---

First Name

Last Name

Title

Company

Address

City

State / Province

Postal Code

Phone

Website

Email

Date of Visit

Volunteer Visitors Present

Other Key Officials Present

---

1.	What is the name of the community or township that this survey is being conducted in?

2.	Is all the information on the cover sheet complete and correct?

	Yes
	No - (if 'No', make necessary corrections)

3.	Did your business begin its operation in this community?

	Yes
	No

4.	If "Yes", then in what year did your business begin its operation in this community?

5.	If "No", then from where did your business move from? (Community, State, Year)

6.	Is your business locally owned?

	Yes
	No

7.	If "No", where is your corporate headquarters located? Please identify city, state, and country.

8.	Does your business have multiple locations?

	Yes
	No

9.	If "Yes", where are they located?

10.	Which of the following industry categories best describes your business? (choose one answer)

	Agriculture Production
	Mining
	Construction
	Manufacturing
	Transportation and Public Utilities
	Wholesale trade
	Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate
	Retail trade
	Lodging
	Tourism/recreational services (i.e. golf, boating, bicycle rental, theatre, etc.)
	Other Services
	Food & beverage
	Education
	Mail order / Internet Sales
	Government (not including education)
	Other:

---

11.	What is the name of your first major product or service?

12.	What is the name of your second major product or service?

13.	What is the name of your third major product or service?

14.	What is the name of your fourth major product or service?

15.	What percentage of your total sales comes from your first major product or service?

	1% to 24%
	25% to 49%
	50% to 74%
	75% to 100%

16.	What percentage of your total sales comes from your second major product or service?

	1% to 24%
	25% to 49%
	50% to 74%
	75% to 100%

17.	What percentage of your total sales comes from your third major product or service?

	1% to 24%
	25% to 49%
	50% to 74%
	75% to 100%

18.	What percentage of your total sales comes from your fourth major product or service?

	1% to 24%
	25% to 49%
	50% to 74%
	75% to 100%

19.	Are sales of your first major product or service increasing, stable, or decreasing?

	Increasing
	Stable
	Decreasing

20.	Are sales of your second major product or service increasing, stable, or decreasing?

	Increasing
	Stable
	Decreasing

21.	Are sales of your third major product or service increasing, stable, or decreasing?

	Increasing
	Stable
	Decreasing

22.	Are sales of your fourth major product or service increasing, stable, or decreasing?

	Increasing
	Stable
	Decreasing

23.	What is special or unique about your major products or services? (please provide a detailed answer)

24.	Who are your key competitors and where are they located? (List UP TO THREE)

25.	What are one or two reasons that customers might choose your competitors over you?

	(Provide up to three responses.)

---

26.	Currently - How many full time workers (including yourself) are employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

27.	Currently, How many part-time workers are employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

28.	Currently, How many seasonal workers are employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

29.	Currently, How many 'Temp agency employees' are employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

30.	Three Years ago, how many Full-time workers (including yourself) were employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

31.	Three Years ago, how many part-time workers were employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

32.	Three Years ago, how many seasonal workers were employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

33.	Three Years ago, how many 'temp agency employees' were employed by you at this location?

	0
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 to 20
	21 to 25
	26 to 50
	51 or more

34.	If the number of employees changed from three years ago, please identify up to 3 reasons for the employment change. (Select UP TO THREE reasons)

	(Select three.)
	Technological changes
	Changes in Management
	Growth or lack of demand
	Changes in profits
	Business did not exist 3 years ago
	Improved or decreased efficiency
	Government regulation
	Increased competition
	Renovation or expansion
	New products or services
	Entered new markets
	Change in subcontracting
	Corporate decision or policies
	Other:

35.	If you reported any employees as seasonal in the previous question, when is your busy season? (Circle UP TO TWO seasons)

	(Select two.)
	Spring
	Summer
	Fall
	Winter
	Varies
	Not Applicable

36.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Unskilled labor

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

37.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Precision production / specialty skills

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

38.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Clerical / secretarial

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

39.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Sales

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

40.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Engineers

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

41.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Professional / management

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

42.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Information technology

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

43.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Temporary / contract employees

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

44.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Youth Employees

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

45.	What do you expect to happen in the next three years to the number of employees in the following category: Other employees

	Increase Substantially
	Increase
	Stay the same
	Decrease
	Decrease Substantially
	Not Applicable

