2015 wayne county business survey - indiana university east€¦ · executive summary the 2015...

2015 Wayne County Business Survey

Prepared by

Business and Economic Research Center

School of Business and Economics

Indiana University East

December 15, 2015

2015 Wayne County Business Survey 1/73

Introduction

In summer 2015, the Indiana University East Business and Economic Research Center (the BERC), in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County (the EDC) and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber), launched the first comprehensive business climate survey for Wayne County, Indiana. The objectives of this research are to collect the business community’s perception and opinions of the local business, economic and social conditions, and to solicit their forecasts for the economic trend for the following year. Results of the survey will not only enhance the knowledge of the local businesses/companies with regard to doing business in Wayne County, but will also assist the BERC to better forecast the economic outlook of the Wayne County area for next year, as well as aid the EDC and the Chamber for consideration as part of any future strategic planning and economic development efforts in facilitating a healthy business climate in Wayne County.

This survey would not have been possible without the support and contribution of Valerie Shaffer, President of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County; Amy Oler Holthouse, President/CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce; Joe Henry, staff of the EDC; and the faculty members of the School of Business and Economics at IU East, with special thanks go to Dr. Ashton Veramallay, IU East Professor Emeritus of Economics, for their valuable comments and suggestions to improve the survey instrument. We are also very grateful to Mr. Roger Crane, Lecturer of Accounting, for his feedback and comments to this final report. A copy of the survey instrument can be found in Appendix A.

Respectfully, Litao (Lee) Zhong, Ph.D. Oi Lin (Irene) Cheung, Ph.D. Director Principal Researcher Business and Economic Research Center Business and Economic Research Center Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance Associate Professor of Finance School of Business and Economics School of Business and Economics Indiana University East Indiana University East


Executive Summary

The 2015 Wayne County Business Survey provides a picture of the local business climate based on responses from business owners, partners and managers in a wide range of industries in the county. This survey instrument was created by the IU East Business and Economic Research Center, with inputs from the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. It contains twenty two required questions in four sections: business/company demography, employment, business climate and business performance and expectations as well as one optional question about the identity and contact information of the respondents. The survey was delivered via Survey Monkey. Email invitations were sent to 354 local business executives in mid-June. In the three-week survey period, three reminder emails were sent to encourage responses. Overall, we had 85 valid responses for this survey.

Below are the highlights of the key findings, by section, of the 2015 Wayne County Business Survey.

Business/Company Demography

• There were 85 business owners/managers from 20 industries taken the survey. The greatest number of participants are found in the professional service sector (18.8%), followed by the manufacturing sector (16.5%), retail trade sector (14.1%), the banking & financial service sector (13.0%), and then the health care sector (7.1%).

• 40.0% of the surveyed firms have their business operations exclusively in Wayne County. 27.1% have an additional establishment outside the county whereas 23.5% have more than 5 establishments outside the county.

• The surveyed firms are mainly located in Richmond (84.5%) with a few in Cambridge City (4.8%), Centerville (4.8%) and Hagerstown (2.4%).

• Over 60% of the firms are well-established with more than 20 years of operation in Wayne County while less than 5% are relatively new with no more than 2 years of operation in the county.

• Most of the firms have from 10 to 19 employees (23.8%), followed by 5 to 9 employees (19.0%), 20 to 49 employees (17.9%), 50 to 99 employees (11.9%) and 2 to 4 employees (10.7%).

Employment

• Over half (54.8%) of participating firms did not increase or decrease employment levels over the past 12 months. Only a quarter experienced a slight increase (less than 10%) in their employment.

• A slightly higher percentage (61.9%) of firms will keep their current employment levels in the next 12 months as compared with that of the past 12 months. More than one third of the firms are looking forward to increasing their employment levels in the next 12 months either significantly - more than 10% (7.1%), or slightly - less than 10% (29.8%) of their current number of employees.

• About one-fifth (19.3%) of participants indicated their firms do not encounter any difficulty in hiring new employees. The rest considered insufficient job candidates in their professions


(51.8%), inadequate labor skills (34.9%), low reliability of applicants/new employees (33.7%) among the major difficulties they have.

• Ability to work on a team (60.2%) is quoted by the most of the survey participants as one of the skills/abilities that their firms are looking for in their employees, followed by other more commonly quoted skills such as technical skills in terms of knowledge of the job field (53.0%), communication: oral/public speaking (49.4%), problem solving (45.8%), critical thinking (43.4%) and networking (interpersonal/social skills) (37.3%).

• 86.4% of the participating firms provide their own in-house/on-the-job training to help their employees acquire the needed skills in their jobs. Other ways that are commonly used by the participating firms include recruiting outside of the county (30.9%) and reimbursing employees for travelling to attend workshops and seminars (34.6%).

• The positions ranked the most difficult to fill include customer service representative (29.7%), sales associate/agent (20.3%), maintenance technician (16.2%), production technician (12.2%), front line worker (10.8%) and information technology support (9.5%).

• The method employed by the most of the surveyed firms in recruiting new employees is networking/referrals/business contacts (71.1%). Other methods that are also widely used are private/public internet job websites (33.7%), company website (26.5%) and social networking websites (25.3%).

Business Climate

• Respondents are more satisfied with utility reliability (12.1%), colleges/universities (32.1%), financial services (15.0%), opportunity to local financing (24.1%), healthcare services (20.5%), and quality of life (14.2%) in Wayne County. In contrast, more respondents are unsatisfied with workforce availability (22.2%), workforce quality (23.2%), wage rates (12.5%) and utility rates (14.6%).

• With regard to the overall business climate in Wayne County, a large majority (84.4%) of respondents provided a rate of Good (42.2%) or Fair (42.2%).

• Reliable employees (71.4%) and low cost of doing business (57.1%) are the top two critical factors making the surveyed businesses/companies successful in Wayne County.

• There are several constraints that are currently limiting the growth of the surveyed firms in Wayne County, namely availability of skilled workers (44.6%), growth of customer base (37.3%), and price pressure from customers (34.9%).

• More than half of respondents either strongly agreed (3.6%) or agreed (50.0%) that Wayne County offers a favorable environment for the growth and stability of business.

• Nearly a quarter (23.4%) of respondents felt Wayne County is a better place to do business than elsewhere. 32.1% of them indicated that it is about the same.

• Respondents highlighted four major areas to improve the business environment in Wayne County: attract more people to reside in the county (50.0%), offer incentives to young professionals to work in the county (51.2%), support continuing workforce education (51.2%), and improve quality of life (54.8%).


Business Performance and Expectations

• More than half of respondents felt the performance of their business/company this year is either much stronger (7.3%) or somewhat stronger (46.3%) than the same period last year. While 29.3% felt their businesses/companies performed about the same this year as last year, about one-sixth anticipated much weaker (2.4%) or somewhat weaker (14.6%) performance.

• With regard to capital investment for next year, 53.7% of respondents indicated it will remain about the same. Less than half of respondents indicated their firms will increase capital investment, either significantly (11.0%) or slightly (32.9%). Only a small fraction (less than 3.0%) of the surveyed firms will cut capital investment slightly.

• Nearly half of respondents were optimistic about next year’s business and economic conditions in Wayne County, in particular, 2.4% were strongly optimistic whereas 46.4% were moderately optimistic. 32.1% felt it will remain the same. About one fifth of the respondents forecast declining conditions for next year. 17.9% were moderately pessimistic and 1.2% were strong pessimistic.


Overall Survey Results

Business/Company Demography

1: Industry sector: (Please check the one that is the most representative.)

85 business owners/managers from 20 industries took the survey. The majority of the survey participants were from businesses in the sectors of manufacturing (16.5%), retail trade (14.1%), banking & financial service (13.0% when combined), professional service (18.8%), as well as health care (7.1%), accompanying with a sparse distribution in sectors such as agricultural (3.5%), wholesale trade (4.7%), food services (4.7%) and other services (3.5%).

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Agricultural 3.5% 3 Manufacturing 16.5% 14 Retail Trade 14.1% 12 Wholesale Trade 4.7% 4 Accommodation 2.4% 2 Food Services 4.7% 4 Banking 7.1% 6 Financial Service 5.9% 5 Professional Service 18.8% 16 Other Services 3.5% 3 Transportation 1.2% 1 Information Technology 2.4% 2 Health Care 7.1% 6 Real Estate/Rental/Leasing 2.4% 2 Warehousing 0.0% 0 Other (please specify): 5.9% 5

answered question 85


3.5%

16.5%

14.1%

4.7%

2.4% 4.7%

7.1% 5.9%

18.8%

3.5%

1.2% 2.4% 7.1%

2.4% 0.0%

5.9%

Industry sector: (Please check the one that is the most representative.) (n=85)

AgriculturalManufacturingRetail TradeWholesale TradeAccommodationFood ServicesBankingFinancial ServiceProfessional ServiceOther ServicesTransportationInformation TechnologyHealth CareReal Estate/Rental/LeasingWarehousingOther (please specify):


2: How many establishments (such as headquarters, branches, stores etc.) does the business/company have outside of Wayne County, Indiana?

40.0% of the surveyed firms in the sample have their business operations exclusively in Wayne County (0 establishment outside the county). About one quarter of them have 1 establishment (27.1%) whereas almost another quarter have more than 5 establishments (23.5%) outside the county.

71.4% of the manufacturing firms are operating their businesses entirely (0 establishment outside) in the county while 21.4% have 1 establishment and 7.1% have 2 to 5 establishments outside the county. The retail firms are either completely (0 establishment outside) operating in the county (58.3%) or have more than 5 establishments outside the county (41.7%). 9.1% of the banking & finance service firms are solely operating in Wayne County (0 establishment outside). More than a third of them (36.4%) have one other establishment outside Wayne County while more than a quarter (27.3%) have 2 to 5 establishments outside the county. The same percentage of banking & finance service firms (27.3%) have more than 5 establishments outside Wayne County. The distribution of professional service firms is similar to that of the manufacturing firms: 56.3% without any establishment outside the county while 31.3% and 12.5% with 1 and 2 to 5 establishments outside the county respectively. All the health care firms have one or more establishments outside Wayne County. Half of them (50%) have more than 5 establishments outside while the other half are split between firms having 1 establishment (33.3%) and 2 to 5 establishments (16.7%).


0 40.0% 34 1 27.1% 23 2 to 5 9.4% 8 more than 5 23.5% 20

answered question 85

40.0%

27.1%

9.4%

23.5%

How many establishments (such as headquarters, branches, stores etc.) does the business/company have outside of Wayne County, Indiana? (n=85)

012 to 5more than 5


How many establishments (such as headquarters, branches, stores etc.) does the business/company have outside of Wayne County, Indiana?

71.4%

21.4%

7.1%

0.0%

Manufacturing (n=14)

0

1

2 to 5

more than 558.3%

0.0% 0.0%

41.7%

Retail Trade (n = 12)

0

1

2 to 5

more than 5

9.1%

36.4%

27.3%

27.3%

Banking & Financial Service (n = 11)

0

1

2 to 5

more than 556.3% 31.3%

12.5%

0.0%

Professional Service (n = 16)

0

1

2 to 5

more than 5

0.0%

33.3%

16.7%

50.0%

Health Care (n = 6)

0

1

2 to 5

more than 5


3: Where does the business/company locate in Wayne County?

The surveyed firms are mainly located in Richmond (84.5%) only, with a couple in both Richmond and other towns such as Hagerstown or Cambridge City. There are also a few that were established in Cambridge City (4.8%), Centerville (4.8%) and Hagerstown (2.4%) and have remained there.

All the surveyed retail and health care firms are located in Richmond. The majority of the manufacturing (64.3%), banking & financial service (90.9%) and professional service (80.0%) firms are also located in Richmond. 14.3% of the manufacturing firms are located in Cambridge City. Equally 7.1% of them are located in Centerville and Hagerstown. 13.3% of the professional service firms are located in Centerville while 6.7% are in Hagerstown.


Boston 0.0% 0 Cambridge City 4.8% 4 Centerville 4.8% 4 Dublin 0.0% 0 Fountain City 0.0% 0 Greens Fork 0.0% 0 Hagerstown 2.4% 2 Milton 0.0% 0 Richmond 84.5% 71 Williamsburg 0.0% 0 Other (please specify): 3.6% 3

answered question 84 skipped question 1

0.0%

4.8%

4.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

2.4% 0.0%

84.5%

0.0%

3.6% Where does the business/company locate in Wayne County? (n=84)

BostonCambridge CityCentervilleDublinFountain CityGreens ForkHagerstownMiltonRichmondWilliamsburgOther (please specify):


Where does the business/company locate in Wayne County?

