HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-07; City Council; 13641; ACCEPTANCE OF CITY OF CARLSBAD BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS-
z E a
z 2 0 v
$
J 1, a CITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL a
AB# j?,& ’// TITLE: ACCEPTANCE OF DEPT. HI:
MTC. s-y-qb BUS1 NESS SURVEY RESULTS CITY AT1
DEPT. ED CITY MC
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Accept the City of Carlsbad Business Survey and report prepared by the San Diego Ass
Governments.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
On December 12, 1995, the Carlsbad City Council adopted the City of Carlsbad Econc
Development Strategic Plan 1 996-2000. One strategic area is Economic Resources PI;
This strategy includes identification of the City’s economic opportunities, and also eval
community strengths and weaknesses. By developing an understanding of how these f
influence future economic growth, the City can create more successful business attraci
retention and expansion programs that may lower business costs, expand markets, de\
labor force, and improve infrastructure and community amenities.
As a part of the 1996 City Council Goals and Objectives and work plan for economic
development, the City commissioned the San Diego Association of Governments, thro
Local Technical Assistance Program, to assist with a study. The focus of the study wa!
Carlsbad industrial corridor business community’s attitudes and opinions about condul
business in Carlsbad, and their outlook for the future.
The study was initiated in February 1996 and completed in March 1996. Mail-out, m
questionnaires were used. Each business was sent a letter from the City and a questic
Follow-up letters and surveys were mailed to all businesses who did not respond to tt-
mailing. Only businesses located in the Carlsbad industrial corridor were selected to
Questionnaires were mailed to 233 industrial corridor businesses with almost half (4E
responded to the survey (106) within the specified time limit.
Specific questions were selected to obtain the following information:
1.
2. Company Profiles
CITY OF CARLSBAD
Reasons for selecting Carlsbad as a location.
- Type of industry (Manufacturing, Electronics, Bio-Industrial, etc. . . . )
- Number of employees
- Type of employees (Admin/Professional, Technical, Sales, etc ...)
- Hiring practices
3. Rating of City services
4. Growth potential
- business growth
- employment growth
- factors influencing growth
Areas of concern, within the City’s purview. 5.
R i P f<, i ’ 1 0 Page 2 of Agenda Bi I 0. [ 3 iv -/ h,
c
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Many factors influence a business to locate in one City or region over another. Businf
responded to the Carlsbad survey indicated that the physical appearance of Carlsbad’s
parks (goo/,) and the community’s quality of life (87%) were the most influential factor
selecting Carlsbad. In terms of rating City services, Law Enforcement Services receivec
highest approval rating (83%), and local Crime and Safety were considered two of the
important factors in determining future business growth in Carlsbad.
Overall, the businesses who respond to the survey were very positive about their grow
potential in the next five (5) years. Nine out of ten (87%) of those responding to the s
expect their business to grow in the period 1996 through 2000. Almost the same per(
companies expect a corresponding growth in employment levels. This will result in tt-
many companies to move to a larger facility. One concern voiced by many companic
need for more industrial buildings and office space.
Most respondents (79%) indicated a preference to stay in Carlsbad during the next fivt
either at their existing location (44%) or to another Carlsbad location (35%). Only 2O/
they would consider moving outside the San Diego region. The desire to relocate opt
attributed to business growth and a need for larger facilities (64%).
Labor force costs (92%) and the availability of a trained labor force (87%) were two ai
considered important to future growth potential. Collectively, companies responding
survey employ approximately 7200 people in the industrial corridor. Over a fifth (22’
companies responding, employ over 100 people at their facilities. The average emplc
for this group, is 237 employees. Not surprising, companies employing the largest nu
employees in the industrial corridor are manufacturers. This group (manufacturers) ha
approximately 49% of their labor force assigned to semi-skiIled/unskiIled jobs, with th
51 o/o employed as managers (gob), Professionals/Administrators (1 4%), Technical (1 4%
Sales/Clerical (14%). Over 95% of the manufacturers who responded to the survey e)
expand in the next five years.
The City of Carlsbad Business Survey is intended to be used as a tool by City officials
community in assessing areas that positively and negatively affect business in the indc
corridor. Clearly, the survey results indicate most companies (92) expect to expand tl
operation locally within the next five years, provided the business environment remai
The survey results provide the City Council with important opinions from the busine
community, in terms of where the City should consider focusing its future community
economic d eve I o pmen t efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with City Council acceptance of the survey
report.
EXHIBITS:
1. City of Carlsbad Business Survey 1996.
eA If/ b I I - e 0
e
Local Technical Assistance
CITY OF CARLSBAD
BUSINESS SURVEY
1996
March 1996
san Diego GJ
ASSOCEUXON OF GolxmNMJcm
San Diego Association of Governments
First Interstate Plaza, Suite 800
401 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(61 9) 595-5300
Prepared for the City of Carlsbad
Through the Local Technical Assistance Program
MEMBER AGENCIES: Cities of Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas,
Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway,
San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Vista, and County of San Diego
San Diego Unified Port District, S.D. County Water Authority, and TijuandBaja California Norte
ADVISORY/LIAISON MEMBERS: California Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Defen$
0
t Board of Directors
SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is a public agency formed voluntarily by local governments to assure overall areawide planning and coordination for the San Diego region. Voting members include the incorporated Cities of Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Vista, and the County of San Diego. Advisory and Liaison members include Caltrans, US. Department of Defense, San Diego Unified Port District, San Diego County Water Authority, and TijuandBaja CalifornidMexico.
