Our question bank can help you customize your existing survey instrument or create a new one. Select questions from the categories of sample questions listed below.
Most of the questions came from the Ohio State business retention and expansion program. We reviewed those questions in 2007 and deemed them good for business retention and expansion surveys.
Survey categories
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, select the answer most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Business Structure
- Is this a minority-owned business?
Yes
No
Don't Know
- Is this a woman-owned business?
Yes
No
- Which of the following best describes your business?
(Select all that apply.)
Locally owned and operated
Regional chain
National chain
Franchise
- If the business is locally owned and operated.
(Select all that apply.)
Cooperative
Family business
Sole proprietorship
Partnership
For-profit corporation
Non-profit corporation
- How is your firm structured?
Corporation (public)
Corporation (closely held)
Partnership
Sole proprietorship
Other (specify)_____________
- How is this business structured?
Single unit business
Headquarters of multi-unit firm
Branch plant of multi-unit firm
- If this is a branch plant, where is the main office of your company?
Elsewhere in this county
In another county in Minnesota
Outside Minnesota, in the U.S.
Outside the U.S.
- How is this business structured?
Single unit business
Headquarters of multi-unit firm
Branch store, franchise or office of the multi-unit firm
- If this is a branch store, franchise, or office of a multi-unit firm, where is the main office of your company?
Elsewhere in this county
In another county in Minnesota
Outside Minnesota, in the U.S.
Outside the U.S.
- Do you own or lease this location?
Own
Lease
- If you currently lease, when does the lease expire?
- In which of the following areas is this business located?
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
Area 5
- In which city or town is your business located? If your business is not located with a city or town's limits, which city or town is it near? (Provide up to three responses.)
- What year was this business established at this location?
- In the past five years, did this business change locations?
Yes
No
Don't know
- In the past five years, did this business change ownership?
Yes
No
Don't know
- What is your position with this business?
(Select all that apply.)
Owner
Chief Executive Officer or President
Manager
Personnel Officer
Other:
- If the respondent is not the owner, does the owner of this business live in COMMUNITY?
Yes
No
- Please indicate your place of residence.
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
Area 5
Products/Services
- Do you believe your products/services have unique qualities that give your business a competitive advantage?
Yes
No
Don't Know
- If yes, please describe these unique qualities.
- Which of the following industries describe your business?
(Select all that apply.)
Agriculture
Mining
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and public utilities
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Finance, insurance, real estate
Services
Education
Other:
- If you know your North American Industry Classification System (NAIC S) Code, please provide it.
What are the major products or services offered by this establishment?
- First major product or service
- Second major product or service
- Third major product or service
- Fourth major product or service
What percentage of your sales comes from each of the major products or services identified above?
- Percent of sales: first major product or service
1% to 24%
25% to 49%
50% to 74%
75% to 100%
- Percent of sales: second major product or service
1% to 24%
25% to 49%
50% to 74%
75% to 100%
- Percent of sales: third major product or service
1% to 24%
25% to 49%
50% to 74%
75% to 100%
- Percent of sales: fourth major product or service
1% to 24%
25% to 49%
50% to 74%
75% to 100%
Major products or services — closed ended
- What are the major products or services provided at this establishment?
Accounting
Antiques
Appliances
Auto sales/services
Bakery
Bait & tackle shop
Bar/lounge
Bed & breakfast
Bookstore
Bowling alley
Campground
Charter fishing
Children's apparel
Convenience store
Craft shop
Deli/Snack shop
Department store
Distributorship
Drugstore/Pharmacy
Dry cleaners
Electronic/Computer store
Farm equipment/supplies
Ferry excursion services
Financial (banks, S&L)
Fish processing/cleaning
Floor/Wallcoverings
Florist
Furniture
Galleries
General merchandise
General clothing
Gift shop
Golf course or shop
Grocery
Hairstylist
Hardware/Lumber
Health food
Historical attractions
Hotel/motel
Insurance
Jewelry
Lawn & Garden
Legal services
Marina
Medical and dental services
Men's apparel
Music (CDs, tapes, etc.) store
Photography
Real estate
Religious
Rental housing
Resort
Restaurant
Service station
Shoe repair
Souvenir shop
Sporting goods
Spa/fitness club
Specialty shops
Variety store
Video rental
Women's apparel
Other, specify:
- What are the major products or services produced at this establishment?
Agricultural services
Apparel & other textile products
Business services
Chemicals & allied products
Coal, oil, gas
Communications services
Construction
Educational services
Electric & electronic equipment
Electric, gas & sanitary services
Fabricated metal products
Financial/real estate
Food services
Furniture & fixtures
Health services
Instruments & related products
Iron, bauxite, ores, etc.
Leather products
Legal services
Lodging services
Lumber & wood
Machinery, except electric
Motor vehicles & equipment
Other manufacturing products
Other transportation equipment
Paper & allied products
Petroleum & coal products
Primary metals
Printing & publishing
Processed dairy products
Processed fats/oils
Processed grains, fruits, etc.
Processed meat products
Recreation & amusement
Retail trade
Rubber & misc. plastics
Soft drinks/liquor
Stone, clay & class products
Textile mill products
Tobacco manufactures
Transportation services
Warehousing/Storage
Wholesale trade
Other, specify:
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Employee structure
- What percentage of your labor force is unionized?
None
25% to 49%
50% to 74%
75% to 100%
How many employees currently work at this establishment?
- Full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Temporary
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
How many employees worked at this establishment three years ago?
- Full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Temporary
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
How many employees (estimated) will work at this establishment three years from now?
- Full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Temporary
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
If you reported any part-time employees, how many are:
- Seasonal
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 or more
- Year round
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 or more
- If seasonal, when are your busy seasons?
(Select all that apply.)
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
- did your firm's employment change over the past five years?
Yes
No
- If yes, please check the three (3) main reasons for the employment change over the past five years.