0.0%

14.3%

7.1%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 7.1%

0.0% 64.3%

0.0%

7.1%

Manufacturing (n=14) Boston

Cambridge City

Centerville

Dublin

Fountain City

Greens Fork

Hagerstown

Milton

Richmond

Williamsburg

Other (please specify):

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

0.0% 0.0%

Retail Trade (n=12) Boston

Cambridge City

Centerville

Dublin

Fountain City

Greens Fork

Hagerstown

Milton

Richmond

Williamsburg


0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

90.9%

0.0% 9.1%

Banking & Financial Service (n=11)

Boston

Cambridge City

Centerville

Dublin

Fountain City

Greens Fork

Hagerstown

Milton

Richmond

Williamsburg


0.0% 0.0%

13.3%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 6.7% 0.0%

80.0%

0.0% 0.0%

Professional Service (n=15) Boston

Cambridge City

Centerville

Dublin

Fountain City

Greens Fork

Hagerstown

Milton

Richmond

Williamsburg


0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Health Care (n=6) Boston

Cambridge City

Centerville

Dublin

Fountain City

Greens Fork

Hagerstown

Milton

Richmond

Williamsburg



4: For how many years has the business/company operated in Wayne County?

60.2% of the surveyed firms are well-established with more than 20 years of operation in Wayne County while 4.8% are relatively new in the county where they have operated for less than 2 years. Almost the same numbers of firms fall in the operation year range of 6-10 years (14.5%) as in the 11-20 years range (13.3%). Only 7.2% of them have had operations in Wayne County for 2-5 years.

About half or more of the manufacturing (85.7%), retail (50.0%), banking & financial service (63.6%) professional service (46.7%) as well as health care (50.0%) firms are well established with more than 20 years of operation in Wayne County. There are a few firms in the manufacturing (7.1%), retail (16.7%) and professional service (6.7%) sectors that are relatively new with less than 2 years of operation in the county. All the banking & financial service firms have operated over five years in Wayne County: 18.2% with 6-10 years, 18.2% with 11-20 years and 63.6% with more than 20 years of operation in the county. While half of the health care firms are with operations of more than 20 years in Wayne County, the other half have 10 years or less: 16.7% with 2-5 years and 33.3% with 6-10 years.

Answer Options Response Percent

Response Count

Less than 2 years 4.8% 4

2-5 years 7.2% 6

6-10 years 14.5% 12

11-20 years 13.3% 11

More than 20 years 60.2% 50


4.8%

7.2%

14.5%

13.3% 60.2%

For how many years has the business/company operated in Wayne County? (n=83)

Less than 2 years2-5 years6-10 years11-20 yearsMore than 20 years


For how many years has the business/company operated in Wayne County?

7.1%

0.0%

7.1% 0.0%

85.7%


Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

16.7%

8.3%

16.7%

8.3%

50.0%

Retail Trade (n=12)

Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

0.0% 0.0%

18.2%

18.2% 63.6%


Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

6.7% 6.7%

13.3%

26.7%

46.7%

Professional Service (n=15)

Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

0.0%

16.7%

33.3%

0.0%

50.0%

Health Care (n=6)

Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20years


Employment

5: Number of employees:

Firm size is relatively small in our sample. Most of the firms have from 10 to 19 employees (23.8%), followed by 5 to 9 employees (19.0%), 20 to 49 employees (17.9%), 50 to 99 employees (11.9%) and 2 to 4 employees (10.7%).

Half of the manufacturing firms have 20 to 49 employees (50.0%), followed by 50 to 99 employees (21.4%) and 10 to 19 employees (14.3%). The majority of the retail firms are currently operating with between 2 and 49 employees: 25% have 5 to 9 employees, 16.7% have 10 to 19 employees, 16.7% have 20 to 49 employees and 16.7% have 2 to 4 employees. Over half of the banking & financial service firms are operating with between 5 and 19 employees: 27.3% of them have 5 to 9 employees while another 27.3% have 10 to 19 employees. The professional service firms follow a similar pattern as the banking & financial service firms - 26.7% have 5 to 9 employees while 33.3% have 10 to 19 employees. A third of the health care businesses are operating with 100 to 249 employees only (33.3%) while anther third with 5 to 9 employees (33.3%). An equal number among the rest are operating with 10 to 19 employees (16.7%) and 500+ employees (16.7%).


1 6.0% 5 2 to 4 10.7% 9 5 to 9 19.0% 16 10 to 19 23.8% 20 20 to 49 17.9% 15 50 to 99 11.9% 10 100 to 249 7.1% 6 250 to 499 2.4% 2 500+ 1.2% 1



6.0%

10.7%

19.0%

23.8%

17.9%

11.9%

7.1%

2.4% 1.2%

Number of employees: (n=84)

1

2 to 4

5 to 9

10 to 19

20 to 49

50 to 99

100 to 249

250 to 499

500+


Number of employees:

7.1%

0.0% 0.0%

14.3%

50.0%

21.4%

7.1% 0.0% 0.0%


12 to 45 to 910 to 1920 to 4950 to 99100 to 249250 to 499500+

8.3%

16.7%

25.0% 16.7%

16.7%

8.3%

0.0% 8.3%

0.0%

Retail Trade (n=12)

12 to 45 to 910 to 1920 to 4950 to 99100 to 249250 to 499500+

0.0% 9.1%

27.3%

27.3%

18.2%

9.1% 9.1%

0.0%

0.0%

Banking & Financial Service (n= 11)

12 to 45 to 910 to 1920 to 4950 to 99100 to 249250 to 499500+

13.3%

20.0%

26.7%

33.3%

6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%


12 to 45 to 910 to 1920 to 4950 to 99100 to 249250 to 499500+

0.0% 0.0%

33.3%

16.7%

0.0% 0.0%

33.3%

0.0% 16.7%

Health Care (n=6)

12 to 45 to 910 to 1920 to 4950 to 99100 to 249250 to 499500+


6: Over the past 12 months, the number of employees at the business/company:

Over half of the surveyed firms did not change their firm sizes (remained generally the same) (54.8%) over the past 12 months. A quarter of them (25.0%) experienced a slight increase (less than 10% increase) in their employment whereas about one-tenth (11.9%) had significant increase (more than 10% increase).

About half of the firms in the five largest surveyed sectors remained generally the same size over the past 12 months: manufacturing (42.9%), retail trade (66.7%), banking & financial service (45.5%), professional service (46.7%) and health care (50.0%). A quite large portion of the firms in each sector increased their number of employees slightly (less than 10% increase): manufacturing (21.4%), retail trade (33.3%), banking & financial service (27.3%), professional service (40.0%) and health care (33.3%).


Increased significantly (more than 10%) 11.9% 10 Increased slightly (less than 10%) 25.0% 21 Remained generally the same 54.8% 46 Decreased slightly (less than 10%) 4.8% 4 Decreased significantly (more than 10%) 3.6% 3


11.9%

25.0%

54.8%

4.8% 3.6%

Over the past 12 months, the number of employees at the business/company (n=84)

Increased significantly (more than 10%)

Increased slightly (less than 10%)

Remained generally the same

Decreased slightly (less than 10%)

Decreased significantly (more than 10%)


Over the past 12 months, the number of employees at the business/company:

7.1%

21.4%

42.9%

21.4%

7.1%


Increased significantly (more than10%)Increased slightly (less than 10%)



Decreased significantly (more than10%)

0.0%

33.3%

66.7%

0.0% 0.0%

Retail Trade (n=12)

Increased significantly (more than10%)Increased slightly (less than 10%)




18.2%

27.3% 45.5%

9.1% 0.0%


Increased significantly (more than10%)





13.3%

40.0%

46.7%

0.0% 0.0%







16.7%

33.3%

50.0%

0.0% 0.0%

Health Care (n=6)







7. How will the number of employees change in the next 12 months:

A slightly higher percentage (61.9%) of the surveyed firms will remain generally the same with respect to firm size in the next 12 months as compared with the percentage over the past 12 months. More than one third of the firms are looking forward to increasing significantly (more than 10%) (7.1%) or increasing slightly (less than 10%) (29.8%) their number of employees.

Half or more of the firms in the manufacturing (50.0%), retail trade (66.7%), banking & financial service (54.5%) and professional service (86.7%) sectors do not anticipate to increase the number of their employees [will remain generally the same] over the next 12 months. On the other hand, two-third of the health care firms plan on increasing slightly (less than 10%) their employment levels in the next 12 months (66.7%).


Will increase significantly (more than 10%) 7.1% 6 Will increase slightly (less than 10%) 29.8% 25 Will remain generally the same 61.9% 52 Will decrease slightly (less than 10%) 0.0% 0 Will decrease significantly (more than 10%) 1.2% 1


7.1%

29.8%

61.9%

0.0% 1.2%

How will the number of employees change in the next 12 months: (n=84)

Will increase significantly (more than 10%)

Will increase slightly (less than 10%)

Will remain generally the same

Will decrease slightly (less than 10%)

Will decrease significantly (more than 10%)


How will the number of employees change in the next 12 months:

14.3%

35.7%

50.0%

0.0% 0.0%


Will increase significantly(more than 10%)

Will increase slightly (less than10%)

Will remain generally the same

Will decrease slightly (less than10%)

Will decrease significantly(more than 10%)

0.0%

33.3%

66.7%

0.0% 0.0%

Retail Trade (n=12)


Will increase slightly (lessthan 10%)

Will remain generally thesame

Will decrease slightly (lessthan 10%)


18.2%

27.3% 54.5%

0.0% 0.0%







6.7% 6.7%

86.7%

0.0% 0.0%







0.0%

66.7%

33.3%

0.0% 0.0%

Health Care (n=6)







8. What are the major difficulties, if any, does the business/company have in recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.)

About one fifth of participants indicated that their firms encountered no difficulty in recruiting new employees (19.3%) in the area. For those who have, the major difficulties are found in: insufficient job candidates in the related professions (51.8%), inadequate labor skills (34.9%), low reliability of applicants/new employees (33.7%), high turnover rates (16.9%), less competitive wage rates (12.0%) and strong competition from other employers in the area (10.8%).

Inadequate labor skills (42.9%) and low reliability of applicants/new employees (42.9%) are ranked as the major difficulties by the manufacturing firms. The same difficulties are ranked as the major difficulties by retail firms with different percentages– inadequate labor skills (36.4%) and low reliability of applicants/new employees (45.5%) – in addition to insufficient job candidates in the retail trade sector (54.5%). The majority of participants from the banking & financial service (63.6%) and health care (66.7%) sectors find insufficient job candidates in their professions a major difficulty in recruiting new employees. 40.0% of participants from the professional service sector find no difficulty in recruiting new employees. Again, inadequate labor skills (46.7%) is a major difficulty for the professional service firms in hiring new employees, alongside with insufficient job candidates (40.0%).


No difficulty in recruiting new employees 19.3% 16 Insufficient job candidates in the related profession 51.8% 43 Inadequate labor skills 34.9% 29 High cost of employee training 3.6% 3 Less competitive wage rates 12.0% 10 Less competitive employee benefits 9.6% 8 Strong competition from other employers in the area 10.8% 9 Poor transportation/access to the area 6.0% 5 Inadequate access to healthcare services 1.2% 1 High turnover rates 16.9% 14 Significant drug issues 13.3% 11 Low reliability of applicants/new employees 33.7% 28 Other (please specify): 12.0% 10



19.3%

51.8%

34.9%

3.6%

12.0% 9.6% 10.8% 6.0%

1.2%

16.9% 13.3%

33.7%

12.0%

0%

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20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

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What are the major difficulties, if any, does the business/company have in recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.) (n=83)


What are the major difficulties, if any, does the business/company have in recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.)

