collier county executive business climate survey · analysis, including program evaluation, policy...

COLLIER COUNTY EXECUTIVE

BUSINESS CLIMATE SURVEY Third Quarter, 2020

Prepared in partnership with:

and

The Regional Economic Research Institute • Florida Gulf Coast University

Project Staff

Dr. Amir B. Ferreira Neto, Interim Director

Dr. Aysegul Timur, Economist

Dr. Veronica Kalich, Economist

John Shannon, Economic Analyst

Grace Sauter, Student Researcher

Jaime Wood, Student Researcher

Report Information

This report is conducted quarterly by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional

Economic Research Institute. This work would not be possible without

considerable cooperation from Collier County Government, the Greater Naples

Chamber, and the RERI’s student researchers.

The Regional Economic Research Institute studies, analyzes and reports on the

regional economy encompassing Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades

counties. Established in 2005, it serves as a public service and economic

development unit of the Lutgert College of Business’ Dean’s Office and strives to

connect Southwest Florida to the resources of Florida Gulf Coast University.

The Institute’s Business Climate Survey group specializes in sampling design and

analysis, including program evaluation, policy research, and needs assessment.

The Business Climate Survey group involves FGCU students in every stage of survey

development, allowing them to develop professional skills and networks that add

value to their degrees and, by extension, to their future employers.

Regional Economic Research Institute

Lutgert College of Business

Florida Gulf Coast University

10501 FGCU Blvd, S.

Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

(239) 590-1000

http://www.fgcu.edu/cob/reri/

Photo Credits: Shutterstock

1 Collier County Executive Business Climate Survey, 2020 Q3

Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................................. 3

I. Recurring Questions ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

How are the current Collier County economic conditions compared to a year ago? ........................................................ 5

What are your expectations for the Collier County economy one year ahead? ................................................................ 6

What are the current conditions in your industry in Collier County compared to one year ago? ..................................... 7

What are your expectations for your own industry in Collier County one year ahead? .................................................... 8

What has been your hiring trend over the last year? ......................................................................................................... 9

What hiring trends do you see for your business over the next year? ............................................................................. 10

Do you plan to increase investment in your business during the next year? ................................................................... 11

II. Executive Business Climate Index ..................................................................................................................................... 12

III. Special Topics ................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Which of the following additional measures (if any) has your firm taken to ensure the safety of customers and employees

in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases?......................................................................................................... 13

On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being not supportive at all and five being very supportive, how supportive would you be

of state and local policy makers imposing the following regulations on Florida businesses in response to the recent spike

in COVID-19 cases? ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

Given the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Florida, how likely would you be to support a return to Phase One

restrictions? ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18

IV. Comments, Suggestions, and Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 19

V. Company Characteristics .................................................................................................................................................. 20

What type of business or industry best describes your company? .................................................................................. 20

What is the size of your firm? ........................................................................................................................................... 22

Where is your firm physically located? ............................................................................................................................. 23

What areas comprise your geographic client base? ......................................................................................................... 24

Appendix A. Full Comments, Suggestions, and Recommendations ..................................................................................... 25


Introduction The Collier County Business Climate Survey Report, published in

partnership between Collier County Government, the Greater Naples

Chamber, and Florida Gulf Coast University, provides primary research

to the business community, elected officials, and other concerned

citizens in an effort to gauge the state of Collier County’s economy over

time as well as impressions and concerns about it in the future.

The business climate survey is comprised of three areas of focus. The

first area—encompassed in the first seven questions of the survey—examines Collier County business executives’

impressions of economic conditions and trends with respect to hiring and investment. The second area has been the

calculation of an Executive Business Climate Index (EBCI). The EBCI provides a summary number which will allow one to

quickly gauge whether the business climate in Collier County is improving or declining. Finally, the third area is comprised

of various questions that change from survey to survey. The current “special topics” focus on the firm’s ability to fill their

most skilled position, and expectations they have from potential candidates.

The EBCS also allows respondents to voice concerns, kudos, and criticisms of Collier County’s economic environment.

Every effort is made to include these comments in each survey.

The Collier County FGCU Business Climate Survey is administered, written, and published by the staff and students working

with the Regional Economic Research Institute in the Lutgert College of Business. We very much welcome your comments

and suggestions regarding the report, including suggestions for special topics questions for future editions.

This survey would not have been possible without the many busy business owners and executives who took the time to

respond to it. I also thank Nick Casalanguida, Geoffrey Willig and Sean Callahan at Collier County Government, along with

Michael Dalby and Melanie Schmees from the Greater Naples Chamber.