	Less than $5.00 per hour	$5.00 to $10.00 per hour	$10.01 to $15.00 per hour	$15.01 to $20.00 per hour	More than $20.01 per hour	Not Applicable
46. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Unskilled labor (ex: waiters, janitorial, hotel maids, unskilled manufacturing labor, etc)
47. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category:Precision production/specialty skills
48. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Clerical / Secretarial
49. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Sales
50. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Engineers
51. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Professional/Management
52. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Information Technology
53. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Temporary/contract employees
54. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Youth employees
55. What is the average hourly starting wage paid to employees in the following category: Other

56.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Unskilled Labor

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

57.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Precision production/specialty skills

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

58.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Clerical / Secretarial

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

59.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Sales

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

60.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Engineers

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

61.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Professional / management

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

62.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Information Technology

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

63.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Temporary/contract employees

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

64.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Youth employees

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

65.	Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following category: Other

	Yes
	No
	Unsure
	Not Applicable

66.	If you answered "yes" for any category in the previous section, identify up to 3 of the most important reasons for your recruiting problem. (Select UP TO THREE.)

	(Select three.)
	Poor work attitudes
	Inadequate labor skills
	High cost of training employees
	High wage rate for labor
	Competition for employees
	Workers will not migrate into the area
	Workers cannot pass screening (drug, criminal, etc)
	Lack of child care facilities
	Other:

67.	What resources are you currently using to locate new employees? (Select ALL that apply)

	(Select all that apply.)
	Ad in metro / state-wide papers
	Ad in local community papers
	Placement office of four-year, community and / or technical colleges
	Private search businesses
	Referrals from existing employees
	Professional associations
	Minnesota Workforce Center
	Temporary agency / staffing service business
	Hire our own apprentices
	Promote from within
	Hire people who were initially temporary employees
	Job Fair
	Internet / world wide web
	Union
	Sign in the window
	Walk-in
	Word of mouth
	Other

	Yes	No
68. Do you offer full-time employees: Health Insurance
69. Do you offer full-time employees: Life Insurance
70. Do you offer full-time employees: Disability Insurance
71. Do you offer full-time employees: Paid vacation time
72. Do you offer full-time employees: Paid holidays
73. Do you offer full-time employees: Paid sick leave
74. Do you offer full-time employees: Bonus
75. Do you offer full-time employees: Profit sharing
76. Do you offer full-time employees: Stock options of company
77. Do you offer full-time employees: Tuition reimbursement
78. Do you offer full-time employees: Non-credit training / Professional development
79. Do you offer full-time employees: Retirement / 401 K contribution
80. Do you offer full-time employees: Uniforms / uniform allowance
81. Do you offer full-time employees: Child care / dependent benefits
82. Do you offer full-time employees: Employee discounts on merchandise
83. Do you offer full-time employees: Company car
84. Do you offer full-time employees: Other?

	0% to 20%	21% to 40%	41% to 60%	61% to 80%	81% to 100%
85. Approximately what percentage of your employees live within a 15 minute drive to work - one way?
86. Approximately what percentage of your employees live within a 16 to 30 minute drive to work - one way?
87. Approximately what percentage of your employees live within a 31 to 60 minute drive to work - one way?
88. Approximately what percentage of your employees live within a 61+ minute drive to work - one way?

	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
89. Overall, how do you rate your employees with respect to their attitude toward work?
90. Overall, how do you rate your employees with respect to their productivity?

---

91.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: English as a Second Language

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

92.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Diversity training

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

93.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Customer service

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

94.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Basic accounting

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

95.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Financial management

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

96.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Record keeping

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

97.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Inventory control

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

98.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Strategic Planning

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

99.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Employee management

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

100.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Sales

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

101.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Marketing

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

102.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Selling on the internet

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

103.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Microsoft Word

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

104.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Spreadsheets

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

105.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Computer-aided design (CAD) / Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

106.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Graphic design and layout

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

107.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Database management

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

108.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Website design and maintenance

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

109.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Computer system installation and maintenance

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

110.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Computer programming

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

111.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Blueprint Reading

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

112.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Specialized Equipment (Specify)

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

113.	How many of your employees need training in the following category: Other (Specify)

	None
	1 to 5
	6 to 10
	11 to 15
	16 or more

114.	Please describe any other additional training that your employees need that was not mentioned within the topics above.