21.4% 28.6%

42.9%

0.0%

21.4%

7.1% 14.3%

7.1% 0.0%

28.6%

14.3%

42.9%

14.3%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%

No

diffi

culty

in…

Insu

ffici

ent j

ob…

Inad

equa

te la

bor s

kills

Hig

h co

st of

…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Stro

ng c

ompe

titio

n…

Poor

…

Inad

equa

te a

cces

s…

Hig

h tu

rnov

er ra

tes

Sign

ifica

nt d

rug

issu

es

Low

relia

bilit

y of

…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


18.2%

54.5%

36.4%

9.1% 0.0%

9.1% 9.1%

9.1% 0.0%

9.1% 18.2%

45.5%

18.2%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%

No

diffi

culty

in…

Insu

ffici

ent j

ob…

Inad

equa

te la

bor s

kills

Hig

h co

st of

…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Stro

ng c

ompe

titio

n…

Poor

…

Inad

equa

te a

cces

s…

Hig

h tu

rnov

er ra

tes

Sign

ifica

nt d

rug

issu

es

Low

relia

bilit

y of

…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

Retail Trade (n=11)

27.3%

63.6%

18.2%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

18.2% 9.1%

0.0% 9.1%

18.2% 9.1%

0.0% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%

No

diffi

culty

in…

Insu

ffici

ent j

ob…

Inad

equa

te la

bor s

kills

Hig

h co

st of

em

ploy

ee…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Stro

ng c

ompe

titio

n…

Poor

…

Inad

equa

te a

cces

s to…

Hig

h tu

rnov

er ra

tes

Sign

ifica

nt d

rug

issu

es

Low

relia

bilit

y of

…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


40.0% 40.0%

46.7%

6.7% 0.0%

0.0% 6.7% 6.7%

6.7% 0.0%

6.7% 13.3%

13.3%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%

No

diffi

culty

in…

Insu

ffici

ent j

ob…

Inad

equa

te la

bor s

kills

Hig

h co

st of

em

ploy

ee…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Stro

ng c

ompe

titio

n…

Poor

…

Inad

equa

te a

cces

s to…

Hig

h tu

rnov

er ra

tes

Sign

ifica

nt d

rug

issu

es

Low

relia

bilit

y of

…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


0.0%

66.7%

0.0%

0.0%

33.3% 33.3%

33.3%

0.0% 0.0%

16.7%

0.0%

33.3%

16.7%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%

No

diffi

culty

in…

Insu

ffici

ent j

ob…

Inad

equa

te la

bor s

kills

Hig

h co

st of

…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Less

com

petit

ive…

Stro

ng c

ompe

titio

n…

Poor

…

Inad

equa

te a

cces

s to…

Hig

h tu

rnov

er ra

tes

Sign

ifica

nt d

rug

issu

es

Low

relia

bilit

y of

…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

Health Care (n=6)


9. What employee skills/abilities is the business/company looking for? (Please check up to 5.)

Ability to work on a team (60.2%) is the skill looked for by most of participating firms, followed by technical skill in terms of knowledge of the job field (53.0%), communication: oral/public speaking (49.4%), problem solving (45.8%), critical thinking (43.4%) and networking (interpersonal/social skills) (37.3%). Other skills such as communication: writing (28.9%), leadership (27.7%) and mathematics (21.7%) deem to be of similar importance as almost the same number of participants indicated that these are the skills/abilities they are looking for.

Ability to work on a team (78.6%), followed by technical skills in terms of the knowledge of the job field (57.1%), are considered important skills by manufacturing participants while communication: oral/public speaking is considered important by most of the surveyed retail firms (83.3%). Other important skills considered by retail trade participants include ability to work on a team (58.3%) and networking (interpersonal/social skills) (58.3%). Participants of banking & financial service firms find communication: oral/public speaking (63.6%), problem solving (81.8%), critical thinking (63.6%) and ability to work on team (54.5%) important. Technical skills (85.7%), communication: oral/public speaking (64.3%), problem solving (57.1%) and ability to work on team (64.3%) are ranked important by most of participants of the professional service sector. For health care firms, participants indicated that skills such as technical skills (50.0%), problem solving (66.7%), critical thinking (66.7%), ability to work on team (66.7%) and networking (interpersonal/social skills) (50.0%) are important.


Technical (knowledge of the job field) 53.0% 44 Communication: writing 28.9% 24 Communication: oral/public speaking 49.4% 41 Mathematics 21.7% 18 Excel 6.0% 5 Problem solving 45.8% 38 Critical thinking 43.4% 36 Ability to work on a team 60.2% 50 Networking (interpersonal/social skills) 37.3% 31 Leadership 27.7% 23 Other (please specify): 16.9% 14



53.0%

28.9%

49.4%

21.7%

6.0%

45.8% 43.4%

60.2%

37.3%

27.7%

16.9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Tech

nica

l (kn

owle

dge

of th

e jo

b fie

ld)

Com

mun

icat

ion:

writ

ing

Com

mun

icat

ion:

ora

l/pub

lic sp

eaki

ng

Mat

hem

atic

s

Exce

l

Prob

lem

solv

ing

Crit

ical

thin

king

Abi

lity

to w

ork

on a

team

Net

wor

king

(int

erpe

rson

al/s

ocia

lsk

ills)

Lead

ersh

ip

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

What employee skills/abilities is the business/company looking for? (Please check up to 5.) (n=83)


What employee skills/abilities is the business/company looking for? (Please check up to 5.)

57.1%

0.0% 14.3%

14.3%

0.0%

21.4% 35.7%

78.6%

28.6%

7.1%

28.6%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Tech

nica

l (kn

owle

dge

ofth

e jo

b fie

ld)

Com

mun

icat

ion:

writ

ing

Com

mun

icat

ion:

oral

/pub

lic sp

eaki

ng

Mat

hem

atic

s

Exce

l

Prob

lem

solv

ing

Crit

ical

thin

king

Abi

lity

to w

ork

on a

team

Net

wor

king

(inte

rper

sona

l/soc

ial…

Lead

ersh

ip

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


50.0%

16.7%

83.3%

33.3%

0.0%

41.7% 41.7%

58.3% 58.3%

16.7% 25.0%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Tech

nica

l (kn

owle

dge

ofth

e jo

b fie

ld)

Com

mun

icat

ion:

writ

ing

Com

mun

icat

ion:

oral

/pub

lic sp

eaki

ng

Mat

hem

atic

s

Exce

l

Prob

lem

solv

ing

Crit

ical

thin

king

Abi

lity

to w

ork

on a

team

Net

wor

king

(inte

rper

sona

l/soc

ial…

Lead

ersh

ip

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

Retail Trade (n=12)

27.3%

45.5%

63.6%

36.4%

9.1%

81.8%

63.6% 54.5%

36.4% 45.5%

0.0% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Tech

nica

l (kn

owle

dge

of th

e jo

b fie

ld)

Com

mun

icat

ion:

writ

ing

Com

mun

icat

ion:

oral

/pub

lic sp

eaki

ng

Mat

hem

atic

s

Exce

l

Prob

lem

solv

ing

Crit

ical

thin

king

Abi

lity

to w

ork

on a

team

Net

wor

king

(inte

rper

sona

l/soc

ial…

Lead

ersh

ip

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


85.7%

57.1% 64.3%

14.3% 14.3%

57.1%

28.6%

64.3%

35.7% 21.4%

0.0% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Tech

nica

l (kn

owle

dge

of th

e jo

b fie

ld)

Com

mun

icat

ion:

writ

ing

Com

mun

icat

ion:

oral

/pub

lic sp

eaki

ng

Mat

hem

atic

s

Exce

l

Prob

lem

solv

ing

Crit

ical

thin

king

Abi

lity

to w

ork

on a

team

Net

wor

king

(inte

rper

sona

l/soc

ial…

Lead

ersh

ip

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


50.0%

33.3%

16.7% 16.7%

0.0%

66.7% 66.7%

66.7%

50.0%

33.3%

16.7%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Tech

nica

l (kn

owle

dge

ofth

e jo

b fie

ld)

Com

mun

icat

ion:

writ

ing

Com

mun

icat

ion:

oral

/pub

lic sp

eaki

ng

Mat

hem

atic

s

Exce

l

Prob

lem

solv

ing

Crit

ical

thin

king

Abi

lity

to w

ork

on a

team

Net

wor

king

(inte

rper

sona

l/soc

ial s

kills

)

Lead

ersh

ip

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

Health Care (n=6)


10. What steps has the business/company taken to ensure that current employees possess the needed skills? (Please check up to 5.)

To make sure their employees have acquired the needed skills to succeed, the majority of participants indicated their firms provide their own in-house/on-the-job training (86.4%). On the other hand, about one third of participants responded that their firms would just recruit outside of the county (30.9%) or reimburse their employees for travelling to attend workshops and seminars (34.6%).

The manufacturing (92.9%), retail trade (100%), banking & financial service (81.8%) and professional service (86.7%) sectors mainly rely on the in-house/on-the job training to make sure their employees possess the needed skills. The banking & financial service firms also depend quite heavily on other ways such as reimbursement made to their employees for travelling to attend workshops and seminars (63.6%), tuition subsidy on related education (54.5%) and recruiting outside of Wayne County (45.5%). Health care firms employ all the ways listed in the survey: recruiting outside of Wayne County (83.3%), in-house/on-the-job training (66.7%), training program with local colleges/universities (66.7%), reimbursement made to their employees for travelling to attend workshops and seminars (83.3%) and tuition subsidy on related education (66.7%).


Recruiting outside of Wayne County 30.9% 25 In-house/on-the-job training 86.4% 70 Training program with local colleges/universities 8.6% 7 Reimbursement of traveling expenses/lodging/registration fee for attending workshops and/or seminars 34.6% 28

Tuition subsidy on related education 23.5% 19 Other (please specify): 12.3% 10



30.9%

86.4%

8.6%

34.6% 23.5%

12.3%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%R

ecru

iting

out

side

of W

ayne

Cou

nty

In-h

ouse

/on-

the-

job

train

ing

Trai

ning

pro

gram

with

loca

lco

llege

s/un

iver

sitie

s

Rei

mbu

rsem

ent o

f tra

velin

gex

pens

es/lo

dgin

g/re

gist

ratio

n fe

e fo

rat

tend

ing

wor

ksho

ps a

nd/o

r sem

inar

s

Tuiti

on su

bsid

y on

rela

ted

educ

atio

n

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

What steps has the business/company taken to ensure that current employees possess the needed skills? (Please check up to 5.) (n=81)


What steps has the business/company taken to ensure that current employees possess the needed skills? (Please check up to 5.)

28.6%

92.9%

14.3% 21.4% 28.6%

7.1%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Recr

uitin

g ou

tside

of

Way

ne C

ount

y

In-h

ouse

/on-

the-

job

train

ing

Trai

ning

pro

gram

with

loca

lco

llege

s/uni

vers

ities

Reim

burs

emen

t of

trave

ling

expe

nses

/lodg

ing/

…

Tuiti

on su

bsid

y on

rela

ted

educ

atio

n

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):


0.0%

100.0%

0.0%

36.4%

9.1% 18.2%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Recr

uitin

g ou

tside

of

Way

ne C

ount

y

In-h

ouse

/on-

the-

job

train

ing

Trai

ning

pro

gram

with

loca

lco

llege

s/uni

vers

ities

Reim

burs

emen

t of

trave

ling

expe

nses

/lodg

ing/

…

Tuiti

on su

bsid

y on

rela

ted

educ

atio

n

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):

Retail Trade (n=11)

45.5%

81.8%

0.0%

63.6% 54.5%

0.0% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Recr

uitin

g ou

tside

of W

ayne

Cou

nty

In-h

ouse

/on-

the-

job

train

ing

Trai

ning

pro

gram

with

loca

lco

llege

s/uni

vers

i…

Reim

burs

emen

t of

trave

ling

expe

nses

/lodg

ing…

Tuiti

on su

bsid

y on

rela

ted

educ

atio

n

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):Banking & Financial Service

(n=11)

33.3%

86.7%

6.7%

33.3%

0.0%

26.7%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Recr

uitin

g ou

tside

of W

ayne

Cou

nty

In-h

ouse

/on-

the-

job

train

ing

Trai

ning

pro

gram

with

loca

lco

llege

s/uni

vers

i…

Reim

burs

emen

t of

trave

ling

expe

nses

/lodg

ing…

Tuiti

on su

bsid

y on

rela

ted

educ

atio

n

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):


83.3% 66.7% 66.7%

83.3% 66.7%

0.0% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Recr

uitin

g ou

tside

of

Way

ne C

ount

y

In-h

ouse

/on-

the-

job

train

ing

Trai

ning

pro

gram

with

loca

lco

llege

s/uni

vers

ities

Reim

burs

emen

t of

trave

ling

expe

nses

/lodg

ing/

r…

Tuiti

on su

bsid

y on

rela

ted

educ

atio

n

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):

Health Care (n=6)


11. What position(s) are the most difficult to fill for the business/company? (Please check up to 5.)

The positions that are ranked relatively more difficult to fill by participants include: customer service representative (29.7%), sales associate/agent (20.3%), maintenance technician (16.2%), production technician (12.2%), front line worker (10.8%) and information technology support (9.5%).

Manufacturing firms find maintenance technician (41.7%) and production technician (41.7%) difficult to hire. Retail firms have difficulties in filling the positions of customer service representative (60.0%) and sales associate/agent (50.0%). The more difficult positions to fill by banking & financial service firms include customer service representative (60.0%) and bank teller (30.0%). Front line workers (33.3%) and doctor/physician (50.0%) are ranked difficult to fill by most of the health care firms.


