plans to find out more about businesses operating in Cass County next year.

The foundation recently bought new computer software to compile a database of local business information and statistics through a business retention survey.

The survey asks business leaders to provide information on various aspects of their operations — from annual revenue and profit margins, to whether the company’s building is leased and when the lease expires.

Skip Kuker, the foundation’s president, said the goal of the program was to improve business retention during a tough economic time.

In November, the unemployment rate in Cass County increased to 7.3 percent, or 1,348 persons unemployed, from 6.3 percent, or 1,168 unemployed in October. Cass County is ranked 41st in the state for unemployment rate. The county’s ranking was unchanged from October.

Kuker told the foundation board this week that his office had received only one “first look” inquiry from a business looking at the community as a possible area for investment. He said that was the smallest number during his four years with LEDF.

He said the number reflected the nation’s current economic condition and the fact that fewer businesses were looking to invest. He added that he hoped the survey would help LEDF to support companies and increase retention.

“If we can help retain what we already have, then that has to be a good thing,” Kuker said. “We cannot do anything about the economic situation as it is. We have to temper it. If GM declares bankruptcy and people stop buying cars, that is out of our hands. We need to be ready and available when the economy improves and people start buying things again.”

Kuker hopes to get at least 250 of the roughly 1,700 Cass County businesses to complete the survey over the next year. He said the information gathered from businesses large and small would help the foundation to offer programs and services in areas that survey results show to be in immediate need.

“If we have three or four companies that need the same thing, we will ask the state for a grant to help us provide it,” he said.

LEDF board member Chad Geer has already completed the survey for three local businesses now involved in the project. He said that the board received positive feedback from those involved and he was in favor of expanding the process.

“The program is intended for economic development,” Geer said. “The survey helps to bring info from various companies together as a pool and sample. It helps companies to realize that everybody is not all by themselves. ... Anything we can do to pool some information together will improve and strengthen our area to the benefit of both the community and businesses.”

Kuker said that in the past the foundation struggled to find the time to conduct the surveys and compile the information.

“We are already interviewing, but we need to do more,” Kuker said. “We are going to try and set goals on a monthly basis.

“It is very in depth so it takes a good deal of time to complete. There is also the problem of confidentiality of information. A lot of what the companies are asked to provide is very sensitive information, and we have to sign a confidentiality statement with the company. If it is made public it could be a big problem so we don’t want too many people involved who will lift the lid on certain business information.”

Kevin Smith can be contacted at (574) 732-5148 or via e-mail at kevin.smith@pharostribune.com