COLUMBIA BASIN BUSINESS
RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROJECT
R EPORT ON B ASIN -B OUNDARY B USINESSES
W INTER 2016

The Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute, at Selkirk
College, is a regional research centre that supports informed
decision-making through the provision of information, applied
research and related outreach and extension support. Visit
www.cbrdi.ca for more information.

Columbia Basin Business Retention and Expansion Project: Regional Summary Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report describes findings from a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) survey conducted at
795 businesses in the Basin-Boundary region between 2012 and 2015. BRE is an action-oriented
and community-based approach to business and economic development. It promotes job growth
by helping communities to learn about concerns of, as well as opportunities for, local businesses
and to set priorities for projects to address those needs.

PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES
The distribution of BRE Pilot interviews is as follows:

Sub Corridor

Castlegar and Area
Christina Lake and Area
Invermere, Canal Flats and Area
Creston and Area
Fernie and Area
Kettle Valley Area
Cranbrook and Area
Grand Forks and Area
Nelson and Area
Nakusp and Area
Revelstoke and Area
Kimberley and Area
Sparwood
Kaslo and Area
Slocan Valley Area
Golden and Area
Lower Columbia Area
Total

Businesses Surveyed

6
8
9
10
13
20
27
31
32
46
49
60
65
80
81
108
150
795

ii

KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS
Select survey results are summarized below.
Survey
Module
Company
Information

Local
Workforce

Sales

Facilities
and
Equipment

Government
Services

Business
Climate

Finding
The highest number of respondents’ businesses are classified as ‘Retail Trade’,
‘Accommodation and Food Services’ and ‘Professional, Scientific and Technical
Services’ under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
Manufacturing follows closely.
Market opportunities and proximity to family are the most frequently cited reasons
for locating in the region.
Over 37% of companies have been in business for more than 20 years.
Nearly half of the companies are ‘growing’.
Survey participants provide roughly 16,000 jobs for the region’s workforce.
11,800 of these jobs are full-time.
Safety/First Aid/Food Safe, Sales & Marketing, Business Management, and Customer
Service were most commonly listed as key training areas.
36% of businesses expect that their sales will grow by between 1 and 9% over the
next year; 28% expect between 10% and 24% growth in sales.
Approximately 50% of businesses have the majority (over 50%) of their sales
generated by their top 3 customers. This question had a low response rate.
Most (over 70%) sales are to customers within the community or region.
Computers and Office Supplies, Food, and Construction Materials are the top
supplies for which business would like to find regional suppliers.
60% of businesses own the facility in which they operate.
Nearly half of businesses plan to expand within 3 years, with 88% of those indicating
that expansion will occur within the community.
Top barriers to expansion are financing options, lack of skilled staff, accessing new
markets and lack of suitable premises.
Top rated government services include water and sewage supply,
telecommunications, recycling and access to highways/roadways. The lowest
ratings include access to airport facilities and availability of appropriately zoned
land1.
Access to airports, telecommunications, and availability of employment lands2
(appropriately zoned lands and buildings for lease/purchase) are the areas identified
for municipal/regional government to improve.
Businesses rated the overall business climate as: Excellent or Good (42%), Fair or
Poor (58%).
67% of businesses believe that the business climate will improve over the next five
years.
Business climate factors that received the highest ratings include Cultural and

For more information, please see the CBRDI report, “Employment Lands: Understanding Supply,
Demand, & utilization of wealth generating Lands in the Columbia Basin-Boundary Region of BC,
Winter 2014
2 Ibid 1
1

iii

Assessment
and Plans

Recreational Amenities, Education (K-12 and post-secondary) Access, and Quality of
Local Government. The lowest ratings went to: Housing, Local Tax Structure, and
Economic Development
Businesses most commonly listed Location, Lifestyle, and Sense of Community as
strengths as a place to do business.
The business competitiveness factors that are most important to respondents
include availability of telecommunications, improvement of customer service,
workplace health & safety, transportation, and workforce skill development.
The top three rated economic drivers for the next five years are: tourism, attracting
new residents, and technology based businesses.
The overall health of their company was rated as Excellent or Good by 81% of
respondents.
Roughly 85% of businesses rate the risk of closing or downsizing as low.

NEXT STEPS AND POTENTIAL ACTIONS
The results of this survey can be used to inform short- and long-term planning. In addition, a
number of businesses would benefit from follow-up support. Taking a regional perspective, it is
recommended that the regional governments, Ministry of Jobs Tourism & Skills Training, Selkirk
College and College of the Rockies, the CBT and the RDI consider programming action that can
facilitate effective responses at the community level. Research findings suggest that the following
action areas have the greatest potential to improve the business climate:
Regional Workforce
The Basin-Boundary region hosts a population of 161,7413. The most recent release of the Labour
Force Survey indicates that roughly 76,5004 are employed. There are roughly 16,000 employees5
at companies interviewed as a part of the Basin-Boundary BRE. Of these, over 11,000 are full-time
jobs. The BRE surveys have covered up to 20% of employment opportunities within the BasinBoundary region (higher ratios in the host communities).
Those businesses experiencing recruitment difficulties are looking for: sales staff, professionals,
technical staff, hospitality and food & beverage staff, mechanics, skilled trades, labourers,
administrative or clerical staff, machine operators, management staff, electronics workers, and
construction workers. Skilled staff make up most of the surveyed workforce.
When asked about what pressures their workforce faces, employers reported that transportation,
childcare, housing and cost of living were top of the list. These are the issues, outside of the
employers’ control, that are perceived to affect recruitment and retention, either positively or
negatively, in their local workforce.

3

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2011

4 Note: Figure includes imputations for those regions in Caribou and Thompson-Okanagen

Development Regions
5 Imputed assuming normal distributions

iv

These responses point to workforce development actions that could improve the region’s skill-set
and working conditions. Focused training programs may be developed to meet skills gaps. And,
social programming may improve the general welfare of the workforce.
Youth Employment
The data indicates that essential employees under the age of 26 are in the minority, making up
only 8% of the reported employees. Yet, this demographic represents nearly 16% of the working
age population (15 to 65). Increasing youth involvement in the local workforce could be
encouraged through a better understanding of the low youth employment rate, connecting local
businesses with youth employment programs (federally, provincially and/or through CBT), and
connecting local businesses with local schools and post-secondary institutions.
Training
A lack of technical training and colleges/universities were cited as factors contributing to a poor
business climate. Businesses identified that training was needed in the areas of emerging
technologies, skilled trades and health and safety. Improving technical training and workforce skill
development is important for business competitiveness. Future initiatives could include
supporting networks to help businesses identify shared training needs, and working with
educational institutions and training organizations to ensure local skill requirements are
considered in programming.
Business Growth & Expansion
49% of businesses in the region report being in the growth phase of the business life-cycle, and
49% indicate that they are planning to expand within the next three years. These investments
represent roughly $400M. Roughly 67% of those businesses planning to expand feel their existing
site is adequate, and that the majority of expansion plans will occur within their current
community.
Assistance could come in the form of navigating local regulations, identifying and securing new
sites, and connecting businesses with resources to assist in expansion projects. Improvements
could be made to have local resources approach businesses proactively to understand barriers and
work collaboratively towards solutions. These potential actions and any others, should be
designed to address the stated barriers to expansion which include accessing financing, lack of
skilled staff, and accessing new markets.
Economic Diversification
A lack of diversification was cited one of the primary barriers to growth. Businesses identified
tourism, manufacturing and technological sectors as important to attract, but also indicated that
the economic drivers with the highest future growth potential are tourism, amenity migrants and
technology based business. These seem well in line with one another. Actions to increase
diversification could include fostering the entrepreneurial culture through workforce skills
development and business management support, supporting marketing efforts aimed at high-skill
amenity migrants, and helping businesses form support and collaboration networks, particularly in
the manufacturing and technology sectors.
v

Findings indicate that the majority of supplies come from outside the local region, with only 29%
of supplies sourced locally. The most cited reasons why supplies are sourced outside of the local
area are: unavailability, higher costs, and quality concerns. Encouraging collaborative or
cooperative buying strategies may help potential suppliers build a stronger case for locating in the
Basin-Boundary.
Local businesses do not appear to engage with government procurement processes, with only 30%
of businesses indicating that they have. Education and awareness of the opportunities available
through municipal, regional, and provincial procurement processes could be promoted through
seminars, profiles in communication material, and promotion on relevant websites.
Succession and Business Planning
Business and succession planning are critical to the health and longevity of both business and the
community. Findings suggest that there are opportunities to support the business community by
providing succession and business planning assistance. Open, instructive training sessions have the
potential to provide a base level of support to a large number of businesses; however, given the
importance of individual circumstances in business and succession planning, and a stated
preference for individual coaching, a one-on-one assistance program could result in greater overall
benefit by providing a higher level of support to businesses.
Government Services
A recurring theme was the lack of buildings and land available for lease or purchase. With a large
number of businesses planning expansions contingent on finding new space, there is an
opportunity for the local government to use the RDI’s Employment Lands analysis as a basis for
work with local businesses to understand existing and future business needs and assess land use
planning at a micro level. Issues around the perceived lack of available land and servicing costs
may be addressed through communication strategies between the local government, local
businesses and the community. Opportunities may exist locally for changes to land use
designations and zoning that could serve both the greater community and local businesses.
Collaboration and dialogue with targeted businesses could produce valuable results and
innovative solutions.

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary........................................................................................................ ii
Participating Communities..................................................................................................... ii
Key Research Findings .......................................................................................................... iii
Next Steps and Potential Actions .......................................................................................... iv

List of Figures ................................................................................................................ ix
Project Overview ...........................................................................................................1
The BRE Concept ................................................................................................................... 1
Project Objectives ................................................................................................................. 1

Research Considerations ................................................................................................1
The BRE Survey ..................................................................................................................... 1
The Data Set.......................................................................................................................... 2
Data Collection ...................................................................................................................... 2
Data Input, Analysis and Reporting ........................................................................................ 2

Research Findings ..........................................................................................................3
Company Information ........................................................................................................... 3
Local Workforce .................................................................................................................. 11
Sales ................................................................................................................................... 24
Facilities and Equipment...................................................................................................... 32
Government Services .......................................................................................................... 44
Business Climate ................................................................................................................. 49
Assessment and Plans ......................................................................................................... 70

Recommendations ....................................................................................................... 74
Next Steps........................................................................................................................... 74
Potential Action Areas ......................................................................................................... 74

Appendix A: Data Tables .............................................................................................. 78
Company Information ......................................................................................................... 78
Factors for Success .............................................................................................................. 80
Location .............................................................................................................................. 81
Age and Life Cycle Stage ...................................................................................................... 85
Ownership and Management .............................................................................................. 86
Succession and Business Plans ............................................................................................. 91

Workforce ................................................................................................................... 94
Size ..................................................................................................................................... 94
Wages ............................................................................................................................... 102
vii

Recruitment ...................................................................................................................... 104
Retention .......................................................................................................................... 115
Skills and Training ............................................................................................................. 116
Unions .............................................................................................................................. 124
Employees ........................................................................................................................ 124

Sales .......................................................................................................................... 128
Market Size and Share ....................................................................................................... 128
Growth ............................................................................................................................. 130
Source of Sales .................................................................................................................. 132
Source of Supplies ............................................................................................................. 136
Procurement ..................................................................................................................... 140
Purchasing ........................................................................................................................ 141
Purchasing ........................................................................................................................ 144

Facilities and Equipment ............................................................................................ 146
Size and Condition ............................................................................................................. 146
Ownership ........................................................................................................................ 147
Expansion ......................................................................................................................... 150
Facility Upgrades ............................................................................................................... 160
Energy Efficiency ............................................................................................................... 163

Government Services ................................................................................................. 164
Ratings .............................................................................................................................. 164
Improvements................................................................................................................... 176
Airport .............................................................................................................................. 178

Business Climate ........................................................................................................ 180
Quality of Business Climate ............................................................................................... 180
Strengths and Weaknesses ................................................................................................ 191
Business Growth ............................................................................................................... 193
Business Growth ............................................................................................................... 194
Support Providers ............................................................................................................. 197
Business Competitiveness.................................................................................................. 207
Productivity Drivers ........................................................................................................... 228
Productivity Drivers ........................................................................................................... 229
Economic Drivers............................................................................................................... 233
Proximity to Alberta .......................................................................................................... 235

Assessment and Plans ................................................................................................ 237
Overall Health ................................................................................................................... 237
Attitude toward Community .............................................................................................. 238
Risk of Closing or Downsizing ............................................................................................. 239

viii

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Industry classification ........................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2: Facility function(s) ................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 3: Location of primary competitors .......................................................................................... 4
Figure 4: Factors for Success: Key Words ............................................................................................ 5
Figure 5: Why did you choose this community to locate your business? ........................................... 6
Figure 6: Other Locations .................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 7: Location of Other Locations ................................................................................................. 7
Figure 8: Location of headquarters ..................................................................................................... 7
Figure 9: Life cycle stage...................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 10: Length of time in business .................................................................................................. 8
Figure 11: Type of business ................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 12: Ownership and management changes in last 5 years ........................................................ 9
Figure 13: Anticipated timeline for ownership change ..................................................................... 10
Figure 14: Anticipated exit strategy .................................................................................................. 10
Figure 15: Existence of formal succession plan ................................................................................. 11
Figure 16: Existence of current business plan ................................................................................... 11
Figure 17: Total number of employees ............................................................................................. 12
Figure 18: Nature of employment ..................................................................................................... 12
Figure 19: Historical Employment trend ........................................................................................... 13
Figure 20: Full-time employment trend over last 3 years ................................................................. 13
Figure 21: Full time employment trend over next 3 years ................................................................ 14
Figure 22: Age of the majority of essential employees ..................................................................... 14
Figure 23: Wages in relation to other businesses in the region ........................................................ 15
Figure 24: Trend in unfilled positions ................................................................................................ 15
Figure 25: Location of workforce recruitment .................................................................................. 16
Figure 26: Recruitment activities....................................................................................................... 16
Figure 27: Retention challenges ........................................................................................................ 17
Figure 28: Current recruitment areas................................................................................................ 18
Figure 29: Future areas where recruitment may be challenging ...................................................... 19
Figure 30: Help with recruitment challenges .................................................................................... 19
Figure 31: Skill level of majority of workforce ................................................................................... 20
Figure 32: Training Budget ................................................................................................................ 20
Figure 33: Awareness of any anticipated trends, technologies, significant changes that will be
occurring in your industry that will require new skills ...................................................................... 21
Figure 34: Training or professional development needs................................................................... 21
Figure 35: Areas for new Training in next five years ......................................................................... 22
Figure 36: Preferred modes of training ............................................................................................. 23
Figure 37: Usual training locations .................................................................................................... 23
Figure 38: Critical considerations for employees .............................................................................. 24
Figure 39: Annual sales ...................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 40: Status of market for product/service ............................................................................... 25
Figure 41: Market Share in Comparison to Competitors .................................................................. 26
Figure 42: Projected sales growth in the next year ........................................................................... 27
Figure 43: Historic sales trend at this location .................................................................................. 27
Figure 44: Historic sales trend at parent company ........................................................................... 28
ix

Figure 45: Historic sales trend within the industry ........................................................................... 28
Figure 46: Historical export sales trend............................................................................................. 29
Figure 47: Sales generated by top 3 customers ................................................................................ 29
Figure 48: Geographic source of majority of sales ............................................................................ 30
Figure 49: International trade status................................................................................................. 30
Figure 50: Engagement with government procurement processes .................................................. 31
Figure 51: Geographic source of majority of supplies ....................................................................... 31
Figure 52: Reason for out-of-area purchasing................................................................................... 32
Figure 53: Size of facility .................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 54: Condition of facility .......................................................................................................... 33
Figure 55: Condition of equipment ................................................................................................... 34
Figure 56: Ownership status of facility .............................................................................................. 34
Figure 57: Length of time remaining on lease ................................................................................... 35
Figure 58: Historical Investment in facility (past 18 months)............................................................ 35
Figure 59: Room for expansion ......................................................................................................... 36
Figure 60: Plans to expand within three years .................................................................................. 36
Figure 61: Adequacy of current site to support expansion ............................................................... 37
Figure 62: Expansion to occur in community .................................................................................... 37
Figure 63: Estimated expansion investment ..................................................................................... 38
Figure 64: Component of expansion budget for equipment and technology ................................... 38
Figure 65: Component of expansion budget for real estate ............................................................. 39
Figure 66: Size of facility expansion .................................................................................................. 40
Figure 67: Recent facility upgrades ................................................................................................... 40
Figure 68: Planning facility upgrades................................................................................................. 41
Figure 69: Barriers to expansion........................................................................................................ 41
Figure 70: Organizations approached for expansion assistance ....................................................... 42
Figure 71: Considering energy efficiency in expansion plans ............................................................ 43
Figure 72: Awareness of BC Hydro Power Smart .............................................................................. 43
Figure 73: Rating of government services ......................................................................................... 45
Figure 74: Suggested improvements to government services: Key words ....................................... 48
Figure 75: Airport service used.......................................................................................................... 48
Figure 76: New services at local airport (Canadian Rockies International Airport) .......................... 49
Figure 77: Rating of local business climate ....................................................................................... 50
Figure 78: Rating of business climate factors .................................................................................... 51
Figure 79: Business climate today vs. 5 years ago............................................................................. 54
Figure 80: Business climate 5 years from today ................................................................................ 54
Figure 81: Community’s strengths as a place to do business............................................................ 55
Figure 82: Community's weaknesses as a place to do business ........................................................ 56
Figure 83: Barriers to growth in the community ............................................................................... 57
Figure 84: Level of service from business support providers ............................................................ 58
Figure 85: Potential Suppliers............................................................................................................ 60
Figure 86: Supply to local companies ................................................................................................ 61
Figure 87: Sectors, businesses or industries that could be attracted to region ................................ 61
Figure 88: Importance of business competitiveness factors............................................................. 63
Figure 89: Performance on key productivity drivers ......................................................................... 67
Figure 90: Economic drivers with greatest growth potential ............................................................ 69
Figure 91: Impact of Proximity to Alberta ......................................................................................... 70
Figure 92: Facility’s overall health ..................................................................................................... 71
x

Figure 93: Overall health of parent company ................................................................................... 71
Figure 94: Local management's attitude toward community ........................................................... 72
Figure 95: Parent company's attitude toward local community ....................................................... 72
Figure 96: Risk of facility closing........................................................................................................ 73
Figure 97: Risk of facility downsizing ................................................................................................. 73

xi

PROJECT OVERVIEW
This report describes findings from a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) survey6 conducted
throughout the Basin-Boundary between 2011 and 2014. Various local government
representatives and community-lead economic development groups acted as the community
leads for the data-collection and subsequent action plans and programming. The Columbia Basin
Rural Development Institute (RDI) provided training, data analysis and report writing support.

THE BRE CONCEPT
BRE is an action-oriented and community-based approach to business and economic
development. It promotes job growth by helping communities to learn about the concerns of, as
well as opportunities for, local businesses and to set priorities for projects to address those needs.
Ultimately, communities will have greater success in attracting new businesses if existing
businesses are content with local economic conditions and community support. Business
development and job creation are key factors in fostering healthy and vibrant communities—
depending on the characteristics of a community’s economy, anywhere from 40 to 90 per cent of
new jobs come from existing businesses.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Objectives of the regional BRE project were as follows:
1. Identify the needs, concerns, and opportunities of existing local businesses in
order that, where appropriate, local action can be taken to respond to the
businesses’ needs or development opportunities;
2. Learn of the future plans of the region’s businesses with respect to expansion,
relocation and /or retention and follow-up where assistance can be provided;
3. Promote and support community engagement with the business community and
capacity for planning and delivery of economic development programs;
4. Fill gaps in the region’s economic data at a local and a regional level.

RESEARCH CONSIDERATIONS
THE BRE SURVEY
The RDI has a licence agreement with the Economic Development Association of BC for BC
Business Counts, a program that provides access to an online BRE survey, contact management,
and reporting system called ExecutivePulse. Data presented in this report were collected as part
of a comprehensive BRE survey that is aligned with surveys conducted by other participants in the
BC Business Counts program across the province of BC. Survey data can therefore be analyzed at a
community, sub-regional, regional and provincial level.

6

Short and Long BRE survey text are available by request

1

The base survey, consisting of 94 questions, includes modules for company information, the local
workforce, sales, facilities and equipment, and future plans for growth or succession. Based on
feedback from a BRE regional advisory group, thirteen region-specific questions were appended to
the base BRE survey.

THE DATA SET
To generate an initial set of potential research participants, BRE Project Leads typically worked
with their local governments, Chambers of Commerce and other community level economic
development practitioners (EDPs) to generate a comprehensive list of local businesses. The BRE
project teams then selected businesses, initiated communications and began arranging interviews.
Businesses were typically surveyed in individual, face-to-face interviews7. In total 795 respondents
participated in the BRE survey during the pilot period (2012 – 2015). The number of respondents
to each question varied. Some communities chose to administer only the standard BRE survey,
some a truncated version of the BRE survey, while others administered the RDI add-on survey.
Further, some respondents chose not to answer certain questions.

DATA COLLECTION
The community level BRE project teams of trained researchers were responsible for the entire
survey process. This included arranging and undertaking the structured interviews which took
between 1 to 1.5 hours, plus data entry. In total the process took approximately four hours per
business.

DATA INPUT, ANALYSIS AND REPORTING
Data was entered into the ExecutivePulse system by the community level BRE project teams
immediately following the interviews. To ensure confidentiality and data security, company-level
data was only made accessible to RDI staff and the community level EDPs, all of whom signed
confidentiality agreements.
Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed
using the grounded theory method of generating key coding themes. Based on the results of data
analysis activities, an initial set of recommendations was generated by RDI and then reviewed with
the community level BRE project teams. Findings and related recommendations were assembled
into this report by RDI researchers.

