OTHELLO — The Adams County Development Council is conducting a survey to find out what needs Adams County businesses have during the COVID-19 crisis. Adams County Development Council (ACDC) and Adams County are partnering together for the survey.

“We are doing the survey to connect with the local businesses that have been affected by COVID-19,” said Janis Rountree, manager for ACDC. “The survey is intended to collect important information pertaining to the impact on their particular business, their plans and whether or not they have concerns or if they need business counseling or assistance. We are able to then provide guidance on funding possibilities, one-on-one business counseling, and marketing strategies depending on their specific needs.”

This is the first year that the ACDC has done a survey. With the forced shutdown of businesses by Gov. Jay Inslee, ACDC’s job of economic development and assisting businesses has become “more important than ever,” according to Rountree.

“We want to retain our businesses at the end of this ordeal, and some may need extra guidance more than others,” Rountree said.

The information collected from the survey is private and will remain in the ACDC and Adams County Economic Development’s joint office. Information collected will be used to do further outreach to businesses.

“This crisis will end, and we will have to get back to a new normal, whatever that may be,” Rountree said. “Our time now is critical for staying in communication with our business community and helping guide them through this scary and confusing time.”

Questions on the survey include basic business information, give businesses a chance to express their COVID-19 issues and give feedback into what type of help they need. The survey is available at growadamscounty.com, under Business Impact Survey.