(Select all that apply.)
Technological changes
Change in management
Growth in demand, or lack of demand
Number of contracts
Business did not exist five years ago
Improved or decreased efficiency
Government regulation
Increased competition
Renovation/expansion
New products/services
Entered new markets
Change in subcontracting
Corporate decisions/policies
Other:
- What is your current employment hiring state?
Increasing workforce
Downsizing
Stable
How many unpaid family members work at this establishment?
- Currently
1
2
3
4
5 or more
- Three years ago
1
2
3
4
5 or more
- Three years from now (estimate)
1
2
3
4
5 or more
Management
- What is your highest grade of year of school you have completed?
Less than High School Diploma or GED
High School Diploma or GED
Associates or other 2 year college degree
Bachelors degree
Master’s degree or beyond
- Prior to opening (joining) this business, had you owned or operated another business?
Yes
No
Recruiting
- What resources are you currently using to locate new employees?
(Select all that apply.)
Ad in metro-wide papers
Ad in local community papers
Placement office of four-year or two-year colleges
Private search firms
Referrals from existing employees
Job service
Temporary agency
Hire our own apprentices
Promote from within
Local job fair
Internet/World Wide Web
List other:
Wages and benefits
- Does your company provide benefits to its employees?
Yes (please answer questions about benefits)
No (you may skip the rest of benefit questions)
- If yes, what percentage of health care premiums do you pay?
Less than 20%
Between 20 and 40%
Between 41 and 60%
Between 61 and 80%
Greater than 80%
- Would you be willing to participate in a collective health care plan sponsored by a local organization, such as a Chamber of Commerce?
Yes
No
- Please share the reasons for interest or non-interest in a collective health plan.(Provide up to three responses.)
Training
- What types of General Skills training do your current employees need?
(Select all that apply.)
Basic math
Reading and writing
Interpersonal communications
Basic accounting
English as a second language
Specialized equipment operations
Other :
- What types of Managerial Skills training do your current employees need?
(Select all that apply.)
Financial Management
Record keeping
Inventory control
Business planning
Employee management
Other:
- What types of Professional Skills training do your current employees need?
(Select all that apply.)
Sales
Marketing
Customer service
Other:
- What types of Computer Skills training do your current employees need?
(Select all that apply.)
Word-processing
Spreadsheets
Computer-aided design
Graphic design and layout
Database management
Computer system installation and maintenance
Computer programming
Other:
- What specialized Medical Skills do your employees need, if any?(Provide up to three responses.)
- What other Specialized Skills or Specialized Equipment Skills training do your current employees need?(Provide up to three responses.)
- Do your employees require training in any of the following areas?
(Select all that apply.)
Basic workforce skills (e.g., writing, communication skills, team playing, diversity)
English as a second language
Office machine use (e.g., typewriter, calculator, copy machine, Dictaphone)
Computer use (e.g., keyboarding, software)
Computer programming
Management skills
Customer service
Sales
Using new machinery or technology
Other:
- How do you currently train your employees?
(Select all that apply.)
Do not provide any employee training
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
Contract with public vendors (technical colleges, etc.)
On-the-job training (a government supported program)
Apprenticeships
Distance learning (correspondence, the Internet, TV)
Other:
- Please indicate which local schools or training organizations your company uses for employee training.
(Select all that apply.)
No outside school or organization is used
School A
School B
School C
Organization A
Organization B
Other:
- What types of training programs have been outsourced to a school or training organization?
(Select all that apply.)
None. All training is internally provided.
General skills
Managerial skills
Professional skills
Computer skills
Specialized skills
Other:
- In which of the following outreach programs would your firm be interested?
(Select all that apply.)
Participating in career exploration or shadowing programs for area high school students
Participating in mentoring programs for area high school students
Participating in mentoring programs for tech college or university students
Serving as an apprenticeship site
Providing summer employment for students and/or teachers
Collaborating with other businesses in training students and/or employees (providing space, equipment, or resource people)
Offering training to members of other organizations, such as schools and companies
Serving on a school advisory committee
- Please check which of the following best describes your company's budget, in respect to employee training.
We do not budget for individual employee training
$1 – $49 per year/per employee
$50 – $199 per year/per employee
$200 – $999 per year/per employee
$1,000 – $1999 per year/per employee
$2,000+ per year/per employee
- Check each area where your company might use an external training service
(Select all that apply.)
Product development processes
Lean manufacturing practices
Workplace skills (comm.., teamwork, decision making, etc.)
Manufacturing techniques
Plant floor management processes
Inventory management practices
Quality programs
Management training
Environmental compliance
IT/e-business fundamentals
Business planning
Other:
- Check your three most preferred formats for staff training from outside providers
(Select three.)
Customized off-site training
Customized on-site training
Multi-day conference
Partial-day workshop
One-day seminar
Web-based training
Series of daily classes
Series of weekly classes
Self-study printed material
Other:
- Please list three training seminars that would benefit your current employees.(Provide up to three responses.)
Location and Housing
- If more than 50% of your employees live outside the COMMUNITY, please indicate why you think this is the case.
- If your workforce expanded by 10%, would there be affordable housing for these workers within 30 minutes of your place of business?
Yes
No
Uncertain
From your perspective as a businessperson, please rate housing opportunities in this community for OWNED homes.
- Quality
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
- Availability
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
- Affordability
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
- Location
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
From your perspective as a businessperson, please rate housing opportunities in this community for RENTAL housing.
- Quality
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
- Availability
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
- Affordability
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
- Location
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Very poor
How many paid employees currently work at this establishment?
- Year-round full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Year-round part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Summer seasonal full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Summer seasonal part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Winter seasonal full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Winter seasonal part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
How many paid employees worked at this establishment three years ago?
- Year-round full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Year-round part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Summer seasonal full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Summer seasonal part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Winter seasonal full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Winter seasonal part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
How many paid employees (estimated) will work at this establishment three years from now?
