Collier County Business Climate Survey 2015 · 2013 2014 2015 Collier County Business Climate Index (2013-2015) Collier County Business Climate Survey 2015 HU Johnson School of Business

Johnson School of Business

Collier County Business Climate Survey 2015

April 23, 2015


HU Johnson School of Business Page 2

Copyright © 2015 by Johnson School of Business, Hodges University.

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.



Contact Information

Dr. Aysegul Timur, [email protected]

Anke Stugk, MBA, [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



About Hodges University

Hodges University, founded in 1990, has emerged as one of Florida’s leading institutions of

higher learning with campuses located in Naples and Fort Myers.

The mission of Hodges University is to offer Associate, Baccalaureate and Graduate degrees as

well as other programs that enhance the ability of students to achieve personal and professional

objectives. In addition to offering courses in 25 professional disciplines and its comprehensive

English as a Second Language Program, Hodges University fulfills educational and personal

enrichment needs for area seniors through facilitation of the Frances Pew Hayes Center for

Lifelong Learning.

For more information, call 239-513-1122 or visit us online at www.hodges.edu.

http://www.hodges.edu/



Acknowledgment

This survey, analysis, and report would not have been possible without the support of Dr. David

Borofsky, Hodges University Interim President, Dr. Aysegul Timur, Dean of the Johnson School

of Business, for ensuring this report was created; Anke Stugk, Vice-Chair of Business

Administration Programs, for her leadership, time, and dedication to this research; and Karen

Karavitis, Institutional Research Coordinator, for the online survey preparation.

Many thanks to The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, John Cox, the President and CEO,

and Kristi J. Bartlett, Vice President, Opportunity Naples, for the partnership and opportunity to

work together.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................8

Executive Summary .........................................................................................................................9

Common Ground Questions ..........................................................................................................12

Firmographics ................................................................................................................................26

Business Climate ............................................................................................................................38



Introduction

Hodges University, in collaboration with The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, conducted

the Collier County Business Climate Survey in February 2015. The survey was designed to

assess key executives’ perception of the overall business conditions in Collier County, to identify

key concerns and issues facing existing businesses in Collier County, and to help predict future

trends and expectations for growth. The chamber will use this information in conjunction with

many alliances to improve the business climate and to help existing businesses.

Hodges University volunteered its institutional resources and expertise to assist the chamber by

delivering the survey and compiling and analyzing the survey results. In addition, Hodges

University agreed to act as the designated repository for Collier County data. An added benefit of

the survey design, which focuses on firmographics, workforce, and overall business climate, is

that section 1 of the survey consists of questions that also appear on a similar study conducted by

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Lee County’s Horizon Council. This expanded the

coverage from Lee County to include Collier County, providing a more complete analysis of the

business climate in the region. The Regional Economic Research Institute at FGCU continues to

maintain its role as a regional data depository in Southwest Florida.

We hope these results contribute to the chamber’s untiring efforts to improve the business

climate in Collier County and create sustainable economic environment.

The HU Research Team

Dr. Aysegul Timur, Prof. Anke Stugk and Karen Karavitis



Executive Summary

The Collier County Business Climate Survey provides a quantitative assessment of the local

business climate and is based on responses from business leaders from a variety of industries in

the county.

The three-part online survey, consisting of questions covering the common ground questions (the

first seven questions in the Lee County Business Climate Survey by FGCU and Horizon

Council), firmographics, and the business climate, contained 29 multiple-choice and open-ended

questions, deployed on January 30, 2015. Multiple reminders were sent during the survey period

until March 2, 2015. A total of 187 county business leaders from a variety of industries

responded to the survey.

The key findings, by section, of the 2015 Collier County Business Climate Survey are as follows.

The 2015 business climate index for Collier County remained unchanged from the previous year

at 77. This indicates that conditions are expected to be moderately better.

69 77 77

0

20

40

60

80

100

2013 2014 2015

Collier County Business Climate Index (2013-2015)



Common Ground (Economic Conditions)

Eighty-nine percent of respondents described current economic conditions in Collier

County moderately better, or as substantially better compared to one year ago.

Eighty-two percent of the respondents expect either moderate or substantial improvement

for the Collier County economy for the year ahead.

When surveyed about conditions in their own respective industries, 77 percent of the

respondents described current conditions in their industries either as substantially better

or moderately better than one year ago, 19 percent described them as the same as one

year ago, and four percent described them as moderately worse.

When surveyed about conditions in their own respective industries, 77 percent of the

respondents stated that they expect conditions in their industries to either moderately or

substantially improve for the year ahead, 20 percent expect them to stay the same, and

three percent expect them to be moderately worse in the year ahead.

Over the last year, 53 percent of the participants reported a moderate or substantial

increase in employment. Forty-five percent reported little or no change in employment

and 2 percent reported a moderate reduction in employment over the last year.

Less than one percent of the surveyed businesses expect to reduce employment over the

next year, while 61 percent anticipate a substantial or moderate increase in employment

and 39 percent anticipate the same or flat employment over the next year.

Sixty-eight percent of the respondents expect to either moderately or substantially

increase their investment during the next year. Less than one percent of participants

anticipate substantially reducing their investment over the next year.