7 One community used an on-line distributed survey for additional data collection.

2

RESEARCH FINDINGS
COMPANY INFORMATION
Type of Product/Service Offered
Businesses interviewed represent a diverse cross-section of industries. Most common are Retail
and Wholesale Trade (24.5% or 195 respondents), Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
(12.2% or 97 respondents), and Accommodation and Food Services (12.2% or 97 respondents).
Figure 1: Industry classification

Note: 795 respondents
3

Facility Function
The majority of respondents (85% or 410 respondents) indicated that their facility provides
services. Other primary functions include headquarters (37% or 180 respondents) and distribution
(25% or 122 respondents). Fewer respondents indicated that their facility serves as warehousing,
engineering/R&D or for manufacturing purposes8.
Figure 2: Facility function(s)

Note: 485 respondents
Competition
The vast majority of competition (89 % or 139 responses) reported was coming from within the
province.
Figure 3: Location of primary competitors

Note: 159 respondents

8 Note: Where percentages add up to more than 100%, respondents have given more than one

response.

4

Factors for Success
Figure 4: Factors for Success: Key Words

When asked what factors made
their company successful in this
region, the highest number of
respondents (13 % or 86
businesses) cited Quality of
Service or Product. Customer
Service (13% or 85 businesses),
Location (11% or 74
businesses), and Reputation
(6% or 38 businesses) were also
discussed frequently.

“Culture in Nelson, local support, remoteness; contributes to self-reliance for culture and
entertainment.”
“People are willing to support local product.”
“Businesses are interdependent in this community. Work closely with other companies and
work with the mine. Family-based business, has gained trust from the community and
grown with the community.”
“The pristine environment makes retreat experiences positive. Economically more viable to
operate a business here due to low real-estate prices and lower overhead costs.
Choosing a Community
The market opportunities (17% or 28 respondents) and close to family (10% or 17 respondents)
were the most frequently cited reasons given for businesses to locate in their community.

5

Figure 5: Why did you choose this community to locate your business?

Note: 143 respondents
Other Locations
28% of respondents (149 respondents) indicated that their company has other locations.
Figure 6: Other Locations

Note: 528 respondents

6

78% of those businesses (35 respondents) have their other locations in other areas of the
province, 42% (19 respondents) have other locations in other parts of Canada and 17% (8
respondents) indicated that their company has another location outside of Canada. 9
Figure 7: Other Locations

Note: 62 respondents
Of the businesses whose headquarters are not local (13 in total), 85% (11 businesses) of
respondents reported that their headquarters are located in Canada, 8% (1 business) indicated
that they are headquartered elsewhere in the United States and one in China.
Figure 8: Location of headquarters

Note: 13 respondents
Age and Life Cycle Stage
Nearly half of respondents (49% or 373 respondents) reported that their business is in the
‘growing’ life cycle stage. Another 36% (275 businesses) indicated that their business is in the
‘maturing’ stage. Only 10% (72 businesses) indicated that they are in the ‘emerging’ stages, and
5% (38 businesses) indicated that they were declining.

9 Responses reflect that respondents can have other locations in more than one other location.

Therefore total number of other locations exceeds number of respondents.

7

Figure 9: Life cycle stage

Note: 758 respondents
Many businesses (285 respondents or 37%) reported that they have been in business for more
than 20 years. A significant number have reported that they have been in business for 10 – 19
years (181 respondents or 24%), 5 – 9 years (138 respondents or 18%), 1-4 years (128 respondents
or 17%), and less than one year (38 respondents or 5%).
Figure 10: Length of time in business

Note: 770 respondents
Ownership and Management
Most respondents (400 respondents or 51%) indicated that their business is classified as a
corporation, while 28% (220 respondents) indicated that they are a sole proprietorship. The
remainder of businesses are registered as a partnership (81 respondents), non-profit (32
respondents), limited liability partnership (25 respondents), or other type of business (19
respondents).

8

Figure 11: Type of business

Note: 777 respondents
75% of businesses (514 businesses) have not seen a management or ownership change in the last
5 years, while 25% of businesses (175 businesses) have. 125 businesses (16%) are expecting an
ownership change in the near future. Of the respondents that have seen changes in management
and/or ownership, 80% (135 businesses) report that change has had a positive impact.
Figure 12: Ownership and management changes in last 5 years

Note: 689 respondents
Succession and Business Plans
Of the 125 businesses that responded and reported a pending ownership change, half expect the
change to take 3 years or more, the remainder expect a more immediate change.

9

Figure 13: Anticipated timeline for ownership change

Note: 106 respondents
63% of respondents (68 respondents) expect that the current owner will exit the business by
selling it to a non-family member or to another company, while only 17% (18 respondents) expect
it to be sold/transferred to a family member.
Figure 14: Anticipated exit strategy

Note: 108 respondents

10

Figure 15: Existence of formal succession plan

11%

17%

N/A

Yes

No
71%

Only 17% of
respondents (114
respondents) indicated
that they have a
succession plan in
place.

Note: 655 respondents

Figure 16: Existence of current business plan

No
43%

Yes
57%

57% of respondents
(383 respondents)
indicated that they
have a current business
plan in place.

Note: 676 respondents

LOCAL WORKFORCE
Size of Workforce
The 782 businesses interviewed reported a total of 16,056 employees. 48%, or 373 of the
businesses surveyed indicated that they have fewer than five employees, and just 2%, or 17 of the
businesses indicated that they have over 100 employees.
11

Figure 17: Total number of employees

Note: 782 respondents
74% (11,844) of employment positions at surveyed businesses are full-time, while only 16% (2567)
are part-time and 10% (1645) are temporary.
Figure 18: Nature of employment

Note: 782 respondents
84% of respondents (569 businesses) indicated that the number of employees at their business
has increased (35% 239 businesses) or stayed the same (49% 330 businesses). Only 16% (111
businesses) indicated a decrease. This may be a reflection of an aging workforce and increased
retirements.

12

Figure 19: Historical Employment trend10

Note: 680 respondents
The last three years has seen increased growth, with 26% of businesses (173 respondents), or
stability, 60% (394 respondents), in the size of the full-time workforce over the last three years.
Figure 20: Full-time employment trend over last 3 years

Note: 655 respondents
42% of businesses (266 respondents) project growth, and 54% (344 respondents) project stability
in their full-time workforce over the next 3 years. 4% (or 27 respondents) of businesses indicated
they expected a decrease over the next 3 years.

10 The question considered a 10 year historical trend.

13

Figure 21: Full time employment trend over next 3 years

Note: 637 respondents
Workforce Demographics
Of the responses received, 47% (313 responses) indicated that the majority of their essential
employees are between 35 and 49 years old. 24% (158 responses) indicate the majority is
between 26 and 34 years of age, and only 8% (54) indicate the majority are under 25 years old. ,
21% (139) indicate the majority of their essential personnel are close to retirement (over 50 years
of age).
Figure 22: Age of the majority of essential employees

Note: 664 respondents
Wages
When reporting on average wages for skilled or professional workers, 33% of businesses 152
responses) indicated they pay between $20 and $29 per hour. The most commonly reported
average wage for semi-skilled workers (28% or 105 businesses) was between $15 and $19 with an
equal number reporting wages between $20 and $29 and the most commonly reported average
wage for entry-level workers (50% or 146 respondents) was $10 to $13.
14

53% of respondents (295 respondents) reported that their wage scale is similar to other
businesses in the region.11
Figure 23: Wages in relation to other businesses in the region

Note: 553 respondents
Recruitment and Retention
Of those businesses that responded, 83%% (462 respondents) indicated that the number of
unfilled positions at their company would remain constant.
Figure 24: Trend in unfilled positions

Note: 560 respondents
The majority of respondents (89% or 638 respondents) reported that they primarily recruit
employees from local labour markets. 4% (32 respondents) recruit nationally, while 5% (36
respondents) report that they recruit provincially, and 2% (11 respondents) reported international
recruitment.

11 Detailed wage data is found in Appendix A.

15

Figure 25: Location of workforce recruitment

Note: 717 respondents
Of 694 respondents, 46% (317 respondents) reported recruitment challenges; 52% expect future
challenges. Of 683 respondents, 31% (209 respondents) indicated that they have experienced
retention challenges.

Figure 26: Recruitment activities

Note: 376 respondents

Figure 27: Retention challenges

Note: 422 respondents

16

When asked what efforts their business has undertaken to retain employees, 422 businesses
responded. The most frequent response was to provide competitive wages (24% or 68
respondents). Providing benefits (21% or 58 respondents), supporting a positive work
environment (20% or 57 respondents) and offering flexible work schedules (18% or 51
respondents) were other strategies employed. Other factors cited by businesses include offering
bonuses (15%) and skills training (12%).
When asked what efforts businesses have undertaken to recruit employees, the most-cited
activities were: word-of-mouth (31% or 90 respondents), local advertising (22% or 63
respondents) and online job boards (10% or 31 respondents). Respondents also cited using
college recruitment fairs, social media, online advertising and postings on the company web-site.
Figure 27: Recruitment Activities

Note: 376 respondents

17

Of the 317 companies that indicated they were experiencing recruitment challenges, the areas
currently in focus include: retail and service sales (27% or 85 respondents), professional or
technical (24% or 76 respondents), food and beverage service (10% or 32 respondents), mechanics
(10% or 30 respondents), general labourers (9% or 29 respondents), and administrative or clerical
positions (9% or 28 respondents). The most significant responses included in the ‘other’ category
include: skilled trades (9% or 29 respondents) and managers (7% or 22 respondents).
Figure 28: Current recruitment areas

Note: 317 respondents
52% of respondents (350 respondents) anticipate future recruitment difficulties. The most
commonly anticipated recruitment challenges include: retail and service sales (24% or 80
respondents), mechanics (13% or 42 respondents), professional and technical positions (23% or 75
respondents). The most significant response included in the ‘other’ category was skilled trades
(8% or 27 respondents).

18

Figure 29: Future areas where recruitment may be challenging

Note: 350 respondents
38% of respondents (57 respondents) indicated that they believed that there were strategies that
could be undertaken by external stakeholders (municipal governments and regional support
organizations) to address employee recruitment, however, few suggestions were made regarding
the nature of these strategies. Suggestions included: establishing a job bank (27% or 11
respondents), providing training support (17% or 7 respondents) and help with foreign worker
program (10% or 4 respondents).
Figure 30: Help with recruitment challenges

Note: 150 respondents
Skills and Training

19

The majority of respondents (55% or 368 respondents) indicated that the majority of their
workforce is comprised of skilled or professional workers, 17% indicated that their workforce is
mainly semi-skilled workers and 7% indicated that entry-level workers make up the majority of
their workforce.
Figure 31: Skill level of majority of workforce

Note: 530 respondents
53% (358 businesses) indicated that there is a training budget to upgrade employee skills. 85% of
those (135 businesses) indicated that their company offers in-house training and 39% (61
businesses) use contracted training.
Figure 32: Training Budget

Note: 674 respondents
52% of respondents (340 businesses) indicated that they were aware of trends, technologies, and
other significant changes that will be occurring in their industry that will require new skills.

20

Figure 33: Awareness of any anticipated trends, technologies, significant changes that will be occurring in
your industry that will require new skills

Note: 660 respondents
72% or 494 respondents indicated that there are areas of training or professional development
that would benefit their employees. Most commonly listed among these areas were First Aid/Food
Safe/Safety training (16% or 76 businesses), sales and marketing (15% or 72 respondents) and
business/management training (14% or 70 businesses).
Figure 34: Training or professional development needs

Note: 486 respondents
21

When asked what new training might need to be considered in the next five years, the most
commonly cited response was emerging technologies (15% or 14 businesses). Other areas where
training will be needed include online marketing (13% or 12 businesses), technology skills,
computer training, solar technologies, social media and electronics.
Figure 35: Areas for new Training in next five years

Note: 96 respondents

55% of respondents (350 respondents) stated that they prefer training when it is delivered in a
classroom, while 52% (332 respondents) preferred online or a webinar style format, and 49% (312
respondents) expressed a preference for individual coaching. Other training formats that people
mentioned include: in-house workshops (9% or 56 respondents), conferences (5% or 35
respondents) and mentorships (1% or 6 respondents).

22

Figure 36: Preferred modes of training

Note: 638 respondents
52% of respondents (309 businesses) typically seek training opportunities that are offered locally,
and 37% (223 businesses) travel to other areas in BC, 27% (158 respondents) look regionally, 18%
(105 respondents) will look nationally, and 12% (72 respondents) cross the border to the United
States.
Figure 37: Usual training locations

Note: 595 respondents
Unions
Only 40 businesses (6%) reported that they have union status.
Employees

23

The most frequently cited challenges for employees is cost of living (71% or 319 respondents),
housing (51% or 230 respondents), child care (34% or 155 respondents) and transportation (26%
or 118 respondents).
Figure 38: Critical considerations for employees

Note: 449 respondents
88% of businesses (424 businesses) interviewed reported that over 75% of their employees live
within the community, 3% (13 businesses) indicated that 75% of the employees live elsewhere in
the region and 1% (7 business) indicated that the majority of their employees live outside of the
region.

SALES
Market Size and Share
The highest number of respondents (147 businesses or 32%) reported annual sales between
$100K and $500K. The second highest number of respondents (101 businesses or 22%) reported
annual sales between $1M and $5M. Interestingly, $500K is roughly the median level of sales for
the region; this means that roughly half of the businesses surveyed had revenues below $500K
and the other half had revenues over $500K.

24

Figure 39: Annual sales

Note: 459 respondents
The majority of businesses interviewed (53% or 410 businesses) indicated that the size of the
market for their product or service is increasing. Another 37% (286 businesses), reported that the
market is stable.
Figure 40: Status of market for product/service

Note: 769 respondents
25

51% (311 businesses) of respondents indicated that their share of the market for their product, in
comparison with their competitors, is increasing, while 43% (262 businesses) indicated that it is
stable. A small number of respondents (7% or 41 businesses) indicated that their market share is
decreasing.
Figure 41: Market Share in Comparison to Competitors

Note: 614 respondents
Growth
36% of respondents (249 businesses) expect to see low growth in sales in the realm of 1 – 9%.
Moderate growth in sales of 10-24% over the next year is projected by 29% of respondents (199
businesses). 19% of respondents (135 businesses) expect growth exceeding 24% in the next year.
13% (89 businesses) of respondents expect their sales to remain stagnant, while a further 3% (21
business) expects sales to decline.

26

Figure 42: Projected sales growth in the next year

Note: 693 respondents
The majority of responses (65% or 462 businesses) indicated that sales at their business have
increased over time, 18% (131 businesses) indicated that sales have remained relatively stable and
13% (92 businesses) reported that sales have declined.
Figure 43: Historic sales trend at this location

Note: 715 respondents

27

Data indicates that the sales trend at parent companies is almost identical (68% increasing, 22% no
change, 10% declining) after correcting for the high non-response rate (note that 72% of
respondents indicate no parent company.
Figure 44: Historic sales trend at parent company

Note: 559 respondents
Data indicates that the sales trend within respondents’ respective industries has followed similar
trends, too. Again, after correcting for “not applicable” responses, the trends indicate 54% with
increasing sales within industry, 27% stable, and 19% declining. The collection of figures 44
through 46 indicate that the blend of industries in the study area have been growing overall,
while positions within respective industries is improving, but at a slower rate.
Figure 45: Historic sales trend within the industry

Note: 636 respondents

28

Again, after correcting for those businesses responding, “not applicable”, the sales trends in
exporting businesses follow a very similar pattern with: 58% indicating increases, 22% reporting
stability of sales, and 10% reporting a decline in exports.
Figure 46: Historical export sales trend

Note: 553 respondents
Source of Sales
The results of this particular question are subject to some under-sampling problems (not enough
respondents for reliable results). The results reported below are only representative for a very
limited geography.
Figure 47: Sales generated by top 3 customers

Note: 45 respondents
A majority of respondents (69% or 505 businesses) indicated that over 50% of their sales are to
customers within the community or region. 6% (or 43) indicated that over 50% of their sales are
29

within the province. Fewer respondents (6%, 2%, 2%) indicated that the majority of their sales are
to national, US or international markets, respectively.
Figure 48: Geographic source of majority of sales

Note: 47 respondents
77 respondents (12%) indicated that they import goods or services from other countries and 73
respondents (11%) indicated that they export goods or services to other countries. 81% of
respondents did not respond to the question or stated they did not engage in international trade.
Figure 49: International trade status

Note: 667 respondents

30

Procurement
Of the 237 responses, only 30% indicated that they do engage in government procurement.
Figure 50: Engagement with government procurement processes

Note: 237 respondents

29% of respondents (206 businesses) interviewed reported that they purchase a majority of their
supplies from local sources. 23% (162 businesses) indicated that the majority of their supplies
come from businesses located within the province.
Figure 51: Geographic source of majority of supplies

Note: 550 respondents
Purchasing
When reflecting on their reasons for purchasing products or services from out-of-area suppliers,
the most common response (84% or 327 businesses) indicated that the products they need are
not available locally. The next most cited reason is higher cost (30%) with quality of available

31

products being the third most significant (11%). Other reasons included: head office decision,
unaware of local vendors, existing long-term supply contracts, and loyalty to current supplier.
Figure 52: Reason for out-of-area purchasing

Note: 389 respondents
Products that businesses stated they would like to source from a local supplier include: computers
and software, food goods (meat, dairy, fruits and veg), office supplies, construction materials,
bedding and linens, auto parts and gardening supplies.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
Size and Condition
43% (265 businesses) of respondents reported that their facility is between 1,000 and 4,999
square feet in size, and another 28% (172 businesses) indicated it was less than 1,000 square feet.
The remaining 29% of respondents are located in larger facilities (13%: 5000’ – 10000’, 7%: 10000’
– 20000’, 9%: over 20000’)

32

Figure 53: Size of facility

Note: 619 respondents
48% of respondents (327 businesses) indicated that their facility is in good condition. Another 31%
(213 businesses) indicated that it is in excellent condition and 18% (122 businesses) reported that
their facility is in fair condition. Only 3% (20 businesses) reported that their facility was in poor
condition.
Figure 54: Condition of facility

Note: 682 respondents
35% (238 businesses) of respondents indicated that their equipment is in excellent condition. 53%
(360 businesses) indicated that it is in good condition and 11% (74 businesses) report their
equipment is in fair condition.

33

Figure 55: Condition of equipment

Note: 681 respondents

Ownership
Figure 56: Ownership status of facility

Owned
61%

Leased
39%

61% of respondents
(448 businesses)
own the facility in
which they operate
and 39% (290
businesses) lease it.

Note: 738 respondents

Of the 290 businesses that lease their facility, 44% have less than a year remaining on their lease,
19% have between one and two years, and 22% have between 3 and 5 years remaining. The
majority of respondents that lease their facility (83% or 251 businesses) intend to renew their
current lease agreement.
34

Figure 57: Length of time remaining on lease

Note: 290 respondents
Investment and Expansion
42% of respondents (252 businesses) indicated that their company’s investment in their facility
has increased over the past 18 months, while just 8% or 49 businesses, indicated that the
investment has declined. Almost 50% of businesses (299) indicated that investment in their facility
has remained constant.
Figure 58: Historical Investment in facility (past 18 months)

Note: 600 respondents
54% of respondents (358 businesses) indicated that there was room for expansion at their site,
37% (242 businesses) said that there was not room at their site. The remainder were unsure.

35

Figure 59: Room for expansion

Note: 658 respondents

Figure 60: Plans to expand within three years

No

Yes

51%

49%

49% of respondents (361
businesses) plan to expand
within three years, 51%
(379 businesses) do not.

Note: 740 respondents

36

Figure 61: Adequacy of current site to support expansion

Not
Adequate
32%

Adequate
66%

Of the businesses
planning expansion, 66%
(227 businesses)
reported that their
current site will be
adequate. Notably
however, 111 businesses
(32%) reported that they
will have to look for a
new site to meet their
planned expansion
needs.
Note: 338 respondents

Most respondents (86% or 304 businesses) indicated that expansion will occur within the
community.
Figure 62: Expansion to occur in community

Note: 336 respondents
As detailed in figure 63, below, 187 of the 361 businesses planning expansion identified the
approximate amounts they plan to spend on expansion related investments. A rough estimate of
the total planned investment amounts to almost $420M for the region.

37

Figure 63: Estimated expansion investment

Note: 187 respondents
As detailed in figure 64, below, of the 361 businesses planning expansion, 170 responded to
questions about their planned spending on equipment and technology. Of these, 66 (39%)
responded that they expect to spend 100% of their expansion budget on equipment and
technology. 31% (52 businesses) plan to spend over half, 28% (47 businesses) will spend less than
half and 3% (5 businesses) will spend nothing.
Figure 64: Component of expansion budget for equipment and technology

38

Note: 170 respondents
As detailed in figure 65, below, of the 361 businesses planning expansion, 136 responded to
questions about their planned spending on real estate. Of these, 24 (18%) responded that they
expect to spend 100% of their expansion budget on real estate. 45% (61 businesses) plan to spend
over half, 18% (25 businesses) will spend less than half and 19% (26 businesses) will spend
nothing.
Figure 65: Component of expansion budget for real estate

Note: 136 respondents

Of the businesses planning expansion 135 gave details on their planned facility expansion. Eight
respondents (6%) indicated that they expect the size of their facility expansion will be 20,000
square feet or greater. Four businesses reported (3%) their expansion would be between 10,000
and 19,999 square feet, 14 businesses (10%) reported between 5000 and 9999 square feet, 53
businesses (39%) reported between 1000 and 4999 square feet and 56 businesses (41%) under
1000 square feet.