- Year-round full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Year-round part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Summer seasonal full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Summer seasonal part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Winter seasonal full-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Winter seasonal part-time
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
How many of your current jobs are held by students?
Specify the number of high school and/or college students.
- High school
1
2
3
4
5 or more
- College
1
2
3
4
5 or more
How many of your jobs three years ago were held by students?
Specify the number of high school and/or college
- High school
1
2
3
4
5 or more
- College
1
2
3
4
5 or more
How many of your jobs in three years (estimated) will be held by students?
Specify the number of high school and/or college students.
- High school
1
2
3
4
5 or more
- College
1
2
3
4
5 or more
Do you expect the number of employees you have in each of the following categories to increase, stay the same, or decrease over the next three years?
- General labor
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
- General production labor
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
- Precision production/specialty skills
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
- Clerical
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
- Sales
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
- Professional/management
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
- Temporary/contract employees
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
- Youth employees
Increase
Stay the Same
Decrease
Please estimate the number of your full-time employees by occupation.
- Management
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Professional or technical
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Marketing or sales
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Administrative support
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Agriculture, forestry or fishing
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Service occupations
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Precision production
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Operator or laborer
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
Please estimate the average hourly wage of your full-time employees by occupation.
- Management
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Professional or technical
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Marketing or sales
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Administrative support
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Agriculture, forestry or fishing
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Service occupations
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Precision production
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Operator or laborer
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
Please estimate the number of your part-time employees by occupation.
- Management
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Professional or technical
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Marketing or sales
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Administrative support
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Agriculture, forestry or fishing
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Service occupations
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Precision production
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
- Operator or laborer
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
21 to 25
26 to 50
51 or more
Overall, how do you rate your employees with respect to their work attitude and quality?
- Attitude toward work
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
- Quality or work
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
How would you rate the local labor force?
- Quality
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
- Quantity
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
- Availability
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
- Stability
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does your company have problems recruiting employees in the following categories?
- Sales
Yes
No
Unsure
- Clerical
Yes
No
Unsure
- Maintenance
Yes
No
Unsure
- Janitorial
Yes
No
Unsure
- Technician
Yes
No
Unsure
- Management
Yes
No
Unsure
- Professional
Yes
No
Unsure
Recruiting (1)
- List any other types of employees (not listed above) that your company has difficulty recruiting.
- If you answered "yes" above, check the items below that best describe the nature of your recruiting problem.
(Select all that apply.)
Poor work attitudes
Inadequate labor skills
High cost of training employees
Competition for seasonal or part-time employees
High wage rates for labor
Workers will not migrate into the area
Other:
Benefits
- Which of the following benefits are available to your full-time employees?
Health insurance
Paid vacation time
Paid sick leave
Profit sharing
Retirement/401K contribution
Uniforms/uniform allowance
Child care/dependent benefits
Other:
- Which of the following benefits are available to your part-time employees?
Health insurance
Paid vacation time
Paid sick leave
Profit sharing
Retirement/401K contribution
Uniforms/uniform allowance
Child care/dependent benefits
Other:
What is the average starting hourly wage paid to full-time employees in each category?
- General labor
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- General production
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Precision production/specialty skilled
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Clerical
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Sales
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Professional/management
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
What is the average wage for workers with at least 3-years experience in each category?
- General labor
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- General production
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Precision production/specialty skilled
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Clerical
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Sales
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Professional/management
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
What is the average wage for each of the following types of workers?
- Full-time year-round
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Part-time year-round
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Full-time seasonal
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
- Part-time seasonal
Less than $8.00 per hour
$8.00 to $9.99 per hour
$10.00 to 14.99 per hour
$15.00 to $19.99 per hour
$20.00 to $24.99 per hour
$25.00 to $29.99 per hour
$30.00 or more per hour
Benefits by type of employee
- Which of the following benefits do you offer to full-time year-round employees?
Health plan
Retirement
Vacation
Sick leave
- Which of the following benefits do you offer to part-time year-round employees?
Health plan
Retirement
Vacation
Sick leave
- Which of the following benefits do you offer to full-time seasonal employees?
Health plan
Retirement
Vacation
Sick leave
- Which of the following benefits do you offer to part-time seasonal employees?
Health plan
Retirement
Vacation
Sick leave
Please rate the usefulness of the training programs your company has used.
- Education/Training Program A
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
- Education/Training Program B
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
- Education/Training Program C
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
- Education/Training Program D
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Please indicate where most of your employees live.
- Within 5 miles of your business location
- Within 5 to 20 miles of your business location
- More than 20 miles from your business location
Please estimate the percentage of your employees that live in the following areas.
- Area A
- Area B
- Area C
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Sales
- Please select the category that best describes your company's gross sales in YEAR.
Under $25,000
$25,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $199,999
$200,000 to $499,999
$500,000 to $999,999
$1 million to $2.49 million
$2.5 million to $4.9 million
$5 million to $9.9 million
$10 million to $19.9 million
$20 million to $49.9 million
$50 million to $99.9 million
$100 million or more
- Which of the following strategies do you currently use to increase your sales during less busy days and hours?
(Select all that apply.)
Nothing
Advertise
Offer product promotions
Extend days and/or hours of operation
Change product/service offerings and/or mix
Other:
Customers
- Please describe the customers that provide most of your revenue (gender, age, income, occupation).(Provide up to three responses.)
- Why do your customers choose you over your competition?(Provide up to three responses.)
- Does your business sell more than 25% of its products directly to distributors or final users outside the United States?
Yes
No
- In which countries or regions of the world do you sell products?
(Select all that apply.)
Canada
Mexico
Central America, (not including Mexico)
South America
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Russia
Africa
China
Japan
Asia, other than China or Japan
Australia
Other:
- Do you provide financing for your customers’ purchases?