Firmographics:

Not including businesses that designated themselves as “Other,” the top three industries

represented in the survey, listed by number of responses in descending order, were:

banking/financial services, not-for profit, and legal, accounting, professional.

Approximately 74 percent indicated they employ fewer than 50 employees.

The large majority of participants indicated they do not hire additional employees during

the busiest season.

Seventy-six percent of participating businesses are headquartered in Collier County.

Forty-six percent of participating businesses indicated they have been operating in Collier

County for more than 20 years.

Business Climate

Eighty percent of the participants believe general business conditions are better today

than last year, 17 percent think the conditions are about the same, and two percent think

general business conditions are worse than they were a year ago.

A large majority (69%) of the respondents believe general business conditions will be

better one year from now, while 28 percent believe the conditions will remain unchanged,

and two percent believe general business conditions will worsen.

Seventy-four percent of participants anticipate higher sales or gross revenue next year.

Fifty-seven percent of participants think their selling prices/fees will remain about the

same during the next year, and 43 percent think their selling prices/fees will increase.



Seventy-four percent of the respondents believe the bottom line of their businesses a year

from now will increase, 25 percent believe it will remain the same, and one percent

believes it will decrease.

More than half (54%) of the participating business have no major capital expenditures

planned over the next year. Companies, who have been seeking financing or are planning

to increase financing, indicated renovation of existing facilities or acquisition of new

facilities as the main reason.

Collier County Institutional Environment

Among the listed local government institutions, local law enforcement agencies followed

by Collier County Emergency Medical Services and local fire departments were found

most effective.

Fifty-four percent of the surveyed businesses foresee expanding in Collier County in the

next 12 months.

Forty-two percent of the businesses reported they have experienced difficulty in securing

a viable workforce.

One percent of the respondents foresee downsizing or closing their facility/ies in the next

12 months.

Sixty-seven percent of participants indicated that quality of life in Collier County was a

reason for establishing the business in the county.

Ninety-two percent of participants indicated they are members of The Greater Naples

Chamber of Commerce.

When asked what the chamber could do to better support businesses, participants

suggested to continue on building a strong partnership between public and private and to

actively support small businesses.



I. COMMON GROUND QUESTIONS:

1. How are the current Collier County economic conditions compared to one year ago?

Twenty-seven percent of the participants indicated economic conditions were substantially better

compared to the previous year, and 62 percent indicated conditions have moderately improved.

Ten percent did not experience a change, and only one percent indicated conditions were

moderately worse.

Of the selected industries, the majority of all participants reported moderately better economic

conditions compared to the previous year. Further, 21 percent of legal, accounting, professional,

27 percent of banking/financial services, 34 percent of healthcare, nine percent of retail, and 41

percent of hospitality reported substantially better current economic conditions compared to one

year ago.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “How Are the Current

Collier County Economic Conditions Compared to One Year Ago?”

Response f %

Substantially better 50 26.9

Moderately better 116 62.4

Same 18 9.7

Moderately worse 2 1.1

Substantially worse 0 0

27%

62%

10%

1%

2015 - All Industries

Substantially better

Moderately better

Same

Moderately worse

80%

20%

2015 Construction (n = 10)

Moderatelybetter

Same

21%

79%

2015 Legal, Accounting, Professional (n=22)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

27%

65%

8%

2015 Banking/Financial Services (n=26)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

34%

58%

8%

2015 Healthcare (n=12)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

9%

55%

36%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

41%

53%

6%

2015 Hospitality (n=18)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same



2. What are your expectations for the Collier County economy one year ahead?

Twenty-six percent of the participating businesses indicated they expected economic conditions

to substantially improve by the end of the next 12 months, and 56 percent expected moderate

improvement. Sixteen percent indicated they do not expect any change in Collier County’s

economy.

The selected industries indicated similar economic expectations, with the majority expecting

moderately better economic conditions one year ahead. Among the selected industries,

construction, healthcare, and hospitality had the largest percentages of participants expecting

substantially better economic conditions one year ahead.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “What Are Your

Expectations for the Collier County Economy One Year Ahead?”

Response f %



Same 29 15.6



26%

56%

16%

2%



Moderately better

Same

Moderately worse



40%

50%

10%

2015 Construction (n=10)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Moderatelyworse

18%

68%

14%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

12%

73%

15%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

33%

42%

25%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

18%

64%

18%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

35%

47%

18%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same



3. What are the current conditions in your industry in Collier County compared to one

year ago?

When asked about industry specific current conditions in Collier County, 25 percent indicated

current conditions were substantially better than one year ago, and 52 percent reported conditions

were now moderately better. Nineteen percent did not experience any change, and four percent

indicated current conditions in their industry are moderately worse than one year ago.

All participants who are in the hospitality industry indicated conditions are substantially or

moderately better compared to one year ago. Only four percent of legal, accounting, professional

and nine percent of the retail industry indicated industry conditions are moderately worse

compared to one year ago.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “What Are the Current

Conditions in Your Industry in Collier County Compared to One Year Ago?”

