The Richland Community Development Group conducted a Business Retention and Expansion Survey in 2012 reaching more than 200 businesses and employers in the county.

  The group's efforts were discussed during RCDG's meeting Wednesday.

  "It's an opportunity to develop relationships with the leaders of these companies, both on the manufacturing, service and retail side," said John Brown, President of Richland Bank.

  "The surveys were completed in 2012 that was an ambitious goal of reaching 200 and we exceeded that goal," Brown said. "This year, we will continue our efforts."
  
  According to Brown, a majority of the business owners and businesses indicated that employment was at least stable if not planning to increase in 2013.

  Brown believes this is good news for the area as things seem to have stabilized.