39

Figure 66: Size of facility expansion

Note: 135 respondents
Facility Upgrades
65% of businesses (100 businesses) indicated that there had been recent facility upgrades. Of
those 100 businesses, 58% indicated that those upgrades were completed in the last 12 months.
Figure 67: Recent facility upgrades

Note: 154 respondents
51% (77 businesses) indicated that they are planning facility upgrades, and that the marjority (83%
or 59 businesses) of those planning upgrades will occur in the next 12 months. Respondents were
also asked to identify any barriers to upgrading. There were no discernible trends to the barriers.

40

Figure 68: Planning facility upgrades

Note: 150 respondents
Respondents cited a variety of factors that act as barriers to expansion. Most common of those
was finance (35% or 137 businesses), and a lack of skilled staff (24% or 94 businesses). Suitable
premises, market access, local regulation, access to broadband internet and transportation were
also significant.
Figure 69: Barriers to expansion

Note: 737 respondents
41

28% of respondents (104 businesses) indicated that they have sought assistance with their
expansion efforts from an external organization. Of those businesses, most (39% or 37 businesses)
had approached their local government offices, 25% (24 businesses) had approached their local
Economic Development office, 17% (16 businesses) approached BC Hydro, 16% (15 businesses)
approached the provincial ED ministry, 13% (12 businesses) approached Community Futures, and
11% (10 businesses) approached the local Chamber of Commerce. The ‘Other’ responses show no
strong trending responses (see appendix for details).
Figure 70: Organizations approached for expansion assistance

Note: 168 respondents

42

Energy Efficiency
Figure 71: Considering energy efficiency in expansion plans

No
52%

48% of those who responded (13
businesses) are considering
energy efficiency in their
expansion plans.

Yes
48%

Note: 161 respondents

Figure 72: Awareness of BC Hydro Power Smart

No
33%
Yes
67%

67% of respondents (459
businesses) are familiar with
the energy efficiency support
available through the BC
Hydro Power Smart program.

ote: 684 respondents

43

GOVERNMENT SERVICES12
Respondents were asked to rate a list of government services as poor, fair, good or excellent.
Respondents also had the option to rate a service as not applicable to their business.










The services that received the highest number of POOR ratings were:
o Access to airports (27% or 215 businesses),
o Telecommunications (19% or 148 businesses), and
o Availability of buildings for lease or purchase (17% or 133 businesses).
The services that received the highest number of FAIR ratings were:
o Access to Suppliers (31% or 20 businesses),
o Telecommunications (21% or 170 businesses), and
o Access to markets (21% or 165 businesses).
The services that received the highest number of GOOD ratings were:
o Access to highways/roads (44% or 349 businesses),
o Water and sewerage (42% or 332 businesses), and
o Recycling (41% or 324 businesses).
The services that received the highest number of EXCELLENT ratings were:
o Access to highways/roads (26% or 203 businesses),
o Access to markets (15% or 116 businesses), and
o Recycling (14% or 115 businesses).
The services that the highest number of respondents felt are NOT APPLICABLE to their
business were:
o Availability of rail transport (41% or 325 businesses),
o Availability of warehousing (32% or 252 businesses), and
o Availability of appropriately zoned land (23% or 181 businesses).

12 This is a loose definition of services provided by all levels of governments and, occasionally, by

private industry. But, these generally fall into the infrastructure category.

44

Figure 73: Rating of government services

45

46

Note: 161-712 respondents
When asked whether there were any suggestions on how to improve any of the services and
infrastructure, 67% respondents (472 businesses) indicated they had suggestions. The highest
number of responses (29% or 137 businesses) discussed improvements to telecommunications
and expanded broadband and cell service. Improvements to the airport services were also
47

referenced by 12% (58 businesses) of respondents. Improvements to highway and roadway
quality and servicing was referenced by 12% of respondents (56 businesses).

Figure 74: Suggested improvements to government services: Key words

“Need a community
liaison officer to
communicate with
local businesses”
“There should be
more promotion of
commercial
buildings that are
available.”

Airport Service
As detailed in figure 75, below, the Kelowna International Airport is the most used airport, with
36% of respondents (53 businesses) indicating they use that airport. The Calgary International
Airport was second most used with 26% (38 businesses), and the Castlegar Airport being used by
24% of respondents (35 businesses).
Figure 75: Airport service used

48

Note: 235 respondents
Respondents indicated that they would most like to see commuter flights (13% or 7 businesses),
with 10% of respondents (10 business) indicating a desire for better flight reliability, 9% (9
businesses) asking for shuttle service and 4% (4 businesses) recommending larger planes.
Figure 76: New services at local airport (Canadian Rockies International Airport)

Note: 74 respondents

BUSINESS CLIMATE
Quality of Business Climate
The majority of responses rated the overall business climate as fair (43% or 323 businesses).

49

Figure 77: Rating of local business climate

Note: 752 respondents
Respondents were asked to rate the quality of a list of specific business climate factors as either
poor, fair, good, excellent or not applicable to their business.










The factors that received the highest number of POOR ratings included:
o Technical training (29% / 230 businesses),
o Economic development (26% or 208 businesses), and
o Workforce availability (24% / 192 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of FAIR ratings included:
o Housing (33% / 260 businesses),
o Workforce availability (32% or 253 businesses), and
o Local tax structure (31% / 249 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of GOOD ratings included:
o K-12 education (42% / 335 businesses),
o Cultural and recreational opportunities (38% or 303 businesses), and
o Colleges and universities (33% / 265 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of EXCELLENT ratings included:
o Cultural and recreational opportunities (23% / 184 businesses),
o Workforce quality (11% or 85 businesses), and
o K-12 education (10% / 81 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of NO OPINION ratings include:
o Colleges and universities (18% / 140 businesses),
o Technical training (17% or 139 businesses), and
o Local tax structure (13% / 103 businesses).

50

Figure 78: Rating of business climate factors

51

52

Note: 93-719 respondents
30% of respondents (221 businesses) felt that the business climate is better today than it was 5
years ago. 38% (278 businesses) thought that it is worse, and 23% (164 businesses) believed there
was no change in the business climate.

53

Figure 79: Business climate today vs. 5 years ago

Note: 728 respondents
67% of respondents (502 businesses) expect that the business climate will be better 5 years from
today. 7% (48 businesses) expect that it will be worse.
Figure 80: Business climate 5 years from today

Note: 744 respondents
Strengths and Weaknesses of Business Climate
Asked to list the community’s strengths as a place to do business, the highest number of
responses (17% or 120 responses) cited location as the community’s strength. 14% (98 businesses)
indicated lifestyle, and 11% (79 businesses) indicated the strong sense of community was a factor
in the community’s strength as a place to do business.
54

Figure 81: Community’s strengths as a place to do business

Note: 667 respondents
55

Asked to list the community’s weaknesses as a place to do business, the highest number of
responses (12% or 82 respondents) related to limited population. Shipping and receiving costs
accounted for 8% of responses (54 businesses), while location was cited by 6% (45 businesses).
Figure 82: Community's weaknesses as a place to do business

Note: 336 respondents
Business Growth
As detailed in figure 83, below, 85% of respondents (637 businesses) indicated that there are
barriers to growth. The highest number of respondents (14% or 86 businesses) stated that the low
population is the most important barrier to growing the community’s economy. Other commonly
56

cited barriers include: the development process (7% or 46 businesses), low economic
diversification (5% or 34 businesses) and skilled labour shortages (5% or 31 businesses).
Figure 83: Barriers to growth in the community

Note: 316 respondents
Respondents were asked about the level of support they received from various business support
providers. The Chamber of Commerce received the highest responses in each category; clearly,
this is a reflection on the level of support they offer13.
 Excellent response (14% or 25 businesses),
 Good responses (37% or 64 businesses),
 Fair responses (21% or 37 businesses), and
 Poor response (11% or 19 businesses),

13 Response rate regarding Chamber of Commerce was 175. This was 30 responses more than the next

most frequently commented upon source (Community Futures), and 50 more responses than the
remainder.

57

Figure 84: Level of service from business support providers

58

59

Note: 115-175 respondents
29% of respondents (70 businesses) indicated that there are suppliers that could locate in the
region. The most often cited desired product or service was computers/software (11% or 25
businesses). Following computers were: food and food products (7% or 16 businesses), office
supplies (5% or 12 businesses), and construction materials (4% or 8 businesses).
Figure 85: Potential Suppliers

Note: 222 respondents

60

73% of respondents (110 businesses) indicated that they do supply products or services to
companies located in the community or region.
Figure 86: Supply to local companies

Note: 151 respondents
66% of respondents (435 businesses) indicated that there are sectors, businesses or industries that
could be attracted to the region. Regional food production, manufacturing, agricultural supplies
and mining supplies were the most frequently cited businesses/sectors identified as important to
attract. Retail stores, printing suppliers, and green industries followed.
Figure 87: Sectors, businesses or industries that could be attracted to region

Note: 73 respondents
61

Business Competitiveness and Productivity
Respondents were asked to rate the importance of various factors for ensuring business
competitiveness, over the next five years, as either very important, somewhat important, not very
important, not at all important or not applicable to their business.










The factors that received the highest number of Not At All Important ratings included:
o Accessing International Markets (17% / 85 businesses),
o Reliable Airport Service (15% or 76 businesses), and
o Capital Access (11% / 55 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of Not Very Important ratings included:
o Reliable Airport Service (19% or 99 businesses),
o Expanding the Workforce (19% or 97 businesses), and
o Capital Access (17% / 85 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of Somewhat Important ratings included:
o Adding or Changing Products & Services (41% / 211 businesses),
o Strategic Alliances (39% or 196 businesses), and
o Expanding the Workforce (36% / 186 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of Very Important ratings included:
o Telecommunications (62% / 316 businesses),
o Customer Service (58% or 298 businesses), and
o Workforce Skill Development (56% / 283 businesses).
The factors that received the highest number of Not Applicable ratings include:
o Accessing International Markets (46% / 234 businesses),
o Reliable Airport Service (29% or 149 businesses), and
o Water and Sewage Costs (29% / 147 businesses).

62

Figure 88: Importance of business competitiveness factors

63

64

Note: 495-512 respondents

65

Respondents were asked to rate their business’ performance on a list of productivity drivers.










The drivers that received the highest number of EXCELLENT ratings included:
o Leadership and management capacity (31% or 134 businesses),
o Productive workplace culture (31% or 131 businesses), and
o Innovation & the use of technology (30% or 126 businesses).
The drivers that received the highest number of GOOD ratings included:
o Productive workplace culture (58% or 250 businesses),
o Leadership and management capacity (56% or 240 businesses), and
o Organizing work (structures & processes) (52% or 220 businesses).
The drivers that received the highest number of FAIR ratings included:
o Measuring impact of productivity efforts/investments (25% or 107 businesses),
o Networking and collaboration with other businesses (23% or 99 businesses), and
o Innovation & the use of technology (21% or 88 businesses).
The drivers that received the highest number of POOR ratings included:
o Networking and collaboration with other businesses (6% or 24 businesses),
o Measuring impact of productivity efforts/investments (5% or 22 businesses), and
o Investing in people and skills (3% or 11 businesses).
The drivers that received the highest number of N/A ratings included:
o Measuring impact of productivity efforts/investments (17% or 70 businesses), and
o Investing in people and skills (9% or 37 businesses).
o Networking and collaboration with other businesses (8% or 35 businesses),

66

Figure 89: Performance on key productivity drivers

67

Note: 423-428 respondents
Economic Drivers
Respondents believe that the economic drivers with the highest growth potential over the next 5
to 10 years include tourism (66% or 331 businesses), amenity migration (34% or 169 businesses),
and tech-based businesses (30% or 151 businesses). For a list of drivers identified as “Other”, refer
to Appendix A (mining was the only significant driver, with 14% or 70 businesses citing it).

68

Figure 90: Economic drivers with greatest growth potential

Note: 504 respondents
69

Proximity to Alberta
75 respondents (66% of question respondents) reported that they were impacted by their
proximity to Alberta. Accessing Alberta’s customers was the top impact with 59% of respondents
citing this as the main impact (43 businesses), while 18% (13 businesses) indicated that loss of
sales to Alberta businesses was their biggest impact.
Figure 91: Impact of Proximity to Alberta

Note: 73 respondents

ASSESSMENT AND PLANS
Overall Health
The majority of businesses surveyed reported that their facility is in overall good health (58% or
398 businesses), 22% (154 businesses) reported that their company’s health is excellent and 15%
(105 business) reported that it is fair. Only 3% (22) respondents indicated that their company is in
poor health.

70

Figure 92: Facility’s overall health

Note: 685 respondents
Most businesses with a parent company indicated that the health of that parent company is either
excellent (12% or 71 businesses) or good (12% or 72 businesses).
Figure 93: Overall health of parent company

Note: 611 respondents
Attitude toward Community
49% of respondents (329 businesses) indicated that their local management’s attitude toward the
community is excellent and 38% (257 businesses) indicated that it is good.
71

Figure 94: Local management's attitude toward community

Note: 672 respondents
The highest number of respondents (12% or 70 businesses) indicated that their parent company’s
attitude toward the local community is good. 11% (63 businesses) indicate that it is excellent, 2%
each (11 and 13 businesses respectively) indicate that the parent company’s attitude toward the
community is fair or poor.
Figure 95: Parent company's attitude toward local community

Note: 597 respondents
Risk of Closing or Downsizing

72

Data indicates that the risk of businesses closing or downsizing is low. Only 4% (25 business) of
respondents reported that they are at a high risk of closing or downsizing in the next 1-3 years.
Another 10% (70 businesses) say there is a moderate risk, but 87% (619 businesses) claim there is
a low risk of closure.
Figure 96: Risk of facility closing

Note: 714 respondents
Similarly, the data indicates that the risk of downsizing is low, with only 4% (28 businesses)
indicating that risk is high. 11% (77 businesses) cite a moderate risk, and 85% (591) or
respondents say the risk of downsizing is low.
Figure 97: Risk of facility downsizing

Note: 696 respondents

73

RECOMMENDATIONS
NEXT STEPS
The results of this survey can be used by economic and workforce development organizations
throughout the Basin-Boundary region to inform short- and long-term action planning.
Comparison of local results to the larger body of evidence may point to potential collaborations
and thinking at a regional level. Further, regional governments and institutions with a regional
perspective may use this information to inform their policies and activities.
Many BRE actions also lead to long-term programs (e.g., a ‘Buy Local’ program), or ongoing plans
and policies. Patience and a commitment over the long-term are critical in determining the
success of these initiatives. For this reason, BRE should be thought of, and implemented as, an ongoing process as opposed to a one-time project. Continued support from both the RDI and the
CBT will be instrumental to ensuring success over the long-term.
As indicated in the RDI report on BRE Best Practices in the Basin-Boundary, a community’s capacity
to plan and act strategically is a critical factor in determining the success of a BRE project.
Regional level institutions should support the building of a strong economic development culture
throughout the Basin-Boundary. This may involve efforts such as: hosting ED 101 learning days
across the region, exploration of shared EDO positions for under-served communities, supporting
the existing EDP network that works throughout the region, and/or targeted ED related learning
opportunities for municipal level staff and officials.

POTENTIAL ACTION AREAS
Local Workforce
Almost 90% of workers are hired locally with roughly 50% expecting recruiting difficulties in the
near-term. The most significant workforce gaps seem to be in the service industry (Food &
Beverage, Retail, Tourism), trades (mechanics, construction, machine operation), and professional
and high-tech fields.
Regional planning stakeholders may wish to focus on the labour market through two principal
avenues: information dissemination and training. Assisting both employers and potential
employees gather and disseminate information can help ease search costs and direct training
needs. Future targeted training and skills development opportunities, informed by research, will
help create a workforce that is better prepared to move into the knowledge economy and bolster
innovation and productivity.
Other programs or services that reduce the costs and pressures of maintaining employment
should also be considered. The top four identified workforce challenges fall into this category.
These are: cost of living, housing, child-care, and transportation.

74

Youth Employment
With just over 7% of the reported jobs being ‘entry-level’ in nature, it is not surprising to see that
only 8% of the regional workforce is in the ‘under 25’ age category. This is, of course, tied to the
regional demographic trend which sees a general out-migration of young adults (20 – 24).
Regional stakeholders should be looking at youth focused actions that ensure we have sufficient
opportunities for our young adults. The general workforce action areas may all be applied with a
youth focus. Developing apprenticeship/training/grooming programs that encourage regional
businesses to spend some of their resources bringing up the younger workforce would be helpful.
This would help create a collective culture of training and workforce development.
Business Growth & Expansion
49% of businesses in the region report being in a growth cycle, and 49% indicate that they are
planning to expand within the next three years. Roughly 32% of those businesses planning to
expand do not feel their existing site is adequate, and 86% of expansion plans are expected to
occur within the community. Businesses also report that current and expected future employment
levels are stable or increasing. This data coupled with the general positive business climate and
the optimism for the future provides a positive report on local business growth.
Actions in this area could include supporting existing businesses as they plan for local
expansion/growth. Assistance could come in the form of navigating local regulations, identifying
and securing new sites, and connecting businesses with resources to assist in expansion projects.
It is worth noting that very few businesses sought assistance with expansion efforts from an
external organisation. This is an area where improvements could be made to have local resources
approach businesses proactively to understand barriers and work collaboratively towards
solutions.
EDPs and other business supports could anticipate the need to respond to stated barriers to
expansion, which include: access to finance, lack of skilled staff and lack of suitable premises.
Supply Sourcing and Procurement
A hefty majority (69%) of sales are generated from the local or regional economy. However,
companies spread their procurement much further afield, with only 29% of supplies sourced from
within the region. It seems our region faces supply chain and value chain problems; we buy from
outside, but sell within.
The most common response (84%) for the reason why supplies are sourced outside of the local
area is that they are not available locally. While it will not be universally, true, this clearly indicates
that there are opportunities for both new product/service development and business expansion
within the region. EDOs and EDPs, at the local or sub-regional level, may wish to start analysing
sectors of interest to identify market opportunities for the region’s businesses.
Local businesses to do not appear to engage with government procurement processes, with only
29% of businesses indicated that they have. A significant number of non-responses (372
businesses) suggest there may be a lack of awareness of the opportunities available through
75

government procurement. Education and awareness of the opportunities available through
municipal, regional, and provincial procurement processes could be promoted through seminars,
profiles in communication material, and promotion on relevant websites.
Training
While the region’s colleges received passing grades from business, availability of: safety (first-aid,
food safety etc.), sales and marketing, business management, technical training and emerging
industry practices were identified. Findings indicate that the majority (53%) of businesses do have
a training budget, but they have no discernible preference for delivery methods (in-class, one-onone, workshops etc.). Future initiatives could include supporting networks to help businesses
identify shared training needs, and working with educational institutions to ensure local skill
requirements are considered in programming.
Succession and Business Planning
Business and succession planning are critical to the health and longevity of businesses. 16% of
Basin-Boundary businesses planning to exit their business in the intermediate future. 17% of
respondents indicated that they have a formal succession plan and just over half have an up-todate business plan. Furthermore, business and management training was among the top cited
areas of training needs.
Findings suggest that there are opportunities to support the business community by providing
succession and business planning assistance. Given the importance of individual circumstances,
and the primacy of privacy, in business and succession planning, and a stated preference for
individual coaching, one-on-one assistance program could result in greater overall benefit by
providing a higher level of support to businesses and generating greater uptake. Any future
planning support initiatives should be aggressively advertised to ensure uptake among local
businesses, and may include direct outreach to those businesses identified as part of the BRE
survey.
Government Services
Two primary themes emerged in the criticisms of government services and infrastructure:
insufficiency of transportation infrastructure, and difficulty in accessing space to expand existing
businesses. Criticisms around transportation identified airport services, ground transportation
services, telecommunications and warehousing as insufficient. Criticisms around expansion focus
on the availability of appropriately zoned lands, development approval processes and availability
of rental or lease space.
With roughly $420M in potential investments waiting to happen, there is an opportunity for local
government to work with local businesses to understand existing and future business needs and
assess land use planning at a micro level. Issues around the perceived lack of available land and
servicing costs may be addressed through communication strategies between the local
government, local businesses and the community. Opportunities may exist locally for changes to
land use designations and zoning that could serve both the greater community and local
businesses. Collaboration and dialogue with targeted businesses could produce valuable results
and innovative solutions.
76

The issues around transportation and communications infrastructure have been long identified.
While work is ongoing to address these issues, stakeholders should take confidence that their
actions will have an effect and be appreciated. Opportunities for collaboration and collective
action should be sought, and public-private partnerships may be explored.