Response f %



Same 36 19.5



25%

52%

19%

4%



Moderately better

Same

Moderately worse



40%

50%

10%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

9%

55%

32%

4%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

Moderatelyworse

31%

50%

19%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

33%

33%

17%

17%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

Moderatelyworse

9%

64%

18%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

Moderatelyworse

53%

47%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter



4. What are your expectations for your own industry in Collier County one year ahead?

Twenty-six percent of the participants expected conditions in their industry to substantially

improve one year ahead, and 51 percent expected economic conditions to moderately improve.

Twenty percent indicated they do not expect any change in their industry. Only three percent

indicated moderate decline in economic conditions.

While the majority of the selected industries expect industry conditions to be substantially or

moderately better one year ahead, 10 percent of construction, eight percent of healthcare, and

nine percent of retail expected industry conditions to be moderately worse one year ahead.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “What Are Your

Expectations for Your Own Industry in Collier County One Year Ahead?”

Response f %



Same 37 19.9



26%

51%

20%

3%



Moderately better

Same

Moderately worse



40%

40%

10%

10%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

Moderatelyworse

14%

59%

27%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

23%

69%

8%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

59%

8%

25%

8%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

Moderatelyworse

36%

46%

9%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same

Moderatelyworse

35%

47%

18%


Substantiallybetter

Moderatelybetter

Same



5. What has been your hiring trend over the last year?

Eight percent indicated employment had substantially increased, and 45 percent reported

employment had moderately increased. Forty-five percent reported they had little or no change in

employment, two percent reported employment was moderately reduced.

Of the selected industries, the majority of the participants reported either a moderate increase in

employment or little to no change. Only four percent of the banking/financial services reported a

moderately reduction in employment over the last year.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “What Has Been Your

Hiring Trend Over the Last Year?”

Response f %

Substantially increased employment 15 8.1

Moderately increased employment 83 44.6

Little or no change in employment 84 45.2

Moderately reduced employment 4 2.2

Substantially reduced employment 0 0

8%

45%

45%

2%


Substantially increasedemployment

Moderately increasedemployment

Little or no change inemployment

Moderately reducedemployment



50% 50%


Moderatelyincreasedemployment

Little or nochange inemployment

9%

41%

50%


Substantiallyincreasedemployment



4%

46% 46%

4%





Moderatelyreducedemployment

14%

86%




9%

64%

27%

2015 Retail (n=11)




50% 50%






6. What hiring trends do you see for your business over the next year?

Ten percent of participants expected to substantially increase employment over the next year,

and 51 percent anticipated a moderate increase in employment. Thirty-nine percent anticipated

no change in employment, and one half of one percent expected to moderately reduce

employment

The majority of selected industries indicated an expected moderate increase in employment or

same or flat employment. Only nine percent of retail expects to moderately reduce employment

over the next year.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “What Hiring Trends

Do You See for Your Business Over the Next Year?”

Response f %

Substantially increase employment 18 9.7

Moderately increase employment 94 50.5

Same or flat in employment 73 39.2

Moderately reduce employment 1 0.5

Substantially reduce employment 0 0.0

10%

51%

39%

0%


Substantially increaseemployment

Moderately increaseemployment

Same or flat inemployment

Moderately reduceemployment



10%

60%

30%


Substantiallyincreaseemployment

Moderatelyincreaseemployment


5%

36%

59%





11%

31% 58%





25%

58%

17%





64%

27%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)



Moderatelyreduceemployment

61%

39%






7. Do you plan to increase investment in your business during the next year?

Nineteen percent of participants indicated they planned to substantially increase their investment

in their business, and 49 percent planned to moderately increase investment during the next year.

Thirty-one percent did not plan any investment changes, and one percent planned to substantially

reduce investment.

The findings for the selected industry are similar to the overall findings with only nine percent of

retail indicating a moderate investment reduction in their businesses.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Do You Plan to

Increase Investment in Your Business During the Next Year?”

Response f %

Substantially increase investment 36 19.5

Moderately increase investment 90 48.6

Little or no change in investment 58 31.4

Moderately reduce investment 0 0.0

Substantially reduce investment 1 0.5

19%

49%

31%

1%


Substantially increaseinvestment

Moderately increaseinvestment

Little or no change ininvestment

Substantially reduceinvestment



20%

60%

20%


Substantiallyincreaseinvestment

Moderatelyincreaseinvestment

Little or nochange ininvestment

9%

50%

41%





16%

48%

36%





16%

67%

17%





27%

46%

18%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)




Substantiallyreduceinvestment

33%

45%

22%







II. FIRMOGRAPHICS:

8. What best describes your industry?

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “What Best Describes

Your Industry?”

Industry f %

Hospitality 18 9.7

Government 11 5.9

Manufacturing 2 1.1

Legal, Accounting, Professional 22 11.8

Banking/Financial services 26 14.0

Real Estate and Development 12 6.5

Construction 10 5.4

Retail 11 5.9

Not-for-profit 25 13.4

Education 1 0.5

Healthcare 12 6.5

Recreation/Personal services 5 2.7

Information Technology 8 4.3

Other 23 12.4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Nu

mb

er

of

Re

spo

nse

s

2015 All Industries



The industry with the highest participation rate was banking/financial services with 14 percent;

followed by not-for-profit with 13 percent; and legal, accounting, professional with 12 percent.