CHAIRMAN: Hon. Mike Bixler
VICE CHAIRMAN: Hon. Elliot Parks SECRETARY-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kenneth E. Sulzer
CITY OF CARLSBAD Hon. Ramona Finnila, Councilmember (A) Hon. Bud Lewis, Mayor
CITY OF CHULA VISTA Hon. Shirley Horton, Mayor (A) Hon. Jerry Rindone, Mayor Pro Tern
CITY OF CORONADO Hon. Mary Herron, Mayor (A) Hon. David Blumenthal, Councilmember
CITY OF DEL MAR Hon. Elliot Parks, Deputy Mayor (A) Hon. Mark Whitehead, Councilmember
CITY OF EL CAJON Hon. Richard Ramos, Mayor Pro Tern (A) Hon. Mark Lewis, Councilmember
CITY OF ENClNlTAS Hon. Gail Hano, Councilmember (A) Hon. Chuck Du Vivier, Councilmember
CITY OF ESCONDIDO Hon. Jerry Harmon, Councilmember (A) Hon. Lori Holt Pfeiler, Councilmember
CITY OF IMPERIAL BEACH Hon. Mike Bixier, Mayor (A) Hon. Gail Benda, Councilmember
CITY OF LA MESA Hon. Art Madrid, Mayor (A) Hon. Barry Jantz, Councilmember (A) Hon. Jay LaSuer, Councilmember
CITY OF LEMON GROVE Hon. Craig Lake, Mayor Pro Tem (A) Hon. Mary Sessom, Councilmember
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY Hon. Rosalie Zarate, Councilmember (A) Hon. George H. Waters, Mayor
CITY OF OCEANSIDE Marilynn Hardebeck Hon. Dick Lyon, Mayor (A) Hon. Carol McCauley, Deputy Mayor
CITY OF POWAY Hon. Don Higginson, Mayor (A) Hon. Bob Emery, Councilmember (A) Hon. Mickey Cafagna, Councilmember
CITY OF SAN DIEGO Hon. Christine Kehoe, Councilmember (A) Hon. Barbara Warden, Councilmember (A) Hon. Valerie Stallings, Deputy Mayor
CITY OF SAN MARCOS Hon. Betty Evans, Councilmember (A) Hon. Darrell Gentry, Councilmember
CITY OF SANTEE Hon. Jack Dale, Mayor (A) Hon. Hal Ryan, Councilmember
CITY OF SOMA BEACH Hon. Marion Dcdson, Mayor (A) Hon. Ten Renteria, Councilmember (A) Hon. Joe Kellejian, Deputy Mayor
CITY OF VISTA Hon. Gloria E. McClellan, Mayor (A) Hon. Ed Estes, Jr., Councilmember
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO Hon. Pam Slater, Supervisor (A) Hon. Bill Horn, Vice Chairman (A) Hon. Greg Cox, Chairman Pro Tern
STATE DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (Advisory Member) James van Loben Sels, Director (A) Gary Gallegos, District 11 Director
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (Liaison Member) CAPT. Michael Johnson, USN, CEC Commanding Officer Southwest Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT (Advisory Member) Jess Van Deventer, Chairman
SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (Advisory Member) Frank Chenelle
TIJUANAlBAJA CALlFORNlAlMEXlCO (Advisory Member) Hon. Luis Herrera-Lasso M. Consul General of Mexico
Revised March 20,1996
0 'City of Carlsbad Business Survey 191
- ABSTRACT
TITLE:
AUTHOR:
SUBJECT:
City of Carlsbad Business Survey 1996
San Diego Association of Governments
This study analyzes attitudes and opinions (
business operators about conducting business
the City of Carlsbad.
DATE: March 1996
ABSTRACT: The City of Carlsbad requested assistance with
study of the business environment in Carlsbad fc
businesses in the industrial corridor. This stuc
investigated respondents' perceptions of tl
current business climate, as well as respondent
expectations of growth potential and futu
business expansion.
... 111
. Citv of Carlsbad Business Sum a96 0
Y TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................. j
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................
SUMMARY OF RESULTS ................................................................................................................
Reasons for Selecting Carlsbad as Current Location of Business ................................................
The Business Climate in Carlsbad .................................................................................................
Expectations for the Future ........................................................................ .:. .................................
Characteristics of Carlsbad Business Respondents ...................................................................... 1
APPENDIX A - SUMMARY OF RESPONSES ............................................................................... 1
APPENDIX B - QUESTIONNAIRE .................................................................................................. 2
iv
@ @Citv of Carlsbad Busmess Survey I95
1 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Issues of Greatest Concern To Respondents .......................................................................
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Importance of Factors in Deciding to Locate Business in Carlsbad ...................................
Figure 2 Ratings of City Services ......................................................................................................
Figure 3 Most Businesses Expect to Increase Employment In Next Five Years ............................ 1(
Figure 4 Majority of Respondents Expect Business to Expand In Next Five Years ...................... 1
Figure 5 Top Factors Rated Very Important in Affecting Business Growth Potential ................... 1:
Figure 6 Types of Business of Respondents .................................................................................... 1:
V
e 0
.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
e @Cm of Carlsbad Business Survey 19!
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Carlsbad requested assistance with a study of the business environment in Carlsbad fc
businesses located in the industrial corridor. This study investigates respondents’ perceptions of tl
current business climate, as well as respondents’ expectations of growth potential and futui
business expansion. Surveys were sent to 233 businesses located in the industrial corridor. TI
response rate was 45 percent.