115.	How do you currently train your employees? (Select ALL that apply.)

	(Select all that apply.)
	Self-taught (manuals, videos, training materials)
	In-house training (one-on-one by supervisor or co-worker, training department classes, etc.)
	Send employees to workshops
	Contract with private vendors for on-site training
	Contract with public vendors (technical colleges, etc.) for on-site training
	On-the-job training (a government supported program)
	Apprenticeships
	Distance learning (correspondence, the Internet, TV)
	Do not provide any employee training
	Other:

---

116.	What percentage of your gross sales come from local customers (within 25 miles)?

	0% to 20%
	21% to 40%
	41% to 60%
	61% to 80%
	80% to 100%

117.	What percentage of your gross sales come from regional customers (26 to 100 miles)?

	0% to 20%
	21% to 40%
	41% to 60%
	61% to 80%
	80% to 100%

118.	What percentage of your gross sales come from customers outside the region but in the U.S.?

	0% to 20%
	21% to 40%
	41% to 60%
	61% to 80%
	80% to 100%

119.	What percentage of your gross sales come from international customers (outside the U.S.)?

	0% to 20%
	21% to 40%
	41% to 60%
	61% to 80%
	80% to 100%

120.	Is your business currently exporting internationally?

	Yes, we export directly from our business
	Yes, but we sell our product internationally through another company which exports it (ex: US parent
	No

121.	If you answered 'No' to the previous question, what prevents you from exporting your product? (Select ALL that apply.)

	(Select all that apply.)
	Business is too small
	Business designed to serve specific area
	Lack of knowledge of foreign countries/markets
	Lack of specific export knowledge
	Restrictive state and or federal regulations
	Language barrier
	Concerns about receiving payment
	Never considered it before
	Tough competition
	Costs / risks are too high
	Developing plans to start exporting
	Other:

122.	If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, Identify problems (if any) that you have exporting your product(s)?

	(Select all that apply.)
	Transportation of product
	Lack of export financing
	Restrictive state and or federal regulations
	Other:

---

123.	Are there any major technological innovations on the horizon in your industry that might affect your company?

	Yes
	No

124.	If 'Yes' what are these?

125.	Will these new technologies require retraining of your labor?

	Yes
	No

126.	Do you have any plans to modernize or expand your present building(s) or equipment?

	Yes
	No

127.	If yes, what is planned, and when will the work begin (year)?

128.	Are you currently considering downsizing?

	Yes
	No

129.	Are you currently considering selling?

	Yes
	No

130.	Are you currently considering merging with or acquiring another business?

	Yes
	No

131.	Are you currently considering moving?

	Yes
	No

132.	Are you considering closing?

	Yes
	No

133.	Are you currently considering expanding at your present location?

	Yes
	No

134.	Are you currently considering expansion at another location?

	Yes
	No

135.	Are you considering other changes to your business plan?

	Yes
	No

136.	If 'yes' to question (128.), (129.), (131.) or (132.), why are you considering downsizing, selling, moving or closing? (Select all that apply)

	(Select all that apply.)
	Changing market conditions
	Overcrowded building
	No land for expansion
	Transportation problems
	Crime/vandalism
	Low work productivity
	Environmental concerns
	Rigid code enforcement (including ordinances and building codes)
	High local taxes
	High state taxes
	Lease expiration
	Poor telecommunications
	Insufficient labor supply
	Retiring
	Another business opportunity
	Business incentives from other jurisdiction(s)
	Trying to sell business but unable to sell it
	Other:

137.	If moving (yes to question (131.)), or expanding at another location (yes to question (134.)), where are you considering?

	In same city as currently located
	Another city in this county
	Another county in the state
	Another state
	Outside of the United States
	Undecided

138.	Please specify the location(s) to which you are planning to expand or move to.

139.	Do you rent/lease or does this business own this facility?

	Rent/lease
	Own

140.	If you rent/lease, when does the current rental agreement expire?

141.	Does your company currently own or rent/lease sufficient property to allow for expansion if necessary?

	Yes
	Maybe
	No

142.	If maybe or no, what type of land, buildings, and space needs do you foresee?

143.	Are there any other changes in business plans for the next three years? (Select ALL that apply)

	(Select all that apply.)
	No Change in Operations
	Change in Mix of Goods/Services
	Add or Subtract Product Lines
	Change Production Technology
	Other:

144.	What impact will business changes planned for the next three years have on your number of employees?

	No change
	Add employees
	Reduce employees
	Reduce schedule for hourly employees

145.	If jobs will be added, about how many will be added?

146.	If jobs will be lost, about how many will be lost?

147.	If there will be a reduced schedule for hourly employees, about how many hours/week per employee?

148.	How many employees will be on a reduced schedule?

---

149.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Availability of skilled labor

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

150.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Availability of unskilled labor

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

151.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Worker stability

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

152.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Worker productivity

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

153.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Wage rates

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

154.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Employee health care costs

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

155.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Union profile

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

156.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Technical training programs

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

157.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Availability of land

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

158.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Cost of land

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

159.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Availability of buildings

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

160.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Cost of buildings

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

161.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Proximity to major markets

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

162.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Proximity to raw materials

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

163.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Proximity to service suppliers

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

164.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Highway accessibility

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

165.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Railroad service

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

166.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Accessibility to major airport

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

167.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Local airport

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

168.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Electricity cost

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

169.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Electricity reliability

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

170.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Natural gas cost

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

171.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Natural gas reliability

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

172.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Unemployment Insurance costs

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

173.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Workers Compensation rates

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

174.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Local taxes

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

175.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: State taxes

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

176.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Availability of credit

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

177.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Cost of credit

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

178.	Compared with your direct competitors from other communities, rate the following business factor in your community: Environmental regulations

	Much more favorable
	More favorable
	About the same
	Less favorable
	Much less favorable
	Not applicable/Don't know

179.	Of the business factors from the previous questions, what is the #1 Strength of your community?

	Availability of Skilled Labor
	Availability of Unskilled Labor
	Worker Stability
	Worker Productivity
	Wage Rates
	Employee Health Care Costs
	Union Profile
	Technical Training Programs
	Availability of Land
	Cost of Land
	Availability of Buildings
	Cost of Buildings
	Proximity to Major Markets
	Proximity to Raw Materials
	Proximity to Service Suppliers
	Highway Accessibility
	Railroad Service
	Accessibility to Major Airport
	Local Airport
	Electricity Cost
	Electricity Reliability
	Unemployment Insurance Costs
	Workers Compensation Rates
	Local Taxes
	State Taxes
	Availability of Credit
	Cost of Credit
	Environmental Regulations

180.	Of the business factors from the previous questions, what is the #2 Strength of your community?

	Availability of Skilled Labor
	Availability of Unskilled Labor
	Worker Stability
	Worker Productivity
	Wage Rates
	Employee health Care Costs
	Union Profile
	Technical Training Programs
	Availability of Land
	Cost of Land
	Availability of Buildings
	Cost of Buildings
	Proximity to Major Markets
	Proximity to Raw Materials
	Proximity to Service Suppliers
	Highway Accessibility
	Railroad Service
	Accessibility to Major Airport
	Loc la Airport
	Electricity Cost
	Natural Gas Cost
	Natural Gas Reliability
	Unemployment Insurance Costs
	Workers Compensation Rates
	Local Taxes
	State Taxes
	Availability of Credit
	Cost of Credit
	Environmental Regulations

181.	Of the business factors from the previous questions, what is the #3 Strength of your community?

	Availability of Skilled Labor
	Availability of Unskilled Labor
	Worker Stability
	Worker Productivity
	Wage Rates
	Employee Health Care Costs
	Union Profile
	Technical Training Programs
	Availability of Land
	Cost of Land
	Availability of Buildings
	Cost of Buildings
	Proximity to Major Markets
	Proximity to Raw Materials
	Proximity to Service Suppliers
	Highway Accessibility
	Railroad Service
	Accessibility to major Airport
	Local Airport
	Electricity Cost
	Electricity Reliability
	Natural Gas Cost
	Natural Gas Reliability
	Unemployment Insurance Costs
	Workers Compensation Rates
	Local Taxes
	State Taxes
	Availability of Credit
	Cost of Credit
	Environmental Regulations

182.	Of the business factors from the previous questions, what is the #1 Weakness of your community?

	Availability of Skilled Labor
	Availability of Unskilled Labor
	Worker Stability
	Worker Productivity
	Wage Rates
	Employee Health Care Costs
	Union Profile
	Technical Training Programs
	Availability of Land
	Cost of Land
	Availability of Buildings
	Cost of Buildings
	Proximity to Major Markets
	Proximity to Raw Materials
	Proximity to Service Suppliers
	Highway Accessibility
	Railroad Service
	Accessibility to Major Airport
	Local Airport
	Electricity Cost
	Electricity Reliability
	Natural Gas Cost
	Natural Gas Reliability
	Unemployment Insurance Costs
	Workers Compensation Rates
	Local Taxes
	State Taxes
	Availability of Credit
	Cost of Credit
	Environmental Regulations