Hospitality accounted for 10 percent of participants. The industries real estate and development,

healthcare, retail, and government accounted each for approximately six percent of the

participants, followed by construction with five percent. Information technology accounted for

four percent, followed by recreation/personal services with three percent, manufacturing with

one percent, and education with one half of one percent. Twelve percent of the participants could

not identify their business with one of the listed industries and selected the category “other”.

These participants were then asked to specify the industry. Detailed answers are available upon

request.



9. Including yourself, how many employees work at this location (in Collier County)?

Eleven percent of participants indicated they were the only employee of the company; 19 percent

indicated the company had between two and four employees including themselves. Fifteen

percent had five to nine employees and 13 percent had between 10 and 19 employees. Sixteen

percent of participants indicated the company employed between 20 and 49 employees. Eleven

percent stated the company employed between 50 and 99 employees. Seven percent indicated the

company employed between 100 and 249 employees, and four percent indicated they employed

between 250 and 499 employees. Four percent of the participants indicated they employed more

than 500 employees.

Only the healthcare industry indicated employment of more than 500 employees. The industries

with the largest single employers are banking/financial services, healthcare, retail, and

hospitality.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Including Yourself,

How Many Employees Work at This Location (in Collier County)?”

Response f %

1 20 10.8

2–4 35 18.8

5–9 28 15.1

10–19 25 13.4

20–49 30 16.1

50–99 20 10.8

100–249 13 7.0

250–499 8 4.3

500+ 7 3.8

11%

19%

15%

13%

16%

11%

7%

4% 4%

2015 All Industries

1

2-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

50-99

100-249

250-499

500+



10%

20%

20% 10%

40%


1

2-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

27%

23% 14%

18%

18%


1

2-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

19%

27%

8%

23%

15%

8%


2-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

50-99

100-249

8%

25%

17% 8%

8%

17%

17%


2-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

50-99

250-499

500+

9%

18%

37%

18%

18%

2015 Retail (n=11)

2-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

250-499

12%

6%

12%

29%

12%

23%

6%


2-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

50-99

100-249

250-499



10. How many additional employees (both full and part-time) does your business hire

during its busiest season? (Please enter an approximate number.)

Fifty-eight percent of participants do not hire seasonal employees, and 28 percent hire 1-5

seasonal employees. Three percent indicated they hire 6-10 seasonal employees and five percent

add 11–25 employees during their busiest season. Five percent of participants indicated they hire

26–50 additional employees, one percent hires 51–100 additional employees, and three percent

indicated they hire 101–200 additional employees. One percent of the participants had indicated

they employ 300 or more additional employees during their busiest season.

The majority of the selected industries do not hire additional employees during their busiest

season. However, one participant from the healthcare industry indicated they add 201–300

additional employees. Also participants of retail and hospitality more frequently indicated they

hire additional employees during the busiest season.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “How Many Additional

Employees (Both Full- and Part-Time) Does Your Business Hire During Its Busiest

Season?”

Response F %

0 108 57.8

1–5 52 27.8

6–10 5 2.7

11–25 9 4.8

26–50 9 4.8

51–100 2 1.1

101–200 0 0

201–300 1 0.5

301 and more 1 0.5

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 1-5 6-10 11-25 26-50 51-100 101-200 201-299 300 ormore

Nu

mb

er

of

Re

spo

nse

s

2015 All Industries



0

1

2

3

4

5

0 1–5 11–25 26–50


0

5

10

15

20

0 1-5


0

5

10

15

20

25

0 1-5


0

2

4

6

8

10

0 1-5 201-300


0

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

0 1-5 6-10 11-25 26-50

2015 Retail (n=11)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

0 1–5 6–10 11–25 26–50 51–100




11. Is the business headquartered in Collier County or is it based outside of Southwest

Florida?

The majority of participating businesses (76%), were headquartered in Collier County. Nineteen

percent were headquartered outside of Southwest Florida, and five percent were headquartered

within Southwest Florida, but outside of Collier County.

Of the selected industries, the majority of businesses were headquartered in Collier County. Only

banking/financial services indicated the majority is headquartered outside of Southwest Florida.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Is the Business

Headquartered in Collier County or Is It Based Outside of Southwest Florida?”

Response f %

Headquartered in Collier County 142 75.9

Outside of Southwest Florida 35 18.7

Inside of Southwest Florida but not in Collier County 10 5.3

Outside of United States 0 0.0

76%

19%

5%

2015 All Industries

Headquartered in CollierCounty

Outside of SW Florida

Inside of SW Florida butnot in Collier County



90%

10%


Headquartered inCollier County

Outside of SWFlorida

68%

27%

5%


Headquartered inCollier County


Inside of SWFlorida but not inCollier County

38%

62%


Headquarteredin Collier County


92%

8%


Headquarteredin CollierCounty

Inside of SWFlorida but notin CollierCounty

55%

18%

27%

2015 Retail (n=11)




67%

22%

11%







12. How many years has your company operated in Collier County?

Forty-six percent of the participating companies have operated in Collier County for more than

20 years and 16 percent for 11–20 years. Seventeen percent operated in Collier County for 6-10

years and nine percent for 2-5 years. Twelve percent have operated in Collier County for less

than two years.