Farm/Field Worker 2.7% 2 Restaurant Server 2.7% 2 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Driver 2.7% 2 Bank Teller 4.1% 3 Front Line Worker 10.8% 8 Customer Service Representative 29.7% 22 Sales Associate/Agent 20.3% 15 Maintenance Technician 16.2% 12 Production Technician 12.2% 9 Welder 1.4% 1 Electrician 4.1% 3 Nurse/Medical Practitioner 1.4% 1 Doctor/Physician 4.1% 3 Accountant 5.4% 4 Financial Planner/Analyst 0.0% 0 Computer Programmer 5.4% 4 Information Technology Support 9.5% 7 Supervisor 5.4% 4 Office Manager 2.7% 2 Maintenance Manager 4.1% 3 Plant Manager 2.7% 2 Human Resources Manager 2.7% 2 Quality Control Manager 1.4% 1 Other manager(s) and/or other position(s) (please specify): 32.4% 24



2.7%

2.7%

2.7% 4.1%

10.8%

29.7%

20.3% 16.2%

12.2%

1.4% 4.1%

1.4% 4.1%

5.4%

0.0%

5.4% 9.5%

5.4% 2.7%

4.1%

2.7%

2.7%

1.4%

32.4%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Farm

/Fie

ld W

orke

r

Res

taur

ant S

erve

r

Com

mer

cial

Driv

er’s

Lic

ense

(CD

L) …

Ban

k Te

ller

Fron

t Lin

e W

orke

r

Cus

tom

er S

ervi

ce R

epre

sent

ativ

e

Sale

s Ass

ocia

te/A

gent

Mai

nten

ance

Tec

hnic

ian

Prod

uctio

n Te

chni

cian

Wel

der

Elec

trici

an

Nur

se/M

edic

al P

ract

ition

er

Doc

tor/P

hysi

cian

Acc

ount

ant

Fina

ncia

l Pla

nner

/Ana

lyst

Com

pute

r Pro

gram

mer

Info

rmat

ion

Tech

nolo

gy S

uppo

rt

Supe

rvis

or

Off

ice

Man

ager

Mai

nten

ance

Man

ager

Plan

t Man

ager

Hum

an R

esou

rces

Man

ager

Qua

lity

Con

trol M

anag

er

Oth

er m

anag

er(s

) and

/or o

ther

…

What position(s) are the most difficult to fill for the business/company? (Please check up to 5.) (n=74)


What position(s) are the most difficult to fill for the business/company? (Please check up to 5.)

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

8.3%

0.0%

16.7%

41.7% 41.7%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

8.3%

0.0%

16.7% 16.7%

8.3% 8.3%

33.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Farm

/Fie

ld W

orke

rR

esta

uran

t Ser

ver

Com

mer

cial

Driv

er’s

…

Ban

k Te

ller

Fron

t Lin

e W

orke

rC

usto

mer

Ser

vice

…Sa

les A

ssoc

iate

/Age

ntM

aint

enan

ce T

echn

icia

nPr

oduc

tion

Tech

nici

anW

elde

rEl

ectri

cian

Nur

se/M

edic

al…

Doc

tor/P

hysi

cian

Acc

ount

ant

Fina

ncia

l…C

ompu

ter P

rogr

amm

erIn

form

atio

n…Su

perv

isor

Off

ice

Man

ager

Mai

nten

ance

Man

ager

Plan

t Man

ager

Hum

an R

esou

rces

…Q

ualit

y C

ontro

l Man

ager

Oth

er m

anag

er(s

)…


0.0% 0.0%

10.0%

0.0% 0.0%

60.0%

50.0%

10.0% 10.0%

0.0%

10.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

10.0% 10.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

20.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Farm

/Fie

ld W

orke

rR

esta

uran

t Ser

ver

Com

mer

cial

Driv

er’s

…

Ban

k Te

ller

Fron

t Lin

e W

orke

rC

usto

mer

Ser

vice

…Sa

les A

ssoc

iate

/Age

ntM

aint

enan

ce T

echn

icia

nPr

oduc

tion

Tech

nici

anW

elde

rEl

ectri

cian

Nur

se/M

edic

al…

Doc

tor/P

hysi

cian

Acc

ount

ant

Fina

ncia

l…C

ompu

ter P

rogr

amm

erIn

form

atio

n…Su

perv

isor

Off

ice

Man

ager

Mai

nten

ance

Man

ager

Plan

t Man

ager

Hum

an R

esou

rces

…Q

ualit

y C

ontro

l Man

ager

Oth

er m

anag

er(s

)…

Retail Trade (n=10)

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

30.0%

0.0%

60.0%

20.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

20.0%

0.0%

10.0%

0.0% 0.0%

10.0%

0.0%

20.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Farm

/Fie

ld W

orke

rR

esta

uran

t Ser

ver

Com

mer

cial

Driv

er’s

…

Ban

k Te

ller

Fron

t Lin

e W

orke

rC

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mer

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…Sa

les A

ssoc

iate

/Age

ntM

aint

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ce T

echn

icia

nPr

oduc

tion

Tech

nici

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Nur

se/M

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al…

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tor/P

hysi

cian

Acc

ount

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ncia

l Pla

nner

/Ana

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Com

pute

r Pro

gram

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Info

rmat

ion…

Supe

rvis

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e M

anag

erM

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ce M

anag

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ant M

anag

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uman

Res

ourc

es…

Qua

lity

Con

trol M

anag

erO

ther

man

ager

(s)…


0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

16.7% 16.7%

8.3% 8.3%

0.0%

8.3%

0.0% 0.0%

16.7%

0.0%

8.3%

16.7%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

50.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%Fa

rm/F

ield

Wor

ker

Res

taur

ant S

erve

rC

omm

erci

al D

river

’s …

B

ank

Telle

rFr

ont L

ine

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ker

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tom

er S

ervi

ce…

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s Ass

ocia

te/A

gent

Mai

nten

ance

Tec

hnic

ian

Prod

uctio

n Te

chni

cian

Wel

der

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trici

anN

urse

/Med

ical

…D

octo

r/Phy

sici

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ccou

ntan

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nanc

ial P

lann

er/A

naly

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ter P

rogr

amm

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atio

n…Su

perv

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ice

Man

ager

Mai

nten

ance

Man

ager

Plan

t Man

ager

Hum

an R

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rces

…Q

ualit

y C

ontro

l Man

ager

Oth

er m

anag

er(s

)…


0.0%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

33.3%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

16.7%

50.0%

0.0% 0.0%

16.7% 16.7%

16.7%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

50.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Farm

/Fie

ld W

orke

rR

esta

uran

t Ser

ver

Com

mer

cial

Driv

er’s

…

Ban

k Te

ller

Fron

t Lin

e W

orke

rC

usto

mer

Ser

vice

…Sa

les A

ssoc

iate

/Age

ntM

aint

enan

ce T

echn

icia

nPr

oduc

tion

Tech

nici

anW

elde

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cian

Nur

se/M

edic

al…

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tor/P

hysi

cian

Acc

ount

ant

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ncia

l Pla

nner

/Ana

lyst

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r Pro

gram

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e M

anag

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ce M

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uman

Res

ourc

es…

Qua

lity

Con

trol M

anag

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ther

man

ager

(s)…

Health Care (n=6)


12. What are the business/company’s preferred methods for recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.)

The method employed by the most of the surveyed firms in recruiting new employees is networking/referrals/business contacts (71.1%), followed by private/public internet job websites (33.7%), company website (26.5%) and social networking website (25.3%).

Networking/referrals/business contacts is the preferred method for most of the firms in the manufacturing sector (78.6%), retail trade sector (72.7%), banking & financial service sector (72.7%) and professional service sector (80.0%). For the health care firms, two third of the firms use private/public internet job sites (66.7%) while half of them use networking/referrals/business contacts (50.0%), internship/apprentice programs (50.0%), social networking website (50.0%) and job fairs (50.0%) as well.


Networking/Referrals/Business Contacts 71.1% 59 Private/Public Internet Job Websites 33.7% 28 Company Website 26.5% 22 Internship/Apprentice Programs 15.7% 13 College/University Placement Offices 13.3% 11 Social Networking Website (i.e. LinkedIn) 25.3% 21 Recruiting Firms 14.5% 12 Job Service (Manpower, etc.) 13.3% 11 Newspaper Ads 21.7% 18 Job Fairs 15.7% 13 Other (please specify): 9.6% 8



71.1%

33.7% 26.5%

15.7% 13.3%

25.3% 14.5% 13.3%

21.7% 15.7%

9.6%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Net

wor

king

/Ref

erra

ls/B

usin

ess

Con

tact

s

Priv

ate/

Publ

ic In

tern

et Jo

b W

ebsi

tes

Com

pany

Web

site

Inte

rnsh

ip/A

ppre

ntic

e Pr

ogra

ms

Col

lege

/Uni

vers

ity P

lace

men

t Off

ices

Soci

al N

etw

orki

ng W

ebsi

te (i

.e.

Link

edIn

)

Rec

ruiti

ng F

irms

Job

Serv

ice

(Man

pow

er, e

tc.)

New

spap

er A

ds

Job

Fairs

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

What are the business/company’s preferred methods for recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.) (n=83)


What are the business/company’s preferred methods for recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.)

78.6%

21.4% 7.1%

7.1% 7.1%

21.4% 14.3% 21.4% 21.4%

14.3% 14.3%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Net

wor

king

/Ref

erra

ls/B

usin

ess C

onta

cts

Priv

ate/

Publ

icIn

tern

et Jo

b W

ebsi

tes

Com

pany

Web

site

Inte

rnsh

ip/A

ppre

ntic

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ogra

ms

Colle

ge/U

nive

rsity

Plac

emen

t Offi

ces

Soci

al N

etw

orki

ngW

ebsit

e (i.

e.…

Recr

uitin

g Fi

rms

Job

Serv

ice

(Man

pow

er, e

tc.)

New

spap

er A

ds

Job

Fairs

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):


72.7%

9.1% 9.1%

9.1% 0.0%

18.2% 9.1%

0.0% 18.2%

18.2% 18.2%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Net

wor

king

/Ref

erra

ls/B

usin

ess C

onta

cts

Priv

ate/

Publ

icIn

tern

et Jo

b W

ebsi

tes

Com

pany

Web

site

Inte

rnsh

ip/A

ppre

ntic

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ms

Colle

ge/U

nive

rsity

Plac

emen

t Offi

ces

Soci

al N

etw

orki

ngW

ebsit

e (i.

e.…

Recr

uitin

g Fi

rms

Job

Serv

ice

(Man

pow

er, e

tc.)

New

spap

er A

ds

Job

Fairs

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):

Retail Trade (n=11)

72.7%

45.5% 45.5%

18.2% 9.1%

0.0%

27.3% 9.1%

36.4% 18.2%

0.0% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Net

wor

king

/Ref

erra

ls/

Busi

ness

Con

tact

sPr

ivat

e/Pu

blic

Inte

rnet

Job…

Com

pany

Web

site

Inte

rnsh

ip/A

ppre

ntic

e Pr

ogra

ms

Colle

ge/U

nive

rsity

Plac

emen

t Offi

ces

Soci

al N

etw

orki

ngW

ebsit

e (i.

e.…

Recr

uitin

g Fi

rms

Job

Serv

ice

(Man

pow

er, e

tc.)

New

spap

er A

ds

Job

Fairs

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):Banking & Financial Service

(n=11) 80.0%

26.7% 20.0% 26.7% 20.0% 13.3% 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 0.0% 6.7% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Net

wor

king

/Ref

erra

ls/

Busi

ness

Con

tact

sPr

ivat

e/Pu

blic

Inte

rnet

Job…

Com

pany

Web

site

Inte

rnsh

ip/A

ppre

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e Pr

ogra

ms

Colle

ge/U

nive

rsity

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emen

t Offi

ces

Soci

al N

etw

orki

ngW

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e (i.

e.…

Recr

uitin

g Fi

rms

Job

Serv

ice

(Man

pow

er, e

tc.)

New

spap

er A

ds

Job

Fairs

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):

Professional Servicnes (n=15)

50.0% 66.7%

33.3% 50.0%

33.3% 50.0%

33.3%

0.0% 16.7%

50.0%

0.0% 0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Net

wor

king

/Ref

erra

ls/Bu

sine

ss C

onta

cts

Priv

ate/

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ic In

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b W

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(Man

pow

er, e

tc.)

New

spap

er A

ds

Job

Fairs

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):

Health Care (n=6)


Business Climate

13. How would you currently rate the following in Wayne County?

This question asks participants to rate the condition and performance of various business and social factors in Wayne County. The majority of respondents rated these business and social factors as either Good or Fair. Utility reliability (12.1%), colleges/universities (32.1%), financial services (15.0%), opportunity to local financing (24.1%), healthcare services (20.5%), and quality of life (14.2%) have fairly high scores as Excellent. In contrast, workforce availability (22.2%), workforce quality (23.2%), wage rates (12.5%) and utility rates (14.6%) have fairly high scores as Poor. Overall, when asked to evaluate the business climate condition in Wayne County, 1.2% of participants rated it is as Excellent, majority of them considered it as either Good or Fair (42.2%, respectively), and 14.5% of them thought the business climate condition is Poor.