77

APPENDIX A: DATA TABLES
COMPANY INFORMATION
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Industry Classification

NAICS

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11

24

3.02%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

21

5

0.63%

Utilities

22

3

0.38%

Construction

23

41

5.16%

Manufacturing

31-33 94

11.82%

Retail and Wholesale Trade

41-45 195

24.53%

Transportation and Warehousing

48-49 10

1.26%

Information and Cultural Industries

51

52

6.54%

Finance and Insurance

52

24

3.02%

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

53

21

2.64%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

54

97

12.20%

Administrative Support, Waste Management and
Remediation

56

6

0.75%

Educational Services

61

4

0.50%

Health Care and Social Assistance

62

21

2.64%

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

71

39

4.91%

Accommodation and Food Services

72

97

12.20%

Other Services

81

60

7.55%

Public Administration

91-92 2

0.25%

Total

795

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

795

No Response Count:

0

Response Rate:

100%

100.00%

78

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Functions located at this facility
Engineering/RD

76

15.77%

Manufacturing

99

20.54%

Warehousing

99

20.54%

Distribution

122

25.31%

Headquarters

180

37.34%

Services

410

85.06%

Total

986

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

482

No Response Count:

313

Response Rate:

61%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Who are your competitors?: Where are your competitors
located?
Outside Canada

19

12.18%

In Canada

22

14.10%

In Province

139

89.10%

Total

180

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

156

No Response Count:

639

Response Rate:

20%

79

FACTORS FOR SUCCESS
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What are the factors that make your company successful
here?
Advertising

1

0.15%

Customer Service

1

0.15%

Road construction

1

0.15%

Mining

2

0.30%

Branding

5

0.75%

Deversified services

6

0.90%

Natural resources

7

1.05%

Niche product

8

1.20%

Demand for products and services

14

2.11%

Technical expertise

14

2.11%

Hard work

15

2.26%

Tourism

15

2.26%

Community support

17

2.56%

Workforce / Staff

20

3.01%

Networking

21

3.16%

Word of mouth

26

3.91%

Competitive pricing

29

4.36%

Experience

30

4.51%

Knowledge

36

5.41%

Lack of competition

36

5.41%

Reputation

38

5.71%

Established business

40

6.02%

Location

74

11.13%

Customer service

85

12.78%

Quality product / service

86

12.93%

Total

627

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

665

No Response Count:

130

Response Rate:

84%

80

LOCATION
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Location of company's headquarters
Outside Canada

18

3.87%

Elsewhere in nation

43

9.25%

In Province

404

86.88%

Total

465

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

465

No Response Count:

330

Response Rate:

58%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Location of company's headquarters: Province
AL

1

0.64%

CA

1

0.64%

MB

1

0.64%

MS

1

0.64%

OR

1

0.64%

SK

1

0.64%

WI

1

0.64%

QC

4

2.55%

ON

7

4.46%

AB

11

7.01%

BC

128

81.53%

Total

157

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

157

No Response Count:

638

Response Rate:

20%

81

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Location of company's headquarters: Nation
Australia

1

0.68%

Belgium

1

0.68%

United Kingdom

1

0.68%

United States

10

6.76%

Canada

135

91.22%

Total

148

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

148

No Response Count:

647

Response Rate:

19%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Does this company have another location elsewhere?
Yes

149

28.22%

No

379

71.78%

Total

528

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

528

No Response Count:

267

Response Rate:

66%

82

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Does this company have another location elsewhere?: If
Yes, where?
Outside Canada

8

17.78%

Elsewhere in nation

19

42.22%

In Province

35

77.78%

Total

62

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

45

No Response Count:

104

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

149

Parent Question Respondents:

528

Response Rate:

30%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Corporate headquarters location, if different than local
location
China

1

7.69%

United States

1

7.69%

Canada

11

84.62%

Total

13

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

13

No Response Count:

136

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

149

Parent Question Respondents:

528

Response Rate:

9%

83

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Why did you choose this community to locate your
business?
Bought an existing business

1

0.61%

Great community

1

0.61%

Moved business when husband relocated

1

0.61%

Moved here to manage the business

1

0.61%

Only insurance company in town

1

0.61%

Opening a business here was a natural fit

1

0.61%

Traditional place of residence

1

0.61%

Transferred here from original company

1

0.61%

Understanding of the business

1

0.61%

Business expansion

2

1.22%

Connections to the community

2

1.22%

Hobby turned into a business

2

1.22%

Natural resources

6

3.66%

Established business

8

4.88%

Proximity to mines

9

5.49%

Lifestyle

11

6.71%

Born and raised here

13

7.93%

Demand for products and services

15

9.15%

Market growth

15

9.15%

Already living here

17

10.37%

Close to family

17

10.37%

Location

17

10.37%

Saw a business opportunity

28

17.07%

Total

171

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

164

No Response Count:

631

Response Rate:

21%

84

AGE AND LIFE CYCLE STAGE
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Life cycle stage of firm's primary product/service
Declining

38

5.01%

Emerging

72

9.50%

Growing

373

49.21%

Maturing

275

36.28%

Total

758

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

758

No Response Count:

37

Response Rate:

95%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
How long has this facility operated
<1 Year

38

4.94%

1-4 Years

128

16.62%

5-9 Years

138

17.92%

10-19 Years

181

23.51%

>20 Years

285

37.01%

Total

770

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

770

No Response Count:

25

Response Rate:

97%

85

OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Count Percent of Question Respondents
What is this company's ownership status?
Publicly owned

60

8.78%

Privately owned

623

91.22%

Total

683

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

683

No Response Count:

112

Response Rate:

86%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
What is this company's legal status?
Limited liability partnership (LLP)

25

3.22%

Non-profit

32

4.12%

Partnership

81

10.42%

Sole proprietorship

220

28.31%

Corporation

400

51.48%

Other

19

2.45%

Total

777

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

777

No Response Count:

18

Response Rate:

98%

86

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
What is this company's legal status?: If Other, please
specify
Family Trust

1

0.13%

Farm

1

0.13%

Independent

1

0.13%

Labour organisation

1

0.13%

Limited company

1

0.13%

Municipal Government

1

0.13%

Registered Charity (CRA)

1

0.13%

Unlimited

1

0.13%

Sole proprietership

2

0.26%

Corporation

4

0.51%

Non-profit

4

0.51%

Cooperative

8

1.03%

Total

26

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

26

No Response Count:

0

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

19

Parent Question Respondents:

777

Response Rate:

100%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Has the local facility changed owners or managers in the
past 5 years?
Yes

175

25.40%

No

514

74.60%

Total

689

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

689

No Response Count:

106

Response Rate:

87%
87

Count Percent of Question Respondents
If Yes, describe the local impact of the change
Negative

6

3.55%

Neutral

28

16.57%

Positive

135

79.88%

Total

169

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:
Parent Question Respondents:
Response Rate:

795
169
6
175
689
97%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Is an ownership change pending for this facility?
Yes

125

16.47%

No

634

83.53%

Total

759

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

795
759
36
95%

Count

Percent of Question Respondents

If Yes what is the anticipated time frame
1 year or less

30

28.30%

2 years

22

20.75%

3 years or more

54

50.94%

Total

106

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

106

No Response Count:

19

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

125

Parent Question Respondents:

759

Response Rate:

85%
88

Count Percent of Question Respondents
If Yes, how do you intend to exit the business?
Close the business down

3

2.78%

Sell/transfer to a family member

18

16.67%

Sell to another company

19

17.59%

Sell/transfer to a non-family member

49

45.37%

Other

19

17.59%

Total

108

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

108

No Response Count:

17

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

125

Parent Question Respondents:

759

Response Rate:

86%

89

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

If Yes, how do you intend to exit the business?: If other,
please explain
Being bought out

1

0.93%

Change in board

1

0.93%

Change in partnership

1

0.93%

Loss of partner

1

0.93%

New franchise owner

1

0.93%

Sell to larger company

1

0.93%

Sell or close down

1

0.93%

Sell the building

1

0.93%

Sell to family member

1

0.93%

Start new

1

0.93%

Advertise for a business partner

2

1.85%

Changing to corportation

2

1.85%

Don't know

5

4.63%

Total

19

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

19

No Response Count:

0

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

19

Parent Question Respondents:

108

Response Rate:

86%

90

SUCCESSION AND BUSINESS PLANS
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Have you identified a successor to your business?
Yes

99

15.97%

No

521

84.03%

Total

620

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

795
620
175
78%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Is there a formal succession plan?
Yes

114

17.40%

No

467

71.30%

Not applicable

74

11.30%

Total

655

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

795
655
140
82%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

If Yes, have you been assisted in preparation of a
succession plan?
Yes

67

68.37%

No

31

31.63%

Total

98

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

98

No Response Count:

16

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

114

Parent Question Respondents:

655

Response Rate:

86%
91

Count Percent of Question Respondents
If Yes, by whom
Banker

2

3.85%

Spouse

2

3.85%

Personal financial planner

3

5.77%

Business partner

5

9.62%

Accountant

10

19.23%

Lawyer

12

23.08%

Other

16

30.77%

Total

50

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

52

No Response Count:

15

Parent Question 'Yes'
Respondents:

67

Parent Question Respondents:

98

Response Rate:

78%

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
If Yes, by whom: If other, please explain
Accountant, Lawyer, and CBT (BBA)

1

1.92%

All of the Above

1

1.92%

Asked for help from Local Govt

1

1.92%

Board of directors

1

1.92%

Caldwell banker

1

1.92%

Canadian Independent Federation of Businesses
(guide)

1

1.92%

Consultant / industry groups

1

1.92%

CoreLogic - In house not local in Nelson

1

1.92%

Lawyer, Accountant, Financial Planner

1

1.92%

Tim Horton's succession plan department

1

1.92%

consultant

1

1.92%
92

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
If Yes, by whom: If other, please explain
head office

1

1.92%

regional district manager of Marks

1

1.92%

workshops

1

1.92%

KAST Mentorship program

2

3.85%

Total

16

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

29

No Response Count:

0

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

16

Parent Question Respondents:

52

Response Rate:

78%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Does this firm have a current written business plan?
Yes

383

56.66%

No

293

43.34%

Total

676

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

676

No Response Count:

119

Response Rate:

85%

93

WORKFORCE
SIZE
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Historical employment trend
Declining

111

16.32%

Staying the same

330

48.53%

Increasing

239

35.15%

Total

680

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents: 680
No Response Count:

115

Response Rate:

86
%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Nature of Employment
Full Time

11844 73.77%

Part Time

2567 15.99%

Temporary

1645 10.25%

Total

16056

Survey Participants:

795

Question
Respondents:

782

Response Rate:

98.36%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Total number of employees at this facility*: Total
employees
Less than 5

373

47.70%

5-9

190

24.30%

10-19

103

13.17%

20-49

78

9.97%
94

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Total number of employees at this facility*: Total
employees
50-99

21

2.69%

Over 100

17

2.17%

Total

782

Total employees:

16056

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

782

No Response Count:

13

Response Rate:

98%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Total number of employees at this facility*: Full-time
employees
Less than 5

485

66.35%

5-9

117

16.01%

10-19

53

7.25%

20-49

52

7.11%

50-99

10

1.37%

Over 100

14

1.92%

Total

731

Total full-time employees:

11844

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

731

No Response Count:

64

Response Rate:

92%

95

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Total number of employees at this facility*: Part-time
employees
Less than 5

462

80.77%

5-9

55

9.62%

10-19

38

6.64%

20-49

13

2.27%

50-99

2

0.35%

Over 100

2

0.35%

Total

572

Total part-time employees:

2567

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

572

No Response Count:

223

Response Rate:

72%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Total number of employees at this facility*: Temporary
employees
Less than 5

299

83.52%

5-9

27

7.54%

10-19

17

4.75%

20-49

9

2.51%

50-99

4

1.12%

Over 100

2

0.56%

Total

358

Total temporary employees:

1645

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

358

No Response Count:

437

Response Rate:

45%

96

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Projected number of employees at this facility in one
year*
Less than 5

322

44.35%

5-9

186

25.62%

10-19

100

13.77%

20-49

77

10.61%

50-99

24

3.31%

Over 100

17

2.34%

Total

726

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

726

No Response Count:

69

Response Rate:

91%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Projected number of employees at this facility in three
years*
Less than 5

306

41.46%

5-9

186

25.20%

10-19

114

15.45%

20-49

84

11.38%

50-99

28

3.79%

Over 100

20

2.71%

Total

738

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

738

No Response Count:

57

Response Rate:

93%

97

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

How did the number of staff change, if at all, in the last 3
years?: Full time
Increased

173

26.41%

Stayed the same

394

60.15%

Decreased

88

13.44%

Total

655

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

655

No Response Count:

140

Response Rate:

82%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

How did the number of staff change, if at all, in the last 3
years?: Part time
Increased

140

24.87%

Stayed the same

348

61.81%

Decreased

75

13.32%

Total

563

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

563

No Response Count:

232

Response Rate:

71%

98

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
How did the number of staff change, if at all, in the last 3
years?: Casual
Increased

64

15.02%

Stayed the same

319

74.88%

Decreased

43

10.09%

Total

426

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

426

No Response Count:

369

Response Rate:

54%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

How do you expect the number of staff to change, if at all over
the next 3 years?: Full time
Increased

266

41.76%

Stayed the same

344

54.00%

Decreased

27

4.24%

Total

637

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

637

No Response Count:

158

Response Rate:

80%

99

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

How do you expect the number of staff to change, if at all over
the next 3 years?: Part time
Increased

196

34.88%

Stayed the same

334

59.43%

Decreased

32

5.69%

Total

562

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

562

No Response Count:

233

Response Rate:

71%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

How do you expect the number of staff to change, if at all over
the next 3 years?: Casual
Increased

87

20.76%

Stayed the same

316

75.42%

Decreased

16

3.82%

Total

419

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

419

No Response Count:

376

Response Rate:

53%

100

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Describe the majority of essential personnel at this
location
Less than 25

54

8.13%

26 - 34

158

23.80%

35 - 49

313

47.14%

50 or older

139

20.93%

Total

664

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

664

No Response Count:

131

Response Rate:

84%

101

WAGES
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Describe the wage scale here compared to all other firms
locally
Lower than

57

10.31%

Same as

295

53.35%

Greater than

201

36.35%

Total

553

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

553

No Response Count:

242

Response Rate:

70%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Average hourly wage: Skilled/Professional
Under $10

15

3.23%

$10-$12.99

32

6.90%

$13-$14.99

20

4.31%

$15-$19.99

73

15.73%

$20-$29.99

152

32.76%

$30-49.99

126

27.16%

$50-$99

39

8.41%

$100 or more

7

1.51%

Total

464

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

464

No Response Count:

331

Response Rate:

58%

102

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Average hourly wage: Semi-skilled
Under $10

24

6.47%

$10-$12.99

77

20.75%

$13-$14.99

43

11.59%

$15-$19.99

105

28.30%

$20-$29.99

104

28.03%

$30-49.99

17

4.58%

$100 or more

1

0.27%

Total

371

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

371

No Response Count:

424

Response Rate:

47%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Average hourly wage: Entry-level
Under $10

39

13.45%

$10-$12.99

146

50.34%

$13-$14.99

30

10.34%

$15-$19.99

46

15.86%

$20-$29.99

26

8.97%

$30-49.99

3

1.03%

Total

290

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

290

No Response Count:

505

Response Rate:

36%

103

RECRUITMENT
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Is the number of unfilled positions
Stable

462

82.50%

Decreasing

24

4.29%

Increasing

74

13.21%

Total

560

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

560

No Response Count:

235

Response Rate:

70%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Where does the company attract the majority of its
workers from?
Internationally

11

1.53%

Nationally

32

4.46%

Provincially

36

5.02%

Locally

638

88.98%

Total

717

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

717

No Response Count:

78

Response Rate:

90%

104

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Is the company experiencing recruitment problems with any
employee positions or skills?
Yes

317

45.68%

No

377

54.32%

Total

694

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

694

No Response Count:

101

Response Rate:

87%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Assembler/Line Workers

1

0.32%

Advanced Mfg Workers

2

0.64%

Manufacturing/Other

4

1.28%

Agriculture/Farming

5

1.60%

Healthcare Professionals

5

1.60%

Marketing

5

1.60%

CDL Drivers

6

1.92%

Plant Managers / Operators

6

1.92%

Graphics Arts/Printing

7

2.24%

Machinists

9

2.88%

Material/Fabricators

11

3.53%

Maintenance

14

4.49%

Construction/Contractors

16

5.13%

Prof/Info Tech/Programming

16

5.13%

Electrical/Electronics

22

7.05%

Hospitality Service

24

7.69%

Machine Operators

25

8.01%

Administrative/Clerical

28

8.97%

Is the company experiencing recruitment problems with any
employee positions or skills?: If Yes, in which category(s)?

105

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

General Laborer

29

9.29%

Mechanics

30

9.62%

Food/Beverage Service

32

10.26%

Professional/Other

37

11.86%

Professional/Technical

39

12.50%

Sales/Service

42

13.46%

Sales/Retail

43

13.78%

None

2

0.64%

Other

190

60.90%

Total

650

Is the company experiencing recruitment problems with any
employee positions or skills?: If Yes, in which category(s)?

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

312

No Response Count:

5

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

317

Parent Question Respondents:

694

Response Rate:

98%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Accountants

1

0.32%

Actuarials

1

0.32%

Audiologists

1

0.32%

Bartenders

1

0.32%

Cooks

1

0.32%

Custodians

1

0.32%

Fitness instructors

1

0.32%

Funeral director

1

0.32%

HVAC

1

0.32%

Is the company experiencing recruitment problems with any
employee positions or skills?: Other (specify job roles/titles)

106

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Insurance brokers

1

0.32%

Labourers

1

0.32%

Licensed broker

1

0.32%

Nutritionist

1

0.32%

Realtors

1

0.32%

Social service workers

1

0.32%

Statisticians

1

0.32%

Students

1

0.32%

Surveyors

1

0.32%

Teachers

1

0.32%

Yoga Instructors

1

0.32%

Chefs & Bakers

2

0.64%

Chemists

2

0.64%

Computer-aided design (CAD) technologists

2

0.64%

Interior designers

2

0.64%

Lawyers

2

0.64%

Marketing professionals

2

0.64%

Pharmacists

2

0.64%

Bookkeepers

3

0.96%

Customer service representatives

3

0.96%

Good employee

3

0.96%

Horticulturists

3

0.96%

Sales

3

0.96%

System administrators

3

0.96%

Commercial drivers

4

1.28%

Cosmetologist

4

1.28%

Creative Writers

4

1.28%

Hair Stylists

5

1.60%

Housekeeping

5

1.60%

Is the company experiencing recruitment problems with any
employee positions or skills?: Other (specify job roles/titles)

107

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Machine operators

6

1.92%

Web designers

6

1.92%

Computer technologists

7

2.24%

Engineers

8

2.56%

Software developers

9

2.88%

Managers

22

7.05%

Skilled trades

29

9.29%

Total

161

Is the company experiencing recruitment problems with any
employee positions or skills?: Other (specify job roles/titles)

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

167

No Response Count:

23

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

190

Parent Question Respondents:

312

Response Rate:

88%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Do you anticipate future recruiting difficulties i.e. 3-5
year?
Yes

350

51.55%

No

329

48.45%

Total

679

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

679

No Response Count:

116

Response Rate:

85%

108

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Do you anticipate future recruiting difficulties i.e. 3-5 year? : If
Yes, in what area(s)?
Advanced Mfg Workers

1

0.31%

Assembler/Line Workers

1

0.31%

Manufacturing/Other

3

0.92%

Agriculture/Farming

6

1.84%

CDL Drivers

6

1.84%

Plant Managers/Operators

6

1.84%

Healthcare Professionals

7

2.15%

Marketing

7

2.15%

Graphics Arts/Printing

9

2.76%

Material/Fabricators

10

3.07%

Construction/Contractors

13

3.99%

Machinists

13

3.99%

Electrical/Electronics

15

4.60%

Maintenance

15

4.60%

Hospitality Service

19

5.83%

Machine Operators

20

6.13%

Prof/Info Tech/Programming

20

6.13%

Administrative/Clerical

30

9.20%

General Laborer

30

9.20%

Food/Beverage Service

32

9.82%

Professional/Other

37

11.35%

Professional/Technical

38

11.66%

Sales/Service

38

11.66%

Mechanics

42

12.88%

Sales/Retail

42

12.88%

None

1

0.31%

Other

184

56.44%

Total

645

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:
Parent Question Respondents:
Response Rate:

795
326
24
350
679
93%
109

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Do you anticipate future recruiting difficulties i.e. 3-5 year? :
Other (specify job roles/titles)
Actuarial

1

0.31%

Arbourist

1

0.31%

Audiologists

1

0.31%

Chemists

1

0.31%

Cooks

1

0.31%

Cosmetologists

1

0.31%

Counselors for boys

1

0.31%

Custodians

1

0.31%

Educators

1

0.31%

Executives

1

0.31%

Farmers

1

0.31%

General Laborer

1

0.31%

Healthcare Professionals

1

0.31%

Heavy Equipment Operators

1

0.31%

Insurance Brokers

1

0.31%

Interior designers

1

0.31%

Jewelers

1

0.31%

Licensed brokers

1

0.31%

Realtors

1

0.31%

Reporters

1

0.31%

River guides

1

0.31%

Seed agrologist

1

0.31%

Servers

1

0.31%

Statisticians

1

0.31%

Surveyors

1

0.31%

Washers

1

0.31%

Yard Technicians

1

0.31%

Apprentices

2

0.61%

Business Adminstration

2

0.61%
110

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Do you anticipate future recruiting difficulties i.e. 3-5 year? :
Other (specify job roles/titles)
Butchers

2

0.61%

Cosmetologist

2

0.61%

Lawyers

2

0.61%

Sales

2

0.61%

Skilled professional

2

0.61%

Bakers

3

0.92%

Bookkeepers

3

0.92%

General laborer

3

0.92%

Hair stylists

3

0.92%

Journalists

3

0.92%

Pharmacists

3

0.92%

Accountants

4

1.23%

Housekeeping

5

1.53%

Commercial Truck Drivers

6

1.84%

Engineers

10

3.07%

Managers

12

3.68%

Computer professionals

19

5.83%

Skilled trades

27

8.28%

Total

142

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

158

No Response Count:

26

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

184

Parent Question Respondents:

326

Response Rate:

86%

111

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Job Fairs

1

0.34%

Offer apprenticeships

1

0.34%

Paid Referral Program

1

0.34%

Selling on lifestyle

1

0.34%

Advertising

2

0.68%

Online job boards

2

0.68%

Flexible work schedule

3

1.02%

National advertising

3

1.02%

Recruitng Firms

3

1.02%

Training opportunities

3

1.02%

Internal job postings

4

1.37%

Recruiting Firms

4

1.37%

Staff discounts

4

1.37%

Canada Job Bank

5

1.71%

Job fairs

5

1.71%

Offer benefits/bonuses

5

1.71%

International recruitment

6

2.05%

Road side sign

6

2.05%

Trade Journals

6

2.05%

Employment agencies

7

2.39%

WorkBC

8

2.73%

Post openings on company website

9

3.07%

Online advertising

14

4.78%

Social media (Facebook/ Linkedin)

14

4.78%

College recruitment

19

6.48%

Online Job boards

31

10.58%

Local advertising

63

21.50%

Word of mouth

90

30.72%

None

56

19.11%

If applicable, please describe any recruitment activities or
strategies you have undertaken to attract employees.

