Preliminary results of the Business Retention and Expansion Survey conducted this Summer were discussed at the Solomon Valley Economic Development meeting on Thursday. The survey of about a half dozen big and small businesses in Mitchell County provide a sampling of information on local business and employment trends. The businesses surveyed represent a total of 425 employees. Of that amount 33.6% of the employees are commuting from outside Mitchell County.
The survey gathered information on the downsizing the businesses went through over the past couple of years. But it also showed a positive trend towards bringing back at least 25% of the workforce within the next 2 years.
The survey covered information on procurement of products and services; local government; infrastructure and quality of life issues.
All of the businesses surveyed indicated they are very pleased with the local qualtiy of life. Especialy the medical services, schools and general family isues.
The one area of concern mentioned was housing. Both in terms of the quality of available housing and the availability of housing for our workforce.
Additional surveys will be conducted soon to increase the sampling. As those surveys are finished and follow-up interviews are conducted more details of the report will be released.