Overall, the businesses who responded are positive about the growth they are expecting in tl
future. Nearly nine out of ten respondents (87%) expect their business to grow in the next fi\
years. The same percent (85%) also expect the number of their employees?to increase, while on
two percent expect the number to decrease. The rest (13%) expect to remain about the same.
With the expected growth, some businesses may have to consider larger facilities to accommoda
the expected growth. Nearly half of respondents (44%) expect to remain at their present locatio,
while over a third (35%) plan to relocate to another facility in Carlsbad for a total of 79 percent (
respondents planning to remain in Carlsbad. Two out of three respondents who were planning 1
move said that they were relocating to accommodate for the growth in their business.
To better understand how business view their growth potential, respondents were asked to rate ho
several factors can affect the growth of their business. The safety and crime factor was listed 1
very important by a majority of respondents as affecting the growth potential. Labor force costs ar
the availability of a trained labor force rated second and third in importance to businesses.
Even though safety and crime are issues that are very important to a majority of respondents, OVI
eight in ten respondents (83%) rate the service provided by law enforcement as excellent or goo(
Respondents also rate safetykrime as excellent or good regarding Carlsbad’ s business environmen
Overall, respondents are expecting a positive business future in the coming years. The followir
report details the findings of the businesses who responded to the this study.
ix
0 e
INTRODUCTION
0 Citv of Carlsbad Business Survey 19s
INTRODUCTION
The City of Carlsbad requested the San Diego Association of Government assist with a study thr
would investigate the Carlsbad business community’s attitudes and opinions about conductin
business in Carlsbad. This report outlines the results from this study.
Ths study analyzed several components of conducting business in Carlsbad. Respondents wei
asked to evaluate Carlsbad’s business environment as well as to evaluate their own business futuri
This study investigates expectations of future growth, relocation expectations, busine:
characteristics as well as other factors that contribute to the business environment in Carlsbad. TI
purpose of ths study is to learn how the City of Carlsbad can better serve the Carlsbad busine!
community. The results of the study will be presented during a Carlsbad business roundtab
meeting in March 1996.
The study of Carlsbad businesses was conducted in February 1996. Mail-out, mail-bac
questionnaires were used. Each business was sent a letter from the mayor and a questionnaii
Follow-up letters and surveys were mailed to all businesses who did not respond to the fii
mailing. Only businesses located in the Carlsbad industrial corridor were selected to participal
The results presented in this study reflect only those businesses located in the industrial corrid
who responded to the survey. Questionnaires were mailed to 233 industrial businesses located
Carlsbad. Almost half (45%) responded to the survey (106 responded), which is a good respon
rate. Five additional surveys were received after the deadline and were not included in the resull
The information obtained from this study will provide a starting point for discussion at the busine
roundtable, as well as provide information to examine the positive aspects of the business clima
in the city and explore changes that could better meet the needs of Carlsbad businesses.
The attached appendixes provide the summary information from the survey as well as the let
from the mayor and the survey instrument used for the study.
3
0 a
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
0 Citv of Carlsbad Business Survey 19
SUMMARY OF' RESULTS
The following section analyzes the responses to the questionnaires that were returned from 1(
Carlsbad businesses who responded, representing 45 percent of the businesses surveyed. TI
following summarizes the questionnaire results.
Reasons for Selecting Carlsbad as Current Location of Business: Many factors can affect
business decision to locate in an area. Businesses who responded indicated that the physic
appearance plays an important role in selecting a new location. Nine out of ten (90%) business
who responded said that the physical appearance of the location was very or somewhat important
their decision to locate in Carlsbad. The second highest concern was the overall quality of life
the community with nearly the same percent (87%) stating that it was very or somewhat importar
The proximity to educational or research facilities and the availability of public transportation we
not key factors to the majority of businesses who responded in selecting a business location. Figu
1 below shows the importance of each factor in the decision for businesses who responded to loca
in Carlsbad.
Figure 1
IMPORTANCE OF FACTORS IN DECIDING
TO LOCATE BUSINESS IN CARLSBAD
Location Factors
90% Physical appearance of
industnal park
Overall qualty of llfe %
Availability of trained
workforce
Affordable labor costs
Proximity to clients, - 30%
customers i
Availabilty transportation of public - 29%
24%
, -7 -7 - - -7- ------ L Close to educational
facilrty c-
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% M)% 70% 80% 90%
Percent Very/Somewhat Important
7
8o% 1
70% 1
0 8 60% -
2 - 50% -
0
s
! W 40% - ”
- 77% -
69% 68% - - 65%
1
52%
. City of Carlsbad Business Survey 19
their present location for three years or more rated the departments as excellent good, 32 percent
fair or poor. Sixteen percent said that it doesn’t apply.
Many other variables can affect the business climate. Respondents were asked to rate sever
characteristics of Carlsbad’s business environment. The local economic health was rated by I
percent of respondents as excellent or good. The local infrastructure came in a close second wi
86 percent of respondents rating it as excellent or good. Labor force costs were also rated excelle
or good by 84 percent of the businesses who responded. The following business environme
characteristics were rated by at least seven out of ten respondents as excellent or good: technolo<
base, safetykrime, local political stability, availability of land/facilities, and traffic conditior
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents rated the availability of a trained labor force and suppc
from local government as excellent or good. Just over half of respondents fated the quality of loc
schools and the availability of public transportation as excellent or good. Nearly a third (30%)
respondents felt that the quality of local schools does not apply to them, while 20 percent felt t
same about public transportation. Less than half (45%) of businesses who responded felt that t
affordability of housing was excellent or good.