Amir B. Ferreira Neto Dr. Amir B. Ferreira Neto

Interim Director, Regional Economic Research Institute

Lutgert College of Business

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565


Executive Summary The Executive Business Climate Survey provides a view of the local economy that is based on responses from senior

executives from a range of industries across the county. An invitation to complete the internet survey was sent to 198

executives and business owners in Collier County. Four reminders were sent during the survey period. Forty-one

executives completed the survey from July 13, 2020, through July 28, 2020.

This survey provides a key economic indicator for Collier County, the Executive Business Climate Index. This index value is

computed each quarter and released to the public as a way to provide an established economic indicator on the state of

the local economy. The index is computed using the two questions concerning the current and future economic conditions

and a third question concerning the expected industry economic conditions. The index is an average of the responses,

with substantially better equal to 100, moderately better equal to 75, same equal to 50, moderately worse equal to 25

and substantially worse equal to zero. The index value ranges from 0 to 100. The present survey had an index of 50.4 for

the third quarter of 2020, an improvement from the 44.1 registered in the second quarter but still below the first quarter’s

66.4.

Results from the recurring questions revealed:

78 percent of the surveyed business executives stated economic conditions overall were worse than a year ago,

down from 83 percent in the previous quarter; 7 percent felt things were just moderately better;

24 percent of the surveyed business executives felt pessimistic about future economic conditions, expecting them

to be moderately to substantially worse;

59 percent of business executives were optimistic about future economic conditions in the upcoming year;

61 percent of the surveyed business executives reported worsening industry conditions in the third quarter but

61 percent of the executives expect future conditions for their industry to improve over the next year;

22 percent of the executives reported that current industry conditions were better with just 19 percent expecting

conditions to be worse;

25 percent of the surveyed executives reported increased hiring in the third quarter of 2020, lower than the

previous two quarters;

63 percent of the surveyed business executives indicated little or no change in employment over the last year;

41 percent of executives expect to increase hiring at their companies over the next year, but 55 percent plan to

remain at the same level while 5 percent plan to reduce employment;

39 percent of the surveyed executives expect to moderately or substantially increase investment over the next

year but 54 percent expect to keep it the same and 7 percent expect to reduce investment levels;

The current survey’s special topics section focuses on difficulties faced by business owners and executives as a result of

the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, all firms were asked about 1) their safety measures, 2) support of regulations

imposed as a direct result of the COVID-19 virus and 3) support for returning to Phase One restrictions due to the spike in

COVID-19 cases. These same questions were also asked of firms split into two size categories based on the number of

employees working for them. “Small” firms were those with less than 25 employees and “large” firms were those with at

least 25 employees. The summary of the responses to questions about these specific issues are shown below:

ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES:

83 percent of the respondents indicated they had increased cleaning schedules and 71 percent indicated allowing

employees to work remotely as additional safety measures;

63 percent of the respondents indicated that they required their employees and customers to wear masks;

2 percent of the respondents indicated that their firms have not added any additional safety measures since the

spike in COVID-19 cases;


90 percent of the large firms and 70 percent of the small firms increased cleaning schedules;

70 percent of large firms compared to 40 percent of small firms had mask requirements;

SUPPORT FOR REGULATIONS

59 percent of all firms were not supportive of regulations related to closing down physical establishments;

54 percent of all firms were not supportive of regulations imposed on reducing the number of business hours;

54 percent of all firms were very supportive of regulations requiring masks to be worn by customers and

employees;

70 percent of small firms were not supportive of regulations related to closing down physical establishments;

Between 30 and 40 percent of the small firms were not supportive of government regulations on reductions in

business hours and business capacity;

Small firms were split on mask requirements, with 30 percent against and 40 percent in favor of regulations;

Over half of the large firms did not support government regulations on closing down physical establishments nor

reductions in business hours;

Just 20 percent of the large firms were against mask requirements with 60 percent in support of mandated mask

requirements;

RETURN TO PHASE ONE RESTRICTIONS

65 percent of respondents from all firms were very unlikely to support the return to Phase One restrictions with

a similar percentage response from both small and large firms;

13 percent of the firms were likely to support the return to Phase One, but fewer small firms (11 percent) than

large firms (20 percent) supported the idea;


I. Recurring Questions The Executive Business Climate Survey asks Collier County’s business leaders about the state of Collier County’s economy.

These seven questions are designed to provide a snapshot of short-term trends and perceptions regarding the state of the

local economy, employment, and capital investment. Asking the same recurring questions allows for a side-by-side

comparison of the economy during each quarter. The results from these questions for the third quarter of 2020 can be

found in Figures 1 through 7 below.

