NATCHEZ — The strategic advisors responsible for revamping the Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority are polling residents for input on the reorganization.

Boyette Strategic Advisors is conducting an online survey with assistance from the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, Chamber President Debbie Hudson said Thursday.

The five-minute survey, which can be accessed at http://boyette-sa.natchez.sgizmo.com, asks 14 questions, including questions about Natchez and Adams County’s greatest strength from an economic development perspective and residents’ views of the EDA as the lead organization for economic development in the community.

The survey involves both multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank answers.

“The chamber has been kind of the liaison on this,” Hudson said. “The (Boyette Group) asked us to get this information to our membership.”

Hudson said the survey has been sent to chamber members via e-mail, but emphasized all Adams County residents can participate.

“It’s basically the same line of questions (Boyette) has asked different groups of people — city, county, big business, education and individuals,” Hudson said. “(The survey) gets the questions out to the rest of the community, and if you want to give your opinion and take five minutes for the EDA you can do that.”

A similar survey was sent out to local businesses in March to learn how business owners and employees viewed the EDA and how it could be improved.

Of the approximately 350 surveys that were distributed, 61 were returned.

Of those respondents, 43 felt multiple agencies should be included in assisting new businesses coming into the area, 13 thought the EDA needed a strong leader to improve the current structure and 18 felt a weak public school system was the biggest obstacle in the community’s future success in terms of economic development.

The deadline to for residents to complete the latest survey is Nov. 13, Hudson said.

Survey responses will be kept confidential, and will help Boyette develop recommendations based on the community’s specific needs.