New initiative by County Manager spurs departments to become certified as “Business Friendly”

TAVARES — A new initiative was unveiled by County Manager Darren Gray at a recent leadership retreat, that urges all county departments to take necessary steps to become certified as “business friendly”.

As part of the County Manager’s certification process, department heads are tasked with reviewing processes along with their staff within their respective areas, to find ways of enhancing the overall customer experience, to find ways to exceed customer expectations and to create an “open for business” environment throughout the organization.

After review and enhancements are made within the department, a meeting with the County Manager and department head is conducted to review the department’s overall customer service level.  Once the review is completed, the County Manager’s certification goes into effect.

“We want Lake County to be recognized as the most proactive county in the region for supporting local businesses, including business retention, expansion and attraction,” said Gray. “I think all of our departments are doing a great job in their responsiveness to the needs of our customers, and this certification ensures that everyone within the organization is on the same page, and understands the importance of great customer service.”

To date, several departments have received the certification, including the Office of Economic Development & Tourism, County Manager’s Office, Office of Information Outreach, Public Works Department, Information Technology Department, Growth Management Department, Facilities Development & Management Department and Employee Services Department.

In March 2011, the County unveiled its Economic Action Plan as a tool to help promote economic growth in the community. The Plan was developed with input from businesses and residents, and looked at ways to promote Lake County as a business friendly community.

One of the goals as part of the plan is to “Create a business friendly environment, simplify the governmental permitting process, and always be mindful of the impact of governmental regulation on the success of the private sector to retain and create jobs.”

For more information on Lake County’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/eap, or contact the County Manager’s Office at (352) 343-9888.