The views on the condition and performance of these business and social factors vary among the selected industries. In manufacturing industry, there was no negative response on economic development effort, colleges/universities, financial services, and healthcare services. However, there are relatively more negative views on workforce availability (28.6%), workforce quality (28.6%), wage rates (35.7%), and utility rates (21.4%). In retail trade industry, all participants were satisfied on utility reliability, local regulatory environment, local and state taxes, colleges/universities and healthcare services, but there were a few more negative ratings on workforce availability (25.0%) and workforce quality (16.7%), and utility rates (16.7%). The banking & financial service industry has a favorable rating to the local business and social factors, in general. But some of the respondents in this sector were concerned with the workforce quality (18.2%), quality of life (18.2%) and business climate condition (18.2%). In professional services, wage rates (61.2% of Good), utility reliability (21.4% of Excellent and 42.9% of Good), and colleges/universities (33.3% of Excellent and 46.7% of Good) were scored high by all respondents, but concerns were reflected on workforce availability (25.0%) and workforce quality (35.7%), utility rates (21.4%), and business climate condition (21.4%). In healthcare industry, wage rates, utility reliability, state tax, colleges/universities, financial services, opportunity to local financing, and healthcare services were rated Fair or above, while relatively more people in this sector were concerned with on local government services (33.3%),and housing market (33.3%),.


Answer Options Excellent Good Fair Poor Response Count

Workforce availability 1.2% 22.2% 55.6% 22.2% 81 Workforce quality 1.2% 24.4% 52.4% 23.2% 82 Wage rates 1.2% 37.5% 50.0% 12.5% 80 Utility rates 1.2% 32.9% 52.4% 14.6% 82 Utility reliability 12.1% 56.6% 30.1% 1.2% 83 Local government services 0.0% 49.4% 43.4% 7.2% 83 Local regulatory environment 1.3% 46.3% 42.5% 10.0% 80 Economic development effort 8.4% 53.0% 31.3% 7.2% 83 Local tax 3.6% 42.2% 50.6% 3.6% 83 State tax 3.6% 38.6% 55.4% 2.4% 83 K-12 education 6.3% 47.5% 37.5% 8.8% 80 Colleges/Universities 32.1% 54.8% 13.1% 0.0% 84 Housing market 10.8% 43.4% 36.1% 9.6% 83 Financial services 15.0% 60.0% 23.8% 2.5% 80 Opportunity to local financing 24.1% 50.6% 22.8% 3.8% 79 Healthcare services 20.5% 49.4% 27.7% 2.4% 83 Quality of life 14.2% 45.2% 32.1% 8.3% 84 Business climate condition 1.2% 42.2% 42.2% 14.5% 83


0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

How would you currently rate the following in Wayne County? (n=84)

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor


How would you currently rate the following in Wayne County?

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%


Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Retail Trade (n=12)

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%


Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%


Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Health Care (n=6)

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor


14. What are the critical factors that make the business/company successful in Wayne County? (Please check up to 5.)

When asked to identify the critical factors that make the business successful in Wayne County, two answers stand out: reliable employees (71.4%) and low cost of doing business (57.1%). Some other important factors are friendly support of government agencies (28.6%), great safety/security (low crime rate) in the area (27.4%), and easy access to product markets outside the county (22.6%).

When looking at the selected industries, reliable employees (manufacturing, 64.3%; retail trade, 58.3%; banking & financial service, 66.7%; professional service, 60.0%; health care, 83.3%) and low cost of doing business (manufacturing, 71.4%; retail trade, 66.7%; banking & financial service, 50.0%; professional service, 66.7%; health care, 50.0%) still stand as the top two critical factors for each sector. However, some other factors are also considered important to lead their success. Easy access to product markets outside the county (64.3%) was concerned by manufacturing firms. Retail trade and professional service, then, focused on friendly support of government agencies (33.3% and 40%, respectively). Banking & financial service highlighted on great safety/security (low crime rate) in the area (33.3%) and moderate climate condition (33.3%). Health care believed the strong collaboration with local colleges/universities in employee training programs (33.3%) is another key factor for their success.


Reliable employees 71.4% 60 Easy access to finance 19.0% 16 Low cost of doing business 57.1% 48 Large local product (good/service) market 14.3% 12 Easy access to product markets outside the county 22.6% 19 Strong collaboration with local colleges/universities in employee training programs 15.5% 13

Strong collaboration with local colleges/universities in developing new products 4.8% 4

Friendly support of government agencies 28.6% 24 Great safety/security (low crime rate) in the area 27.4% 23 Moderate climate condition 11.9% 10 Other (please specify): 11.9% 10



71.4%

19.0%

57.1%

14.3%

22.6% 15.5%

4.8%

28.6% 27.4%

11.9% 11.9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Rel

iabl

e em

ploy

ees

Easy

acc

ess t

o fin

ance

Low

cos

t of d

oing

bus

ines

s

Larg

e lo

cal p

rodu

ct (g

ood/

serv

ice)

mar

ket

Easy

acc

ess t

o pr

oduc

t mar

kets

out

side

the

coun

ty

Stro

ng c

olla

bora

tion

with

loca

lco

llege

s/un

iver

sitie

s in

empl

oyee

trai

ning

prog

ram

s

Stro

ng c

olla

bora

tion

with

loca

lco

llege

s/un

iver

sitie

s in

deve

lopi

ng n

ew p

rodu

cts

Frie

ndly

supp

ort o

f gov

ernm

ent a

genc

ies

Gre

at sa

fety

/sec

urity

(low

crim

e ra

te) i

n th

e ar

ea

Mod

erat

e cl

imat

e co

nditi

on

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

What are the critical factors that make the business/company successful in Wayne County? (Please check up to 5.) (n=84)


What are the critical factors that make the business/company successful in Wayne County? (Please check up to 5.)

64.3%

14.3%

71.4%

7.1%

64.3%

0.0% 0.0%

21.4%

28.6%

7.1% 7.1%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Relia

ble

empl

oyee

s

Easy

acc

ess t

ofin

ance

Low

cos

t of d

oing

busin

ess

Larg

e lo

cal p

rodu

ct(g

ood/

serv

ice)

…Ea

sy a

cces

s to

prod

uct m

arke

ts…St

rong

colla

bora

tion…

Stro

ngco

llabo

ratio

n…Fr

iend

ly su

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t of

gove

rnm

ent…

Gre

atsa

fety

/sec

urity

…M

oder

ate

clim

ate

cond

ition

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):


58.3%

25.0%

66.7%

16.7% 0.0%

8.3% 0.0%

33.3% 16.7%

0.0% 16.7%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Relia

ble

empl

oyee

s

Easy

acc

ess t

ofin

ance

Low

cos

t of d

oing

busin

ess

Larg

e lo

cal p

rodu

ct(g

ood/

serv

ice)

…Ea

sy a

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uct m

arke

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rong

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ratio

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iend

ly su

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ent…

Gre

atsa

fety

/sec

urity

…M

oder

ate

clim

ate

cond

ition

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):

Retail Trade (n=12)

66.7%

8.3%

50.0%

16.7% 8.3%

25.0%

8.3%

25.0% 33.3%

33.3%

8.3%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Relia

ble

empl

oyee

s

Easy

acc

ess t

o fin

ance

Low

cos

t of d

oing

busin

ess

Larg

e lo

cal p

rodu

ct(g

ood/

serv

ice)

mar

ket

Easy

acc

ess t

opr

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t mar

kets…

Stro

ng c

olla

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with

loca

l…St

rong

col

labo

ratio

nw

ith lo

cal…

Frie

ndly

supp

ort o

fgo

vern

men

t age

ncie

sG

reat

safe

ty/se

curit

y(lo

w c

rime

rate

) in…

Mod

erat

e cl

imat

eco

nditi

onO

ther

(ple

ase

spec

ify):


60.0%

6.7%

66.7%

20.0% 13.3% 13.3% 13.3%

40.0%

20.0% 20.0% 6.7%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Relia

ble

empl

oyee

s

Easy

acc

ess t

o fin

ance

Low

cos

t of d

oing

busin

ess

Larg

e lo

cal p

rodu

ct(g

ood/

serv

ice)

mar

ket

Easy

acc

ess t

o pr

oduc

tm

arke

ts ou

tsid

e th

e…St

rong

col

labo

ratio

nw

ith lo

cal…

Stro

ng c

olla

bora

tion

with

loca

l…Fr

iend

ly su

ppor

t of

gove

rnm

ent a

genc

ies

Gre

at sa

fety

/secu

rity

(low

crim

e ra

te) i

n…M

oder

ate

clim

ate

cond

ition

Oth

er (p

leas

esp

ecify

):


83.3%

16.7%

50.0%

0.0% 0.0%

33.3%

0.0%

16.7% 16.7%

0.0% 0.0%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Relia

ble

empl

oyee

s

Easy

acc

ess t

o fin

ance

Low

cos

t of d

oing

busin

ess

Larg

e lo

cal p

rodu

ct(g

ood/

serv

ice)

mar

ket

Easy

acc

ess t

opr

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t mar

kets…

Stro

ng c

olla

bora

tion

with

loca

l…St

rong

col

labo

ratio

nw

ith lo

cal…

Frie

ndly

supp

ort o

fgo

vern

men

t age

ncie

sG

reat

safe

ty/se

curit

y(lo

w c

rime

rate

) in…

Mod

erat

e cl

imat

eco

nditi

onO

ther

(ple

ase

spec

ify):

Health Care (n=6)


15. What are the major constraints, if any, that are currently limiting the growth of the business/company? (Please check up to 5.)

According to the survey responses, the biggest constraint limiting the growth of business in Wayne County is the availability of skilled workers. 44.6% of participants responded it as a major constraint in their business growth. Other big constraints include the customer base: growth (37.3%), price pressure from customers (34.9%), overheads and utility costs (19.3%), global/national economic condition (19.3%), taxes and government charges (18.1%), and state and local regulations (16.9%).

For manufacturing firms, price pressure from customers (42.9%) is the largest constraint to growth, followed by price pressure from suppliers (35.7%) and availability of skilled workers (35.7%). Retail trade firms also considered price pressure from customers (50.0%) as the largest growth constraint. Other major constraints include customer base: growth (41.7%), availability of skilled workers (41.7%), and global/national economic condition (33.3%). For the banking & financial service sector, availability of skilled workers (54.5%), customer base: growth (45.5%), and global/national economic condition (36.4%) are the top three growth constraints. The participants in the professional service sector highlighted three constraints: customer base: growth (53.3%), availability of skilled workers (40.0%), and price pressure from customers (33.3%). For health care firms, there are four distinct constraints on growth: customer base: growth (50.0%), availability of skilled workers (50.0%), price pressure from customers (33.3%), and global/national economic condition (33.3%).


No constraint with regard to growing the business/company 10.8% 9

Raw material costs 3.6% 3 Wages and salaries 13.3% 11 Overheads and utility costs 19.3% 16 Taxes and government charges 18.1% 15 State and local regulations 16.9% 14 Transportation costs 3.6% 3 Transportation infrastructure 0.0% 0 Broadband and information technology access 2.4% 2 Price pressure from customers 34.9% 29 Customer base: growth 37.3% 31 Customer base: diversity 13.3% 11 Customer base: retention 13.3% 11 Price pressure from suppliers 12.0% 10 Availability of skilled workers 44.6% 37 Access to employee training 4.8% 4 Difficulties in obtaining financing 1.2% 1 Global/national economic condition 19.3% 16 Other (please specify): 8.4% 7



10.8%

3.6%

13.3%

19.3% 18.1%

16.9%

3.6% 0.0%

2.4%

34.9% 37.3%

13.3% 13.3%

12.0%

44.6%

4.8% 1.2%

19.3%

8.4%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

No

cons

train

t with

rega

rd to

…

Raw

mat

eria

l cos

ts

Wag

es a

nd sa

larie

s

Ove

rhea

ds a

nd u

tility

cos

ts

Taxe

s and

gov

ernm

ent c

harg

es

Stat

e an

d lo

cal r

egul

atio

ns

Tran

spor

tatio

n co

sts

Tran

spor

tatio

n in

fras

truct

ure

Bro

adba

nd a

nd in

form

atio

n…

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om c

usto

mer

s

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

gro

wth

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

div

ersi

ty

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

rete

ntio

n

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om su

pplie

rs

Ava

ilabi

lity

of sk

illed

wor

kers

Acc

ess t

o em

ploy

ee tr

aini

ng

Diff

icul

ties i

n ob

tain

ing

finan

cing

Glo

bal/n

atio

nal e

cono

mic

con

ditio

n

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

What are the major constraints, if any, that are currently limiting the growth of the business/company? (Please check up to 5.) (n=83)


What are the major constraints, if any, that are currently limiting the growth of the business/company? (Please check up to 5.)

