2010 Business Survey
The Results Are In!
Business performance is excellent or good according to 65% of respondents in the recent Business Assistance Survey conducted county-wide by Sumter County Economic Development. Adding to the strong business performance rating was the response of 96.1% that the internet is an important tool in the performance of their business, with research the top use, at 66.3%; purchasing products and services at 61%; business e-mail at 61%; banking at 52.4%; and marketing/advertising, 46.5%. 3.9% of businesses indicated they do not use the internet in the operation of their businesses. 38.7% of Sumter businesses plan to add more full-time employees in the next two years, while only 1.8% anticipate reductions.
The 2010 Business Assistance Survey was conducted in late March, with respondents returning completed surveys by either postage-paid mail or e-mail. The anonymous questionnaires, containing over 200 mostly multiple choice questions, elicited a strong 6.5% response. Zip codes identified business locations, showing full county participation, with 31% of responses from Wildwood; 25.2% from Bushnell; The Villages, 12.6%; and Lake Panasoffkee, 8.7%.
Other response highlights: 89% agree that government and businesses must work together to recruit high paying jobs; quality of life and quiet open space are important in attracting business, 84% and 83% respectively. 52% rate the Primary School System as excellent/good, and the Charter School System, 39% excellent/good (52% had no opinion).
Availability of qualified workers, 66% fair/poor; availability of visitor information, 65% fair/poor; availability of small business education, 65% fair/poor; availability of cell phone service, 65% fair/poor; and job training availability, 54% fair/poor.
According to 50% of businesses, Sumter is the best area in Central Florida to locate and operate a business, while 61% agree the future for businesses in Sumter County is very bright. Yet, a high of 71% of business operators think there will not be enough good paying jobs for their children.