Yes
No
- Which of the following do you use to finance the customer credit?
(Select all that apply.)
Revolving loan from a commercial bank (Acceptance Credit from a commercial bank)
Revolving loan from your supplier (Acceptance Credit from the supplier/wholesaler)
Your business carries the credit
Other:
Competition
- Who are your key competitors?(Provide up to three responses.)
- What are one or two reasons that customers might choose your competitors over you?(Provide up to three responses.)
Marketing
- Does your company have a website?
Yes
No
- If no, what is your main reason for not marketing over the Internet?
(Select all that apply.)
No Internet access
Slow Internet connection
No IT Support
Cost
Time commitment
Need more information
Other:
- If yes, what is your website address?
- What are the three (3) types of advertising you use the most?
(Select three.)
Yellow pages
Daily newspaper
Weekly newspaper
Weekly shopper paper
Radio
TV
Billboards
Direct mail advertising
Visitor's guides
Magazines
Brochures/flyers/shopping bags
Other:
- What is the main reason for choosing the advertising methods you use?
Market research
Cost
Experience
Other:
- Do you share advertising expenses with other businesses for the promotion of your business area?
Yes
No
- If you do share advertising expenses please check all the following efforts you support.
(Select all that apply.)
Cooperative advertising
Cooperative coupons
Promotions and special events
Other:
- If you don't share advertising expenses, under what circumstances would you consider advertising with other businesses?
Business Hours
External Market Factors
- From the list below, please check the top five (5) factors likely to have a major impact on your business during the next 3 years.
(Select five.)
New products
Changing consumer tastes
Demographics
Higher consumer incomes
Defense spending
Foreign competition
Domestic competition
Raw material shortages
Energy costs
Transportation costs
Wage rates
Raw material costs
New technology making older plants obsolete
Financing availability
Taxes/government policies
Other:
- Are there any major technological innovations on the horizon in your industry that might affect your firm?
(Select all that apply.)
Computer technology
Low-cost substitutes
Quality control systems
Routinizing production processes
Robotics
Lasers
New materials (that is, alloys, etc.)
Industry-specific innovations
Other:
Other
- Please check which of the following best describes your company’s business activity.
We have too much business; capacity is strained
Business activity is just right
We have too little business; excess capacity
Wide seasonal or cyclical variations in demand
General Conditions
- Number of customers
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Sales – Total revenue
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Profits
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Full time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Part time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Year round
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Seasonal
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- If any of the business factors increased or decreased, what were the principal reasons for the changes?
- Number of customers
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Sales – Total revenue
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Profits
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Full time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Part time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Year round
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Seasonal
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- If you expect any of these business factors to increase or decrease over the next three years, what are the principal reasons for the changes?
- What new products or services do you think your customers will want from you in the next three years?
Over the last three (3) years, have the following business factors increased, stayed the same, or declined?
- Number of customers
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Sales – Total revenue
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Profits
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Full time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Part time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Year round
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Seasonal
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
Business Conditions follow-up question
- If any of the business factors increased or decreased, what were the principal reasons for the changes?
Over the next three (3) years, do you think the following factors for your business will increase, stay the same, or decrease?
- Number of customers
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Sales – Total revenue
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Profits
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Full time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Part time
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Year round
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
- Employees – Seasonal
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
Business conditions follow (future)
- If you expect any of these business factors to increase or decrease over the next three years, what are the principal reasons for the changes?
- What new products or services do you think your customers will want from you in the next three years?
Please indicate below your past and projected trends for each category
- Sales trend for the past 3 years
Dramatic decrease (25%+)
Moderate decrease (up to 25%)
No change
Moderate increase (up to 25%)
Dramatic increase (25%+)
- Projected sales for the next 3 years
Dramatic decrease (25%+)
Moderate decrease (up to 25%)
No change
Moderate increase (up to 25%)
Dramatic increase (25%+)
- Sales per employee trend for the past 3 years
Dramatic decrease (25%+)
Moderate decrease (up to 25%)
No change
Moderate increase (up to 25%)
Dramatic increase (25%+)
- Projected sales per employee for the next 3 years
Dramatic decrease (25%+)
Moderate decrease (up to 25%)
No change
Moderate increase (up to 25%)
Dramatic increase (25%+)
- General trend in total cost(s)
Dramatic decrease (25%+)
Moderate decrease (up to 25%)
No change
Moderate increase (up to 25%)
Dramatic increase (25%+)
Please indicate the level of importance of the following issues for the advancement of your company
- Product development/design (e.g. redesign of current products, evaluating new product opportunities)
Critically important
Above average importance
Average importance
Below average importance
Not at all important
- Information technology/e-business (e.g. Management Information Systems, electronic data exchange, web site development)
Critically important
Above average importance
Average importance
Below average importance
Not at all important
- Plant operations/manufacturing (e.g. inventory, automation, upgrading machinery and equipment, preventive maintenance)
Critically important
Above average importance
Average importance
Below average importance
Not at all important
- Waste management/quality (e.g. ISO 14000 certification, energy efficiency, recycling, reducing hazardous waste)
Critically important
Above average importance
Average importance
Below average importance
Not at all important
- Management systems (e.g. team building, reducing turnover, workforce development, process improvement training)
Critically important
Above average importance
Average importance
Below average importance
Not at all important
Change in sales
- Have your total sales increased, stayed the same, or decreased over the last three (3) years?
Increased
Stayed the same
Decreased
- By what percentage have your sales increased or decreased over the last three (3) years?
- Please explain your answer.
- Do you expect your total sales to increase, stay the same, or decrease over the next three (3) years?
Increased
Stay the same
Decrease
- By what percentage do you think your sales will increase or decrease over the next three (3) years?
- Please explain your answer.
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Inputs
- Your business likely buys some materials, supplies, and services from suppliers outside this area (100 mile radius). Could some of these items be produced profitably in this locality?