How are the current Collier County economic conditions compared to a year ago?

Figure 1 reflects the responses of business executives during mid-July. Just 7 percent of the surveyed executives indicated

economic conditions in Collier County were moderately better compared to a year ago. This percentage is contrasted by

the 78 percent that stated economic conditions overall were worse than a year ago. This was substantially lower than the

response in the second quarter when 83 percent of the respondents said things were worse. Just 15 percent of responding

executives said current Collier County economic conditions were about the same compared to a year ago. These results

reflect the continuation of the effects on businesses from COVID-19 lock downs in the area and indicate current economic

conditions among business owners in the beginning of the third quarter of 2020. Complete response counts can be found

in Table 1.

Table 1: Current Economic Conditions How are the current Collier County economic conditions compared to a year ago?

Response 2020 Q3 2020 Q2 2020 Q1

Count Percentage Count Percentage Count Percentage Substantially better 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 8 14.5%

Moderately better 3 7.3% 2 4.3% 23 41.8%

Same 6 14.6% 6 12.8% 21 38.2%

Moderately worse 20 48.8% 6 12.8% 3 5.5%

Substantially worse 12 29.3% 33 70.2% 0 0.0%

Total Responses 41 100.0% 47 100.0% 55 100.0%

Source: Collier County Executive Business Climate Survey, conducted by the Regional Economic Research Institute between July 13th, 2020 and July 28th, 2020.


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

Figure 2 tracks business leaders’ expectations about economic conditions in the coming year. The third quarter results

indicated that 24 percent of the surveyed business executives felt pessimistic about future economic conditions, expecting

them to be moderately to substantially worse. This was somewhat lower than the previous quarter, when 41 percent

expected economic conditions to get moderately or substantially worse. Fifty-nine percent of business executives were

optimistic about economic conditions in the upcoming year, slightly higher than the 56 percent in the previous quarter

and about the same that expressed optimism in the first quarter of 2020. The proportion of executives that felt conditions

would stay the same was just 17 percent compared to 41 percent in quarter one of this year. Complete response counts

can be found in Table 2.

Table 2: Future Economic Conditions What are your expectations for the Collier County economy one year ahead?

Response 2020 Q3 2020 Q2 2020 Q1



Same 7 17.1% 2 4.3% 22 40.7%



Total Responses 41 100.0% 47 100.0% 54 100.0%



What are the current conditions in your industry in Collier County compared to one year ago?

Figure 3 reports on executives’ perceptions about their particular industry and is more narrowly focused. The percentage

of business executives reporting worsening industry conditions in the third quarter fell from 73 percent in the second

quarter to 61 percent in the third quarter. This compares with just 6 percent of the surveyed executives that felt current

conditions in their industry had worsened in the first quarter of this year. About 17 percent of executives felt conditions

would remain the same, down from 19 percent in the second quarter of 2020 and 46 percent in the first quarter. A larger

percentage of the surveyed executives felt current conditions in their industry were at least moderately better in the early

part of the third quarter, 22 percent compared to just 9 percent in the previous quarter. Still, this was significantly lower

than the 48 percent reported in the first quarter of this year. Complete response counts can found in Table 3.

Table 3: Current Industry Conditions What are the current conditions in your industry in Collier County compared to one year ago?

Response 2020 Q3 2020 Q2 2020 Q1



Same 7 17.1% 9 19.1% 25 46.3%



Total Responses 41 100.0% 47 100.0% 54 100.0%



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

Figure 4 reports the expectations business executives have for the conditions in their own industry one year from now.

The percent of surveyed executives who expect conditions in their industry to be moderately or substantially better in the

next year rose to 61 percent in the third quarter, about the same as in the previous quarter and up from 54 percent

reported in quarter one of 2020. Twenty percent of the surveyed executives expected conditions to remain the same

compared to 43 percent in quarter one. The proportion of executives expecting conditions to worsen fell to 19 percent in

the third quarter, down from 25 percent last quarter but still higher than the 4 percent reported two quarters ago.

Complete response counts can be found in Table 4.

Table 4: Future Industry Conditions What are your expectations for your own industry in Collier County one year ahead?

Response 2020 Q3 2020 Q2 2020 Q1



Same 8 19.5% 6 12.8% 23 42.6%



Total Responses 41 100.0% 47 100.0% 54 100.0%



What has been your hiring trend over the last year?