0.0%

14.3% 14.3%

21.4% 28.6%

21.4% 14.3%

0.0% 0.0%

42.9%

7.1% 14.3%

7.1%

35.7% 35.7%

14.3% 7.1%

21.4% 14.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

No

cons

train

t with

…R

aw m

ater

ial c

osts

Wag

es a

nd sa

larie

sO

verh

eads

and

util

ity…

Taxe

s and

…St

ate

and

loca

l…Tr

ansp

orta

tion

cost

sTr

ansp

orta

tion…

Bro

adba

nd a

nd…

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

gro

wth

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

div

ersi

tyC

usto

mer

bas

e: re

tent

ion

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Ava

ilabi

lity

of sk

illed

…A

cces

s to

empl

oyee

…D

iffic

ultie

s in…

Glo

bal/n

atio

nal…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


8.3% 0.0%

8.3%

25.0% 16.7%

8.3% 0.0%

0.0%

8.3%

50.0% 41.7%

16.7% 16.7%

16.7%

41.7%

0.0% 0.0%

33.3%

0.0% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

No

cons

train

t with

…R

aw m

ater

ial c

osts

Wag

es a

nd sa

larie

sO

verh

eads

and

util

ity…

Taxe

s and

…St

ate

and

loca

l…Tr

ansp

orta

tion

cost

sTr

ansp

orta

tion…

Bro

adba

nd a

nd…

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

gro

wth

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

div

ersi

tyC

usto

mer

bas

e: re

tent

ion

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Ava

ilabi

lity

of sk

illed

…A

cces

s to

empl

oyee

…D

iffic

ultie

s in…

Glo

bal/n

atio

nal…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

Retail Trade (n=12)

18.2%

0.0% 0.0%

9.1% 9.1%

9.1%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0%

45.5%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

54.5%

9.1%

0.0%

36.4%

27.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

No

cons

train

t with

…R

aw m

ater

ial c

osts

Wag

es a

nd sa

larie

sO

verh

eads

and

util

ity…

Taxe

s and

gov

ernm

ent…

Stat

e an

d lo

cal r

egul

atio

nsTr

ansp

orta

tion

cost

sTr

ansp

orta

tion…

Bro

adba

nd a

nd…

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

gro

wth

Cus

tom

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ase:

div

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tyC

usto

mer

bas

e: re

tent

ion

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Ava

ilabi

lity

of sk

illed

…A

cces

s to

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oyee

…D

iffic

ultie

s in

obta

inin

g…G

loba

l/nat

iona

l…O

ther

(ple

ase

spec

ify):


6.7% 0.0%

13.3% 6.7%

13.3% 13.3%

0.0% 0.0% 6.7%

33.3%

53.3%

26.7% 20.0%

0.0%

40.0%

6.7% 0.0%

13.3% 6.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%N

o co

nstra

int w

ith re

gard

…R

aw m

ater

ial c

osts

Wag

es a

nd sa

larie

sO

verh

eads

and

util

ity c

osts

Taxe

s and

gov

ernm

ent…

Stat

e an

d lo

cal r

egul

atio

nsTr

ansp

orta

tion

cost

sTr

ansp

orta

tion

infr

astru

ctur

eB

road

band

and

info

rmat

ion…

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

gro

wth

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

div

ersi

tyC

usto

mer

bas

e: re

tent

ion

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om su

pplie

rsA

vaila

bilit

y of

skill

ed…

Acc

ess t

o em

ploy

ee tr

aini

ngD

iffic

ultie

s in

obta

inin

g…G

loba

l/nat

iona

l eco

nom

ic…

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


0.0% 0.0%

16.7%

0.0%

16.7%

0.0% 0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

33.3%

50.0%

16.7%

16.7%

16.7%

50.0%

0.0%

0.0%

33.3%

0.0% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

No

cons

train

t with

…R

aw m

ater

ial c

osts

Wag

es a

nd sa

larie

sO

verh

eads

and

util

ity…

Taxe

s and

…St

ate

and

loca

l…Tr

ansp

orta

tion

cost

sTr

ansp

orta

tion…

Bro

adba

nd a

nd…

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

gro

wth

Cus

tom

er b

ase:

…C

usto

mer

bas

e:…

Pric

e pr

essu

re fr

om…

Ava

ilabi

lity

of…

Acc

ess t

o em

ploy

ee…

Diff

icul

ties i

n…G

loba

l/nat

iona

l…O

ther

(ple

ase

spec

ify):

Health Care (n=6)


16. Wayne County offers a favorable environment for the growth and stability of the business/company?

More than half of the surveyed firms either strongly agreed (3.6%) or somewhat agreed (50.0%) that Wayne County offers a favorable environment for the growth and stability of business. Less than one fifth didn’t agree. More interestingly, over a quarter (27.4%) of respondents could not make a decision (neither agree nor disagree) on this question.

Among the surveyed manufacturing firms, 7.1% of respondents strongly agreed, half of them (50.0%) somewhat agreed, 14.3% somewhat disagreed, and 28.6% answered neither agree nor disagree. Nearly two thirds (66.6%) of retail firms are more satisfied with the business environment: 8.3% strongly agree and 58.3% somewhat agree. The other one third distributed between somewhat disagree (8.3%), strongly disagree (8.3%) and neither agreed nor disagreed (16.7%). Neither strongly agree nor strongly disagree opinion appeared in both banking & financial service and professional service firms. 45.5% somewhat agree, 27.3% somewhat disagree and 27.3% no opinion in banking & financial service firms, while 53.3% somewhat agree, 20.0% somewhat disagree and 26.7% no opinion in professional service sector. Responses from the health care firms are: somewhat agree (66.7%) and somewhat disagree (33.3%).


Strongly agree 3.6% 3 Somewhat agree 50.0% 42 Neither agree nor disagree 27.4% 23 Somewhat disagree 15.5% 13 Strongly disagree 3.6% 3


3.6%

50.0% 27.4%

15.5%

3.6%

Wayne County offers a favorable environment for the growth and stability of the business/company? (n=84)

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree


Wayne County offers a favorable environment for the growth and stability of the business/company?

7.1%

50.0% 28.6%

14.3%

0.0%


Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Neither agree nordisagree

Somewhatdisagree

Strongly disagree

8.3%

58.3%

16.7%

8.3% 8.3%

Retail Trade (n=12)

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree


Somewhatdisagree

Strongly disagree

0.0%

45.5%

27.3%

27.3%

0.0%


Strongly agree

Somewhat agree


Somewhatdisagree

Strongly disagree

0.0%

53.3% 26.7%

20.0%

0.0%


Strongly agree

Somewhat agree


Somewhatdisagree

Strongly disagree

0.0%

66.7%

0.0%

33.3%

0.0%

Health Care (n=6)

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree


Somewhatdisagree

Strongly disagree


17. How do you compare doing business in Wayne County with doing business elsewhere?

When asked to compare doing business in Wayne County with doing business elsewhere, 16.0% of businesses had no experience in doing business outside Wayne County. About a quarter of participants felt Wayne County is a better place to do business than elsewhere (4.9% of much more satisfied and 18.5% of somewhat more satisfied). 32.1% of them thought about the same. Finally, over a quarter of survey participants expressed dissatisfaction in doing business in Wayne County (1.2% of much more dissatisfied and 27.2% of somewhat more dissatisfied).

Opinions in selected industries are divided. 42.9% of surveyed manufacturers chose about the same, 21.4% chose somewhat more satisfied but 28.6% chose somewhat more dissatisfied. For the retail firms, more than half were either much more satisfied (18.2%) or somewhat more satisfied (36.4%). For the banking & financial services firms, a large number (36.4%) could not compare doing business between Wayne County and elsewhere. More than a quarter expressed either much more dissatisfied (9.1%) or somewhat more dissatisfied (18.2%), as about the same (27.3%). Among the professional service firms, scores on about the same and somewhat more dissatisfied were even (30.8%). Only one participant felt much more satisfied (7.7%) whereas another one felt somewhat more satisfied (7.7%). Finally, in the health care sector, half felt about the same (50.0%), but the participants who felt somewhat more dissatisfied (33.3%) were twice as many as those who felt somewhat satisfied (16.7%).


Not have experience of doing business outside Wayne County 16.0% 13

Much more satisfied 4.9% 4 Somewhat more satisfied 18.5% 15 About the same 32.1% 26 Somewhat more dissatisfied 27.2% 22 Much more dissatisfied 1.2% 1


16.0%

4.9%

18.5%

32.1%

27.2%

1.2%

How do you compare doing business in Wayne County with doing business elsewhere? (n=81)

Not have experience of doing businessoutside Wayne County

Much more satisfied

Somewhat more satisfied

About the same

Somewhat more dissatisfied

Much more dissatisfied


How do you compare doing business in Wayne County with doing business elsewhere?

7.1% 0.0%

21.4%

42.9%

28.6%

0.0%


Not have experience ofdoing business outsideWayne CountyMuch more satisfied


About the same

Somewhat moredissatisfied


18.2%

18.2%

36.4%

9.1%

18.2%

0.0%

Retail Trade (n=11)



About the same



36.4%

0.0% 9.1%

27.3%

18.2%

9.1%




About the same



23.1%

7.7%

7.7%

30.8%

30.8%

0.0%




About the same



0.0% 0.0%

16.7%

50.0%

33.3%

0.0%

Health Care (n=6)



About the same




18. Suggestions to improve the business environment in Wayne County: (Please check up to 5.)

When asked to share their suggestions on how to improve the business environment in Wayne County, more than half of respondents chose either attract more people to reside in the county (50.0%), offer incentives to young professionals to work in the county (51.2%), support continuing workforce education (51.2%), or improve quality of life (54.8%). The choices clearly reflect concerns about the county’s declining and aging population and the prevailing job skill gap. Besides these four suggestions, another important suggestion is offer tax incentives for starting and expanding business in the county (44.0%).

Support continuing workforce education (64.3%) is the most selected suggestion by the surveyed manufacturers. Retail firms thought attract more people to reside in the county and offer tax incentives for starting and expanding business in the county (both are 75.0%) are the most important ones. Banking & financial professionals mostly suggested improve quality of life (81.8%). Professional service firms suggested to offer incentives to young professionals to work in the County (66.7%). While opinions from the health care participants suggested both offer incentives to young professionals to work in the county (83.3%) and improve quality of life (83.3%) as key.


Promote the county to other parts of the state/country 33.3% 28

Attract more people to reside in the county 50.0% 42 Offer incentives to young professionals to work in the county 51.2% 43

Support continuing workforce education 51.2% 43 Increase the efficiency/effectiveness of government agencies 27.4% 23

Lower state taxes 20.2% 17 Lower local taxes 19.0% 16 Offer tax incentives for starting and expanding business in the county 44.0% 37

Enhance the existing infrastructure 39.3% 33 Improve quality of life 54.8% 46 Other (please specify): 23.8% 20



33.3%

50.0% 51.2% 51.2%

27.4% 20.2% 19.0%

44.0% 39.3%

54.8%

23.8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Prom

ote

the

coun

ty to

oth

er p

arts

of t

hest

ate/

coun

try

Attr

act m

ore

peop

le to

resi

de in

the

coun

ty

Off

er in

cent

ives

to y

oung

pro

fess

iona

ls to

wor

k in

the

coun

ty

Supp

ort c

ontin

uing

wor

kfor

ce e

duca

tion

Incr

ease

the

effic

ienc

y/ef

fect

iven

ess o

fgo

vern

men

t age

ncie

s

Low

er st

ate

taxe

s

Low

er lo

cal t

axes

Off

er ta

x in

cent

ives

for s

tarti

ng a

ndex

pand

ing

busi

ness

in th

e co

unty

Enha

nce

the

exis

ting

infr

astru

ctur

e

Impr

ove

qual

ity o

f life

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

Suggestions to improve the business environment in Wayne County: (Please check up to 5.) (n=84)


Suggestions to improve the business environment in Wayne County: (Please check up to 5.)