Yes
No
- If yes, please help us identify materials, supplies, or services that could be produced locally.(Provide up to three responses.)
- Please list the top five (5) raw materials, supplies, or service inputs that your establishment purchases from outside of the community.
- What are the three most important non-labor inputs your business purchases?(Provide up to three responses.)
- Which, if any, of the products listed above does your business currently purchase from firms located in the COMMUNITY? (Check all that apply)
(Select three.)
First primary input
Second primary input
Third primary input
Services
- In general, how do you meet or become acquainted with service providers?
(Select all that apply.)
Someone you know referred/recommended the service provider
You knew the service provider before they started working for you
Referral by a trade association or professional organization
Competitor used them
Advertising or direct mail or yellow pages
Unsolicited cold call
Article in business publication or newspaper
Service provider newsletter/web page
Other:
- Check the three most important factors in evaluating and selecting a service provider.
(Select three.)
Experience of service provider
Service provider’s knowledge of your industry
Proximity to your location
Price
Service provider’s approach or methodology
Service provider’s reputation
Recommendation from a trusted source
Personality or “likeability” of service provider
Credentials of service provider
Referrals from other clients
Other:
- Check the areas that you have used external service providers for in the past three years.
(Select all that apply.)
Business management
Design or engineering
Manufacturing operations
Quality related issues
Environmental and safety
Information technology
Organizational development
Marketing/sales
Financial/accounting
Human resource development
Other:
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Import/export business
- Is your business currently involved in international export?
Yes
No
- If no, what prevents you from exporting your product? (Check 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
Costs are too high
Never considered it before
Tough competition
Other:
- If yes, what is the nature of your involvement in international export? (Check all that apply.)
(Select all that apply.)
Direct export sales outside the U.S.
Export through foreign agents/distributors
Currently engaged in export planning
Other:
- Do you have any problem exporting your product(s)?
Yes
No
- If yes, why?
(Select all that apply.)
Transportation of product
Lack of export financing
Restrictive state and or federal regulations
Inadequate knowledge of foreign countries/markets
Other:
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Financing
- To meet a current or recent financial need, what type of capital are you considering or did you consider?
Equity capital
Debt capital
- If you plan to use debt capital, which of the following financial institutions do you plan to use or did you use?
(Select six.)
Commercial bank
Savings and loan
Federal loan program (USDA, SBA)
State Economic Development Loan (DEED, Regional Commission, or Foundation)
County revolving loan fund
Other:
- When you sought your most recent loan, what types of activities or facilities did (do) you hope to finance.
(Select all that apply.)
Purchase of land without buildings
Purchase of land with building(s)
New building construction
Building expansion
Building renovation
Operating capital
Inventory
Machinery or equipment
Other:
- Was your most recent loan application approved?
Yes
No
Approval is pending
- Which type of financial source provides most of your business credit?
Private bank
Public institution (federal, state, regional or local governmental agency or organization)
Non-profit (foundations, etc.)
Individuals
Self
Other:
- Have you ever formally negotiated a line of credit with your financial institution?
Yes
No
- What is the maximum percent of your line of credit that you have used at any given time?
- Have you had a commercial loan application declined by a financial institution in the past three years?
Yes
No
No loans applied for
- If yes, what was the primary reason your application was declined?
Please provide information on your firm’s credit experience for the past three (3) years in each of the following categories
- Short-term loans (< one year) secured
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
- Short-term loans (< one year) unsecured
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
- Long-term loans (1-5 years)
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
- Long-term loans (> 5 years)
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
- Commercial mortgage
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
- Home equity loan for business purposes
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
- Line of credit
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
- Equipment financing or lease
Able to obtain desired credit
Able to obtain some credit
Unable to obtain
Don't know
Not applicable
Have you made any of the following changes in the last 3 years?
- Changed mix of goods/services
Yes
No
- Added or subtracted product lines
Yes
No
- Entered new markets
Yes
No
- Modernized product technology
Yes
No
- Adopted labor-saving technologies
Yes
No
- Made other capital improvements
Yes
No
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
- Has your firm ever expanded operations (employment or physical space)?
Yes
No
- In what year was your most recent expansion of operations?
- In what location (city and state) was your most recent expansion of operations?
- How many new employees were added in your most recent expansion?
No employees were added
1–25
26–50
51–75
More than 75
- How much space was added in your most recent expansion?
Did not add space
Less than 10,000 square feet
10,001 – 25,000 square feet
25,001 – 50,000 square feet
50,001 – 75,000 square feet
More than 75,000 square feet
- Will you be expanding/improving your current building or equipment?
Yes (go to follow-up question)
No (go to next question)
- If yes, do you face any constraints?
(Select all that apply.)
No constraints
Need financial assistance
Need planning/design assistance
Need to acquire land
Other:
- Are you considering another (additional) branch or store?) Yes (continue with next question)
- If yes, what location are you considering?
Elsewhere in this community
Elsewhere in this county
Outside the county, but in Minnesota
Outside the state of Minnesota
Undecided
- If yes, when will you open the new branch or store?
Within 6 months
6 months to a year
1–3 years
- Are you considering moving, selling, or closing this business?
No
Considering moving
Considering selling
Considering closing
- What conditions influence your decision regarding moving, closing, or staying put?
(Select all that apply.)
Market conditions
Overcrowded building or space
Land locked or expansion limited
Transportation problems
Crime or vandalism
Low worker productivity or unavailability of workers
Environmental concerns
Building code problems
High local taxes
High state taxes
Lease expiration
- If moving, selling or closing, when?
Within 6 months
In 6 to 12 months
In 1 to 3 years
In 3 or more years
Don't know
- If moving, where will you move?
Elsewhere in this community
Elsewhere in this county
Elsewhere in Minnesota
Outside of Minnesota
Undecided
- Any other plans for business changes over the next three years? (check all that apply)
(Select all that apply.)