The selected industries largely reflect the overall trend indicating that the majority of the

participating businesses have been established within the county for decades.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “How Many Years Has

Your Company Operated in Collier County?”

Response f %

<2 years 22 11.8

2–5 years 17 9.1

6–10 years 31 16.7

11–20 years 30 16.1

More than 20 years 86 46.2

12%

9%

17%

16%

46%

2015 All Industries

<2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years



10%

40%

50%


<2 years

2-5 years

More than 20years

18%

18%

28%

18%

18%


<2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20years

8%

11%

35% 15%

31%


<2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20years

17%

8%

25%

50%


<2 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20years

18%

18%

9%

55%

2015 Retail (n=11)

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20years

6%

24%

35%

35%


2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20years



13. What is the zip code where your business (headquarters or commercial activity) is

located in Collier County?



The map identifies the five county zip codes with the most participating businesses. The zip code

with the highest representation was 34102 with 31 companies, followed by 34109 with 22

companies, and 34103 with 21 companies. The fourth largest zip code by participating

companies was 34104 with 20 companies and the fifth largest was 34108 with 15 companies.

Thirteen companies were from zip code 34105, 10 companies from zip code 34110, six

companies from zip code 34112, and five companies from zip code 34119. The zip code 34116

was represented by three companies and the zip codes 34114 and 34145 were represented by two

companies each. The zip codes 34101, 34113, 34117, 34138, 34142, 34143 were each

represented by one participating company.

A total of 10 businesses provided zip codes outside of Collier County, and 21 businesses did not

provide information to this question.



III BUSINESS CLIMATE

14. Compared to last year, do you think that GENERAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS are

better than they were, about the same as they were, or worse than they were?

Approximately 81 percent indicated general business conditions were better compared to last

year. Seventeen percent reported conditions were about the same, and only two percent reported

that general business conditions were worse than last year.

The selected industries reflected a similar trend. However, 10 percent of construction, five

percent of legal, accounting, professional, and nine percent of retail indicated general business

conditions were worse compared to last year.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Compared to Last

Year, Do You Think That GENERAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS Are Better Than They

Were, About the Same As They Were, or Worse Than They Were?”

Response f %

Better than they were 149 80.5

About the same as they were 32 17.3

Worse than they were 4 2.2 Note. Totals of percentages may not add up to 100 for every question because of rounding or missing

responses.

81%

17%

2%

2015 All Industries

Better than they were

About the same as theywere

Worse than they were



80%

10%

10%


Better than theywere

About the sameas they were

Worse than theywere

68%

27%

5%




Worse than theywere

92%

8%




75%

25%


Better thanthey were

About thesame as theywere

73%

18%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)



Worse thanthey were

88%

12%






15. A year from now, do you think that GENERAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS will be

better than they are today, the same as today, or worse than they are today?

Sixty-nine percent of the participants expected general business conditions to be better in a year,

and 29 percent did not expect any changes. Only two percent expected general business

conditions to worsen.

Of the selected industries, only participants from the construction industry and participants from

the retail sector anticipate that general business conditions will be worse a year from now.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “A Year From Now, Do

You Think That GENERAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS Will Be Better Than They Are

Today, the Same As Today, or Worse Than They Are Today?”

Response f %

Better than they are today 129 69.4

The same as today 53 28.5

Worse than they are today 4 2.2

69%

29%

2%

2015 All Industries

Better than they aretoday

The same as today

Worse than they aretoday



80%

10%

10%


Better than theyare today

The same as today

Worse than theyare today

73%

27%



The same astoday

69%

31%



The same astoday

58%

42%


Better thanthey are today

The same astoday

91%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)


Worse thanthey are today

78%

22%



The same astoday



16. Do you think that your sales or gross revenue for the same quarter next year will be

higher than this year, the same as this year, or lower than this year?

Seventy-four percent anticipated higher sales or gross revenue for the same quarter next year,

and 24 percent expected no change in sales or gross revenue for the same quarter next year. Only

two percent expected lower sales or gross revenue.

Of the selected industries, the majority of participants expect higher sales or gross revenue for

the same quarter next. Only four percent of the legal, accounting, professional sector expected

lower sales or gross revenue for the same quarter next year.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Do You Think That

Your Sales or Gross Revenue for the Same Quarter Next Year Will Be Higher Than This

Year, the Same As This Year, or Lower Than This Year?”

Response f %

Higher than this year 136 74.3

The same as this year 43 23.5

Lower than this year 4 2.2

74%

24%

2%

2015 All Industries

Higher than this year

The same as this year

Lower than this year



80%

20%


Higher than thisyear

The same as thisyear

82%

14%

4%




Lower than thisyear

81%

19%




67%

33%



The same asthis year

64%

36%

2015 Retail (n=11)


The same asthis year

72%

28%






17. Do you think that your selling prices/fees next year will be higher than they are today,

about the same as they are today, or lower than they are today?