50.0% 50.0%

28.6%

64.3%

14.3%

35.7% 21.4%

28.6% 14.3%

42.9%

21.4%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Prom

ote

the

coun

ty to

oth

erpa

rts o

f the

stat

e/co

untry

Attr

act m

ore

peop

le to

resi

de in

the

coun

tyO

ffer

ince

ntiv

es to

you

ngpr

ofes

sion

als t

o w

ork

in…

Supp

ort c

ontin

uing

wor

kfor

ce e

duca

tion

Incr

ease

the

effic

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y/ef

fect

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ess…

Low

er st

ate

taxe

s

Low

er lo

cal t

axes

Off

er ta

x in

cent

ives

for

star

ting

and

expa

ndin

g…En

hanc

e th

e ex

istin

gin

fras

truct

ure

Impr

ove

qual

ity o

f life

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


25.0%

75.0%

50.0% 58.3%

25.0%

8.3% 16.7%

75.0%

33.3% 41.7%

8.3%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Prom

ote

the

coun

ty to

oth

erpa

rts o

f the

stat

e/co

untry

Attr

act m

ore

peop

le to

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de in

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tyO

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ince

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als t

o w

ork

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Supp

ort c

ontin

uing

wor

kfor

ce e

duca

tion

Incr

ease

the

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y/ef

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ess…

Low

er st

ate

taxe

s

Low

er lo

cal t

axes

Off

er ta

x in

cent

ives

for

star

ting

and

expa

ndin

g…En

hanc

e th

e ex

istin

gin

fras

truct

ure

Impr

ove

qual

ity o

f life

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):

Retail Trade (n=12)

18.2%

45.5% 45.5% 63.6%

72.7%

9.1% 0.0%

54.5% 54.5%

81.8%

27.3%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Prom

ote

the

coun

ty to

oth

erpa

rts o

f the

stat

e/co

untry

Attr

act m

ore

peop

le to

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dein

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coun

tyO

ffer

ince

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es to

you

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als t

o w

ork

in th

e…Su

ppor

t con

tinui

ng w

orkf

orce

educ

atio

nIn

crea

se th

eef

ficie

ncy/

effe

ctiv

enes

s of…

Low

er st

ate

taxe

s

Low

er lo

cal t

axes

Off

er ta

x in

cent

ives

for

star

ting

and

expa

ndin

g…En

hanc

e th

e ex

istin

gin

fras

truct

ure

Impr

ove

qual

ity o

f life

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


40.0%

53.3%

66.7%

40.0%

26.7% 20.0%

13.3%

33.3%

46.7% 53.3%

26.7%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Prom

ote

the

coun

ty to

oth

erpa

rts o

f the

stat

e/co

untry

Attr

act m

ore

peop

le to

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de in

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ork

in…

Supp

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uing

wor

kfor

ce e

duca

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Incr

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the

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ess…

Low

er st

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s

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axes

Off

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x in

cent

ives

for

star

ting

and

expa

ndin

g…En

hanc

e th

e ex

istin

gin

fras

truct

ure

Impr

ove

qual

ity o

f life

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

):


33.3%

50.0%

83.3%

33.3%

16.7% 16.7%

33.3% 33.3%

66.7%

83.3%

16.7%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Prom

ote

the

coun

ty to

oth

erpa

rts o

f the

stat

e/co

untry

Attr

act m

ore

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le to

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tyO

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in…

Supp

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uing

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ce e

duca

tion

Incr

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the

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ienc

y/ef

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ess o

f…

Low

er st

ate

taxe

s

Low

er lo

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axes

Off

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x in

cent

ives

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star

ting

and

expa

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hanc

e th

e ex

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gin

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ure

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ove

qual

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er (p

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ecify

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Health Care (n=6)



19. How has the business/company performed this year compared to the same period last year?

When comparing the performance of their firms this year with last year, about three-tenths of participants felt about the same (29.3%). While over half felt stronger (in particular, 7.3% indicated much stronger and 46.3% indicated somewhat stronger), many fewer participants felt weaker (2.4% indicated much weaker versus 14.6% indicated somewhat weaker).

The results from the selected industries echoed the overall perspective. About the same and somewhat stronger are the top 2 choices for most of selected industries, except the health care sector. One third of health care professionals thought this year’s business was either somewhat weaker (33.3%) than last year. In contrast, 42.9% of respondents in manufacturing felt somewhat stronger business performance, while the rest evenly split between about the same (28.6%) and somewhat weaker (28.6%). Nearly two thirds of retail firms experienced either somewhat stronger (54.5%) or much stronger (9.1%) business growth, and about a quarter (27.3%) remained about the same, but one firm (9.1%) had severe decline in its business. For the banking & financial service firms, all had no negative view to this year’s business performance, in particular, 27.3% felt about the same, 63.6% felt somewhat stronger and the rest (9.1%) felt much stronger. The opinions from the professional service firms are distributed between about the same (26.7%) and somewhat stronger (53.3%), accompanying with few negative views between somewhat weaker (13.3%) and much weaker (6.7%).


Much weaker 2.4% 2 Somewhat weaker 14.6% 12 About the same 29.3% 24 Somewhat stronger 46.3% 38 Much stronger 7.3% 6



2.4%

14.6%

29.3% 46.3%

7.3%

How has the business/company performed this year compared to the same period last year? (n=82)

Much weaker

Somewhat weaker

About the same

Somewhat stronger

Much stronger


How has the business/company performed this year compared to the same period last year?

0.0%

28.6%

28.6%

42.9%

0.0%


Much weaker

Somewhat weaker

About the same

Somewhat stronger

Much stronger

9.1% 0.0%

27.3%

54.5%

9.1%

Retail Trade (n=11)

Much weaker

Somewhat weaker

About the same

Somewhat stronger

Much stronger

0.0% 0.0%

27.3%

63.6%

9.1%


Much weaker

Somewhat weaker

About the same

Somewhat stronger

Much stronger

6.7%

13.3%

26.7% 53.3%

0.0%


Much weaker

Somewhat weaker

About the same

Somewhat stronger

Much stronger

0.0%

33.3%

33.3%

16.7%

16.7%

Health Care (n=6)

Much weaker

Somewhat weaker

About the same

Somewhat stronger

Much stronger


20. How do you anticipate the business/company’s capital investment for 2016 as compared with 2015?

After their response to the previous question, survey participants were asked to anticipate the business’s capital investment for 2016 as compared with 2015. Over half indicated they will remain about the same (53.7%). About half of participants revealed that their firms will increase capital investment significantly (11.0%) or slightly (32.9%). Only two participants responded that their firms will cut capital investment slightly (by less than 10%) whereas no participant replied that his/her firm will cut capital investment significantly (by more than 10%).

The selected industries reflected a similar trend. The majority of them will keep next year’s capital spending the same as this year and some of them will increase slightly. More specifically, half of the surveyed manufacturers will stay on par with their capital investment, while nearly the other half will expand the spending on capital slightly (28.6%) or significantly (14.3%). There is one manufacturing firm which will cut its capital spending slightly. Two thirds of retail firms will remain about the same level of capital spending next year, and the other one third will increase capital spending. Similar to the retail trade sector, banking & financial professionals thought their next year’s capital spending will remain about the same (54.5%), increase slightly (27.3%), or increase significantly (18.2%). For the surveyed professional service firms, they clearly chose between remain about the same (64.3%) and increase slightly (35.7%). Finally, two thirds (66.7%) of health care firms will remain about the same, just as the retail firms, and the other one third evenly split between increase slightly (16.7%) and decrease slightly (16.7%).


Increase significantly (more than 10%) 11.0% 9 Increase slightly (less than 10%) 32.9% 27 Remain about the same 53.7% 44 Decrease slightly (less than 10%) 2.4% 2 Decrease significantly (more than 10%) 0.0% 0



11.0%

32.9% 53.7%

2.4% 0.0%

How do you anticipate the business/company’s capital investment for 2016 as compared with 2015? (n=82)

Increase significantly (more than 10%)

Increase slightly (less than 10%)

Remain about the same

Decrease slightly (less than 10%)

Decrease significantly (more than 10%)


How do you anticipate the business/company’s capital investment for 2016 as compared with 2015?

14.3%

28.6% 50.0%

7.1% 0.0%


Increase significantly(more than 10%)

Increase slightly (lessthan 10%)


Decrease slightly (lessthan 10%)

Decrease significantly(more than 10%)

8.3%

25.0%

66.7%

0.0% 0.0%

Retail Trade (n=12)






18.2%

27.3% 54.5%

0.0% 0.0%







0.0%

35.7%

64.3%

0.0% 0.0%







0.0%

16.7%

66.7%

16.7%

0.0%

Health Care (n=6)







21. How do you project the business and economic conditions in 2016 in the Wayne County area?

Nearly half of respondents expressed a sense of optimism in the next year’s business and economic conditions-strongly optimistic (2.4%) and moderately optimistic (46.4%). About one third felt they will remain the same (32.1%). Almost one fifth of respondents forecast declining condition for next year, 17.9% moderately pessimistic versus 1.2% strong pessimistic.

The economic outlook in 2016 looks very positive in manufacturing, retail trade, banking & financial service and professional service, but not in health care. Opinions from the manufacturing, retail trade and professional service firms are uniformly distributed among moderately optimistic (manufacturing, 50.0%; retail trade, 58.3%; professional service, 46.7%), about the same (manufacturing, 35.7%; retail trade, 25.0%; professional service, 33.3%) and moderately pessimistic (manufacturing, 14.3%; retail trade, 16.7%; professional service, 20.0%). Opinions from health care firms are more divergent. Half of respondents in the health care sector felt either moderately pessimistic (33.3%) or strongly pessimistic (16.7%) whereas opinions of about the same (33.3%) and moderately optimistic (16.7%) accounted for the other half.


Strongly optimistic 2.4% 2 Moderately optimistic 46.4% 39 About the same 32.1% 27 Moderately pessimistic 17.9% 15 Strongly pessimistic 1.2% 1


2.4%

46.4%

32.1%

17.9%

1.2%

How do you project the business and economic conditions in 2016 in the Wayne County area? (n=84)

Strongly optimistic

Moderately optimistic

About the same

Moderately pessimistic

Strongly pessimistic


How do you project the business and economic conditions in 2016 in the Wayne County area?

0.0%

50.0% 35.7%

14.3%

0.0%


Strongly optimistic

Moderatelyoptimistic

About the same

Moderatelypessimistic


0.0%

58.3% 25.0%

16.7%

0.0%

Retail Trade (n=12)

Strongly optimistic


About the same



9.1%

54.5%

36.4%

0.0% 0.0%


Strongly optimistic


About the same



0.0%

46.7%

33.3%

20.0%

0.0%


Strongly optimistic


About the same



0.0%

16.7%

33.3% 33.3%

16.7%

Health Care (n=6)

Strongly optimistic


About the same




22. Comments/suggestions:

Thirteen participants left comments and suggestions related to Wayne County’s business environment, economy and community. According to their feedback, the biggest concern is the drug and crime issue in the community. Another two popularly mentioned topics are attracting young professionals living in the county and improving quality of life. In addition, some respondents also suggested thinking about new business and job growth models to seek further economic development for Wayne County. The detailed comments/suggestions are attached in Appendix B.

Answer Options Response Count

13 answered question 13

skipped question 72


Appendix A: 2015 Wayne County Business Survey

Please respond to each question based on the business you own or the company you work for. Business/Company Demography

1. Industry sector: (Please check the one that is the most representative.) ____ Agricultural ____ Manufacturing ____ Retail Trade ____ Health Care ____ Accommodation ____ Food Services ____ Banking ____ Financial Service ____ Warehousing ____ Professional Service ____ Other Services ____ Transportation ____ Information Technology ____ Wholesale Trade ____ Real Estate/Rental/Leasing ____ Other (please specify): ___________________________

2. How many establishments (such as headquarters, branches, stores etc.) does the business/company have outside of Wayne County, Indiana? ____ 0 ____ 1 ____ 2-5 ____ more than 5

***** All the following questions are limited to the establishment located in Wayne County.

3. Where does the business/company locate in Wayne County? ____ Boston ____ Cambridge City ____ Centerville ____ Dublin ____ Fountain City ____ Greens Fork ____ Hagerstown ____ Milton ____ Richmond ____ Williamsburg ____ Other (please specify): ___________________________

4. For how many years has the business/company operated in Wayne County? ____ Less than 2 years ____ 2-5 years ____ 6-10 years ____ 11-20 years ____ More than 20 years

5. Number of employees: ____ 1 ____ 2-4 ____ 5-9 ____ 10-19 ____ 20-49 ____ 50-99 ____ 100-249 ____ 250-499 ____ 500+


Employment

6. Over the past 12 months, the number of employees at the business/company: ____ Increased significantly (more than 10%) ____ Increased slightly (less than 10%) ____ Remained generally the same ____ Decreased slightly (less than 10%) ____ Decreased significantly (more than 10%)

7. How will the number of employees change in the next 12 months: ____ Will increase significantly (more than 10%) ____ Will increase slightly (less than 10%) ____ Will remain generally the same ____ Will decrease slightly (less than 10%) ____ Will decrease significantly (more than 10%)

8. What are the major difficulties, if any, does the business/company have in recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.) ____ No difficulty in recruiting new employees ____ Insufficient job candidates in the related profession ____ Inadequate labor skills ____ High cost of employee training ____ Less competitive wage rates ____ Less competitive employee benefits ____ Strong competition from other employers in the area ____ Poor transportation/access to the area ____ Inadequate access to healthcare services ____ High turnover rates ____ Significant drug issues ____ Low reliability of applicants/new employees ____ Other (please specify): ________________________________________________

9. What employee skills/abilities is the business/company looking for? (Please check up to 5.) ____ Technical (knowledge of the job field) ____ Communication: writing ____ Communication: oral/public speaking ____ Mathematics ____ Excel ____ Problem solving ____ Critical thinking ____ Ability to work on a team ____ Networking (interpersonal/social skills) ____ Leadership ____ Other (please specify): ________________________________________________


10. What steps has the business/company taken to ensure that current employees possess the needed

skills? (Please check up to 5.) ____ Recruiting outside of Wayne County ____ In-house/on-the-job training ____ Training program with local colleges/universities ____ Reimbursement of traveling expenses/lodging/registration fee for attending workshops

and/or seminars ____ Tuition subsidy on related education ____ Other (please specify): ________________________________________________