No change
Change in mix of good or services
Add new product or service lines
Add new technology
- Do you own or lease your business property?
Own
Lease
- Do you have enough room to expand?
Yes
No
- Does your store/storefront need updating or "cosmetic" improvement?
Yes
No
- What ideas are you considering for expanding your customer base or appeal?
- Where do you see additional expansion or growth in your business?
(Select all that apply.)
New building or addition
Additional employees
Additional equipment or new technology
New training program for employees
Additional financing
Other:
- Any obstacles to the aforementioned growth ideas?
- What, if any, conservation or "green" actions have you taken with your business in the past few years?
- What, if any, conservation or "green" environmental actions do you plan to take with your business in the next few years?
- If you face constraints on renovation or expansion, what are they?
(Select all that apply.)
Would have an inadequate financial return on investment
Inability to get a loan
Insufficient space available for expansion
Environmental or pollution control limitations
Planning and zoning restrictions
Government regulation prohibits expansion
Shortage of adequate labor
Shortage of adequate housing for labor
Other
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
- What is your preferred method of receiving new business information/ideas?
Workshops
Books
Brochures and fact sheets
Trade magazines, newsletters, or newspapers
Internet sites, blogs, and pages
Other:
- May we send you some local/state economic development materials?
Yes
No
- Have you used/attended any of the following business assistance workshops from University of Minnesota Extension?
(Select all that apply.)
Small Stores Success Strategies
Retail Trade Analysis
At Your Service
Tourism Development
Business Retention & Expansion
Access eCommerce
Public Finance Education
Trade Area Analysis
- Have you contacted the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in the past three (3) years?
Yes
No
- Which (if any) of the following business issues have you addressed with assistance from Economic Development, Extension, or other public development groups?
(Select all that apply.)
Consumer survey & market analysis
Employee training & education
Environmental regulations
Health care insurance, liability and insurance issues
Loan/financial preparation and consideration
Tax planning
Writing a business plan
Other:
- What information can we supply to you?
(Select all that apply.)
Consumer survey & market analysis
Employee service training & education
Environmental and zoning regulations
Health care insurance, liability and insurance issues
Loan/financial preparation and consideration
Tax planning
Writing a business plan
Computer-related training
Other:
List your level of satisfaction with the following programs
- Small business admin. loans
Have not used program
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
- Small business development centers
Have not used program
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
- Job services offices
Have not used program
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
- Small business management programs
Have not used program
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Satisfaction with unlisted programs
- Please list any other programs that you have not used and your satisfaction with them. (Provide up to three responses.)
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
- What overall grade would you give the community as a place to do business?
A (excellent)
B (above average)
C (average)
D (below average)
F (poor)
- In the last three (3) years, did the community's business climate get stronger, weaker, or stay the same?
Got stronger
Got weaker
Stayed the same
- How did the business climate get stronger or weaker?
(Provide up to three responses.)
- What overall grade would you give the retail shopping in the community?
A (excellent)
B (above average)
C (average)
D (below average)
F (poor)
Why this grade?:
- Is your firm having any problems with local community services?
Yes
No
- If yes, what are the problems?
(Provide up to three responses.)
- While the Business Retention and Expansion Task Force can't promise to solve this issue, we are willing to look into it. Would you like our Task Force to contact you regarding this issue?
Yes
No
- What is the most significant thing COMMUNITY (insert) could do to help improve your business activity?
(Provide up to three responses.)
- What specific concerns would you like to see addressed?
(Provide up to three responses.)
- Do you live in COMMUNITY (insert)?
Yes
No
- If yes, why?
(Provide up to three responses.)
- If no, why?
(Provide up to three responses.)
- Please rank the following economic development priorities for this community.
(Rank responses from 1 to 3.)
1
Business retention
New business attraction
Entrepreneurial development
2
Business retention
New business attraction
Entrepreneurial development
3
Business retention
New business attraction
Entrepreneurial development
Economic Development Priorities
- Please rank the following economic development priorities for this community.
(Rank responses from 1 to 3.)
1
Business retention
New business attraction
Entrepreneurial development
2
Business retention
New business attraction
Entrepreneurial development
3
Business retention
New business attraction
Entrepreneurial development
Rating the Improvement Needs in Community
- Appearance of buildings
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Appearance of business signs
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Cleanliness of sidewalks
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Cleanliness of streets
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Congested streets near your business
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Parking near your business
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Pedestrian access to your business
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Street lighting
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
- Variety of stores
Needs Significant Improvement
Needs Improvement
Does Not Need Improvement
Not Applicable
Other Improvements Needed
- Please identify other community items that need Significant Improvement.
(Provide up to three responses.)
- Please list other community items that need minor improvements.
(Provide up to three responses.)
If your firm (or one just like it) was trying to select a new location, how important would each of the following community factors be in this decision?
- Wage rates
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Transportation costs
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Energy Costs
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Telecommunication Costs
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Local Taxes
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- State Taxes
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Interest Rates
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Workers' Compensation rates
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Unemployment Insurance
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Employee Health Care Costs
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Availability of Labor
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Availability of Raw Materials
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Availability of Credit
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Proximity of four-lane highway
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Airport Facilities
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Availability of Industrial Site
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Availability of Housing
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Availability of Quality Water
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Availability of Public Transportation
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Telecommunications Quality
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
- Broadband Access
Critically Important
Above Average Importance
Average importance
Below Average Importance
Not at all Important
Other factors important in selecting a business location
- Please list any other business factors that you rate as VERY IMPORTANT to selecting a new business location that were not included in previous questions.
(Provide up to three responses.)
In the community in which your business is located, are the following business costs higher, lower, or about the same as for your competitors from other communities?
