Transcript survey of these businesses

“Tops in Sonoma”
Business Outlook
September 2009
We Asked:

How is your business doing?

Plans and outlook for the coming year?

Issues you are facing?
Who Answered:

15 of our “Tops in Sonoma” businesses

70% in city, 30% outside or both

Lodging, retail, auto, hardware, food, wine

2,000 jobs
How is your business doing
compared to this time last year?
Far Worse:
 Slightly Worse:
 About Same:
 Slightly Better:

24%
47%
18%
12%
Workforce changes in the past year…

41% - cutbacks through attrition and/or
reduction in hours

35% - layoffs

24% - no significant changes

12% - added positions

6% - added hours
During the next 6 – 12 months,
do you believe the economy will:
Improve slightly: 38%
 Stay the same:
56%
 Worsen slightly:
6%

Looking Ahead
6%
24%
70%
Capital Investment
12%
24%
64%
Profits
12%
29%
59%
Employment
Workforce
“We are usually able to
find qualified employees
without difficulty.”
(44%)
Looking Ahead:
LOCATION & FACILITIES
What’s LIKELY?

Make improvements to existing space
 Energy efficiency: 69%
 Other: 77%

Open additional locations: 31%
Looking Ahead:
MARKETING
Will be doing more of:



Using Social Networking Tools (75%)
Web-based Advertising (62%)
E-Mail Marketing (53%)
Will be doing less of:

Print Advertising (47%)
What are the STRENGTHS
of doing business in Sonoma County?
Location
(94%)
Quality of Life
(88%)
Community Support
(59%)
What are the WEAKNESSES
of doing business in Sonoma County?
Affordability (86%)
What can local government do
that would help your business succeed?




Signage
Parking
Crime
Permits
“Tops in Sonoma”
Business Outlook
September 2009