Closed for lack of staffing.

I saw that notice again on a door and I cringed for the business owner. It’s a common refrain over the past few years from local businesses, especially those in the retail and restaurant sectors. I’ve noted before that we’re seeing all-time low unemployment rates at the national and local levels. Dover’s been in the range of 2 to 2.5% for about two years. 

This low level of unemployment sounds great – unless you are hiring. It's especially dire if you are an entrepreneur seeking to open a business and become an economic leader. I’m not sure what can be done to encourage more people to become employees, but I do know we can continue to encourage those who are interested in expanding their horizons to apply for jobs and to be invested in those jobs once they have them. 

I can also note that recently we have been fairing better at the city level for hiring. For the better part of the last three years, we have struggled to hire police, fire, and public works staff. Those certainly are the most visible, but we have also had difficulties recruiting within the finance, IT, and planning offices. Some of the difficulties have ranged from finding applicants with commercial driver's licenses (required for plowing and truck driving) to finding folks who are willing to work in the office. While not immune to the idea of working from home, we are a customer service entity and our employees are required to work in the office. 

This is certainly a factor for us, and I presume that it is a growing concern for office-based businesses across the city. In the spirit of change and evolution, we like to be innovative. That’s part of being an American: you want to be innovative and creative in accomplishing goals. We want to pursue being nimble and cutting-edge. 

To circle back, I’ll certainly try to hit the restaurant that wasn’t open earlier this week due to a lack of staffing. I encourage you to support the same stores and restaurants by patronizing them when they are open, and if you’re looking for work, give them a call, as maybe they are a good fit for your skills. 

P.S. A housing fact I’ve anecdotally heard: since the year began, housing units in Dover average six days on the market before selling. 

Have a great weekend,

Christopher G. Parker, AICP

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives

Business Resources

By Abigail Gilbert,

UNH Semester for Impact Intern

Online Presences for Businesses 

In the ever expanding world of technology and internet usage, it has never been as important as it is now for businesses to grow their online presence. Customers have increasingly begun relying on websites and social media to find businesses that suit their needs. As a business owner, utilizing the internet can help your business connect with these customers as well as establish brand identity, reach a broader audience, and promote offerings. 

One of the easiest ways to increase online presence is the addition of a website. A well-crafted website can act as a virtual storefront, ensuring that potential customers can easily, and consistently, access important information such as business hours, store location, and product offerings. A business website also allows for increased marketing and visibility, such as reaching a wider audience through appearing on search engines. 

Social media platforms should also be considered throughout the process of growing an online presence. Combined with a website, social media accounts can be very helpful in driving interaction with customers. An increased amount of interaction allows businesses to receive important market insights and feedback from customers. As internet usage continues to grow, the increased visibility and business-customer connection that having an online presence fosters is making it an essential business tool.

To learn more, check out these resources from SCORE: click here to read about how an online presence can benefit businesses, or click here to learn about building an online presence.

Question of the Week

The Office of Business Development is asking a “question of the week” to get your feedback on topics related to our local business community!

This week, we want to know:

What is the primary mode of transportation that you use to travel to local businesses?

Let us know here: https://polco.us/m9ftwc

Here are the results from last week's poll, which asked "What are the biggest challenges that you and/or your employees face when working remotely?"

Dover Download podcast: Your guide

to what's happening this week

In the latest episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Eric Chinburg, owner of Chinburg Properties, which has owned and redeveloped the mills in downtown Dover for the past 15 years.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Maria Ricker, a prominent women's rights activist who lived in Dover in the late 19th/early 20th century.

The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and by clicking here.

Business Event Happenings 

Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events.

Click here or on the calendar below to find more community events!