Business & Tech
City Survey: Businesses Expect Jobs to Grow in Coming Months
Businesses say they plan to grow over the next two years.
A survey of all Eagan businesses shows in the next two years nearly four out of 10, or 37 percent, expect to increase their staffing, and 91 percent expect to either stay the same size or increase employment.
The survey, conducted online earlier this fall, found:
- More than half, 53 percent, of Eagan companies that responded have been in town for more than 10 years
- Most lease their facilities, as opposed to owning it
- 80 percent of businesses rated the business climate in Eagan as excellent or good and 93 percent said Eagan’s business climate is better or about the same as the Twin Cities economy, but 45 percent think Eagan’s business climate is better than the national one.
“For the last decade we know that Eagan has been a jobs leader, and these results show that Eagan is well-positioned to continue to lead the region,” said Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire. “These responses offer strong signs that the economy is beginning to recover.”
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The top three most serious issues facing their business are the general economy, health insurance costs, and doing more with less, but government regulations and taxes come in for criticism from 20 percent or more of respondents. Business competition, finding workers, lack of financing, affordable Internet and employee transportation round out the top ten most frequently mentioned issues.
More than 80 percent of respondents rated city services as excellent or good and better than 81 percent thought staff were helpful.
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Some respondents wanted more client entertainment, and restaurant options.
Home-based businesses also commented and suggested business incubator office space would be a welcome addition.
A letter was sent with the survey link to more than 1,900 Eagan businesses along with a reminder postcard. About 10 percent of businesses chose to reply. Online surveys do not involve a random sample, but are a reasonable “freeze frame” of opinion during the survey period which concluded in October.
View the presentation of the results that was presented to the City Council.