Figure 5 focuses on the current hiring trends of the surveyed executives. Twenty-five percent of the surveyed executives

reported increased hiring in the third quarter of 2020, down from 49 percent in the previous quarter and substantially

below the 62 percent in the first quarter of this year. Sixty-three percent of the business executives indicated little or no

change in employment over the last year, up from the 45 percent in the previous quarter and higher than the 35 percent

in quarter one. The proportion of surveyed firms that said they reduced employment over the past year rose to 13 percent

in the third quarter, up from 6 percent in the previous quarter and 4 percent in the first quarter of 2020. Complete

response counts can be found in Table 5.

Table 5: Current Hiring Trend What has been your hiring trend over the last year?

Response 2020 Q3 2020 Q2 2020 Q1

Count Percentage Count Percentage Count Percentage Substantially increased employment 2 5.0% 4 8.5% 8 14.5%

Moderately increased employment 8 20.0% 19 40.4% 26 47.3%

Little or no change in employment 25 62.5% 21 44.7% 19 34.5%

Moderately reduced employment 4 10.0% 1 2.1% 2 3.6%

Substantially reduced employment 1 2.5% 2 4.3% 0 0.0%

Total Responses 40 100.0% 47 100.0% 55 100.0%



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

Figure 6 depicts future hiring trends of the surveyed business executives. Overall, the responses indicate a positive trend.

Forty-one percent of the respondents reported in the third quarter that they would increase their hiring compared to just

26 percent in the previous quarter and 58 percent in quarter one. A little more than half of the respondents said they

expect to keep employment the same. Just 5 percent of the respondents predicted that they would reduce employment,

down from 24 percent in the previous quarter. While respondents expectation towards future hiring aren’t at the level

reported in the first quarter of this year, the improvement from last quarter indicates increasing optimism for the

remainder of the year. Complete response counts can be found in table 6.

Table 6: Future Hiring Trend What hiring trends do you see for your business over the next year?

Response 2020 Q3 2020 Q2 2020 Q1

Count Percentage Count Percentage Count Percentage Substantially increase employment 3 7.5% 2 4.3% 10 18.2%

Moderately increase employment 13 32.5% 10 21.7% 22 40.0%

Same or flat employment 22 55.0% 23 50.0% 22 40.0%

Moderately reduce employment 2 5.0% 5 10.9% 1 1.8%

Substantially reduce employment 0 0.0% 6 13.0% 0 0.0%

Total Responses 40 100.0% 46 100.0% 55 100.0%



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

Figure 7 focuses on planned future investment by the surveyed respondents. Thirty-nine percent of the surveyed

executives expect to moderately or substantially increase investment over the next year compared to 33 percent in the

previous quarter and 71 percent reported in quarter one. Fifty-four percent of executives planned to keep their

investment levels flat or the same over the next year, up slightly from 48 percent in the previous quarter and higher than

the 25 percent reported two quarters ago. Just 7 percent of respondents said they planned to reduce investment during

the next 12 months, down from 20 percent in the last quarter and 4 percent in the first quarter of 2020. Complete

response counts can be found in Table 7.

Table 7: Future Investment Trend Do you plan to increase investment in your business during the next year?

Response 2020 Q3 2020 Q2 2020 Q1

Count Percentage Count Percentage Count Percentage Substantially increase investment 4 9.8% 5 10.9% 14 25.5%

Moderately increase investment 12 29.3% 10 21.7% 25 45.5%

Keep investment the same or flat 22 53.7% 22 47.8% 14 25.5%

Moderately reduce investment 3 7.3% 5 10.9% 0 0.0%

Substantially Reduce investment 0 0.0% 4 8.7% 2 3.6%

Total Responses 41 100.0% 46 100.0% 55 100.0%



II. Executive Business Climate Index

One of the key features of this survey is the calculation of an Executive Business Climate Index. This index value measures

the current business climate in Collier County and is released quarterly to provide an economic indicator allowing one to

gauge whether the business climate in Collier County is improving or declining. The EBCI is computed using the two

questions concerning the current and future economic conditions (reported in Tables 1 and 2) and a third question

concerning the expected industry economic conditions (reported in Table 4). The index is an average of the responses,

with substantially better equal to 100, moderately better equal to 75, same equal to 50, moderately worse equal to 25

and substantially worse equal to zero. The index value can range from 0 to 100.

The index measured at 66.4 during the first quarter of 2020, fell to 44.1 in the second quarter then improved in the third

quarter, rising to 50.4. All three components of the index fell from their first quarter levels in the second quarter but rose

in the third quarter. The Current Economic Conditions component experienced the sharpest decline of the three

components in the second quarter, but rose over 10 points in the third quarter. While still the lowest component of the

index, this was a notable improvement. Respondents in Collier County seemed quite optimistic about future economic

conditions, which rose to 62.2 and for future industry conditions, which rose to 64. Complete results can be found in Table

8.