183.	Of the business factors from the previous questions, what is the #2 Weakness of your community?

	Availability of Skilled Labor
	Availability of Unskilled Labor
	Worker Stability
	Worker Productivity
	Wage Rates
	Employee Health Care Costs
	Union Profile
	Technical Training Programs
	Availability of Land
	Cost of Land
	Availability of Buildings
	Cost of Buildings
	Proximity to Major Markets
	Proximity to Raw Materials
	Proximity to Service Suppliers
	Highway Accessibility
	Railroad Service
	Accessibility to Major Airport
	Local Airport
	Electricity Cost
	Electricity Reliability
	Natural Gas Cost
	Natural Gas Reliability
	Unemployment Insurance Costs
	Workers Compensation Rates
	Local Taxes
	State Taxes
	Availability of Credit
	Cost of Credit
	Environmental Regulations

184.	Of the business factors from the previous questions, what is the #3 Weakness of your community?

	Availability of Skilled Labor
	Availability of Unskilled Labor
	Worker Stability
	Worker Productivity
	Wage Rates
	Employee Health Care Costs
	Union Profile
	Technical Training Programs
	Availability of Land
	Cost of Land
	Availability of Buildings
	Cost of Buildings
	Proximity to Major Markets
	Proximity to Raw Materials
	Proximity to Service Suppliers
	Highway Accessibility
	Railroad Service
	Accessibility to Major Airport
	Local Airport
	Electricity Cost
	Electricity Reliability
	Natural Gas Cost
	Natural Gas Reliability
	Unemployment Insurance Costs
	Workers Compensation Rates
	Local Taxes
	State Taxes
	Availability of Credit
	Cost of Credit
	Environmental Regulations

	Excellent	Above average	Average	Below average	Poor	Don't know
185. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Street maintenance
186. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Snow removal
187. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Drainage
188. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Water
189. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Sewer
190. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Solid waste disposal
191. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Law enforcement
192. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Fire protection
193. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Emergency medical services
194. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Health care facilities
195. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Zoning and permitting
196. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Code enforcement
197. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Financial institutions
198. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Chamber of Commerce
199. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Economic Development Authority
200. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Public elementary and secondary schools (K-12)
201. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Community education
202. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Higher education within a reasonable drive
203. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Public library
204. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Child care
205. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Religious choices
206. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Cultural opportunities
207. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Recreational opportunities
208. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Housing costs
209. Rate the desirability of this location as a place for your company to do business in regards to the following community service: Housing availability

210.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Natural environment

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

211.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Historic building (barns, downtowns, etc.)

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

212.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Farm landscapes

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

213.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Distance from large metro areas

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

214.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Small town atmosphere

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

215.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Community diversity

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

216.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Freeway access

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

217.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Fishing

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

218.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Hunting

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

219.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Seasonal tourism

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

220.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Museums/historic sites

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

221.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Activities for children and teens

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

222.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Festivals or events

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

223.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Arts and cultural events

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

224.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Lodging facilities

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

225.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Manufacturing/Industry

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

226.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Meeting facilities

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

227.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Eating establishments

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

228.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Shopping

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

229.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Agriculture

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

230.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Renewable Energy

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

231.	Rate the following community feature in regards to impact on your business: Other

	Very positive impact
	Positive impact
	No impact
	Negative impact
	Very negative impact

232.	Which of the features listed in the previous questions do you feel should be the focus of a marketing image for this community? First Choice:

	Natural Environment
	Historical Buildings
	Farm Landscapes
	Distance from large Metro Areas
	Small Town Atmosphere
	Community Diversity
	Freeway Access
	Fishing
	Hunting
	Seasonal Tourism
	Museums/Historical Sites
	Activities for Children and Teens
	Festivals or Events
	Arts or Cultural Events
	Lodging Facilities
	Meeting Facilities
	Eating Establishments

233.	Which of the features listed in the previous questions do you feel should be the focus of a marketing image for this community? Second Choice:

	Natural Environment
	Historic Buildings
	Farm Landscapes
	Distance from Large Metro Areas
	Small Town Atmosphere
	Community Diversity
	Freeway Access
	Fishing Hunting
	Seasonal Tourism
	Museums/Historical Sites
	Activities for Children and Teens
	Festivals or Events
	Arts or Cultural Events
	Lodging facilities
	Meeting Facilities
	Eating Establishments

234.	Which of the features listed in the previous questions do you feel should be the focus of a marketing image for this community? Third Choice:

	Natural Environment
	Historic Buildings
	Farm Landscapes
	Distance from Large Metro Areas
	Small Town Atmosphere
	Community Diversity
	Freeway Access
	Fishing
	Hunting
	Seasonal Tourism
	Museums/Historical Sites
	Activities for Children and Teens
	Festivals or Events
	Arts or Cultural Events
	Lodging Facilities
	Meeting Facilities
	Eating Establishments

235.	Do you think promoting the area to visitors is in the best interests of your business?

	Yes
	No

236.	Do you believe renewable energy initiatives can provide significant potential for improving the economic climate for Swift County? Please describe whether it will have a positive or negative impact.

237.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Exterior atmosphere of the area (e.g. front entrances, rear entrances, landscaping, street trees, store fronts, sidewalks, cleanliness, signage)

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

238.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Parking situation (e.g. number of spaces, location)

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

239.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Feeling of safety (e.g. lighting, security)

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

240.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Variety of businesses

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

241.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Special events or promotions in the shopping area

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

242.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Merchandising by retailers

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

243.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Prices

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

244.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Advertising

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

245.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Group advertising

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

246.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Evening hours

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

247.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Weekend hours

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

248.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Coordinated store hours

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

249.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Quality of merchandise handled by merchants

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

250.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Customer service

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

251.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Variety of places to eat

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

252.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Knowledge and friendliness of local personnel

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

253.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Technology infrastructure

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

254.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Public restrooms

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

255.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Traffic flow / signage

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

256.	Please rate the following retail factor in this community: Other (Specify)

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below Average
	Poor

257.	Which retail factors from the previous questions are the most important to be improved? First Choice:

	Exterior Atmosphere of the Area
	Parking Situation
	Feeling of Safety
	Variety of Businesses
	Special Events or Promotions in the Shopping Area
	Merchandising by Retailers
	Prices
	Advertising
	Group Advertising
	Evening Hours
	Weekend Hours
	Coordinated Store Hours
	Quality of Merchandise Handled by Merchants
	Customer Service
	Variety of Places to Eat
	Knowledge and Friendliness of Local Personnel
	Technology Infrastructure
	Public Restrooms
	Traffic Flow/Signage

258.	Which retail factors from the previous questions are the most important to be improved? Second Choice:

	Exterior Atmosphere of the Area
	Parking Situation
	Feeling of Safety
	Variety of Businesses
	Special Events or Promotions in the Shopping Area
	Merchandising by Retailers
	Prices
	Advertising
	Group Advertising
	Evening hours
	Weekend Hours
	Coordinated Store Hours
	Quality of Merchandise Handled by Merchants
	Customer Service
	Variety of Places to Eat
	Knowledge and Friendliness of Local Personnel
	Technology Infrastructure
	Public Restrooms
	Traffic Flow/Signage

259.	Which retail factors from the previous questions are the most important to be improved? Third Choice:

	Exterior Atmosphere
	Parking Situation
	Feeling of Safety
	Variety of Businesses
	Special Events or Promotions in the Shopping Area
	Merchandising by Retailers
	Prices
	Advertising
	Group Advertising
	Evening Hours
	Weekend hours
	Coordinated Store Hours
	Quality of Merchandise Handled by Merchants
	Customer Service
	Variety of Places to Eat
	Knowledge and Friendliness of Local Personnel
	Technology Infrastructure
	Public Restrooms
	Traffic Flow/Signage

260.	Considering all the factors above, how would you rate the overall atmosphere in your local shopping area?

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

---

261.	Which type of Internet service does your business use?

	(Select all that apply.)
	None
	Dial-up
	Cable
	DSL telephone
	T-1 lines
	Fiber
	Powerline
	WiMAX
	WiFi
	Satellite
	Don't know

262.	Are you satisfied with your current Internet service?

	Yes
	No

263.	If no, which type of Internet service would be your first choice?

	(Select all that apply.)
	Cable
	DSL telephone
	T-1 lines
	Fiber
	Powerline
	WiMAX
	WiFi
	Satellite
	Don't know