112

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

If applicable, please describe any recruitment activities or
strategies you have undertaken to attract employees.
Total

376

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

293

No Response Count:

316

Response Rate:

48%

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Is there anything we can do to help overcome issues with
employee recruitment?
Yes

57

38.00%

No

93

62.00%

Total

150

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

150

No Response Count:

645

Response Rate:

19%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Is there anything we can do to help overcome issues with
employee recruitment?: If Yes, please explain
Attract talented people

1

2.50%

Improve health care and hospital services

1

2.50%

Provide a good connection to universities and summer students 1

2.50%

Provide better job preparation

1

2.50%

Provide other fulltime employment

1

2.50%

Provide relocation assistance

1

2.50%

Sponsor job fairs

1

2.50%

Provide a better community for families

2

5.00%
113

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Is there anything we can do to help overcome issues with
employee recruitment?: If Yes, please explain
Subsidize wages

2

5.00%

Bring cost of living down

3

7.50%

Support affordable housing

3

7.50%

Help with foreign worker program

4

10.00%

Provide training support

7

17.50%

Establish a job bank

11

27.50%

Total

39

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

40

No Response Count:

17

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

57

Parent Question Respondents:

150

Response Rate:

70%

114

RETENTION
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Is employee retention a problem?
Yes

209

30.60%

No

474

69.40%

Total

683

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

683

No Response Count:

112

Response Rate:

86%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

If applicable, please describe any challenges and / or efforts you
have undertaken to retain employees.
Apprentice training

1

0.35%

Child Care

3

1.06%

Profit sharing

7

2.48%

Subsidized housing

8

2.84%

Avoid layoffs (find extra work)

13

4.61%

Training

19

6.74%

Staff discounts

20

7.09%

Support personal growth and skill development

34

12.06%

Bonuses

44

15.60%

Flexible work schedule

51

18.09%

Support a positve environment

57

20.21%

Benefits

58

20.57%

Competitive wages

68

24.11%

None

39

13.83%

Total

422

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

282

No Response Count:

327
115

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

If applicable, please describe any challenges and / or efforts you
have undertaken to retain employees.
Response Rate:

46%

SKILLS AND TRAINING
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Skill Level of Majority of Workforce
Skilled/Professional

368

55.26%

Semi-skilled

113

16.97%

Entry-level

49

7.36%

Total

530

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

666

Response Rate:

83.77%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Percent of workforce: Skilled/Professional
less than 25%

137

20.57%

25 to 49%

93

13.96%

50 to 74%

110

16.52%

75 to 100%

326

48.95%

Total

666

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

666

No Response Count:

129

Response Rate:

84%

116

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Percent of workforce: Semi-skilled
less than 25%

382

57.36%

25 to 49%

122

18.32%

50 to 74%

95

14.26%

75 to 100%

67

10.06%

Total

666

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

666

No Response Count:

129

Response Rate:

84%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Percent of workforce: Entry-level
less than 25%

518

77.78%

25 to 49%

65

9.76%

50 to 74%

53

7.96%

75 to 100%

30

4.50%

Total

666

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

666

No Response Count:

129

Response Rate:

84%

117

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Does the company provide a training budget in order to
upgrade employee's skills?
Yes

358

53.12%

No

316

46.88%

Total

674

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

674

No Response Count:

121

Response Rate:

85%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Does the company offer in-house training?
Yes

135

84.91%

No

24

15.09%

Total

159

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

159

No Response Count:

636

Response Rate:

20%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Does the company use Contracted Training?
Yes

61

38.85%

No

96

61.15%

Total

157

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

157

No Response Count:

638

Response Rate:

20%

118

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Yes

494

71.80%

No

194

28.20%

Total

688

Are there any areas of training or professional development that
would be of benefit to you or your employees?

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

688

No Response Count:

107

Response Rate:

87%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Barista

1

0.21%

Environmental programs

1

0.21%

Horiculture

1

0.21%

Professional development

4

0.82%

Continued education

6

1.23%

Cooking skills

7

1.44%

Emerging technologies

19

3.91%

Managerial training

24

4.94%

Social media

24

4.94%

Industrial equipment operations

31

6.38%

Web site design

36

7.41%

Computer skills

49

10.08%

Accounting/Bookeeping

50

10.29%

Emerging industry practices

55

11.32%

Customer service

60

12.35%

Technical training

61

12.55%

Business management

70

14.40%

Are there any areas of training or professional development that
would be of benefit to you or your employees?: If Yes, what are
they?

119

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Sales/Marketing

72

14.81%

Safety/First Aid/Food Safe

76

15.64%

Total

647

Are there any areas of training or professional development that
would be of benefit to you or your employees?: If Yes, what are
they?

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

486

No Response Count:

8

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

494

Parent Question Respondents:

688

Response Rate:

98%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

When your staff attend training/certification, where do they
usually access the training?
United States

72

12.10%

Rest of Canada

105

17.65%

Regional

158

26.55%

British Columbia

223

37.48%

Local

309

51.93%

Total

867

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

595

No Response Count:

200

Response Rate:

75%

120

Count Percent of Question Respondents
What modes of education/training work best for you?
Individual coaching

312

48.90%

Online/ Webinar training

332

52.04%

Classroom

350

54.86%

Other

97

15.20%

Total

1091

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

638

No Response Count:

157

Response Rate:

80%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What modes of education/training work best for you?:
Other Name
Mentor

6

0.94%

Trade shows / Conferences

35

5.49%

In-house / Hands on / Workshop

56

8.78%

Total

97

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

97

No Response Count:

0

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

97

Parent Question Respondents:

638

Response Rate:

100%

121

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Yes

340

51.52%

No

320

48.48%

Total

660

Are you aware of any anticipated trends, technologies, significant
changes that will be occurring in your industry that will require
new skills?

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

660

No Response Count:

135

Response Rate:

83%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What new training might you need to consider in the next
five years?
Accounting/Bookeeping

1

1.04%

Airbrushing

1

1.04%

Automated steel fabrication

1

1.04%

Business communications

1

1.04%

Civil engineering

1

1.04%

Customer service

1

1.04%

Data analytics

1

1.04%

Government regulations

1

1.04%

Hand-held technology

1

1.04%

Heavy equipment technologies

1

1.04%

Landscape design

1

1.04%

Marketing

1

1.04%

Online payment systems

1

1.04%

Pharmacology

1

1.04%

Plant Science

1

1.04%

Plumbing

1

1.04%

Prepared food training

1

1.04%
122

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What new training might you need to consider in the next
five years?
Robotics

1

1.04%

Safety

1

1.04%

Sales

1

1.04%

Social media communications

1

1.04%

Specialized health services

1

1.04%

Stained glass soldering

1

1.04%

Water management.

1

1.04%

Bookkeeping

2

2.08%

Food Safe

2

2.08%

HVAC

2

2.08%

Webisite design

2

2.08%

Emerging industry practices

3

3.12%

Social Media

3

3.12%

Electronics

4

4.17%

Social media marketing

4

4.17%

Solar technologies

5

5.21%

Computer and technology training

8

8.33%

Technology Skills

8

8.33%

Online marketing

12

12.50%

Emerging technologies

14

14.58%

Total

93

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

96

No Response Count:

699

Response Rate:

12%

123

UNIONS
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Union status
Yes

40

5.95%

No

504

75.00%

Not applicable

128

19.05%

Total

672

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents: 672
No Response Count:

123

Response Rate:

85%

EMPLOYEES
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

In general terms, what percent of your workforce lives in
the: Community (%)
0-24%

12

2.48%

25-49%

9

1.86%

50-74%

39

8.06%

75-100%

424

87.60%

Total

484

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

484

No Response Count:

125

Response Rate:

79%

124

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

0-24%

44

41.90%

25-49%

24

22.86%

50-74%

24

22.86%

75-100%

13

12.38%

Total

105

In general terms, what percent of your workforce lives in the:
Region (%) - includes entire Columbia Basin-Boundary region

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

105

No Response Count:

504

Response Rate:

17%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

In general terms, what percent of your workforce lives in the:
Outside of region (%)
0-24%

22

52.38%

25-49%

9

21.43%

50-74%

4

9.52%

75-100%

7

16.67%

Total

42

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

42

No Response Count:

567

Response Rate:

7%

125

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please indicate which issues you believe are critical to your
employees?
Transportation

118

26.28%

Child care

155

34.52%

Housing

230

51.22%

Cost of living

319

71.05%

Other

169

37.64%

Total

991

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

449

No Response Count:

160

Response Rate:

74%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please indicate which issues you believe are critical to your
employees?: If Other, please list any other issues
Proximity to airport

1

0.22%

Seasonality of work

1

0.22%

Cost of living

2

0.45%

Cell phone service

3

0.67%

Job security

3

0.67%

Benefits

4

0.89%

Recreation amenities

4

0.89%

Training

4

0.89%

Child care

5

1.11%

Healthcare

5

1.11%

Healthy Work environment

5

1.11%

Seasonality of the work offered

5

1.11%

Double income opportunities

7

1.56%

Public transit

7

1.56%

Broadband service

8

1.78%
126

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please indicate which issues you believe are critical to your
employees?: If Other, please list any other issues
Flextime

8

1.78%

Work environment

10

2.23%

Getting enough work hours

13

2.90%

Wages

19

4.23%

Affordable housing

24

5.35%

Lifestyle

31

6.90%

Total

169

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

170

No Response Count:

0

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

169

Parent Question Respondents:

449

Response Rate:

100%

127

SALES
MARKET SIZE AND SHARE
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Annual sales at this facility (optional)
Under $25,000

28

6.10%

$49,999 to $25,000

34

7.41%

$99,999 to $50,000

36

7.84%

499,999 to $100,000

147

32.03%

$999,999 to $500,000

67

14.60%

$4.9 million to 1 million

101

22.00%

$9.9 million to 5 million

19

4.14%

$19.9 million to 10 million

10

2.18%

$50 million to 20 million

11

2.40%

over $50 million

6

1.31%

Total

459

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

459

No Response Count:

336

Response Rate:

58%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Is the market for your product
Stable

286

37.19%

Decreasing

73

9.49%

Increasing

410

53.32%

Total

769

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents: 769
No Response Count:

26

Response Rate:

97%

128

Count Percent of Question Respondents
International trade status
Export

73

11.44%

Import

77

12.07%

None

92

14.42%

Not applicable

425

66.61%

Total

667

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

638

No Response Count:

157

Response Rate:

80
%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Is the market share (compared to your competitors) of your
company's products
Stable

262

42.67%

Decreasing

41

6.68%

Increasing

311

50.65%

Total

614

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

614

No Response Count:

181

Response Rate:

77%

129

GROWTH
Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
What is the projected sales growth in the next year at this
business?
Declining

21

3.03%

0%

89

12.84%

1 - 9%

249

35.93%

10 - 24%

199

28.72%

25 - 49%

66

9.52%

50 - 99%

42

6.06%

Over 100%

27

3.90%

Total

693

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

693

No Response Count:

102

Response Rate:

87%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Historical sales trend: At this business (past five years)
Declining

92

12.87%

Staying the same

131

18.32%

Increasing

462

64.62%

Not applicable

30

4.20%

Total

715

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

715

No Response Count:

80

Response Rate:

90%

130

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Historical sales trend: At the parent company
Declining

15

2.68%

Staying the same

35

6.26%

Increasing

106

18.96%

Not applicable

403

72.09%

Total

559

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

795
559
236
70%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Historical sales trend: Within the industry
Declining

106

16.67%

Staying the same

154

24.21%

Increasing

304

47.80%

Not applicable

72

11.32%

Total

636

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

795
636
159
80%

Count

Percent of Question Respondents

Historical export sales trend
Declining

22

3.98%

Staying the same

24

4.34%

Increasing

64

11.57%

Not applicable

443

80.11%

Total

553

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

795
553
242
70%

131

SOURCE OF SALES
Count

Percent of Question Respondents

Source of Majority of Sales
Local

505

69.08%

Provincial

43

5.88%

National

42

5.75%

United States

13

1.78%

International

13

1.78%

Total

616

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

731

Response Rate:

91.95
%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your sales by percentage:
Local / Regional
0%

62

8.48%

1-9%

31

4.24%

10-19%

43

5.88%

20-29%

30

4.10%

30-39%

19

2.60%

40-49%

11

1.50%

50-59%

30

4.10%

60-69%

35

4.79%

70-79%

44

6.02%

80-89%

50

6.84%

90-99%

92

12.59%

100%

284

38.85%

Total

731

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

731

No Response Count:

64

Response Rate:

92%
132

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your sales by percentage:
Provincial
0%

365

49.93%

1-9%

80

10.94%

10-19%

96

13.13%

20-29%

74

10.12%

30-39%

34

4.65%

40-49%

22

3.01%

50-59%

17

2.33%

60-69%

5

0.68%

70-79%

13

1.78%

80-89%

12

1.64%

90-99%

8

1.09%

100%

5

0.68%

Total

731

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

731

No Response Count:

64

Response Rate:

92%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your sales by percentage:
National
0%

448

61.29%

1-9%

61

8.34%

10-19%

80

10.94%

20-29%

40

5.47%

30-39%

22

3.01%

40-49%

17

2.33%

50-59%

27

3.69%
133

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please identify the source of your sales by percentage:
National
60-69%

12

1.64%

70-79%

8

1.09%

80-89%

7

0.96%

90-99%

4

0.55%

100%

5

0.68%

Total

731

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

731

No Response Count:

64

Response Rate:

92%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your sales by percentage:
United States
0%

559

76.47%

1-9%

70

9.58%

10-19%

47

6.43%

20-29%

22

3.01%

30-39%

12

1.64%

40-49%

3

0.41%

50-59%

5

0.68%

60-69%

1

0.14%

70-79%

6

0.82%

80-89%

3

0.41%

90-99%

3

0.41%

Total

731

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

731

No Response Count:

64

Response Rate:

92%
134

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your sales by percentage:
International
0%

569

77.84%

1-9%

66

9.03%

10-19%

41

5.61%

20-29%

20

2.74%

30-39%

8

1.09%

40-49%

6

0.82%

50-59%

8

1.09%

60-69%

4

0.55%

70-79%

3

0.41%

80-89%

1

0.14%

90-99%

5

0.68%

Total

731

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

731

No Response Count:

64

Response Rate:

92%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Percent of total sales generated by top 3 customers
1 - 9%

12

26.67%

10 - 25%

6

13.33%

26 - 50%

4

8.89%

51 - 75%

4

8.89%

76 - 100%

19

42.22%

Total

45

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

45

No Response Count:

564

Response Rate:

7%
135

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Do you supply your products or services to any company in
the community or region?
Yes

110

72.85%

No

41

27.15%

Total

151

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

151

No Response Count:

644

Response Rate:

19%

SOURCE OF SUPPLIES
Count

Percent of Question Respondents

Source of Majority of Supplies
Local

206

29.18%

Provincial

162

22.95%

National

113

16.01%

United States

38

5.38%

International

31

4.39%

Total

550

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

706

Response Rate:

88.81
%

136

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your supplies by percentage:
Local / Regional
0%

225

31.87%

1-9%

56

7.93%

10-19%

65

9.21%

20-29%

56

7.93%

30-39%

26

3.68%

40-49%

20

2.83%

50-59%

52

7.37%

60-69%

19

2.69%

70-79%

25

3.54%

80-89%

29

4.11%

90-99%

41

5.81%

100%

92

13.03%

Total

706

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

706

No Response Count:

89

Response Rate:

89%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your supplies by percentage:
Provincial
0%

303

42.92%

1-9%

23

3.26%

10-19%

57

8.07%

20-29%

60

8.50%

30-39%

32

4.53%

40-49%

22

3.12%

50-59%

49

6.94%

60-69%

19

2.69%
137

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your supplies by percentage:
Provincial
70-79%

33

4.67%

80-89%

34

4.82%

90-99%

36

5.10%

100%

38

5.38%

Total

706

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

706

No Response Count:

89

Response Rate:

89%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your supplies by percentage:
National
0%

349

49.43%

1-9%

33

4.67%

10-19%

54

7.65%

20-29%

62

8.78%

30-39%

27

3.82%

40-49%

25

3.54%

50-59%

47

6.66%

60-69%

16

2.27%

70-79%

21

2.97%

80-89%

19

2.69%

90-99%

22

3.12%

100%

31

4.39%

Total

706

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

706

No Response Count:

89

Response Rate:

89%
138

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your supplies by percentage:
United States
0%

502

71.10%

1-9%

33

4.67%

10-19%

55

7.79%

20-29%

33

4.67%

30-39%

15

2.12%

40-49%

8

1.13%

50-59%

22

3.12%

60-69%

3

0.42%

70-79%

8

1.13%

80-89%

11

1.56%

90-99%

7

0.99%

100%

9

1.27%

Total

706

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

706

No Response Count:

89

Response Rate:

89%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your supplies by percentage:
International
0%

603

85.41%

1-9%

29

4.11%

10-19%

11

1.56%

20-29%

14

1.98%

30-39%

5

0.71%

40-49%

2

0.28%

50-59%

12

1.70%
139

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please identify the source of your supplies by percentage:
International
60-69%

2

0.28%

70-79%

7

0.99%

80-89%

7

0.99%

90-99%

5

0.71%

100%

9

1.27%

Total

706

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

706

No Response Count:

89

Response Rate:

89%

PROCUREMENT
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Do you engage in government procurement?
Yes

70

29.54%

No

167

70.46%

Total

237

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

237

No Response Count:

372

Response Rate:

39%

140

PURCHASING
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Beeswax

1

0.45%

Chemicals (Methanol ...)

1

0.45%

Childrens Toys

1

0.45%

Equipment operators

1

0.45%

Fiber optic services

1

0.45%

Graphite

1

0.45%

House hold items

1

0.45%

Medical supplies

1

0.45%

Micro-hydro equipment

1

0.45%

Recreational equipment

1

0.45%

Restaurant equipment servicing

1

0.45%

Safety equipment

1

0.45%

Soap making materials

1

0.45%

Spices

1

0.45%

Steel

1

0.45%

Survey equipment and supplies

1

0.45%

Tools

1

0.45%

Tour services

1

0.45%

Water

1

0.45%

Wood products

1

0.45%

Artisan products

2

0.90%

Metal working services

2

0.90%

Office furniture

2

0.90%

Woodworking services

2

0.90%

Arts and crafts

3

1.35%

Hair supplies

3

1.35%

Printing services

3

1.35%

Wholesale services

3

1.35%

What products or services, if any, are you purchasing from outside
the area for which you would like to have a local supplier?

141

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Packaging services

4

1.80%

Electronics

5

2.25%

Web hosting

5

2.25%

Gardening supplies and equipment

6

2.70%

Automotive parts & equipment

7

3.15%

Bedding / Linens

7

3.15%

Construction materials

8

3.60%

Office supplies

12

5.41%

Meats & Dairy / Fruits and Vegetables / Grains

16

7.21%

Computers / Software

25

11.26%

Total

135

What products or services, if any, are you purchasing from outside
the area for which you would like to have a local supplier?

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

222

No Response Count:

387

Response Rate:

36%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Loyalty to current supplier

11

2.83%

Long term contract with outside supplier

16

4.11%

No control

16

4.11%

Unaware of local venders

16

4.11%

head office decision

16

4.11%

No applicable to this business

21

5.40%

Quality of available products

43

11.05%

Higher costs locally

117

30.08%

Product not available here

327

84.06%

If majority of products/services are being purchased from outside
of the area, why are they NOT being purchased from within the
area?

142

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Other

31

7.97%

Total

614

If majority of products/services are being purchased from outside
of the area, why are they NOT being purchased from within the
area?

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

389

No Response Count:

220

Response Rate:

64%

143

PURCHASING
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Are willing to pay more if local

1

0.26%

Bottling supplies

1

0.26%

Bulk purchase not available here

1

0.26%

Not available locally

1

0.26%

Poor customer service

1

0.26%

Product is too specialized

1

0.26%

Products are manufactured outside of area

1

0.26%

Seattle Best decision

1

0.26%

Supplied by HQ

1

0.26%

Supplies are centrally located in large centers ie Vancouver

1

0.26%

Supply

1

0.26%

The local suppliers often do not have enough product or do not
meet the strict guidelines required to sell their products within our 1
stores.

0.26%

Very specialised casting and foundry products

1

0.26%

artisan listings (see company notes)

1

0.26%

availability of fresh produce is seasonal.

1

0.26%

because of franchise some of the supplies are on long term
contracts

1

0.26%

corporate directions

1

0.26%

economy of scale: not enough demand to warrant setting up.

1

0.26%

for the convience store side of our business where possible we
purchase locally ie: bakery goods.