Respondents were given an opportunity to identify the issues and concerns that they have regardi
their business which involve the City of Carlsbad. (Respondents wrote their comments in a spa
provided. The answers were summarized and classified.) Twenty-two percent of respondents fi
that crime and other safety issues are of greatest concern for them while doing business. Twenf
one percent of respondents are concerned about traffic congestion in their area. The top commer
are listed below in Table 1.
Table 1
ISSUES OF GREATEST CONCERN TO RESPONDENTS
22% Crime and safety
21% Traffic
17%
17%
16%
14%
14%
Improve infrastructure (freeways and highway access)
More cooperation and support from City officialsktaff
Business costs and business taxes
Shorten and improve the permit process
Need more room for growth
Percents do not add to 100 percent due to multiple answers given.
ExDectations for the Future: Overall, businesses who responded were positive about the grov
they are expecting in the future. Respondents were asked if they expect the number of employe
9
q City of Carlsbad Business Su
to increase, decrease, or remain about the same over the next five years. Over four out of fi7
(85%) of respondents expect their number of employees to grow. Two percent expected tl
number to decrease. The remaining 13 percent felt the number of employees who work for the
would remain about the same. (See Figure 3.) Nearly all manufacturing respondents (1
businesses) expect to increase the number of employees in five years.
respondents in the bio-industrial, electronics, communications/computer services, and headquarte
expect to increase the number of employees as well. Two respondents said they expect to decrea
the number of employees within five years.
Over 80 percent
Figure 3
MOST BUSINESSES EXPECT TO INCREASE
EMPLOYMENT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
Decrease
2% Remain About the Same
85%
This positive business outlook is consistent with other responses from the surveyed business
Respondents were also asked if they expect their business to expand, contract, or remain about 1
same. Of the 101 businesses who responded to this question, none expected their business
contract. Nearly nine out of ten respondents felt that their business is going to expand over the nt
five years. Thirteen percent felt that business would stay about the same. (See Figure 4.) All I
respondents who indicated their headquarters were located in Carlsbad reported that they expi
their business to expand over the next five years. Eight in ten bio-industrial respondents expl
their business to expand as well. About nine in ten manufacturing, communications/compu
services respondents and respondents who were classified as an other industry have plans to expa
in the next five years. Seven in ten respondents in the electronics industry plan to expand in fi
years. The balance of these industries expect to remain the same.
Due to the expected expansion, some businesses may have to consider larger facilities
accommodate their business growth. Respondents were asked if they expect to relocate th
10
. 0 m Cltt. of Carlsbad Business Survey 19
- business in the next five years. Nearly half (44%) expect to remain at their present location. Over
third (35%) plan to relocate at another facility in Carlsbad; and 13 percent plan to relocate
another location in the San Diego region. Two percent are planning to relocate their busine
outside the San Diego region. Six percent listed other explanations.
The respondents who said that they plan to relocate were asked why they plan to relocate. Near
two-thirds (64%) of respondents said that the reason they were relocating was to accommoda
future business growth. Fourteen percent of respondents said they were relocating due to tl
increasing costs of doing business or increasing business taxes.
Figure 4 MAJORITY OF RESPONDENTS EXPECT BUSINESS TO EXPAND
IN NEXT FIVE YEARS
Expand Stay About the Same Contract
Although most businesses who responded plan to grow over the next five years, several factc
could impact their business’ growth, potential. Respondents were asked to rate how these factc
impact their growth potential. Safety and crime were rated as very important by 56 percent
respondents in affecting their growth potential. Figure 5 on the following page shows the tc
factors that were rated in terms of their impact on growth potential. Twenty two percent
respondents said that local economic health was very important to their growth potential. Anoth
22 percent said that the support of local government was very important. Both local politic
stability and the availability of public transportation were rated as very important by 15 and
percent of respondents, respectively.
While many respondents are expecting to grow and increase the size of their workforc
respondents were asked to rate the level of difficulty in hiring different types of employe<
11
50% -
40% -
30% -
I
20% 4
10% 1
I 0%
42%
37% 37%
31% 30% 30% 29%
A
.I @ @CL+V of Carlsbad Business Survev 195
1 Characteristics of Carlsbad Business Respondents: This survey investigated the opinions an
attitudes of businesses located in Carlsbad’s industrial corridor. More manufacturers responded t
the survey than any other business type -- with 26 percent of respondents representin
manufacturing businesses. Businesses from the computer hardware, software, or support service
industry was the next highest industry to respond to the study representing 19 percent c
respondents. Figure 6 below shows the distribution of respondents who completed the survey.
Figure 6
TYPES OF BUSINESSES OF RESPONDENTS
Other
CommunicationsIMedia
Corporate Headquarters
8%
omputer Hardware,
ofhvare or Services
810-Industrial
16%
Based on the 106 businesses who responded to the survey, the median number of full-tin
employees is 18. Over a quarter of respondents indicated they have 10 to 24 employees. Fort:
three percent have 25 full-time employees or more. Fewer businesses employ part-time worker
Nearly half of respondents (46%) indicated that they have no part-time employees in the
workforce. A third said they have less than five part-time employees. Twenty-one percent sa
they have five or more part-time employees. The median number of part-time employees is one.