264.	Are you currently using the internet for any of the following business activities/promotions? (Choose all that apply)

	(Select all that apply.)
	Employee Training
	Financial Management (Online Banking)
	Communication (Webinars, Skype, Email Marketing)
	Company Website (Your Own Domain, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter)
	E-commerce (Selling to Customers/Buying from Vendors, Ebay, Craigslist)
	Digital Directory (Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, GPS)
	Advertising (Pay Per Click, Banner Ads)
	Marketing & Communications (Email Marketing, Customer Surveys)
	Remote Access to Business
	Don't know

265.	Are you interested in learning about using the internet for business activities/promotions? (Choose all that apply)

	(Select all that apply.)
	Employee Training
	Financial Management (Online Banking)
	Communication (Webinars, Skype, Email Marketing)
	Company Website (Your Own Domain, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter)
	E-commerce (Selling to Customers/Buying from Vendors, Ebay, Craigslist)
	Digital Directory (Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, GPS)
	Advertising (Pay Per Click, Banner Ads)
	Marketing & Communications (Email Marketing, Customer Surveys)
	Remote Access to Business

266.	Is cell phone reception or "dead" areas an issue for you?

	Yes
	No

---

267.	Is the building you operate in older than 15 years and without energy upgrades?

	Yes
	No

268.	Have you conducted a formal analysis of energy use at your building?

	Yes
	No

269.	Are you concerned about your energy bills?

	Yes
	No

270.	What is your biggest concern as it relates to energy costs at your business?

271.	Are you interested in hearing about funding for energy efficiency upgrades?

	Yes
	No

---

272.

During the past three years, have you used any local, regional, state or federal programs to help your business? For example, Chamber of Commerce, local Economic Development Authority (EDA), Small Business Administration (SBA), USDA Rural Development, Workforce Center, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), local Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), initiative foundation, etc.)

	Yes
	No

273.	If yes, which ones did you use?

274.	Would you recommend these programs to other businesses? (Please identify program and explain why.)

275.	While our local Business Retention and Expansion Task Force cannot promise to solve problems you have with local, regional, state or federal programs, we are willing to look into them. Would you like our Task Force or a local economic developer to assist you in any way with these programs?

	Yes
	No

276.	If yes, what do you suggest?

277.	Would you like information concerning any of the following subjects?

(Hold down the CTRL key and select all that apply.)

Business plan development Passing business on to heirs / succession planning Continuous improvement State or federal financing programs Job Opportunity Zones (JobZ) Tax increment financing (TIF)/Tax Abatement Employee recruitment & hiring Labor/management relations Employee benefits School-to-work / school-business partnerships Selling to government International trade Internet options Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Authority Regional Development Commission Rural Development Authority Tourism development Recycling business wastes / EPA regulations OSHA and other safety regulations Total quality management Searching for Grants Local and Regional Financing Programs Energy Efficiency/Conservation Improvement Program (CIP)

278.	If you are a manufacturer, would you like information concerning any of the following subjects?

	(Hold down the CTRL key and select all that apply.)
	Adopting new manufacturing technology Just-in-time inventory Upgrading manufacturing systems Statistical process control Computer-aided manufacturing Six sigma Root cause analysis ISO and/or quality standards Automation and robotics Documentation Cell manufacturing Lean manufacturing World class manufacturing Reconfigure business processes

279.	Do you have any specific questions or special needs on any of the topics listed above, or about any other technical assistance topics not listed above? (Describe program and needs.)

280.	What is your overall opinion of your community as a place to conduct business?

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

281.	What is your overall opinion of your community (i.e. where your business is located) as a place to live?

	Excellent
	Above average
	Average
	Below average
	Poor

282.	We have covered many issues. Please help us set some priorities on how we can help your business or what we should work on to help all of our existing businesses grow and expand. Please give your additional comments.

283.	If we find an issue in your survey response in which a certain individual or individuals may be able to respond to your concern in a beneficial way, do you authorize us to release your survey information to them?

	Yes (your contact information will be shared with the resource person to aid them in understanding your company and the concern.)
	No (We will provide you information about the resources available to assist you, and you will make the first contact with the resource. The resource will not have access to your survey.)

284.	Please sign here to authorize release of your survey information to the appropriate, selected resources:

---

Created with SurveyGold survey software - www.surveygold.com