1

0.26%

has hired someone to source local herbs

1

0.26%

less expensive in USA

1

0.26%

name brand knowledge required of bigger brands

1

0.26%

no wholesalers specific to electronics in the area

1

0.26%

people source local manufactures at store and then go to the local
1
manufacture

0.26%

If majority of products/services are being purchased from outside
of the area, why are they NOT being purchased from within the
area?: If Other, specify

144

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

regulations

1

0.26%

restricted by franchise

1

0.26%

these are for a small amount of suppliers

1

0.26%

would purchase more locally if available and cost effective

1

0.26%

Total

28

If majority of products/services are being purchased from outside
of the area, why are they NOT being purchased from within the
area?: If Other, specify

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

28

No Response Count:

3

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

31

Parent Question Respondents:

389

Response Rate:

90%

145

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
SIZE AND CONDITION
Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
What is the square footage of your current facility?:
sq/ft
less than 1,000 sq ft

172

27.79%

1,000-4,999 sq ft

265

42.81%

5,000-9,999 sq ft

80

12.92%

10,000-19,999 sq ft

44

7.11%

20,000 sq ft or more

58

9.37%

Total

619

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

619

No Response Count:

176

Response Rate:

78%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Condition of facility
Excellent

213

31.23%

Good

327

47.95%

Fair

122

17.89%

Poor

20

2.93%

Total

682

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents: 682
No Response Count:

113

Response Rate:

86%

146

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Condition of equipment
Excellent

238

34.95%

Good

360

52.86%

Fair

74

10.87%

Poor

9

1.32%

Total

681

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents: 681
No Response Count:

114

Response Rate:

86%

OWNERSHIP
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Status of facility
Leased

290

39.30%

Owned

448

60.70%

Total

738

Survey Participants:

795

Question
Respondents:

738

No Response Count:

57

Response Rate:

93%

147

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Status of facility: If Leased, what is the length of term
remaining
<1 Year

101

44.30%

1 - 2 Years

43

18.86%

3 - 5 Years

50

21.93%

> 5 Years

33

14.47%

Total

227

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

228

No Response Count:

62

Parent Question 'Leased' Respondents:

290

Parent Question Respondents:

738

Response Rate:

79%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Are you planning on renewing current lease?
Yes

251

82.84%

No

52

17.16%

Total

303

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

303

No Response Count:

492

Response Rate:

38%

148

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Are you planning on renewing current lease?: If No, why
not
Building condition

1

2.27%

Business for sale

1

2.27%

Buyout possible

1

2.27%

Change in business focus

1

2.27%

Considering alternatives

1

2.27%

Declining business

1

2.27%

Facility has been sold

1

2.27%

Landlord issues

1

2.27%

Poor maintenance

1

2.27%

Retiring

1

2.27%

Sold business

1

2.27%

Building a facility

3

6.82%

Business expanding

3

6.82%

Not sure

3

6.82%

Moving to new location

5

11.36%

Seeking larger building

5

11.36%

Purchasing a facility

9

20.45%

Total

39

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

44

No Response Count:

8

Parent Question 'No' Respondents:

52

Parent Question Respondents:

303

Response Rate:

85%

149

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Do you have a preference of lease vs own?
Lease

31

23.85%

Own

99

76.15%

Total

130

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

130

No Response Count:

665

Response Rate:

16%

EXPANSION
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Historical investment trends: Over past 18 months in the
facility
Declining

49

8.17%

Staying the same

299

49.83%

Increasing

252

42.00%

Total

600

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

600

No Response Count:

195

Response Rate:

75%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Is there room for expansion at this site?
Yes

358

54.41%

No

242

36.78%

Maybe

58

8.81%

Total

658

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

658

No Response Count:

137

Response Rate:

83%
150

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Does the company plan to expand in the next three
years?
Yes

361

48.78%

No

379

51.22%

Total

740

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

740

No Response Count:

55

Response Rate:

93%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Does the company plan to expand in the next three years?:
Will it be in this community?
Yes

304

86.12%

No

32

9.07%

Total

336

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

353

No Response Count:

8

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

98%

151

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Yes

227

65.61%

No

111

32.08%

Total

338

Does the company plan to expand in the next three years?: Is
your current site adequate for the proposed expansion?

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

346

No Response Count:

15

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

96%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Does the company plan to expand in the next three years?:
Estimated total investment
Less than $25,000

49

26.20%

$25,000-$99,999

37

19.79%

$100,000-$499,999

45

24.06%

$500,000-$999,999

14

7.49%

$1-$4.9 million

27

14.44%

$5-$9.9 million

2

1.07%

$10-19.9 million

3

1.60%

$20 million and over

10

5.35%

Total

187

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

187

No Response Count:

174

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

52%

152

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

0%

5

2.94%

Under 50%

47

27.65%

50 to 99%

52

30.59%

100%

66

38.82%

Total

170

Does the company plan to expand in the next three years?:
Approximate percentage equipment/technology

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

170

No Response Count:

191

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

47%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Does the company plan to expand in the next three years?:
Approximate percentage real estate
0%

26

19.12%

Under 50%

25

18.38%

50 to 99%

61

44.85%

100%

24

17.65%

Total

136

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

136

No Response Count:

225

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

38%

153

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Does the company plan to expand in the next three years?:
Estimated facility size increase (sq/ft)
Less than 1,000 sq ft

56

41.48%

1,000 to 4,999 sq ft

53

39.26%

5,000-9,999 sq ft

14

10.37%

10,000-19,999 sq ft

4

2.96%

20,000 sq ft or more

8

5.93%

Total

135

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

135

No Response Count:

226

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

37%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Does the company plan to expand in the next three years?:
Estimated timeframe for expansion
< 1 Year

72

24.00%

1-3 Years

176

58.67%

> 3 Years

47

15.67%

Total

295

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

300

No Response Count:

61

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

83%

154

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What, if any, are the major constraints on your expansion?
(Please check all that are applicable)
Warehousing

18

4.64%

Roads

19

4.90%

Energy reliability

23

5.93%

Problems with DAs

31

7.99%

Energy costs

32

8.25%

Transport/freight

33

8.51%

Broadband access

53

13.66%

Local regulations e.g. zoning

66

17.01%

Identifying and accessing new markets

70

18.04%

Lack of suitable premises

75

19.33%

Other (please specify):

86

22.16%

Lack of skilled staff

94

24.23%

Finance

137

35.31%

Total

737

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

388

No Response Count:

0

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

361

Parent Question Respondents:

740

Response Rate:

100%

155

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Effective and affordable advertising

1

0.86%

Energy Costs

1

0.86%

Energy reliability

1

0.86%

Finding more projects

1

0.86%

Identifying / Accessing New Markets

1

0.86%

Local bylaws

1

0.86%

Skilled Labour supply

1

0.86%

Government

2

1.72%

Infrastructure

2

1.72%

Lack of business facilities

2

1.72%

Location

2

1.72%

Resistance to change

2

1.72%

Transportation / Freight

2

1.72%

Community support

3

2.59%

Management approval

3

2.59%

Skilled labour supply

3

2.59%

Time

3

2.59%

Taxes

4

3.45%

Communications infrastructure

5

4.31%

Financing

5

4.31%

Problems with development approvals

5

4.31%

Expansion costs

6

5.17%

Local Regulations

6

5.17%

Road conditions

6

5.17%

Economic uncertainty

11

9.48%

Lack of Suitable Premises

11

9.48%

Demand for service / product

14

12.07%

Total

104

What, if any, are the major constraints on your expansion?
(Please check all that are applicable): Other (please specify)

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Parent Question 'Other (please specify):' Respondents:
Parent Question Respondents:
Response Rate:

795
116
0
115
388
100%
156

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Yes

104

28.26%

No

264

71.74%

Total

368

Have you approached anybody in local/provincial/federal
government or business development organizations to discuss your
expansion plans?

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

368

No Response Count:

427

Response Rate:

46%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
If Yes, which have you approached?
Chamber of Commerce

10

10.64%

Community Futures

12

12.77%

BC Ministry responsible for Economic Development 15

15.96%

BC Hydro

16

17.02%

Local Economic Development Office

24

25.53%

Local Council

37

39.36%

Other (please specify):

54

57.45%

Total

168

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

94

No Response Count:

10

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

104

Parent Question Respondents:

368

Response Rate:

90%

157

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

If Yes, which have you approached?: Other (please specify)
ADP (Automatic Data Processing)

1

1.06%

BC Transportation

1

1.06%

Building inspector

1

1.06%

CP Rail

1

1.06%

Chamber of Mines

1

1.06%

City Planners

1

1.06%

Company management

1

1.06%

Corporate head office

1

1.06%

Federal Government

1

1.06%

Fortis

1

1.06%

Front Counter BC

1

1.06%

Industry Canada

1

1.06%

Industry programs

1

1.06%

Interior Health

1

1.06%

KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology)

1

1.06%

Ktunaxa Nation

1

1.06%

Landlord

1

1.06%

Local business

1

1.06%

Mayor

1

1.06%

Municipal official

1

1.06%

Nav Canada

1

1.06%

Province of British Columbia

1

1.06%

SRED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax
1
Incentive Program)

1.06%

School District

1

1.06%

Selkirk College

1

1.06%

BC Ministry

2

2.13%

CFDC (Community Futures British Columbia)

2

2.13%

IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)

2

2.13%

KRIC (Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council)

2

2.13%
158

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
If Yes, which have you approached?: Other (please specify)
RDCK (Regional District of Central Kootenay)

2

2.13%

RDKB (Regional District of Kootenay Boundary)

2

2.13%

Teck

2

2.13%

BBA (Basin Business Advisors)

3

3.19%

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)

3

3.19%

Liquor Control and Licensing Branch - Ministry of Justice

3

3.19%

Banks / Credit unions

5

5.32%

CBT (Columbia Basin Trust)

5

5.32%

Total

58

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

53

No Response Count:

1

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

54

Parent Question Respondents:

94

Response Rate:

98%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Are there any local expansion plans in the next 12 - 18
months?
Yes

231

34.79%

No

433

65.21%

Total

664

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

664

No Response Count:

131

Response Rate:

84%

159

FACILITY UPGRADES
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Have there been any recent facility upgrades?
Yes

100

64.94%

No

54

35.06%

Total

154

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

154

No Response Count:

641

Response Rate:

19%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Have there been any recent facility upgrades? If Yes,
when?: Month scale
3

24

25.26%

6

14

14.74%

12

20

21.05%

18

8

8.42%

24

15

15.79%

36

14

14.74%

Total

95

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

95

No Response Count:

5

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

100

Parent Question Respondents:

154

Response Rate:

95%

160

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Planning any upgrades to the facility?
Yes

77

51.33%

No

73

48.67%

Total

150

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

150

No Response Count:

645

Response Rate:

19%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Planning any upgrades to the facility? If Yes, when?:
Month scale
3

25

35.21%

6

19

26.76%

12

15

21.13%

18

2

2.82%

24

8

11.27%

36

2

2.82%

Total

71

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

71

No Response Count:

6

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

77

Parent Question Respondents:

150

Response Rate:

92%

161

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

If No, are there any barriers to upgrading you wish to identify?
No

1

7.69%

All of the buildings are leased and JG responsible for improvements.
Plan is to build a new facility and so investment in the current
1
facilities would be a waste of capital.

7.69%

Big Eddy Is neglected
Water supply and permits

1

7.69%

Building code restrictions
high cost associated with code
Amperage Limitations

1

7.69%

City approval process
Frustration with city and zoning bylaws, restrictions and regulations 1
wishing to upgrade but not wanting to go through the process

7.69%

Existing tenant in space that company is looking to expand into.

1

7.69%

Finances.
Could use some grant/money to make the building more stable
Preserve a heritage building

1

7.69%

Hostility from the city
tax
too many rules about appearance of building

1

7.69%

Looking to increase capacity before upgrading

1

7.69%

Parking lot is owned by BC Transportation
Pending change in ownership

1

7.69%

financial funding is pending.

1

7.69%

financial
permits

1

7.69%

financing
getting a new building for the food bank

1

7.69%

Total

13

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

13

No Response Count:

60

Parent Question 'No' Respondents:

73

Parent Question Respondents:

150

Response Rate:

18%

162

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Are you aware of BC Hydro Power Smart resources that are
available to you?
Yes

459

67.11%

No

225

32.89%

Total

684

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

684

No Response Count:

111

Response Rate:

86%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Have you factored improvements in energy efficiency in your
expansion plans?
Yes

77

47.83%

No

84

52.17%

Total

161

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

161

No Response Count:

448

Response Rate:

26%

163

GOVERNMENT SERVICES
RATINGS
Government
Services

Not
% Not
%
Po % Fai % Goo % Excelle
Responde
Applica Applica
Excelle
or Poor r Fair d Good
nt
nts
ble
ble
nt

Access to Port
Facilities

122

75.78% 20

12.42
9
%

Access to US
Border

57

31.49% 10

5.52
13.81
25
71
%
%

Access to
120
airport facilities

17.91% 173

25.82 12 18.81
24.63
165
86
%
6 %
%

12.84
%

670

Access to
13
highway/ roads

1.83%

48

6.74
13.90
49.02
99
349
203
%
%
%

28.51
%

712

Access to
markets

27

4.05%

56

8.41 16 24.77
45.35
302
116
%
5 %
%

17.42
%

666

Access to
suppliers

28

4.13%

85

12.54 21 31.71
40.56
275
75
%
5 %
%

11.06
%

678

Availability of
appropriately
zoned land

181

33.15% 103

18.86
15.20
28.02
83
153
26
%
%
%

4.76% 546

Availability of
buildings for
lease or
purchase

142

24.74% 133

23.17 10 17.77
27.87
160
37
%
2 %
%

6.45% 574

Availability of
rail transport

325

68.28% 86

18.07
3.57
17
%
%

3.99% 476

Availability of
road transport
services

46

7.08%

15.85 15 24.15
42.15
274
70
%
7 %
%

10.77
%

Availability of
warehousing

252

49.61% 91

17.91
12.80
65
83
%
%

16.34
17
%

3.35% 508

Development
approval
process

167

31.39% 117

21.99
15.04
26.13
80
139
29
%
%
%

5.45% 532

Disposal of
waste material

66

10.73% 73

11.87 11 18.21
47.15
290
74
%
2 %
%

12.03
%

Inspections

92

15.18% 51 8.42 94 15.51 312 51.49 57

103

5.59
%

9

29

5.59
%

1

0.62% 161

39.23
18
%

9.94% 181

6.09
%

19

650

615

9.41% 606
164

Government
Services

Not
% Not
%
Po % Fai % Goo % Excelle
Responde
Applica Applica
Excelle
or Poor r Fair d Good
nt
nts
ble
ble
nt

/licensing

%

%

%

29

4.39%

70

10.61 12 18.48
49.09
324
115
%
2 %
%

17.42
%

660

Telecommunica
tions (internet, 7
cell)

1.04%

148

22.02 17 25.30
41.37
278
69
%
0 %
%

10.27
%

672

Water and
sewerage
supply

71

11.64% 48

7.87
10.82
54.43
66
332
93
%
%
%

15.25
%

610

Survey
Participants:

795

Recycling

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Access to airport facilities
Excellent

86

12.84%

Good

165

24.63%

Fair

126

18.81%

Poor

173

25.82%

Not applicable

120

17.91%

Total

670

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

670

No Response Count:

125

Response Rate:

84%

165

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Access to highway/roadway
Excellent

203

28.51%

Good

349

49.02%

Fair

99

13.90%

Poor

48

6.74%

Not applicable

13

1.83%

Total

712

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

712

No Response Count:

83

Response Rate:

90%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Access to markets
Excellent

116

17.42%

Good

302

45.35%

Fair

165

24.77%

Poor

56

8.41%

Not applicable

27

4.05%

Total

666

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

666

No Response Count:

129

Response Rate:

84%

166

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Access to suppliers
Excellent

75

11.06%

Good

275

40.56%

Fair

215

31.71%

Poor

85

12.54%

Not applicable

28

4.13%

Total

678

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

678

No Response Count:

117

Response Rate:

85%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following: Availability of Couriers and other
road transportation services
Excellent

70

10.77%

Good

274

42.15%

Fair

157

24.15%

Poor

103

15.85%

Not applicable

46

7.08%

Total

650

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

650

No Response Count:

145

Response Rate:

82%

167

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Availability of rail transport
Excellent

19

3.99%

Good

29

6.09%

Fair

17

3.57%

Poor

86

18.07%

Not applicable

325

68.28%

Total

476

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

476

No Response Count:

319

Response Rate:

60%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Availability of warehousing
Excellent

17

3.35%

Good

83

16.34%

Fair

65

12.80%

Poor

91

17.91%

Not applicable

252

49.61%

Total

508

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

508

No Response Count:

287

Response Rate:

64%

168

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Disposal of waste material
Excellent

74

12.03%

Good

290

47.15%

Fair

112

18.21%

Poor

73

11.87%

Not applicable

66

10.73%

Total

615

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

615

No Response Count:

180

Response Rate:

77%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Recycling
Excellent

115

17.42%

Good

324

49.09%

Fair

122

18.48%

Poor

70

10.61%

Not applicable

29

4.39%

Total

660

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

660

No Response Count:

135

Response Rate:

83%

169

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Inspections (eg licensing)
Excellent

57

9.41%

Good

312

51.49%

Fair

94

15.51%

Poor

51

8.42%

Not applicable

92

15.18%

Total

606

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

606

No Response Count:

189

Response Rate:

76%

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please rate the following: Development approval
process
Excellent

29

5.45%

Good

139

26.13%

Fair

80

15.04%

Poor

117

21.99%

Not applicable

167

31.39%

Total

532

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

532

No Response Count:

263

Response Rate:

67%

170

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please rate the following: Telecommunications (tel,
Internet, Cell)
Excellent

69

10.27%

Good

278

41.37%

Fair

170

25.30%

Poor

148

22.02%

Not applicable

7

1.04%

Total

672

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

672

No Response Count:

123

Response Rate:

85%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following: Availability of buildings for lease
or purchase
Excellent

37

6.45%

Good

160

27.87%

Fair

102

17.77%

Poor

133

23.17%

Not applicable

142

24.74%

Total

574

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

574

No Response Count:

221

Response Rate:

72%

171

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please rate the following: Availability of appropriately
zoned land
Excellent

26

4.76%

Good

153

28.02%

Fair

83

15.20%

Poor

103

18.86%

Not applicable

181

33.15%

Total

546

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

546

No Response Count:

249

Response Rate:

69%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Water and sewerage supply
Excellent

93

15.25%

Good

332

54.43%

Fair

66

10.82%

Poor

48

7.87%

Not applicable

71

11.64%

Total

610

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

610

No Response Count:

185

Response Rate:

77%

172

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Access to US Border
Excellent

18

9.94%

Good

71

39.23%

Fair

25

13.81%

Poor

10

5.52%

Not applicable

57

31.49%

Total

181

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

181

No Response Count:

614

Response Rate:

23%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Access to Port Facilities
Excellent

1

0.62%

Good

9

5.59%

Fair

9

5.59%

Poor

20

12.42%

Not applicable

122

75.78%

Total

161

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

161

No Response Count:

634

Response Rate:

20%

173

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following: Other
(please specify)

Please rate the following:
Other (please specify)

Access to public washrooms

Poor

2

1.22%

Availability of Parking

Poor

3

1.83%

B.C Hydro

Poor

1

0.61%

BCSA

Poor

1

0.61%

Canada Post

Poor

1

0.61%

Canada Revenue Services for Small
Businesses

Poor

1

0.61%

Canadian Revenue Agency

Poor

1

0.61%

Cell Service

Poor

3

1.83%

Child care

Poor

1

0.61%

Condition of Highway

Poor

1

0.61%

Emergency Services

Fair

1

0.61%

Good

1

0.61%

Poor

5

3.05%

Federal- Employment and
Migration

Poor

1

0.61%

Ferry Service

Excellent

1

0.61%

Fair

1

0.61%

Not applicable

2

1.22%

Poor

30

18.29%

FortisBC pricing

Good

1

0.61%

Front Counter BC

Poor

1

0.61%

Healthcare

Poor

1

0.61%

Higway Maintenance

Poor

2

1.22%

Hospital services

Good

1

0.61%

Poor

2

1.22%

International workers program

Poor

1

0.61%

Maintenance of landscaping

Poor

1

0.61%

Marketing

Poor

1

0.61%

Natural gas

Good

1

0.61%
174

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following: Other
(please specify)

Please rate the following:
Other (please specify)

Permits (national)

Poor

1

0.61%

Police services

Fair

1

0.61%

Good

1

0.61%

Port services/ customs and
clearances

Poor

1

0.61%

Power outages

Good

1

0.61%

Not applicable

1

0.61%

Poor

7

4.27%

Promoting the community (growth)

Poor

1

0.61%

Proper Signage

Poor

2

1.22%

Provide information regarding
geothermal regulations

Poor

1

0.61%

ROE Online

Excellent

1

0.61%

Regional Government Services

Good

1

0.61%

Resort Develpment BranchProvincial Government

Good

1

0.61%

SR & ED Tax Incentive Program

Poor

1

0.61%

Service Canada

Poor

5

3.05%

Sewage not available

Not applicable

1

0.61%

Poor

1

0.61%

Small business training and
education

Excellent

1

0.61%

Snow Removal

Excellent

5

3.05%

Fair

12

7.32%

Good

16

9.76%

Not applicable

7

4.27%

Poor

7

4.27%

Telus

Poor

1

0.61%

Tourism BC

Poor

1

0.61%

Transit (local)

Poor

1

0.61%
175

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following: Other
(please specify)

Please rate the following:
Other (please specify)

WCB

Poor

1

0.61%

Water

Good

1

0.61%

Work BC

Good

1

0.61%

151

92.07%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Total
Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

164

No Response Count:

631

Response Rate:

21%

IMPROVEMENTS

Do you have any suggestions on how to improve any of the
services and infrastructure listed above?
Yes

472

67.14%

No

231

32.86%

Total

703

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

703

No Response Count:

92

Response Rate:

88%

176

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Streamline granting of permits

7

1.50%

Provide emergency services

9

1.93%

Address land zoning issues

11

2.36%

Increase attention to community and business needs

11

2.36%

Improve sewage and waste water management

12

2.57%

Increase public transportation

12

2.57%

More support for tourism

12

2.57%

Consider more and proper signage

16

3.43%

Restructure taxes

18

3.85%

Provide a cost effective shipping and receiving service

19

4.07%

Streamline development approval processes

21

4.50%

Provide reliable electric power

24

5.14%

Improve ferry service

36

7.71%

Improve recycling and waste management

50

10.71%

Improve highway and road quality and service

56

11.99%

Increase airport services

58

12.42%

Expand electronic communication services (Cell phone/ Internet/
137
Broadband/Fiber)

29.34%

Do you have any suggestions on how to improve any of the
services and infrastructure listed above?: If Yes, how?