- Wage Rates
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- Transportation costs
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- Energy costs
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- Telecommunication costs
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- Local Taxes
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- State Taxes
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- Interest rates
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- workers' compensation rates
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- Unemployment insurance
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
- Employee health care costs
Much lower
Somewhat lower
About the same
Somewhat higher
Much higher
Don't know
In the community in which your business is located, are the following other business factors more favorable, less favorable, or about the same as for your competitors from other communities?
- Labor availability
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Raw material availability
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Credit availability
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Four-lane highway availability
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Airport facilities
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Industrial site availabilities
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Housing Availability
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Quality water availability
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Public transportation availability
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Telecommunication quality
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Community-wide computer network
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
- Broadband access
Much more favorable
Somewhat more favorable
About the same
Somewhat less favorable
Much less favorable
Don't know
Please indicate whether you believe the cost of doing business in your community is high, acceptable, or low.
- Building costs
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Corporate taxes
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Environmental regulations
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Health care
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Inventory taxes
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- OSHA requirements
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Payroll taxes
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Property tax
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Public utilities
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Transportation of product to market
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
- Workers compensation
High
Acceptable
Low
Does not apply
From your perspective as a businessperson, please rate the following amenities and services in COMMUNITY.
- Roads, highways, freeways
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Snow and ice removal
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Street/Sidewalk cleaning
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Street repairs
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Water supply
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Solid waste disposal
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Sewers
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Natural gas service
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Internet access
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Electrical service
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Cable television service
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Telecom infrastructure
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Public transportation
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Rail service
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Air service
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Fire protection
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Police protection
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Emergency medical services
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Hospitals
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Medical care, doctors
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Schools (K–12)
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Technical/Vocational schools
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Access to higher education
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Quality higher education
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Hotel facilities
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Conference facilities
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Recreational facilities
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Recreation services
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Housing opportunities
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Labor force quantity
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Labor force quality
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Proximity to major suppliers
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Proximity to major market
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
- Overall quality of life
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Does not apply
In the community or area in which your business is located, how would you rate the following community services?
- K–12 Schools
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Community/vocational college
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Day care
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Public restrooms
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Recreational facilities
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Ambulance service
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Healthcare/hospitals
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Fire protection
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Police protection
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Traffic flow/signage
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Road maintenance
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Zoning/land use planning
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Building code
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Chamber of Commerce
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Others? Use comments section
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
Please rate the overall quality of education in the community.
- Day care
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Grade K–12
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Tech. or vocational school
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- University or colleges
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
School District
- With which local school district are you most familiar?
School district AAA
School district BBB
School district CCC
Home school
Please rate the following characteristics for Kindergarten through 12th grade for the school system you checked in the previous question.
- Quality of instruction
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Quality of facilities
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Quality of teaching resources (computers, books)
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Quality of curriculum
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Number of curriculum choices
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Quality of sports programs
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
- Quality of music/arts program
Excellent
Above average
Average
Below average
Poor
Don't know
Important aspects of school system
- Of the characteristics listed in the previous question, which three (3) do you feel are the most important? Please rank. (1=most important)
(Rank responses from 1 to 3.)
1
Quality of instruction
Quality of facilities
Quality of teaching resources (books, computers, etc)
Quality of curriculum
Number of curriculum choices
Quality of sports programs
Quality of arts and music programs
2
Quality of instruction
Quality of facilities
Quality of teaching resources (books, computers, etc)
Quality of curriculum
Number of curriculum choices
Quality of sports programs
Quality of arts and music programs
3
Quality of instruction
Quality of facilities
Quality of teaching resources (books, computers, etc)
Quality of curriculum
Number of curriculum choices
Quality of sports programs
Quality of arts and music programs
From the following list of features, please indicate those that enhance or detract from a positive business environment in COMMUNITY.
- Safe environment
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Shopping/professional services
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Recreation/entertainment/cultural activities
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- School systems
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Library system
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Highway infrastructure
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Housing opportunities
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Local business environment
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Location
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Wage rates
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
- Cost of living
Strongly enhance
Enhance
Neither enhance or detract
Detract
Strongly detract
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
General information
- Which of the following best describes your lodging operation?
Resort
Resort with campground
Hotel/Motel/Historic Inn
Bed and Breakfast
Campground
Other (specify):
- On average, how many nights did a typical guest stay in your property? (Provide up to three responses.)
- What was the average number of guests staying in one room? (Provide up to three responses.)
- What is the total number of rooms in your lodging operation? (Provide up to three responses.)
- What is the total number of campsites, including both tents and RVs? (Provide up to three responses.)
Promotion and operating environment
- When is your business open?
(Select all that apply.)
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
- Which of the following ways do you use to track changes in your customers?
(Select all that apply.)
Direct observation
Response cards
Focus groups
Direct mail
Personal interactions/interviews
Don't track customers
Other (specify):
- Do you feel that your business could benefit by promotional packaging of your products with any of the following?
(Select all that apply.)
Local attractions
Lodging
Eating and drinking establishments
Museums and other cultural enterprises
Parks, reserves, and other nature-based entities
Don't see a link
Other:
Development of cultural and heritage products
- Would you like information on any of the following specific subjects related to cultural or heritage tourism?
(Select all that apply.)
Development
Interpretation
Trends
Business economic impact
Visitor count estimates
Other (specify):
- Do you see yourself in the business of cultural/heritage tourism today?
Yes
No
- What do you see are the business implications of catering to cultural/heritage tourism trade?
(Select all that apply.)
No business implications
Change of customers
More customers
More investment needed in my business infrastructure
Change in marketing strategies
Increase in profit
More risk
Don't know
Other
- What do you think are some of the most important heritage tourism resources in this area? (Provide up to three responses.)
Compared to 3 years ago, do you have less, the same, or more of the following types of customers?