Businesses were asked to identify the percentage of employees they have according to s
employment categories: managerial, professionalladministrative, technical, clericallsales, sem
skilled, and unskilled employees. The typical business has approximately 17 percent manageri
employees, 17 percent professionalladministrative employees, 26 percent technical employees, 1
percent clerical and 17 percent semi-skilled employees, and eight percent unskilled employees.
13
.. Citv of Carlsbad Business Su 0
- Over three out of five businesses who responded have been at their current location for less th;
five years. Almost half (45%) of businesses who responded have located in Carlsbad within the la
three years. Just under 20 percent of surveyed businesses have been located at their present locatic
between three and five years. Nearly two out of five (37%) respondents have resided at the san
location for five years or more.
14
0 e
I
APPENDIX A
a 0 Cia of Carlsbad Business Survey 19:
8 SUMMARY OF RESPONSES
CITY OF CARLSBAD BUSINESS SURVEY 1996
Surveys were sent to 233 businesses located in Carlsbad industrial corridor; 106 responded for
response rate of 45%.
1. WHERE IS YOUR BUSINESS LOCATED?
(n= 104)
29%
22% Carlsbad Research Center
14%
9% Carlsbad Oaks Wesfiast
7% Carlsbad Airport Centre
6%
3% Palomar Oaks
Palomar Airport Business Park (west of El Camino Real, south of Palomar Airport
Road)
Interstate 5 Corridor (Avenida EncinasPaseo Del Norte)
East of El Camino Real (near the Public Safety Center)
11% Other
100%
2. HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN LOCATED AT ITS PRESENT
LOCATION?
(n=106)
38% 1 to3years
19% 37% 5 years or more
100%
7% Less than 1 year
More than 3 years, less than 5 years
3. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES YOUR BUSINESS?
(n= 105)
26% Manufacturing (sports, apparel, etc.)
19% Computer hardware/software/support services
16% Bio-industrial (biotech, biomedical, biopharmaceutical)
13% Electronics
8% Corporate headquarters
6% Communications/media 12% Other
100%
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. 17
Citv of Carlsbad Business Su e
" 4. HOW IMPORTANT WERE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS IN YOUR
FIRM'S DECISION TO LOCATE IN CARLSBAD?
Very Somewhat Not Very Not at all
Important Important Important Important Total
A. Proximity to educational or
research facilities (n=100) 6% 18% 33% 43% 100%
B. Proximity to clients and
customers (n=102) 14% 16% 29% 41% 100%
C. Availability of trained
workforce (n=104) 24% 46% 13% 17% 100%
D. Affordable labor cost (n=104) 28% 40% 17% 14% 100%
E. Availability of public trans-
portation for workers (n=104) 7% 22% 36% 36% 100%
F. The physical appearance of
the industrialhusiness park (n=104) 38% 52% 8% 3% 100%
G. Overall quality of life in the
community (n=104) 52% 35% 11% 3% 100%
5. PLEASE RATE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING IN TERMS OF CONDUCTING
BUSINESS IN CARLSBAD. (CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST
APPROPRIATE RESPONSE)
Doesn't
Excellent Good Fair & && Total
A. Zoning (n=IM) 10% 59% 6% 2% 24% 100%
B. Waterhewer service (n=102) 13% 64% 8% 0% 16% 100%
C. Parks and recreation facilities (n=103) 14% 51% 11% 5% 20% 100%
D. Service provided by
law enforcement (n=103) 30% 53% 11% 6% 0% 100%
E. Code enforcement and public
safety inspections (n=101) 13% 55% 19% 4% 10% 100%
F. City of Carlsbad Planning,
Engineering, & Building Depts.
(plan reviews, inspections) (n=101) 7% 45% 20% 10% 19% 100%
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. 18
Cttv of Carlsbad Business Survey 19 0 a
- 6. PLEASE RATE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS OF CARLSBAD’S
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. (CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST
APPROPRIATE RESPONSE)
Doesn’t -- Excellent Good - Fair Poor ~&AJ Total
A. Local economic health (n=99) 14% 73% 4% 2% 7% 100%
B. Labor force costs (n=101) 4% 80% 11% 0% 5% 100%
C. Availability of trained labor
force (n=100) 10% 55% 25% 3% 7% 100%
D. Supportoflocalgovernment(n=99) 5% 60% 13% 7% 15% 100%
E. Local political stability (n=97) 6% 70% 9% 0% 14% 100%
F. Local infrastructure
(condition of streets/public
facilities, etc.) (n=IO1) 34% 52% 9% 2% 4% 100%
G. Availability of public
transportation (n=I00> 8% 44% 19% 9% 20% 100%
H. Traffic conditions (n=102) 13% 57% 20% 6% 5% 100%
I. Quality of local schools (n=94) 9% 44% 15% 3% 30% 100%
J. Technology base (~98) 21% 58% 8% 0% 12% 100%
K. Affordability of housing (n=98) 2% 43% 33% 8% 14% 100%
L. Safetykrime (n=101) 12% 64% 18% 2% 4% 100%
M. Availability of land/facilities (n=96) 9% 62% 15% 5% 9% 100%
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. 19
Citv of Carlsbad Business Su 0
7. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT FOR YOU TO RECRUIT THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF
EMPLOYEES? (CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST APPROPRIATE
RESPONSE)
Very Somewhat Not At All Doesn’t
Difficult Difficult Difficult m Total
A. Managerial (n=100) 7% 33% 42% 18% 100%
B. Professional/Administrative (n=100) 6% 33% 49% 12% 100%
C. Technical (n=100) 15% 34% 43% 8% 100%
D. ClericaVSales (n=99) 4% 19% 64% 13% 100%
E. Semi-skilled (n=100) 2% 15% 65% 18% 100%
F. Unskilled (n=100) 0% 4% 62% 34% 100%
8. WHEN RECRUITING NEW EMPLOYEES, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING
RESOURCES DO YOU USE? (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)
(n= 100)
78% Newspaper advertisements
72% Referrals by current employees
60% In-house promotions/transfers
48% Private employment agencies
38% CollegesRJniversities
29% Trade journals/magazines
22% Unsolicited walk-ins
18% Employment Development Dept.