Total

509

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

467

No Response Count:

5

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

472

Parent Question Respondents:

703

Response Rate:

99%

177

AIRPORT
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Which airport services do you use?
Bellingham

1

0.68%

Castlgar

1

0.68%

Seattle

2

1.37%

Kamloops

3

2.05%

Vancouver

6

4.11%

Kalispell

11

7.53%

Trail

11

7.53%

Spokane

25

17.12%

Cranbrook

26

17.81%

Castlegar

35

23.97%

Calgary

38

26.03%

Kelowna

53

36.30%

None

23

15.75%

Total

235

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

146

No Response Count:

649

Response Rate:

18%

178

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Better radar

1

1.01%

Develop as a park

1

1.01%

Improved security

1

1.01%

Improvemnts to navigational aids

1

1.01%

Modest improvements

1

1.01%

More airlines

1

1.01%

Needs aircraft

1

1.01%

Rental cars

1

1.01%

Tourist information center

1

1.01%

Charter service

2

2.02%

Commercial flights

2

2.02%

Lower fares

2

2.02%

More destinations

2

2.02%

Tourism services

2

2.02%

Courier service

3

3.03%

Extended runway

3

3.03%

International flights

3

3.03%

More flights

3

3.03%

Passenger service

3

3.03%

Development of a local airport

4

4.04%

Larger aircraft

4

4.04%

Shuttle service

9

9.09%

Better flight reliability

10

10.10%

Commuter flights

13

13.13%

Total

74

Which airport services do you use?: What services would you like
to see at the local airport? (where appropriate)

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

99

No Response Count:

696

Response Rate:

12%

179

BUSINESS CLIMATE
QUALITY OF BUSINESS CLIMATE
No % No
%
Business climate
Poo % Fai % Goo % Excelle
Responde
Opinio Opini
Excelle
ratings
r Poor r Fair
d Good
nt
nts
n
on
nt
BIA

67

72.04
5
%

5.38
%

4

4.30
%

Chamber of
Commerce

29

16.76
17
%

9.83
%

40

23.12
64
%

9

9.68
%

8

36.99
23
%

8.60%

93

13.29% 173

Colleges/Universi
140
ties

19.86
16.31 15 21.42
37.59
115
265
34
%
%
1 %
%

4.82%

Community
Futures

54

31.58
15
%

8.77
%

20

33.92
24
%

14.04% 171

Cultural/Recreati
21
onal Amenities

2.92% 59

8.19
%

15 21.25
42.08
303
184
3 %
%

25.56% 720

Economic
Development

74

10.32
29.01 22 31.10
26.78
208
192
20
%
%
3 %
%

2.79%

717

Housing

38

5.29% 163

22.67 26 36.16
32.41
233
25
%
0 %
%

3.48%

719

K-12 education

97

13.60
75
%

10.52 12 17.53
46.98
335
81
%
5 %
%

11.36% 713

Local
Government

67

9.38% 124

17.37 22 31.51
34.17
244
54
%
5 %
%

7.56%

714

Local Tax
Structure

103

14.57
22.63 24 35.22
23.62
160
167
28
%
%
9 %
%

3.96%

707

Technical
Training

139

20.26
33.53 16 24.64
18.51
230
127
21
%
%
9 %
%

3.06%

686

11.70
58
%

Tourism services 18

9.89% 17

9.34
%

Workforce
Availability

36

5.02% 192

26.78 25 35.29
26.78
192
44
%
3 %
%

6.14%

Workforce
Quality

36

5.01% 89

12.38 21 30.18
40.61
292
85
%
7 %
%

11.82% 719

Workforce
Stability

45

6.28% 167

23.29 22 31.52
31.94
229
50
%
6 %
%

6.97%

Survey Participants:

41

22.53
82
%

45.05
24
%

705

13.19% 182
717

717

795
180

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Workforce quality
Excellent

85

11.82%

Good

292

40.61%

Fair

217

30.18%

Poor

89

12.38%

No opinion

36

5.01%

Total

719

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

719

No Response Count:

76

Response Rate:

90%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Workforce availability
Excellent

44

6.14%

Good

192

26.78%

Fair

253

35.29%

Poor

192

26.78%

No opinion

36

5.02%

Total

717

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

717

No Response Count:

78

Response Rate:

90%

181

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Workforce stability
Excellent

50

6.97%

Good

229

31.94%

Fair

226

31.52%

Poor

167

23.29%

No opinion

45

6.28%

Total

717

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

717

No Response Count:

78

Response Rate:

90%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Local government
Excellent

54

7.56%

Good

244

34.17%

Fair

225

31.51%

Poor

124

17.37%

No opinion

67

9.38%

Total

714

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

714

No Response Count:

81

Response Rate:

90%

182

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Local tax structure
Excellent

28

3.96%

Good

167

23.62%

Fair

249

35.22%

Poor

160

22.63%

No opinion

103

14.57%

Total

707

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

707

No Response Count:

88

Response Rate:

89%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Economic development
Excellent

20

2.79%

Good

192

26.78%

Fair

223

31.10%

Poor

208

29.01%

No opinion

74

10.32%

Total

717

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

717

No Response Count:

78

Response Rate:

90%

183

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please rate the following: Cultural/Recreational
amenities
Excellent

184

25.56%

Good

303

42.08%

Fair

153

21.25%

Poor

59

8.19%

No opinion

21

2.92%

Total

720

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

720

No Response Count:

75

Response Rate:

91%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Housing
Excellent

25

3.48%

Good

233

32.41%

Fair

260

36.16%

Poor

163

22.67%

No opinion

38

5.29%

Total

719

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

719

No Response Count:

76

Response Rate:

90%

184

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Chamber of Commerce
Excellent

23

13.29%

Good

64

36.99%

Fair

40

23.12%

Poor

17

9.83%

No opinion

29

16.76%

Total

173

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

173

No Response Count:

622

Response Rate:

22%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Tourism services
Excellent

24

13.19%

Good

82

45.05%

Fair

41

22.53%

Poor

17

9.34%

No opinion

18

9.89%

Total

182

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

182

No Response Count:

613

Response Rate:

23%

185

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: BIA (where appropriate)
Excellent

8

8.60%

Good

9

9.68%

Fair

4

4.30%

Poor

5

5.38%

No opinion

67

72.04%

Total

93

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

93

No Response Count:

702

Response Rate:

12%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following: Community Futures (where
appropriate)
Excellent

24

14.04%

Good

58

33.92%

Fair

20

11.70%

Poor

15

8.77%

No opinion

54

31.58%

Total

171

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

171

No Response Count:

624

Response Rate:

22%

186

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: K - 12 education
Excellent

81

11.36%

Good

335

46.98%

Fair

125

17.53%

Poor

75

10.52%

No opinion

97

13.60%

Total

713

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

713

No Response Count:

82

Response Rate:

90%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Colleges/Universities
Excellent

34

4.82%

Good

265

37.59%

Fair

151

21.42%

Poor

115

16.31%

No opinion

140

19.86%

Total

705

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

705

No Response Count:

90

Response Rate:

89%

187

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the following: Technical training
Excellent

21

3.06%

Good

127

18.51%

Fair

169

24.64%

Poor

230

33.53%

No opinion

139

20.26%

Total

686

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

686

No Response Count:

109

Response Rate:

86%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Please rate the local business climate
Excellent

30

3.99%

Good

283

37.63%

Fair

323

42.95%

Poor

116

15.43%

Total

752

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

752

No Response Count:

43

Response Rate:

95%

188

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please compare the local business climate today versus 5
years ago
Better today

221

30.36%

No change

164

22.53%

Worse today

278

38.19%

No opinion

65

8.93%

Total

728

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

795
728
67
92%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please compare the local business climate today versus 5 years
ago: If worse today, why?
More competition

6

2.39%

Less tourists

8

3.19%

Locals shopping elsewhere

11

4.38%

Mine closure

11

4.38%

Strong Canadian dollar

11

4.38%

Disposable income is down

14

5.58%

Declining employment

15

5.98%

Population (low/aging/declining)

20

7.97%

Businesses closing

24

9.56%

Forestry downturn

28

11.16%

Recession

28

11.16%

Declining economy

74

29.48%

Total

250

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Parent Question 'Worse today' Respondents:
Parent Question Respondents:
Response Rate:

795
251
27
278
728
90%

189

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Do you have any forecast for the condition of the local
business climate 5 years from today?
Will be better

502

67.47%

No change

147

19.76%

Will be worse

48

6.45%

No opinion

47

6.32%

Total

744

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

744

No Response Count:

51

Response Rate:

94%

190

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What are the community's strengths as a place to do
business?
Low crime rate

3

0.43%

Outdoor activities

3

0.43%

Low competition

6

0.85%

Quality of life

11

1.56%

Word of mouth

15

2.13%

Above average household incomes

20

2.84%

Social network

20

2.84%

Affordable

24

3.41%

Environment

25

3.56%

Outdoor Activities

25

3.56%

Skilled workforce

25

3.56%

Customer loyalty

35

4.98%

Tourism

35

4.98%

Recreational opportunities

36

5.12%

Stable economy

39

5.55%

Great place to live

48

6.83%

Strong sense of community

79

11.24%

Lifestyle

98

13.94%

Location

120

17.07%

Total

667

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

703

No Response Count:

92

Response Rate:

88%

191

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What are the community's weaknesses as a place to do
business?
Dependent on one major industry

2

0.28%

Reliance on tourism

3

0.43%

Lack of support for local businesses

4

0.57%

Poor road conditions

7

0.99%

Available space

15

2.13%

Cross border shopping (US/Alberta)

23

3.27%

Seasonality

23

3.27%

High cost of living

25

3.55%

Tax structure

26

3.69%

Development Constraints (Zoning/Bureaucracy/Permits) 27

3.84%

Location

45

6.39%

Shipping and Receiving costs

54

7.67%

Population (size/growth/aging)

82

11.65%

Total

336

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

704

No Response Count:

91

Response Rate:

89%

192

BUSINESS GROWTH
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Are there any barriers to growth in this community?
Yes

637

85.16%

No

111

14.84%

Total

748

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

748

No Response Count:

47

Response Rate:

94%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Are there any barriers to growth in this community? : If Yes,
what are they?
Negative attitude

8

1.28%

Location

11

1.76%

Infrastructure supporting local economy

20

3.20%

Affordable housing

26

4.16%

Tax structure

26

4.16%

Cost of doing business

28

4.48%

Skilled labor

31

4.96%

Low economic diversification

34

5.44%

Developmental approval process

46

7.36%

Low population

86

13.76%

Total

316

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

625

No Response Count:

12

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

637

Parent Question Respondents:

748

Response Rate:

98%

193

BUSINESS GROWTH
Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Are there suppliers you think could locate in this
region?
Yes

228

34.39%

No

435

65.61%

Total

663

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

663

No Response Count:

132

Response Rate:

83%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Are there suppliers you think could locate in this region?: If Yes,
please list
- Tech fibre network building material\n\n- Tried to get electrical
1
wholesalers into the region (faced no interest or fear of products)

0.47%

Computing hardware suppliers

1

0.47%

Forestry Suppliers

1

0.47%

Personal wellness services

1

0.47%

Building supplies

2

0.94%

Courier service

2

0.94%

Distributors

2

0.94%

Mining services

2

0.94%

Solar energy

2

0.94%

Electrical supplier

3

1.42%

Green industries

3

1.42%

Printing suppliers

3

1.42%

Retail stores

4

1.89%

Mining suppliers

5

2.36%

Agricultural suppliers

7

3.30%

Manufacturers

13

6.13%
194

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Meats & Dairy / Fruits and Vegetables / Grains

21

9.91%

Total

73

Are there suppliers you think could locate in this region?: If Yes,
please list

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

212

No Response Count:

16

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

228

Parent Question Respondents:

663

Response Rate:

93%

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
What sectors, business or industry do you think the
community should try to attract?
Yes

555

80.32%

No

136

19.68%

Total

691

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

691

No Response Count:

104

Response Rate:

87%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What sectors, business or industry do you think the community
should try to attract?: If Yes, please list
Grocery stores

4

0.75%

Shipping companies

5

0.93%

Construction

6

1.12%

Internet services

8

1.50%

Retail stores

8

1.50%
195

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

What sectors, business or industry do you think the community
should try to attract?: If Yes, please list
Food businesses

9

1.68%

Mining and exploration

9

1.68%

Agriculture

12

2.24%

Forestry

12

2.24%

Creative businesses

17

3.18%

Hospitality

17

3.18%

Green Businesses

18

3.36%

Health and Wellness

18

3.36%

Arts & Culture

26

4.86%

Manufacturing

38

7.10%

Technology businesses

41

7.66%

Tourism

190

35.51%

Total

438

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

535

No Response Count:

20

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

555

Parent Question Respondents:

691

Response Rate:

96%

196

SUPPORT PROVIDERS
Level of
%
Una
service
Una
Not
% Not ble
%
%
from
ble Po % Fa % Go
Excell
Respond
Applica Applica to
Goo
Excell
business
to or Poor ir Fair od
ent
ents
ble
ble
assis
d
ent
support
assis
t
providers
t
Basin
Business 90
Advisors

69.77% 15

11.6
2
3%

1.55
14
%

10.8
6
5%

4.65% 129

Chamber
of
22
Commerc
e

12.57% 8

4.57
10.8
21.1
19
37
64
%
6%
4%

36.5
25
7%

14.29
175
%

College
Industry
Liaison
Officer

78

60.94% 7

5.47
2
%

1.56
3
%

2.34
25
%

19.5
13
3%

10.16
128
%

Communi
ty
64
Futures

45.39% 15

10.6
6
4%

4.26
4
%

2.84
29
%

20.5
23
7%

16.31
141
%

Continuin
g
Education
54
and
Workforc
e Training

39.42% 10

7.30
3
%

2.19
11.6
16
43
%
8%

31.3
11
9%

8.03% 137

Economic
Develop
ment
Organizat 60
ion /
Commissi
on

46.51% 11

8.53
10.0
8.53
13
11
22
%
8%
%

17.0
12
5%

9.30% 129

Innovatio
n
Councils
92
(Kootena
y
Associati

73.60% 13

10.4
2
0%

8.00
4
%

3.20% 125

1.55
2
%

1.60
4
%

3.20
10
%

197

Level of
%
Una
service
Una
Not
% Not ble
%
%
from
ble Po % Fa % Go
Excell
Respond
Applica Applica to
Goo
Excell
business
to or Poor ir Fair od
ent
ents
ble
ble
assis
d
ent
support
assis
t
providers
t
on for
Science
and
Technolo
gy,
Kootenay
Rockies
Innovatio
n Council)
Invest
104
Kootenay

81.89% 15

11.8
2
1%

1.57
2
%

1.57
3
%

2.36
1
%

0.79% 127

Kootenay
Aborigina
l Business 106
Advocate
s Society

83.46% 14

11.0
3
2%

2.36
1
%

0.79
3
%

2.36
0
%

0.00% 127

National
Research
Council
Industrial 102
Research
Assistanc
e

87.93% 7

6.03
1
%

0.86
0
%

0.00
3
%

2.59
3
%

2.59% 116

Scientific
Research
and
Experime
ntal
102
Develop
ment Tax
Incentive
Program

88.70% 8

6.96
1
%

0.87
0
%

0.00
2
%

1.74
2
%

1.74% 115

Survey
609
Participants:
198

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Chamber of Commerce
Excellent

25

14.29%

Good

64

36.57%

Fair

37

21.14%

Poor

19

10.86%

Unable to assist

8

4.57%

Not applicable

22

12.57%

Total

175

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

609
175
434
29%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Community Futures

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

Excellent

23

16.31%

Good

29

20.57%

Fair

4

2.84%

Poor

6

4.26%

Unable to assist

15

10.64%

Not applicable

64

45.39%

Total

141
609
141
468
23%
199

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Economic Development Organization / Commission
Excellent

12

9.30%

Good

22

17.05%

Fair

11

8.53%

Poor

13

10.08%

Unable to assist

11

8.53%

Not applicable

60

46.51%

Total

129

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

609
129
480
21%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Innovation Councils (Kootenay Association for Science and Technology,
Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council)

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

Excellent

4

3.20%

Good

10

8.00%

Fair

4

3.20%

Poor

2

1.60%

Unable to assist

13

10.40%

Not applicable

92

73.60%

Total

125
609
125
484
21%
200

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Basin Business Advisors (BBA)
Excellent

6

4.65%

Good

14

10.85%

Fair

2

1.55%

Poor

2

1.55%

Unable to assist

15

11.63%

Not applicable

90

69.77%

Total

129

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

609
129
480
21%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
College Continuing Education and Workforce Training

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

Excellent

11

8.03%

Good

43

31.39%

Fair

16

11.68%

Poor

3

2.19%

Unable to assist

10

7.30%

Not applicable

54

39.42%

Total

137
609
137
472
22%

201

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Kootenay Aboriginal Business Advocates Society
Good

3

2.36%

Fair

1

0.79%

Poor

3

2.36%

Unable to assist

14

11.02%

Not applicable

106

83.46%

Total

127

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

609
127
482
21%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate
this.:Invest Kootenay

Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

Excellent

1

0.79%

Good

3

2.36%

Fair

2

1.57%

Poor

2

1.57%

Unable to assist

15

11.81%

Not applicable

104

81.89%

Total

127
609
127
482
21%

202

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program
Excellent

3

2.59%

Good

3

2.59%

Poor

1

0.86%

Unable to assist

7

6.03%

Not applicable

102

87.93%

Total

116

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

116

No Response Count:

493

Response Rate:

19%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive
Program
Excellent

2

1.74%

Good

2

1.74%

Poor

1

0.87%

Unable to assist

8

6.96%

Not applicable

102

88.70%

Total

115

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

115

No Response Count:

494
203

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive
Program
Response Rate:

19%

Listed below are a number of business support providers. For each of
these please indicate the level of service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact with them please indicate this.:
College Industry Liaison Officer
Excellent

13

10.16%

Good

25

19.53%

Fair

3

2.34%

Poor

2

1.56%

Unable to assist

7

5.47%

Not applicable

78

60.94%

Total

128

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

128

No Response Count:

481

Response Rate:

21%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

204

Listed below are a number of
business support providers. For each
of these please indicate the level of
service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact
with them please indicate this.

Listed below are a number of
business support providers. For
each of these please indicate the
level of service you have had in
dealing with them. If you have
never had contact with them
please indicate this.: Other

Excellent

CBT

1

4.35%

CBT - Student Workers

1

4.35%

CBT / College Funded work
program

1

4.35%

CBT Employment

1

4.35%

CBT: Columbia Kootenay Cultural
1
Alliance - art program

4.35%

Columbia Basin Trust

1

4.35%

Columbia Valley Credit Union

1

4.35%

Employment Center

1

4.35%

KC

1

4.35%

RE

1

4.35%

The Mayor

1

4.35%

Town of Golden

2

8.70%

Fair

Forest Renvewal Services of B.C 1

4.35%

Good

Federated Co-operatives Limited1
headoffice

4.35%

HA

1

4.35%

Kootenay Rockies Tourism

1

4.35%

PG

1

4.35%

None have contacted the
business, nor has the business
contacted them

1

4.35%

RDCK

1

4.35%

Skills training -Equipment
operators mechanics

1

4.35%

Town of Golden - for broadband
1
access

4.35%

what is Kootenay Rockies
Innovation Council?