Approximately 57 percent of participants indicated their selling prices or fees would remain

about the same over the next year, and 42 percent anticipated higher prices and fees. Only one

percent expected lower selling prices or fees.

The majority of construction, legal, accounting, professional, and hospitality expect higher

selling prices/fees next year, while the majority of banking/financial services and retail

anticipates selling prices/fees to remain the same. The healthcare industry is equally divided

between higher selling prices/fees and same selling prices/fees.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Do You Think That

Your Selling Prices/Fees Next Year Will Be Higher Than They Are Today, About the

Same As They Are Today, or Lower Than They Are Today?”

Response f %

Higher than they are today 77 42.1

About the same as they are today 104 56.8

Lower than they are today 2 1.1

42%

57%

1%

2015 All Industries

Higher than they aretoday

About the same as theyare today

Lower than they are today



70%

30%


Higher than theyare today

About the sameas they are today

64%

36%




31%

69%




50% 50%


Higher thanthey are today

About thesame as theyare today

27%

73%

2015 Retail (n=11)



56%

44%






18. A year from now, do you think the "bottom line" of your business will increase, remain

the same, or decrease?

Seventy-four percent of participants thought the “bottom line” of their business would increase a

year from now, and 25 percent thought it would remain the same. Only one percent thought the

“bottom line” of their business would decrease.

The majority of the selected industries expect an increase of their businesses’ “bottom line”.

Only participants of healthcare and retail anticipate a decrease of the businesses’ “bottom line”.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “A Year From Now, Do

You Think the ‘Bottom Line’ of Your Business Will Increase, Remain the Same, or

Decrease?”

Response f %

Increase 135 73.8

Remain the same 46 25.1

Decrease 2 1.1 .

74%

25%

1%

2015 All Industries

Increase

Remain the same

Decrease



80%

20%


Increase

Remain the same

64%

36%


Increase

Remain the same

81%

19%


Increase

Remain the same

59%

33%

8%


Increase

Remain thesame

Decrease

73%

18%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Increase

Remain thesame

Decrease

78%

22%


Increase

Remain thesame



19. In the coming year, have you planned to make a major capital expenditure?

Fifty-three percent indicated they have not planned to make major capital expenditures in the

coming year. Forty-seven percent of participants were planning to make major capital

expenditures. The three major areas for capital expenditures were acquisition of new facilities

with 12 percent, renovation of existing facilities with 15 percent, and replacement of existing

equipment with nine percent. Of the participants, six percent indicated plans to invest in

expansion of existing facilities, and five percent anticipate major technology investment.

Each of the selected industries indicated they would have some major capital expenditures, but

the majority within each industry had no major capital expenditures planned. However, the

majority (61%) of hospitality indicated plans to have major capital expenditures, with the main

purpose of renovating existing facilities.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “In the Coming Year,

Have You Planned to Make a Major Capital Expenditure?”

Response f %

NO major capital expenditures are planned 99 53.5

YES—acquisition of new facilities 23 12.4

YES—expansion of existing facilities 11 5.9

YES—renovation of existing facilities 27 14.6

YES—replacement of existing equipment 16 8.6

YES—major technology investment 9 4.9

53%

12%

6%

15%

9% 5%

2015 All Industries

NO major capitalexpenditures are planned

YES - acquisition of newfacilities

YES - expansion of existingfacilities

YES - renovation of existingfacilities

YES - replacement ofexisting equipment

YES - major technologyinvestment



50%

10%

10%

20%

10%

2015 Construction (n=10) NO major capitalexpenditures areplannedYES - acquisition ofnew facilities

YES - expansion ofexisting facilities

YES - renovation ofexisting facilities


73%

4%

9%

5% 9%


NO major capitalexpenditures areplannedYES - acquisition ofnew facilities



YES - majortechnologyinvestment

69%

7%

4% 8%

4% 8%


NO major capitalexpenditures areplannedYES - acquisition of newfacilities




41%

8% 17%

17%

17%

2015 Healthcare (n=12) NO major capitalexpenditures areplannedYES - acquisition ofnew facilities




55% 27%

9%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)

NO major capitalexpenditures areplanned

YES - acquisition ofnew facilities



39%

5%

50%

6%

2015 Hospitality (n=18) NO major capitalexpenditures areplanned






20. Have you approached any financial institutions in the past 24 months for capital or

cash flow needs?

Eighteen percent of the participants indicated they had approached any financial institution in the

past 24 months for capital or cash flow needs. Participants of each selected industry indicated

they had approached a financial institution in the past 24 months; 30 percent of construction,

nine percent of legal, accounting, professional, four percent of banking/financial services, 25

percent of healthcare, 45 percent of retail, and 33 percent of hospitality.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Have You Approached

Any Financial Institutions in the Past 24 Months for Capital or Cash Flow Needs?”

Response f %

Yes 33 18.0

No 150 82.0

18%

82%

2015 All Industries

Yes

No



30%

70%


Yes

No

9%

91%


Yes

No

4%

96%


Yes

No

25%

75%


Yes

No

45%

55%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Yes

No

33%

67%


Yes

No



21. Which of the following describes what you were looking for? (Check all that apply.)

Of the 33 participants who answered yes in question 20, 18 selected cash flow needs as reason

for financing needs. The second most selected reason (nine participants) was new facility

construction/build-out. Seven participating companies indicated they were seeking financing for

capital improvement, six for equipment purchases, four for other reasons like real estate

refinancing and partner buyouts.