12%
10% Other
Public schools and training programs
8% Private vocational schools
Percents do not add to 100 percent due to multiple answers given.
9. WHEN RECRUITING NEW EMPLOYEES, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING
AREAS DO YOU RECRUIT FROM? (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)
(n= 100)
36%
66%
30% Southern California
21%. Statewide
14% Western United States
36% Nationwide
North San Diego County only
All of San Diego County
Percents do not add to 100 percent due to multiple answers given.
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. 20
0 City of Carlsbad Business Survey 19
10. HOW IMPORTANT ARE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING IN TERMS OF YOUR
GROWTH POTENTIAL? (CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST
APPROPRIATE RESPONSE)
Very Somewhat Not At All
Important Important Important Total
A. Local economic health (n=99) 22% 47% 31% 100%
B. Labor force costs (n=103) 42% 50% 9% 100%
C. Availability of trained
labor force (n= 103) 37% 50% 14% 100%
D. Support of local government (n=101) 22% 57% 21% 100%
E. Local political stability (n=98) 15% 53% 32% 100%
F. Local infrastructure (condition
of streets/public facilities, etc.) (n=100> 3 1% 53% 16% 100%
G. Availability of public
transportation (n=99) 11% 53% 36% 100%
H. Traffic conditions (n=100) 30% 54% 16% 100%
I. Quality of local schools (n=99) 20% 47% 33% 100%
J. Technology base (n=99) 37% 42% 20% 100%
K. Affordability of housing (n=IW) 29% 50% 21% 100%
L. Safetykrime (n=101) 56% 36% 8% 100%
M. Availability of landfacilities (n= 100) 30% 52% 18% 100%
11. IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS, DO YOU EXPECT YOUR BUSINESS TO: (CIRCLE ONE
(n= 10 1)
87% Expand
13% Stay about the same
0% Contract
100%
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
21
City of Carlsbad Business Su 0
12. IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS, DO YOU EXPECT TO RELOCATE YOUR BUSINESS?
(n= 104)
35% Yes, within Carlsbad
13%
2%
44%
- 6% Other
100%
Yes, somewhere else in the San Diego region
Yes, somewhere outside the San Diego region:
No, I expect my business to remain here
Respondents who indicated that they plan to remain at the current site did not answer the
following question.
13. IF YOU WERE TO RELOCATE YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD CAUSE YOU
TO DO SO?
(n=59)
64%
14%
10% Lack of affordable landfacilities
Business is growing, need room to expand
Increasing cost of doing businesshncreasing taxes
7% Highrent
5% Lack of support for business
15% Other
Percents do not add to 100 percent due to multiple answers given.
14. APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED BY YOUR FIRM A
THIS SITE?
Full-Time Employees:
(n=106)
6% 0 full-time employees
14% 1-4 full-time employees
12% 5-9 full-time employees
26% 10-24 full-time employees
20% 25-99 full-time employees
23%
100%
69
18
100 full-time employees or more
Average number of full-time employees
Median number of full-time employees
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. 22
Citv of Carlsbad Business Survey 19 a e
” Part-Time Employees:
(n= 106)
46% 0 part-time employees
33% 1-4 part-time employees
5% 5-9 part-time employees
9% 10-24 part-time employees
3% 25-99 part-time employees
4% 100%
10
1
100 part-time employees or more
Average number of part-time employees
Median number of part-time employees
Total Employees:
(n= 106)
2% 0 part-time employees
1 1% 1-4 part-time employees
15% 5-9 part-time employees
27% 10-24 part-time employees
20% 25-99 part-time employees
25%
100%
78
20
100 part-time employees or more
Average number of total employees
Median number of total employees
15. WHAT PERCENT OF YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE:
Number of Business with Percentage of Managerial Employees
8 No current managerial employees
2
14
53
- 24
1% to 4% of managerial employees
5% to 9% of managerial employees
10% to 24% of managerial employees
25% or more of managerial employees
101 Number of Businesses
Number of Businesses with Percentage of ProfessionaYAdministrative Employees
16 No current professionalladministrative employees
2
18
40
- 24
1 % to 4% of professionaUadministrative employees
5% to 9% of professionalladministrative employees
10% to 24% of professionalladministrative employees
25% or more of professionaUadministrative employees
100 Number of Businesses
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
23
City of Carlsbad Business Su 0
Number of Businesses with Percentage of Technical Employees
20 No current technical employees
0
6
3 1
44
1% to 4% of technical employees
5% to 9% of technical employees
10% to 24% of technical employees
25% or more of technical employees
101 Number of Businesses
Number of Businesses with Percentage of ClericaYSales Employees
22 No current clericalhales employees
5
6
40
- 28
1% to 4% of clericaVsales employees
5% to 9% of clerical/sales employees
10% to 24% of clericaVsales employees
25% or more of clericalhales employees
101 Number of Businesses
Number of Businesses with Percentage of Semi-Skilled Employees
39 No current semi-skilled employees
0
4
28
- 27
98 Number of Businesses
1% to 4% of semi-skilled employees
5% to 9% of semi-skilled employees
10% to 24% of semi-skilled employees
25% or more of semi-skilled employees
Number of Businesses with Percentage of Unskilled Employees
66 No current unskilled employees
2
8
8
- 12
96 Number of Businesses
1% to 4% of unskilled employees
5% to 9% of unskilled employees
10% to 24% of unskilled employees
25% or more of unskilled employees
16. DURING THE NEXT 5 YEARS, DO YOU EXPECT THE NUMBER OF
EMPLOYEES TO INCREASE, DECREASE, OR REMAIN ABOUT THE SAME?