____Farm Field Worker ____ Restaurant Server

____Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Driver ____Bank Teller ____Front Line Worker ____ Customer Service Representative ____ Sales Associate/Agent ____ Maintenance Technician ____ Production Technician ____ Welder ____ Electrician ____ Nurse/Medical Practitioner ____ Doctor/Physician ____ Accountant ____ Financial Planner/Analyst ____ Computer Programmer ____ Information Technology Support ____ Supervisor ____ Office Manager ____ Maintenance Manager ____ Plant Manager ____ Human Resources Manager ____ Quality Control Manager ____ Other Manager(s) and/or other position(s) (please specify): __________________


12. What are the business/company’s preferred methods for recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.) ____ Networking/Referrals/Business Contacts ____ Private/Public Internet Job Websites ____ Company Website ____ Internship/Apprentice Programs ____ College/University Placement Offices ____ Social Networking Website (i.e. LinkedIn) ____ Recruiting Firms ____ Job Service (Manpower, etc.) ____ Newspaper Ads ____ Job Fairs ____ Other (please specify): ______________________________________________

Business Climate

13. How would you currently rate the following in Wayne County?

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

a. Workforce availability

b. Workforce quality

c. Wage rates

d. Utility rates

e. Utility reliability

f. Local government services

g. Local regulatory environment

h. Economic development effort

i. Local tax

j. State tax

k. K-12 education

l. College/Universities

m. Housing market

n. Financial services

o. Opportunity to local financing

p. Healthcare services

q. Quality of life

r. Business climate condition


14. What are the critical factors that make the business/company successful in Wayne County? (Please check up to 5.) ____ Reliable employees ____ Easy access to finance ____ Low cost of doing business ____ Large local product (good/service) market ____ Easy access to product markets outside the county ____ Strong collaboration with local colleges/universities in employee training programs ____ Strong collaboration with local colleges/universities in developing new products ____ Friendly support of government agencies ____ Great safety/security (low crime rate) in the area ____ Moderate climate condition ____ Other (please specify): ________________________________________

15. What are the major constraints, if any, that are currently limiting the growth of the business/company? (Please check up to 5.) ____ No constraint with regard to growing the business/company ____ Raw material costs ____ Wages and salaries ____ Overheads and utility costs ____ Taxes and government charges ____ State and local regulations ____ Transportation costs ____ Transportation infrastructure ____ Broadband and information technology access ____ Price pressure from customers ____ Customer base: growth ____ Customer base: diversity ____ Customer base: retention ____ Price pressure from suppliers ____ Availability of skilled workers ____ Access to employee training ____ Difficulties in obtaining financing ____ Global/national economic condition ____ Other (please specify): ___________________________________________

16. Wayne County offers a favorable environment for the growth and stability of the business/company? ___ Strongly agree ___ Somewhat agree ___ Neither agree nor disagree ___ Somewhat disagree ___ Strongly disagree


17. How do you compare doing business in Wayne County with doing business elsewhere? ____ Not have experience of doing business outside Wayne County ____ Much more satisfied ____ Somewhat more satisfied ____ About the same ____ Somewhat more dissatisfied ____ Much more dissatisfied

18. Suggestions to improve the business environment in Wayne County: (Please check up to 5.) ____ Promote the county to other parts of the state/country ____ Attract more people to reside in the county ____ Offer incentives to young professionals to work in the county ____ Support continuing workforce education ____ Increase the efficiency/effectiveness of government agencies ____ Lower state taxes ____ Lower local taxes ____ Offer tax incentives for starting and expanding business in the county ____ Enhance the existing infrastructure ____ Improve quality of life ____ Other (please specify): _________________________________________


19. How has the business/company performed this year compared to the same period last year? ____ Much weaker ____Somewhat weaker ____ About the same ____ Somewhat stronger ____ Much stronger

20. How do you anticipate the business/company’s capital investment for 2016 as compared with 2015? ____ Increase significantly (more than 10%) ____ Increase slightly (less than 10%) ____ Remain about the same ____ Decrease slightly (less than 10%) ____ Decrease significantly (more than 10%)

21. How do you project the business and economic conditions in 2016 in the Wayne County area? ___ Strongly optimistic ___ Moderately optimistic ___ About the same ___ Moderately pessimistic ___ Strongly pessimistic



________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Survey Participant

23. Contact Information (This part is entirely optional. However, you are very welcome to provide us some information about yourself.)

Your Name and Title Business/Company Name Street Address Phone Number Email Address Thank you for your participation in this survey!


Appendix B: This section shows all inputs from participants, without any editing, for the “Other” option in some questions.

1: Industry sector: (Please check the one that is the most representative.)

Other (please specify): • Utility • Construction • Automotive Repair and Tire Retailer • Customer Service • Staffing Service

3: Where does the business/company locate in Wayne County?

Other (please specify): • Richmond and Hagerstown • Cambridge City and Richmond • My home

8. What are the major difficulties, if any, does the business/company have in recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.)

Other (please specify): • Hard to find talented individuals that have ability to learn and adapt to our business • Too much government assistance...people do not have to work • married people have difficulty finding work for their spouse; unmarried people see this as

a place where it would be difficult to meet a spouse • NO LOCAL SKILL TRAINING • school/work schedules • We are a small consulting firm and the two partners do all of the delivery of service - we

have never sought more employees • Do not want to locate to this area. • Business not large enough to hire yet • We work with volunteers primarily • Balancing 2nd and 3rd jobs

9. What employee skills/abilities is the business/company looking for? (Please check up to 5.)

Other (please specify): • Attendance • Employees need to show up for work and on time • General labor • self motivated/integrity • Attitude about working. Motivation to complete task. • hard working with good time management skills • Attendance


• Sales Experience • Mechanical, Assembly, Manufacturing • attendance • Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist • physically able to perform job tasks • Life skills • Engaging customer service skills

10. What steps has the business/company taken to ensure that current employees possess the needed skills? (Please check up to 5.)

Other (please specify): • Look for young talent in unusual places, gym, church, friends - look for people skills • College is great, but not everyone is college material. We need common sense taught. • incentive plan for independent study and industry certifications • Keeping up to date through seminars, reading, conferences is the responsibility of each

partner • none • Bonus programs for safety, attendance, quality, and production • I am a single person professional, have no need of addional employees. • Spending more on recruiting mediums • Does not apply • Extensive pre-empl interviews and tours of job before hire


Other manager(s) and/or other position(s) (please specify): • machinery • Marketing manager • funeral director • N/A • Electrical Experience • Inurance underwriter or folks with an insurance license • legal secretary • LEAD TECHNICIAN • Manufacturing labor • Warehouse workers • Restaurant manager • Professional photoghic tranning • Labor /Haodcarrier • Skilled CNC Operators • cad operator • Front desk • experienced financial advisor • Marketing with a focus on content creation and why it's important


• GM for local property Housekeepers and PM laundry for hotel • dental assistant • Master's Level Therapist/LCSW • Machinist, Design Engineer, Sales Engineer(Mechanical Sales), Tool and Die Maker • Does not apply • Stocking clerks

12. What are the business/company’s preferred methods for recruiting new employees? (Please check up to 5.)

Other (please specify): • Employment signs and word of mouth • Word of mouth • ASE master certified mechanics with experience • Radio • Call in's • Media • Volunteer fairs • Our own postings and announcements

14. What are the critical factors that make the business/company successful in Wayne County? (Please check up to 5.)


• Community of related businesses in a market sector • Collaborating with other businesses • Reliable local customers through long term relationships • Per capita incomes are low, we are depopulating and there is little new business

formation • Building relationships with members of the community and support the sorrounding area. • Old manufacturing buildings available at low cost • We recruit outside of Wayne County • I can ride out longterm downturns because I'm able to control overhead. • Tourism: promotion of, awareness of the importance for a business to be successful in

Wayne County • Good leadership with the organization. Balance of profitability and commitment to the

community.

15. What are the major constraints, if any, that are currently limiting the growth of the business/company? (Please check up to 5.)



• Insane actions by Indiana politicians (e.g., RFRA) • Banking is extremely competitive in this market. Also, there continues to be minimal

economic improvement in the area. • Growing crime/heroin problem, aging population and lackluster market place due to

deteriorating economy • Irresponsible customers • We are nearing retirement and will probably just dissolve the company, the area is perfect

for us because we can travel to most of our gigs or get to the airport quickly. • Affordable Care Act limits the size of a business before it is penalized by health

insurance costs that are not competitive to large corporations. • Out grown our facilities

18. Suggestions to improve the business environment in Wayne County: (Please check up to 5.)


• Continued ongoing promotion of all EXISTING businesses...new kid on the block gets alot of attention while new until the next new kid on the block comes along but there is no on going promotion of all of the existing businesses that are here day in and day out carrying the load for years and years.

• Get Obama out of office! • increase investment in our youth by providing the best schools we can possibly afford • Drug problems in the county must be eliminated. Attendence and graduation rates must

continue to be improved in our local schools. Skilled labor must be enhanced to encourage new industries to come to Wayne County.

• Remove blight. Improve city appearance, especially main access points. • reinvest in older neighborhoods • Attract more businesses to the area • Promote business growth. offer more incentives to local businesses. • We have deep rooted problems that arent being addressed continuing a downward

trajectory • create the best enviornment for businesses to be profitable • As I look at the business climate as a volunteer on a number of projects I see the

attraction, retention, and development of appropriate, effective, trained, educated employees as key. That requires the development of a quality of life as well as paying attendtion to the human needs and development of some of our currently undertrained, underperforming citizens.

• Give advantages to small businesses. • I see the effort being made, but there needs to be a cultural change to 1) Stress the

importane of education/training; 2) Emphasize self-reliance; 3) Develop, encourage tech-oriented growth.

• Revise the regulations for the City of Richmond to attract business, not discourage it. • Stop giving free tax ride to the hospital • New Physicians that Reid does not own.... • see comments at end of survey


• Build an environment where manufacturing can be competitive in the global market. This region used to thrive until unions, taxes and wages killed them.

• Get rid of blight and DRUGS • Have to invest in empty businesses/lots and stop expanding businesses. Look at the

mall???


• I am worried about the crime and drugs in our community. We have trouble retaining talent in this area and it is due to this and quality of life. We need leadership and direction as a community.

• The area needs a lost cost way to advertise what is available here in Wayne County...perhaps billboards along interstate 70 to promote each area.

• Very concerned about heroin addiction and the effects on our community. I believe that we should stop offering tax abatements for employers and focus on improved quality of life, infrastructure, and educational opportunity.

• Place based economic needs to implemented. Refer to I.U. Public Policy Institute Thriving Cities, Thriving State.

• We are 1 of 5 counties in Indiana that is and will continue to shrink in population. 8 armed robberies in April alone, methadone clinic is expanding, new treatment center for heroin user is coming into Richmond. We have a growing population of drug affected people who are creating a brand for the community as a result of the crime.

• When people say that all we need is high paying jobs to move into the area, I worry that they are not being realistic. From our experience here and in other communities, the best job growth happens from within. But, I also wish we could provide the quality of life that would encourage the families of professors, doctors, and other professionals to actually live here instead of community in. They would add so much to the area. I also work with United Way and see what life conditions and life choices have done to a number of our citizens. There is almost a lack of hope and aspiration.

• The leadership of Wayne County needs to change. The government relies on the same local leaders and ideas that have created the current results. The government should be fairly dedicating their time and funds to improving the county in order to attract younger, entrepreneurial, and tech savvy citizens. Fiber optic internet, entertainment options, safe/healthy/green neighborhoods, and infrastructure to support businesses should be on the list of goals for every leader, government or otherwise. Also, assisting the growth of existing businesses is the first step in attracting new business. What better way to advertise the quality of Wayne County than by demonstrating the continued success of a growing business? The existing company is usually more reliable and costs the county a lot less time and money. Become a county made for entrepreneurs and the county will thrive.

• Attract more professional people and their families to work and live in the county. • Very concerned about the quality of life regarding the influx of crime and drugs. • World economics is negative for rural communities. We are losing population it seems

losing small employers that take over business and gaining lower wage national businesses that don't become part of community it seems. I have no solution.


• Biggest issue is in regards to the companies who have not changed the way they do business. The reason we don't do more business inside wayne county is because the larger companies who would be our clients "have done it the same way for 40 years and we don't need that kind of stuff around here", which they actually do. We work with companies across the US and in Europe to help them identify new ways to market their business and grow their client base. We see people locally laugh it off for that very reason stated above. We don't try and educate the local community about our services because of that. it's very difficult to get people to see that just because they've done something one way for 40 years doesn't mean it's the right way. Or, better yet, that a better way for company growth isn't available right at their fingertips. When people realize there are other ways to market their business and think outside the box to grow, the local economy will grow with it. Until then, the few companies who do $20mil and more who are making up a bulk of the tax revenue in the county will continue to control whether or not the local economy fluctuates.

• College should reach out to more business. I would love to hire students for part time front desk.

• Focus on improving our infrastructure, removing blight and get rid of the drug element in our community. You have to be relentless in pursuing this objective.


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