The selected industries indicate a similar trend with the main reasons for seeking financing being

cash flow needs and new construction/build-out.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Which of the Following

Describes What You Were Looking For?”

Response f %

Cash flow needs (line of credit) 18 54.5

Training funding 0 0.0

Capital improvement 7 21.2

New facility construction/build-out 9 27.3

Equipment purchase 6 18.2

Other 4 21.1 Note. Totals of percentages may not add up to 100 because participants were able to select multiple

responses.

18

0

7 9

6 4

2015 All Industries



Cash flowneeds (lineof credit)

Trainingfunding

CapitalImprovemen

t

New facilityconstruction

/build-out

Equipmenetpurchase

Other

Construction 2 0 0 2 0 0

Legal, Accounting 2 0 0 2 0 0

Banking/Financial Services 1 0 0 0 0 0

Healthcare 1 0 0 1 1 0

Retail 3 0 2 1 0 0

Hospitality 1 0 5 1 1 0

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Nu

mb

er

of

Re

spo

nse

s

2015 Selected Industries Financing Reasons



22. Were you successful?

In general, a large percentage of companies were successful at securing funding. Sixty-three

percent were successful securing financing for cash flow needs. Due to the small sample, an

analysis by selected industry was not conducted.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Were You

Successful?”

Response

Yes No N/A

Category f % f % f %

Cash flow needs (line of

credit)

20 62.5 4 12.5 8 25.0

Training funding 1 4.3 1 4.3 21 91.3

Capital improvement 8 33.3 2 8.3 14 58.3

New facility

construction/build-out

10 38.5

1 3.8 15 57.7

Equipment purchase 10 43.5 1 4.3 12 52.2

Other 6 25.0 1 4.2 17 70.8 Note. Totals of percentages may not add up to 100 for every question because of rounding or missing

responses.

*Due to the small sample, by industry analysis is not available

20

1

8 10 10

6 4

8

21

14 15 12

17

5

10

15

20

25

Nu

mb

er

of

Re

spo

nse

s

Financing Reason

2015 All Industries Yes

No

N/A



This page is intentionally left blank.



23. Collier County Institutional Environment. How would you describe the following

institutions?

Overall, 70 percent rated local law enforcement agencies to be effective, followed by Collier

County Emergency Medical services (69%) and the local fire departments (65%). The selected

industries data showed a similar trend.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Collier Government.”

Response f % f %

Collier County Government Local law enforcement agencies

Effective 51 27.7 Effective 128 69.9

Improving 79 42.9 Improving 44 24.0

Ineffective 41 22.3 Ineffective 10 5.5

Declining 13 7.1 Declining 1 0.5

Collier County Public Schools Local fire departments




Declining 9 4.9 Declining 4 2.2

City of Naples Government Collier County Emergency Medical

Services




Declining 7 3.9 Declining 3 1.6 Note. Totals of percentages may not add up to 100 for every question because of rounding or missing

responses.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

CollierCounty

Government

CollierCountyPublic

Schools

City ofNaples

Government

Local lawenforcement

agencies

Local firedepartments

CollierCounty

EmergencyMedicalServices

2015 All Industries

Declining

Ineffective

Improving

Effective



0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Declining

Ineffective

Improving

Effective

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Declining

Ineffective

Improving

Effective

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Declining

Ineffective

Improving

Effective

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Declining

Ineffective

Improving

Effective

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Declining

Ineffective

Improving

Effective

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Declining

Ineffective

Improving

Effective



24. Do you foresee your business expanding in the next 12 months in Collier County?

Fifty-four percent of participating companies indicated they expected to expand their businesses

over the next 12 months in Collier County; 46 percent did not anticipate expanding.

In the hospitality industry, 83 percent of the participants foresee a business expansion in the next

12 months in Collier County. Also 56 percent of construction, 59 percent of legal, accounting,

professional, 58 percent of banking/financial services, 36 percent of retail, and 22 percent of

hospitality foresee a business expansion in the next 12 months in Collier County.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Do You Foresee Your

Business Expanding in the Next 12 Months in Collier County?”

Response f %

Yes 100 54.1

No 85 45.9

54%

46%

2015 All Industries

Yes

No



56%

44%


Yes

No

59%

41%


Yes

No

58%

42%


Yes

No

83%

17%


Yes

No

36%

64%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Yes

No

22%

78%


Yes

No



25. Have you experienced difficulty in securing a viable workforce?

Forty-two percent of participating companies indicated experiencing difficulty in securing a

viable workforce. Construction, with 70 percent, had the highest percentage of experiencing

difficulty in securing a viable workforce. Also 29 of legal, accounting, professional, 31 percent

of banking/financial services, 42 percent of healthcare, 45 percent of retail, and 44 percent of

hospitality participants indicated they experienced difficulty securing a viable workforce.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Have You Experienced

Difficulty in Securing a Viable Workforce?”