(n=105)
85% Increase
2% Decrease 13% Remain about the same
100%
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. 24
a o Citv of Carlsbad Business Survey I9
17. WHAT ARE THE ISSUES OR AREAS OF GREATEST CONCERN TO YOU AND
YOUR BUSINESS WHICH INVOLVE THE CITY OF CARLSBAD? PLEASE DO
NOT INCLUDE MATTERS OVER WHICH THE CITY OF CARLSBAD HAS NO
CONTROL.
(n=58)
22% Crimelsafety issues
21% Traffic
17%
17%
16% Business costshusiness taxes
14%
14%
7%
7% Living costs
3% LegoLand
3% Airport
3% Noconcerns
2% The economy
3 1 % Miscellaneous
Improve infrastructure (freeways and highway access)
More cooperation and support from City officials and City staff
Shorten and improve the permit process
Need more room for growthheed more office space
Improve the quality of life
Percents do not add to 100 percent due to multiple answers given.
Note: n=number of respondents who answered each question.
Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. 25
e m
APPENDIX B
February 5, 1996
Dear Carlsbad Executive:
The Carlsbad City Council recognizes that economic stability and growth throi
retention and expansion of our local businesses, are important to Carlsbad's future.
affirm our commitment to local industry, we have created an economic developr
program that focuses not only on bringing new business to Carlsbad, but m
importantly builds strong working relationships with our existing companies.
As a business leader I am sure you understand that an important step toward improc
services or products is to identify strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities.
accomplish this, we have created a short survey that we would like you to complete i
return. So that the results of the survey remain valid and impartial, we have asked
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to assist us in administering
survey. We thank you in advance for participating in this important project, and we 11
foward to meeting with you to share the results of the survey at an upcoming indus
round table meeting .
Sincerely, &JK C UDE A. "BUD" LEWIS
Mayor
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive - Carlsbad, CA 92008-1 989 - (61 9) 434-2830 FAX (61 9) 720-9~
CITY OF CARLSBAW a 1 BUSINESS SURVEY
- February 1996
The City of Carlsbad is conducting this survey to obtain information about the business community’s
and opinions about conducting business in Carlsbad. Your perceptions and insights about the City’:
climate and your plans for the future are very important to us.
The City of Carlsbad has asked the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), to administl
survey to insure that the results are valid and impartial. SANDAG is the region’s council of governm
up of all incorporated cities and the County of San Diego.
Please take a few moments now to complete this questionnaire and return it within two weeks in the
postage-paid envelope. Your responses will be held in strictest confidence and will be reported only
combination with others. No individual companies will be identified. Thank you for your help.
1. WHERE IS YOUR BUSINESS LOCATED?
1. Carlsbad Research Center
2. Carlsbad Oaks WestlEast
3. Carlsbad Airport Centre
4. Palomar Oaks
5. East of El Camino Real (near the Public Safety Center)
6. Palomar Airport Business Park (west of El Camino Real, south of Palomar Airport Road)
7. Interstate 5 Corridor (Avenida Encinas/Paseo Del Norte)
8. Other (SPECIFY)
HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN LOCATED AT ITS PRESENT LOCATION?
1. Less than 1 year
2. 1 to3years
3. More than 3 years, less than 5 years
4. 5 years or more
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES YOUR BUSINESS? (CIRCLE ONLY ONE)
1. Bio-industrial (biotech, biomedical, biopharmaceutical)
2. Manufacturing (sports, apparel, etc.)
3. Electronics
4. Communications/media
5. Computer hardware/software/support services
6. Corporate headquarters
7. Other (PLEASE DESCRIBE)
HOW IMPORTANT WERE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS IN YOUR FIRM’S DEClSl
LOCATE IN CARLSBAD? (CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST APPROPRIATE RES!
2.
3.
4.
Very Somewhat Not Very Not at all
Important Important Important Important
A. Proximity to educational or
B. Proximity to clients and
research facilities ....................... 1 2 3 4
customers .................................. 1 2 3 4
C. Availability of trained workforce.. 1 2 3 4
* Very Somewhat qt Very Not at all
Important Important ImDortant Important
(Continued)
T 3 4 D. Affordable labor costs ................ 1 2
E. Availability of public trans-
portation for workers .................. 1 2 3 4
F. The physical appearance of
the industriaVbusiness park ....... 1 2 3 4
G. Overall quality of life in the
community ................................. 1 2 3 4
5. PLEASE RATE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING IN TERMS OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN C
(CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE)
I
Exce I len t Good Fair* Poor*
A. Zoning ....................................... 1 2 3 4
B. Waterkewer service .................. 1 2 3 4
C. Parks and recreation facilities .... 1 2 3 4
D. Service provided by
law enforcement ........................ 1 2 3 4
E. Code enforcement and public
F. City of Carlsbad Planning,
safety inspections ...................... 1 2 3 4
(plan reviews, inspections) ........ 1 2 3 4
Engineering, & Building Depts.