- Senior citizens
Same
More
Less
Don't know
N/A
- Childless couples
Same
More
Less
Don't know
N/A
- Families with young children
Same
More
Less
Don't know
N/A
- Same-sex couples
Same
More
Less
Don't know
N/A
- Singles
Same
More
Less
Don't know
N/A
- People from other cultures
Same
More
Less
Don't know
N/A
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Compared to 2007, in 2008 your location's:
- Number of Orders
Up
Same
Down
- Product / Service productions level
Up
Same
Down
- Employment level
Up
Same
Down
- Investment in plant/equipment
Up
Same
Down
- Prices
Up
Same
Down
- Profits
Up
Same
Down
- Productivity
Up
Same
Down
- Exports
Up
Same
Down
Compared to 2008, during 2009 you expect your location's:
- Number of Orders
Up
Same
Down
- Product / Service productions level
Up
Same
Down
- Employment level
Up
Same
Down
- Investment in plant/equipment
Up
Same
Down
- Prices
Up
Same
Down
- Profits
Up
Same
Down
- Productivity
Up
Same
Down
- Exports
Up
Same
Down
What is your outlook on the following state economic indicators during the next year:
- Business investment
Up
Same
Down
- Employment
Up
Same
Down
- Consumer spending
Up
Same
Down
- Inflation
Up
Same
Down
- Economic growth
Up
Same
Down
- Corporate profits
Up
Same
Down
- Thinking about the next FIVE YEARS, how does your organization plan to deal with any vacancies left by employees who retire?
(Select all that apply.)
Not fill the vacancies
Not fill the vacancies, but add jobs elsewhere in the organization
Partially fill the vacancies with part-time or temporary workers
Partially fill the vacancies and add jobs elsewhere in the organization
Fill the vacancies at an equivalent or higher salary
Outsource work that is currently being done within your organization
Credit Conditions
- Has your company's access to bank credit deteriorated over the last 3 months?
Yes, a lot
Yes, some
No
N/A
- If yes, why?
(Select all that apply.)
Your firm's financial condition
Your industry's financial condition
Your bank's financial condition
Overall credit market conditions
- If yes, how has your access to credit changed?
(Select all that apply.)
Higher cost for credit
Lower credit ceilings
Elimination of previous credit
Other
- Has tighter credit negatively affected your firm's future plans for: (check for "yes")
(Select all that apply.)
Hiring
Capital expenditures
Expansion
Inventory levels
Other
- Has your firm tightened credit requirements for your customers?
(Select all that apply.)
Yes, tighter requirements
Yes, higher cost for credit
Yes, shorter repayment periods
No
N/A
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
Rate your level of success with the marketing strategies listed below:
(Circle ONE answer for each item)
- Directory listings (yellow pages, etc.)
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Daily Newspaper
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Weekly newspaper
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Weekly shopper paper
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Radio
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- TV
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Billboards and other signage
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Window displays
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Direct mail advertising
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Web page
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Email / internet marketing
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Visitors guide
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Magazines
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Brochures / flyers
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Referral program
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Frequent buyer / shopper program
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Giveaways
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Donations / sponsorships
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Word of mouth
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
- Other ________________________
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
NA
Market Research
- Which of the following market research methods do you use?
(Select all that apply.)
Personal interactions / interviews with customers
Track customer purchases
Response cards by mail
Focus groups
Census / other data
Information from Industry Association
Hire market research consultants
Other ____________________
I don't do market research
Hours of Operation
- What are the hours of operation of your business for your busiest months?
(Select all that apply.)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
- What are the hours of operation for your business for your slowest months?
(Select all that apply.)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
- If you had different hours for your "busiest months" from your "slowest months", please identify your "busiest months"
(Select all that apply.)
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
- What percent of your sales do you make during each of the following times of the week? (Rows should add up to 100%)
(Select all that apply.)
Monday-Friday daytime (before 6 pm)
Monday-Friday evenings/nights (after 6 pm)
Saturday
Sunday
- What are your thoughts on store hours
(Select all that apply.)
I am open all the hours I need to be
I can't be open more hours for personal reasons
I would like to be open more hours, but I can't afford the staff
I would like to be open more hours, but I can't find good staff
I would be open more hours if I were sure of sales
I would be open more hours if everyone else were
I have been open evening hours in the past and it was not worthwhile
Other ___________________________
- Have you had evening hours in the past?
- If yes, how many evenings (past 6 pm) per week were you open?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
- How many months did you have evening hours?
- Why did you discontinue evening hours?
(Select all that apply.)
Personal reasons
Difficulty hiring staff for evening hours
Not cost effective
Other stores in CITY were not open evenings
Other ___________________________
Please rate the degree you are experiencing the following challenges in your business?
(Circle ONE answer for each item)
- Poor building condition
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Conflict with building owner or tenant
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Expensive rent
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Product delivery or loading challenges
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Insufficient financing
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Internet competition
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Language barriers
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Shoplifting or employee theft
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Vandalism
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Perception of safety
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Public using your bathroom
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Traffic flow / signage
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Congested streets near your business
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Road construction
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Street closure for events
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Streets not clean
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Sidewalks not clean
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Lack of pedestrian traffic
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Insufficient parking
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Signage
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Restrictive business regulations
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Smoking ban
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Competition from CITY X
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
- Other _______________________
Major challenge
Minor challenge
No challenge
Don't know
Please rate other retail and service businesses in CITY on the following:
(Circle ONE for each item)
- Exterior appearance of buildings
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Appearance of streets and sidewalks
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Variety of stores
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Variety of merchandise by other retailers
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Competitive prices by other retailers
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Quality of merchandise by other retailers
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Customer service by other retailers
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Variety of places to eat
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Other ____________________________
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- What THREE items from questions X and Y are the biggest need for improvement to help your business?
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- If financial assistance were available, would you consider building improvements such as facade work or new signage?
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
- Considering all factors, how would you rate the overall atmosphere in your local shopping area?
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
Instructions
Answer questions as they relate to you. For most answers, check the boxes most applicable to you or fill in the blanks.
- What is your biggest accomplishment in the last two years?