Response f %

Yes 78 42.2

No 107 57.8

Yes 42%

No 58%

2015 All Industries



70%

30%


Yes

No

29%

71%


Yes

No

31%

69%


Yes

No

42%

58%


Yes

No

45%

55%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Yes

No

44%

56%


Yes

No



26. Do you foresee downsizing or closing your facility in the next 12 months?

Ninety-nine percent of participating companies indicated they did not anticipate downsizing or

closing their facilities in the next twelve months. Only one percent foresaw downsizing or

closing.

The majority of the selected industries do not foresee downsizing or closing facilities in the next

12 months. Only nine percent of the retail industry participants foresee downsizing or closing in

the next 12 months.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Do You Foresee

Downsizing or Closing Your Facility in the Next 12 Months?”

Response f %

Yes 2 1.1

No 183 98.9

Yes 1%

No 99%

2015 All Industries



100%


No

100%


No

100%


No

100%


No

9%

91%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Yes

No

100%


No



27. Was the quality of life in Collier a reason for establishing your business in Collier

County?

Sixty-seven percent of all participants indicated the quality of life was a reason to establish their

businesses in Collier County. The majority of the selected industries indicated quality of life was

a reason for establishing their business in Collier County.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Was the Quality of Life

in Collier a Reason for Establishing Your Business in Collier County?”

Response f %

Yes 122 67.0

No 60 33.0

67%

33%

2015 All Industries

Yes

No



70%

30%


Yes

No

62%

38%


Yes

No

73%

27%


Yes

No

75%

25%


Yes

No

91%

9%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Yes

No

76%

24%


Yes

No



28. Are you a member of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce?

Of the participants, 92 percent indicated they were members of The Greater Naples Chamber of

Commerce. Of the selected industries, the majority of participants indicated they were members

of The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. Nine percent of legal, accounting, professional

sector, 15 percent of banking/financial services, 18 percent of retail, and six percent of

hospitality indicated they were not members.

Frequencies and Percentages for Responses to Survey Question “Are You a Member of

the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce?”

Response f %

Yes 171 91.9

No 15 8.1

92%

8%

2015 All Industries

Yes

No



100%


Yes

91%

9%


Yes

No

85%

15%


Yes

No

100%


Yes

82%

18%

2015 Retail (n=11)

Yes

No

94%

6%


Yes

No



29) What, if anything, could the Chamber do to better support your Business?

Detailed comments of all participants are available upon request from The Greater Naples

Chamber of Commerce.

Overall, participants indicated they would like to see more networking opportunities that are

more inclusive of non-chamber member businesses. It was also indicated that the chamber

should be of assistance in finding solutions for increasing availability of quality, but affordable

housing solutions to support the growing workforce demand in the county. Other concerns were

in regards to the building permits issuance and chamber member fees.

Construction

Help create an economic environment to attract new businesses. Help to promote our

attractive economic environment. Help to promote our quality of life to new residents.

They do a good job.

Legal, Accounting, Professional

actually provide services they say. I have never received Business Currents, wasn't listed

as a new member, never received a navigator, etc.

Lobby for dramatic change on the Board of Collier County Commissioners.

Need to change the events around. Shake it up/think way outside of the box. It is the

same people attending. Need to involve the public more and/or invite other members

from the vast organizations within the county to make the Chamber more dynamic and

effective.

There is a need to push for continued streamlining of the building permit process. A

friend recently secured a permit for an office expansion in 4 days in Bonita Springs with

no plan review comments via their outsourced plan review consultant. Would have been

6 weeks min. in Collier. Same holds for minor improvements on building exteriors such

as landscaping and walks.

Banking/Financial Services

nothing really

Advocate for centrist positions of public policy. The ideologues have far too much

influence in this community.

Collier County Schools very happy with the leadership of Kamela Patton

continue to secure new business's to locate in or near our community

Just continue to work with the county to get more businesses to relocate to Collier

County. Eliminate/reduce impact fees.

More and varied networking opportunities.



More innovative ways to help me connect with Members, Other business owners, the

public to network and increase my business.

The Chamber could look into the permitting process for the renovation and construction

of commercial facilities. Although the East Naples Fire Chief has made progress, the

actually plan review panel needs to be addressed. This is a critical place for the Chamber

to look to assist current and incoming businesses. It can't be taking 6 months to 1 year to

do minor renovations to buildings; many small business owners cannot bear the expense

of a non-producing lease for that length of time.

Healthcare

Articulate and follow a viable economic development policy.

need to really back the medical companies who are members. So much of the time is

spent on other businesses rest., accountants etc, Maybe have a health fair or "wellness"

fair

Retail

Hold more strategic meetings with business owners.

I used to be a member, but did not find it to be in any way beneficial

promote the high quality of life provided by the pristine environment and sophisticated

cultural and arts opportunities

Hospitality

I think the Chamber does a great job. If anything I need to find more time to take

advantage of what they do offer.

Keep doing what you are doing and encourage current businesses to stay in Collier

County

lower fees for small and newer businesses

Documents

Collier County Business Climate Survey 2015 · 2013 2014 2015 Collier County Business Climate Index (2013-2015) Collier County Business Climate Survey 2015 HU Johnson School of Business