* PLEASE EXPLAIN ANY “FAIR” OR “POOR” RATINGS:
6. PLEASE RATE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS OF CARLSBAD’S BUSINESS ENVl
(CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE)
Excellent Good Fair* Poor*
A. Local economic health .............. 1 2 3 4
B. Labor force costs ...................... 1 2 3 4
C. Availability of trained
labor force ................................. 1 2 3 4
D. Support of local government ...... 1 2 3 4
E. Local infrastructure (condition
of streets/public facilities, etc.) ... 1 2 3 4
F Availability of public
transportation ............................ 1 2 3 4
G. Traffic conditions ....................... 1 2 3 4
H. Quality of local schools ............. 1 2 3 4
I. Technology base ....................... 1 2 3 4
J. Affordability of housing .............. 1 2 3 4
K. Safetykrime .............................. 1 2 3 4
L. Availability of land/facilities ........ 1 2 3 4
* PLEASE EXPLAIN ANY “FAIR” OR “POOR” RATINGS:
7. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT R YOU TO RECRUIT THE FOLLOW TYPES OF EMPLOYEES
1 Difficult Difficult Difficult APDlV
a
Very Somewhat Not At All Doesn’t
THE NUMBER UNDER R E MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE)
A. Managerial ...................................... 1 2 3 4
B. ProfessionaVAdministrative ............. 1 2 3 4
C. Technical ........................................ 1 2 3 4
D. Clerical/Sales .................................. 1 2 3 4
E. Semi-skilled .................................... 1 2 3 4
F. Unskilled ......................................... 1 2 3 4
WHEN RECRUITING NEW EMPLOYEES, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES DO
(CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)
1. In-house promotions/transfers 7. Private employment agencies
2. Newspaper advertisements 8. Colleges/Universities
3. Employment Development Dept. 9. Public schools and training programs
4. Private vocational schools 10. Trade journaldmagazines
5. Unsolicited walk-ins 11. Other (SPECIFY)
6. Referrals by current employees
WHEN RECRUITING NEW EMPLOYEES, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS DO YOU F
FROM? (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)
1. North San Diego County only 4. Statewide
2. All of San Diego County 5. Western United States
3. Southern California 6. Nationwide
HOW IMPORTANT ARE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING IN TERMS OF YOUR GROWTH POTI
(CIRCLE THE NUMBER UNDER THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE)
8.
9.
10.
Very Somewhat Not At All
Important Important Important
A. Local economic health .................... 1 2 3
B. Labor force costs ............................ 1 2 3
C. Availability of trained
labor force ....................................... 1 2 3
D. Support of local government ........... 1 2 3
E. Local political stability ...................... 1 2 3
of streets/public facilities, etc.) ........ 1 2 3
transportation .................................. 1 2 3
1. Quality of local schools ................... 1 2 3
J. Technology base ............................. 1 2 3
K. Affordability of housing .................... 1 2 3
L. Safetykrime .................................... 1 2 3
M. Availability of land/facilities .............. 1 2 3
F. Local infrastructure (condition
G. Availability of public
H. Traffic conditions ............................. 1 2 3
11. IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS, DO YOU EXPECT YOUR BUSINESS TO: (CIRCLE ONE)
1. Expand
2. Contract
3. Stay about the same
12. IN THE NEXT 5 YEAR 0 YOU EXPECT TO RELOCATE Y(p BUSINESS?
1. Yes, within Carlsba %D P -*
* 2. Yes, somewhere else in the San Diego region * 3. Yes, somewhere outside the San Diego region: WHERE?
4. No, I expect my business to remain here (SKIP TO QUESTION 14)
5. Other (PLEASE DESCRIBE)
IF YOU WERE TO RELOCATE YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD CAUSE YOU TO DO SO' 13.
14. APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED BY YOUR FIRM AT THIS SITE?
1. - Full-time employees
2. - Part-time employees
15. WHAT PERCENT OF YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE: (PERCENTAGES SHOULD ADD TO 100°/o)
A. Managerial YO
B. Professional/
administrative YO
C. Technical O/O
D. ClericaVsales YO
E. Semi-skilled O/O
F. Unskilled O/O
TOTAL 100 %
16. DURING THE NEXT 5 YEARS, DO YOU EXPECT THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES TO INCRI
DECREASE, OR REMAIN ABOUT THE SAME?
1. Increase
2. Decrease
3. Remain about the same
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES OR AREAS OF GREATEST CONCERN TO YOU AND YOUR BUSI.
WHICH INVOLVE THE CITY OF CARLSBAD? PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE MATTERS OVER
THE CITY OF CARLSBAD HAS NO CONTROL.
17.
OPTIONAL:
Name of Firm:
Address:
Name/title of person
completing this survey:
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY. PLEASE RETURN IT II
ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID RETURN ENVELOPE WITHIN 2 WEEKS.