1

4.35%

23

100.00%

Poor

Unable to assist
Total
Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:

609
23
586
205

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Listed below are a number of
business support providers. For each
of these please indicate the level of
service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact
with them please indicate this.
Response Rate:

Listed below are a number of
business support providers. For
each of these please indicate the
level of service you have had in
dealing with them. If you have
never had contact with them
please indicate this.: Other

4%

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Listed below are a number of
business support providers. For each
of these please indicate the level of
service you have had in dealing with
them. If you have never had contact
with them please indicate this.
Excellent

Good

No Response
Total
Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

5

No Response Count:

604

Response Rate:

1%

Listed below are a number of
business support providers. For
each of these please indicate the
level of service you have had in
dealing with them. If you have
never had contact with them
please indicate this.: Other
Canadian Government
employment - student

1

20.00%

Golden Employment Centre

1

20.00%

Golden Tourism

1

20.00%

Teachers Association (RMDTA)

1

20.00%

pr

1

20.00%

5

100.00%

206

BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

Business
competitiveness
factors

%
Not
% Not Somewha
Somewha
importan importan
t
Not
% Not
t
t at all or t at all or importan
Respondent
applicabl applicabl
importan
not very not very t, very
s
e
e
t, very
importan importan importan
importan
t
t
t
t

Access to
exporting and
international
markets

234

45.79%

167

32.68%

110

21.53%

511

Accessing capital

91

17.91%

140

27.56%

277

54.53%

508

Add or change in
business, products 48
or services

9.43%

88

17.29%

373

73.28%

509

Affordable
shipping/freight

80

15.75%

80

15.75%

348

68.50%

508

Availability of
telecommunicatio
12
ns infrastructure
and services

2.37%

60

11.83%

435

85.80%

507

Energy costs

59

11.57%

111

21.76%

340

66.67%

510

Exchange rate for
Canadian dollar

104

20.43%

124

24.36%

281

55.21%

509

Expansion of
workforce
employees

44

8.63%

143

28.04%

323

63.33%

510

Improvement
business
management

40

8.08%

72

14.55%

383

77.37%

495

Improvement of
19
customer services

3.72%

40

7.83%

452

88.45%

511

Improving worker
43
productivity

8.43%

84

16.47%

383

75.10%

510

New market
development
locally

7.23%

76

14.84%

399

77.93%

512

37

207

Business
competitiveness
factors

%
Not
% Not Somewha
Somewha
importan importan
t
Not
% Not
t
t at all or t at all or importan
Respondent
applicabl applicabl
importan
not very not very t, very
s
e
e
t, very
importan importan importan
importan
t
t
t
t

New market
development
outside of region

78

15.23%

136

26.56%

298

58.20%

512

New product
research and
development

62

12.16%

66

12.94%

382

74.90%

510

Reliable air
transportation

149

29.33%

175

34.45%

184

36.22%

508

Strategic alliances
(joining with other
businesses to
45
provide
products/services)

8.84%

103

20.24%

361

70.92%

509

Water/sewer
availability

142

28.06%

121

23.91%

243

48.02%

506

Water/sewer costs 147

28.99%

123

24.26%

237

46.75%

507

Workforce skill
development

15

2.95%

49

9.65%

444

87.40%

508

Workplace health
and safety

47

9.23%

87

17.09%

375

73.67%

509

Survey
Participants:

609

208

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: New product research and development
Very important

230

45.10%

Somewhat important

152

29.80%

Not very important

46

9.02%

Not important at all

20

3.92%

Not applicable

62

12.16%

Total

510

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

510

No Response Count:

99

Response Rate:

84%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: New market development locally
Very important

230

44.92%

Somewhat important

169

33.01%

Not very important

46

8.98%

Not important at all

30

5.86%

Not applicable

37

7.23%

Total

512

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

512

No Response Count:

97

Response Rate:

84%

209

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: New market development outside of
region
Very important

150

29.30%

Somewhat important

148

28.91%

Not very important

84

16.41%

Not important at all

52

10.16%

Not applicable

78

15.23%

Total

512

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

512

No Response Count:

97

Response Rate:

84%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Access to exporting and international
markets
Very important

65

12.72%

Somewhat important

45

8.81%

Not very important

82

16.05%

Not important at all

85

16.63%

Not applicable

234

45.79%

Total

511

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

511

No Response Count:

98

Response Rate:

84%
210

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Add or change in business, products or
services
Very important

162

31.83%

Somewhat important

211

41.45%

Not very important

58

11.39%

Not important at all

30

5.89%

Not applicable

48

9.43%

Total

509

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

509

No Response Count:

100

Response Rate:

84%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Strategic alliances (joining with other
businesses to provide products/services)
Very important

165

32.42%

Somewhat important

196

38.51%

Not very important

72

14.15%

Not important at all

31

6.09%

Not applicable

45

8.84%

Total

509

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

509

No Response Count:

100

Response Rate:

84%
211

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Improving worker productivity
Very important

209

40.98%

Somewhat important

174

34.12%

Not very important

64

12.55%

Not important at all

20

3.92%

Not applicable

43

8.43%

Total

510

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

510

No Response Count:

99

Response Rate:

84%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Expansion of workforce employees
Very important

137

26.86%

Somewhat important

186

36.47%

Not very important

97

19.02%

Not important at all

46

9.02%

Not applicable

44

8.63%

Total

510

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

510

No Response Count:

99

Response Rate:

84%

212

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Workplace health and safety
Very important

265

52.06%

Somewhat important

110

21.61%

Not very important

60

11.79%

Not important at all

27

5.30%

Not applicable

47

9.23%

Total

509

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

509

No Response Count:

100

Response Rate:

84%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Workforce skill development
Very important

283

55.71%

Somewhat important

161

31.69%

Not very important

36

7.09%

Not important at all

13

2.56%

Not applicable

15

2.95%

Total

508

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

508

No Response Count:

101

Response Rate:

83%

213

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Energy costs
Very important

199

39.02%

Somewhat important

141

27.65%

Not very important

70

13.73%

Not important at all

41

8.04%

Not applicable

59

11.57%

Total

510

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

510

No Response Count:

99

Response Rate:

84%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Water/sewer availability
Very important

164

32.41%

Somewhat important

79

15.61%

Not very important

71

14.03%

Not important at all

50

9.88%

Not applicable

142

28.06%

Total

506

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

506

No Response Count:

103

Response Rate:

83%

214

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Water/sewer costs
Very important

138

27.22%

Somewhat important

99

19.53%

Not very important

71

14.00%

Not important at all

52

10.26%

Not applicable

147

28.99%

Total

507

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

507

No Response Count:

102

Response Rate:

83%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Reliable air transportation
Very important

95

18.70%

Somewhat important

89

17.52%

Not very important

99

19.49%

Not important at all

76

14.96%

Not applicable

149

29.33%

Total

508

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

508

No Response Count:

101

Response Rate:

83%

215

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Affordable shipping/freight
Very important

253

49.80%

Somewhat important

95

18.70%

Not very important

49

9.65%

Not important at all

31

6.10%

Not applicable

80

15.75%

Total

508

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

508

No Response Count:

101

Response Rate:

83%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Improvement of customer services
Very important

298

58.32%

Somewhat important

154

30.14%

Not very important

30

5.87%

Not important at all

10

1.96%

Not applicable

19

3.72%

Total

511

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

511

No Response Count:

98

Response Rate:

84%

216

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Availability of telecommunications
infrastructure and services
Very important

316

62.33%

Somewhat important

119

23.47%

Not very important

42

8.28%

Not important at all

18

3.55%

Not applicable

12

2.37%

Total

507

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

507

No Response Count:

102

Response Rate:

83%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Exchange rate for Canadian dollar
Very important

150

29.47%

Somewhat important

131

25.74%

Not very important

81

15.91%

Not important at all

43

8.45%

Not applicable

104

20.43%

Total

509

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

509

No Response Count:

100

Response Rate:

84%

217

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how
important each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business
will remain competitive. Specify Other: Accessing capital
Very important

132

25.98%

Somewhat important

145

28.54%

Not very important

85

16.73%

Not important at all

55

10.83%

Not applicable

91

17.91%

Total

508

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

508

No Response Count:

101

Response Rate:

83%

Count

Percent of
Question
Respondents

Looking forward to the next five years, please indicate how important
each of these factors will be in ensuring that this business will remain
competitive. Specify Other: Improvment business management
Very important

199

40.20%

Somewhat important

184

37.17%

Not very important

51

10.30%

Not important at all

21

4.24%

Not applicable

40

8.08%

Total

495

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

495

No Response Count:

114

Response Rate:

81%

218

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
Somewhat important

Very important

Access to grants

1

1.25%

Cost of technology

1

1.25%

Ferry Service affects client base
substantially getting goods to
market

1

1.25%

Financing Rates

1

1.25%

Industrial Park

1

1.25%

PH &H debit system required for
gov't sales

1

1.25%

Power Outages - happen to often
1
and last too long

1.25%

Power Outages really affect
business cannot open customers
affected.

1

1.25%

Stable Ferry Service

1

1.25%

access to local technology suppliers 1

1.25%

# of people in community

1

1.25%

Ability to access the most recent
films

1

1.25%

Access to broadband

1

1.25%

Availability of staff

1

1.25%

Build a bridge get rid of Ferry

1

1.25%

Continuity with local gov't

1

1.25%

Diesel & propane costs

1

1.25%

Economic development of the
West Kootenay area.

1

1.25%

Ferry Service - needs to be reliable
1
during peak summer period

1.25%
219

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
Ferry Service -we depend on
tourist season to make our living

1

1.25%

Ferry Service must be consistant,
1
delays add to cost of shipments

1.25%

Ferry Service needs to be stable
long delays cost money for freight 1
and frustrate tourists

1.25%

Ferry Service- community needs
reliability

6

7.50%

Ferry System - affects delivery of
goods to area and the tourist who 1
we depend on

1.25%

Ferry System needs to remain
reliable backups in peak periods 1
reallly affect the transport business

1.25%

Ferry System vital for delivery of
food products delays are costly

1

1.25%

Ferry service during peak seasons
1
must be maintained

1.25%

Ferry system delays affect bottom
line increases freight costs when 1
delayed.

1.25%

Ferry system during peak periods
1
must remain stable

1.25%

Ferry system must be reliable
during peak periods

1

1.25%

Ferry system must be reliable in
peak summer periods

1

1.25%

Ferry system must remain reliable 1

1.25%
220

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
hugely important for the
transportation and cost of
delivering goo
Ferry system needs to be utilized in
1
the best way possible.

1.25%

Fibre Optic Internet

1

1.25%

First impression staff and building 1

1.25%

Funding / Local government
support

1

1.25%

Gap in skills and available people 1

1.25%

Growth in local community

1

1.25%

Growth of Community

1

1.25%

Improvement in tourism
infrastructure

1

1.25%

Inudustrial Park needed for
expansion

1

1.25%

Municipal process (permits,
development red tape)

1

1.25%

Positive economic climate

1

1.25%

Power Outages - too many to
frequent greatly affect ability to
work must shut down.

1

1.25%

Power Outages affect business
1
especially in summer peak months

1.25%

Power Outages affect business
substancially too many to often

1

1.25%

Power Outages greatly affect
business

1

1.25%

221

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
Power Outages of any kind
especially in Peak Summer periods 1
very bad for business .

1.25%

Power Outages really affect

2

2.50%

Power Outages to many to
frequent

1

1.25%

Power Outages- any season greatly
1
affect bottom line to many of them

1.25%

Power outages happen too often
1
and last too long.

1.25%

Raw Material costs

1

1.25%

Reliable Shipping/freight

1

1.25%

Retail location costs

1

1.25%

Road Transportation / Hwy 1
Improvements

1

1.25%

Skilled labour attraction and
retention

1

1.25%

Structural and asset improvements 1

1.25%

Succession Planning

1

1.25%

Technology

1

1.25%

Town Council open-minded about
1
business possibilities

1.25%

Town of Golden being interested in
1
business success

1.25%

Up keep of local trails & resort
trails for biking

1

1.25%

availability of skilled workers

1

1.25%

available workers and affordable 1

1.25%
222

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
rates
commercial lending is key to
business success

Total
Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

80

No Response Count:

529

Response Rate:

13%

1

1.25%

government recognition of regional
1
colleges to small communities

1.25%

group advertisement - putting ND
1
on map

1.25%

improve workplace technology/
equipment

1

1.25%

need more people in area

1

1.25%

road access

1

1.25%

skilled labour available

1

1.25%

staff training

1

1.25%

viability of the community

1

1.25%

80

100.00%

223

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
Not very important

Poweroutages- greatly affect
productivity

1

2.70%

Somewhat important

Access to skilled labour

1

2.70%

Ferry Service must be maintained
1
as this is how the tourists get here.

2.70%

Ferry System backlogs affect
wether or not someone will stop 1
and shop

2.70%

POWER OUTAGES - way to often
we pay high energy costs and get 1
nothing for it.

2.70%

POWER Outages in summer
months affect our bottom line for 1
the year

2.70%

Power Outages - hard to do
business when power is out to
many to often

1

2.70%

Power Outages too many very
costly for business

1

2.70%

Power Outages-to many and too
frequent loose money when we 1
cannot service our clients

2.70%

access to local marketing suppliers 1

2.70%

Community supports recreation

1

2.70%

Development

1

2.70%

FTE's (full time equivilents) grant
managment process challenging 1
and v important

2.70%

Very important

Fe

1

2.70%
224

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
Ferry

1

2.70%

Ferry Service

1

2.70%

Ferry Service less delays

1

2.70%

Ferry delays affect delivery of
products and increase costs

1

2.70%

Ferry system needs to be reliable
1
for tourist season

2.70%

Heavy taxes & fuel in BC

1

2.70%

Industrial Park - need more areas
1
in community for businesses

2.70%

Industrial Park to attract new
businesses

1

2.70%

POWER OUTAGES - huge affect to
1
many and to often

2.70%

POWER OUTAGES greatly affect
our business

1

2.70%

Power Outages - during summer
peak tourist season greatly affect 1
business

2.70%

Power Outages affect customers
directly, store closed, loose
1
business

2.70%

Power Outages too many and too
1
frequent have to close store

2.70%

Power Outages too many very
costly for business

2

5.41%

Power Outages- way to many
during summer peak periods.

1

2.70%

225

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how
important each of these factors
important each of these factors will
will be in ensuring that this
be in ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
Power outages

Total
Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

37

No Response Count:

572

Response Rate:

6%

1

2.70%

Power outages during peak season
1
affect bottom line

2.70%

economic development of area

1

2.70%

highway signage

1

2.70%

highway signage for business
centre

1

2.70%

streamlining permit process

1

2.70%

training facilitator in high school

1

2.70%

37

100.00%

226

Percent of
Count
Question
Respondents
Looking forward to the next five
Looking forward to the next five
years, please indicate how
years, please indicate how important
important each of these factors
each of these factors will be in
will be in ensuring that this
ensuring that this business will
business will remain competitive.
remain competitive. Specify Other
Specify Other: Other
Somewhat important

Very important

Total
Survey Participants:
Question Respondents:
No Response Count:
Response Rate:

Airport landing strip would help
us a lot for delivery of goods as 1
KalTire has a cargo plane

7.69%

Ferry system important to
business needs to be reliable

1

7.69%

Industrial Park to encourage new
1
businesses

7.69%

Large Vehicles parking in front of
1
business blocking access

7.69%

Loarge vehicles parked infront of
1
business blocks access

7.69%

Parking large vehicles parking in
1
front of store block entrance

7.69%

Parking of large vehicles in front
of businesses no access to the 1
businesses

7.69%

Bike Trail - maintenance &
upkeep

1

7.69%

Chamber of Commerce

1

7.69%

Industrial Park

1

7.69%

Influx of new people

1

7.69%

Power outages

1

7.69%

Tech school training at high
school level

1

7.69%

13

100.00%

609
13
596
2%

227

PRODUCTIVITY DRIVERS
Performan
Not
% Not
%
ce of key
Poo % Fai
Goo %
Excelle
Responde
Applicab Applicab
% Fair
Excelle
productivit
r Poor r
d Good
nt
nts
le
le
nt
y drivers
Innovation
& the use
23
of
technology

5.39%

9

2.11
20.61
42.39
88
181
126
%
%
%

29.51% 427

Investing in
people and 37
skills

8.69%

11

2.58
17.61
45.07
75
192
111
%
%
%

26.06% 426

Leadership
and
14
manageme
nt capacity

3.27%

4

0.93
56.07
36 8.41% 240
134
%
%

31.31% 428

Measuring
impact of
productivit
70
y efforts/
investment
s

16.51%

22

5.19 10 25.24
38.44
163
62
%
7 %
%

14.62% 424

Networkin
g and
collaborati
35
on with
other
businesses

8.22%

24

5.63
23.24
40.85
99
174
94
%
%
%

22.07% 426

Organizing
work
(structures 33
&
processes)

7.80%

3

0.71
16.55
52.01
70
220
97
%
%
%

22.93% 423

Productive
workplace 15
culture

3.50%

1

0.23
58.41
31 7.24% 250
131
%
%

30.61% 428

Survey Participants: 609

228

PRODUCTIVITY DRIVERS
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following productivity drivers.: Leadership and
management capacity
Excellent

134

31.31%

Good

240

56.07%

Fair

36

8.41%

Poor

4

0.93%

Not applicable

14

3.27%

Total

428

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

428

No Response Count:

181

Response Rate:

70%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following productivity drivers.: Productive
workplace culture
Excellent

131

30.61%

Good

250

58.41%

Fair

31

7.24%

Poor

1

0.23%

Not applicable

15

3.50%

Total

428

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

428

No Response Count:

181

Response Rate:

70%

229

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following productivity drivers.: Innovation &
the use of technology
Excellent

126

29.51%

Good

181

42.39%

Fair

88

20.61%

Poor

9

2.11%

Not applicable

23

5.39%

Total

427

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

427

No Response Count:

182

Response Rate:

70%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following productivity drivers.: Investing in
people and skills
Excellent

111

26.06%

Good

192

45.07%

Fair

75

17.61%

Poor

11

2.58%

Not applicable

37

8.69%

Total

426

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

426

No Response Count:

183

Response Rate:

70%

230

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Please rate the following productivity drivers.: Organizing
work (structures & processes)
Excellent

97

22.93%

Good

220

52.01%

Fair

70

16.55%

Poor

3

0.71%

Not applicable

33

7.80%

Total

423

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

423

No Response Count:

186

Response Rate:

69%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following productivity drivers.: Networking and
collaboration with other businesses
Excellent

94

22.07%

Good

174

40.85%

Fair

99

23.24%

Poor

24

5.63%

Not applicable

35

8.22%

Total

426

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

426

No Response Count:

183

Response Rate:

70%

231

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Please rate the following productivity drivers.: Measuring
impact of productivity efforts/ investments
Excellent

62

14.62%

Good

163

38.44%

Fair

107

25.24%

Poor

22

5.19%

Not applicable

70

16.51%

Total

424

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

424

No Response Count:

185

Response Rate:

70%

232

ECONOMIC DRIVERS
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Finance

3

0.60%

Government

7

1.39%

Education

38

7.54%

Agriculture

45

8.93%

Other niche service businesses (e.g. services to seniors)

55

10.91%

Green or environmental businesses

74

14.68%

Arts

83

16.47%

culture and creative businesses

83

16.47%

Manufacturing

102

20.24%

Construction

114

22.62%

Health & wellness

117

23.21%

Forestry

136

26.98%

Technology-based businesses

151

29.96%

Relocation of people from urban centres

169

33.53%

Tourism

331

65.67%

Other

152

30.16%

Total

1660

Please indicate which economic drivers have the greatest potential
for growth in the region over the next 5 to 10 years. (please pick
top 3)

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

504

No Response Count:

105

Response Rate:

83%

233

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Battery manufacturing

1

0.20%

Building beautification

1

0.20%

Health and Wellness

1

0.20%

Hi-Tech

1

0.20%

Manufacturing

1

0.20%

Pulp

1

0.20%

Agriculture

2

0.40%

Fresh water

2

0.40%

Hospitality

2

0.40%

Recreation

2

0.40%

Retail

2

0.40%

Senior services

3

0.60%

Transportation

3

0.60%

Hydroelectricity

4

0.79%

Recycling

4

0.79%

Mining

70

13.89%

Total

100

Please indicate which economic drivers have the greatest potential
for growth in the region over the next 5 to 10 years. (please pick top
3): If Other please specify

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

103

No Response Count:

49

Parent Question 'Other' Respondents:

152

Parent Question Respondents:

504

Response Rate:

68%

234

PROXIMITY TO ALBERTA
Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Is your business impacted by its proximity to the Alberta
border?
Yes

75

65.79%

No

39

34.21%

Total

114

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

114

No Response Count:

495

Response Rate:

19%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Is your business impacted by its proximity to the Alberta
border?: If Yes, please explain
Positive - Access to large equipment

1

1.37%

Positive - Alberta has higher recycling fees

1

1.37%

Positvie - Alberta workforce

2

2.74%

Negative - Alberta competition

3

4.11%

Positive - Alberta suppliers

3

4.11%

Negative - Alberta has lower taxes

5

6.85%

Negative - Loss of sales to Alberta

13

17.81%

Positive - Alberta customers

43

58.90%

Total

71

Survey Participants:

609

Question Respondents:

73

No Response Count:

2

Parent Question 'Yes' Respondents:

75

Parent Question Respondents:

114

Response Rate:

97%

235

236

ASSESSMENT AND PLANS
OVERALL HEALTH
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Rate the following: Facility's overall health
Excellent

154

22.48%

Good

398

58.10%

Fair

105

15.33%

Poor

22

3.21%

Not applicable

6

0.88%

Total

685

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

685

No Response Count:

110

Response Rate:

86%

Percent of Question
Respondents

Count
Rate the following: Overall health of the parent
company
Excellent

71

11.62%

Good

72

11.78%

Fair

13

2.13%

Poor

2

0.33%

Not applicable

453

74.14%

Total

611

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

611

No Response Count:

184

Response Rate:

77%

237

ATTITUDE TOWARD COMMUNITY
Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Rate the following: Local management's attitude toward
the community
Excellent

329

48.96%

Good

257

38.24%

Fair

56

8.33%

Poor

7

1.04%

Not applicable

23

3.42%

Total

672

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

672

No Response Count:

123

Response Rate:

85%

Count

Percent of Question
Respondents

Rate the following: Parent company's attitude towards the
community
Excellent

63

10.55%

Good

70

11.73%

Fair

11

1.84%

Poor

13

2.18%

Not applicable

440

73.70%

Total

597

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

597

No Response Count:

198

Response Rate:

75%

238

RISK OF CLOSING OR DOWNSIZING
Count Percent of Question Respondents
Rate the risk: Facility closing in the next 1 - 3 years
High

25

3.50%

Moderate

70

9.80%

Low

619

86.69%

Total

714

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

714

No Response Count:

81

Response Rate:

90%

Count Percent of Question Respondents
Rate the risk: Facility downsizing in the next 1 - 3 years
High

28

4.02%

Moderate

77

11.06%

Low

591

84.91%

Total

696

Survey Participants:

795

Question Respondents:

696

No Response Count:

99

Response Rate:

88%

239