NATCHEZ — So far, approximately 200 people have responded to an online survey asking people to rate the performance of local economic development group, Natchez, Inc., economic development officials said.

“I would like to get around 400 (people to respond),” said Chandler Russ, Natchez, Inc., executive director.

Last month, Natchez, Inc., the economic development authority for Natchez, Adams County and Vidalia, announced the organization had contracted consulting firm VisionFirst Advisors to help Natchez, Inc. develop strategies for promoting economic development.

One of the first steps in the process, officials said, was to get feedback from stakeholders in the community through interviews and an online survey to develop a comprehensive approach to direct efforts.

Results of the online survey will be used to benchmark the region against the state and the nation while outlining best practices in economic development activities, Russ said.

The survey, launched earlier this month, can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NatchezInc.

The survey contains 15 questions, such as: “From an economic development standpoint, where would you like to see the Adams County/Concordia Parish region in five years?” and “What type of new businesses and industry do you want to see in the region?”