Table 8: Executive Business Climate Index

Components 2020 Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 Current Economic Conditions 66.4 12.8 25.0

Future Economic Conditions 66.7 58.0 62.2

Future Industry Conditions 66.2 61.7 64.0

Executive Business Climate Index 66.4 44.1 50.4



III. Special Topics Each Executive Business Climate Survey contains a set of questions not asked on a recurring basis. These special topic

questions highlight areas of importance to the economic development of our region with the intention of accessing the

business community’s input and feedback to development officials, industry agents, and government officials. The present

survey includes questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The tables and graphs show the responses from all the firms

as well as firms based on their size. Those that employ less than 25 employees will be referred to as small firms compared

to those that employ at least 25 employees, referred to as large firms.

Which of the following additional measures (if any) has your firm taken to ensure the safety

of customers and employees in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases?

Figure 9 reports the type of additional measures firms have taken to ensure the safety of their customers and employees

in direct response to the increase in recent COVID-19 cases. Eighty-three percent of the respondents indicated increased

cleaning schedules and 71 percent indicated allowing employees to work remotely. Sixty-three percent of the Collier

county respondents indicated that they required their employees and customers to wear masks. Close to half of the

respondents reduced business capacity and 39 percent had reduced employee hours. Twenty percent had reduced their

business hours. A very small percentage (2 percent) of the respondents indicated that their firms have not added any

additional safety measures since the spike in COVID-19 cases. The table also shows the responses according to the size of

the firms by employees. Some of the largest discrepancies in responses were in the questions about mask requirement

(70 percent of the large firms verses 40 percent of the small firms), increased cleaning schedules (90 percent large firms

verses 70 percent small firms) and reduced business capacity (53 percent large firms verses 30 percent small firms).

Complete response counts can be found in Table 9.


Table 9: Safety Measures Which of the following additional measures (if any) has your firm taken to ensure the safety of customers and employees in

response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases?

Response Less than 25 employees At least 25 employees All firms

Count Percentage Count Percentage Count Percentage Requiring customers and employees to

wear masks. 4 40.0% 21 70.0% 26 63.4%

Increasing cleaning schedules. 7 70.0% 27 90.0% 34 82.9%

Reducing business capacity. 3 30.0% 16 53.3% 20 48.8%

Reducing business hours. 1 10.0% 7 23.3% 8 19.5%

Closing down physical establishments. 2 20.0% 13 43.3% 15 36.6%

Having employees work remotely. 7 70.0% 21 70.0% 29 70.7% Reducing employee hours on-site. (e.g. alternating shifts, reducing total hours

worked, etc.) 3 30.0% 12 40.0% 16 39.0%

Our firm has not added any additional

safety measures since the spike in COVID-19 cases.

1 10.0% 0 0.0% 1 2.4%

Other (please specify): 0 0.0% 5 16.7% 5 12.2%

Total Responses 10 100.0% 30 100.0% 41 100.0%



On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being not supportive at all and five being very supportive, how supportive would you be of state and local policy makers imposing the following regulations on Florida businesses in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases?

Figure 10 shows the results to questions asking firms about their support of regulations that relate to the recent spike in

COVID-19 cases. The item having the largest percentage of no support for government regulations among respondents

(59 percent) was related to closing down physical establishments, followed by 54 percent that would not support

regulations imposed on reducing the number of business hours. Thirty-seven percent would not support regulations that

would reduce business hours and 22 percent were not supportive of regulations that would require wearing masks by

customers and employees. On the other side, 54 percent would be very supportive of regulations requiring masks to be

worn by customers and employees. This was the highest proportion of a positive response to government imposed

regulations. Otherwise, a very low number of respondents indicated strong support for government imposed regulations

on the other items shown in Table 10.

Table 10: Regulation Support On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being not supportive at all and five being very supportive, how supportive would you be of state and local policy makers imposing the following regulations on Florida businesses in response to the recent spike in COVID-19

cases?

Statement 1 2 3 4 5 Don't Know

Not Applicable

Requiring customers and employees to wear masks.

Count 9 3 0 4 22 1 2

Percentage 22.0% 7.3% 0.0% 9.8% 53.7% 2.4% 4.9%

Reducing business capacity.

Count 15 3 10 7 2 2 2

Percentage 36.6% 7.3% 24.4% 17.1% 4.9% 4.9% 4.9%

Reducing business hours.

Count 22 3 5 5 3 0 3

Percentage 53.7% 7.3% 12.2% 12.2% 7.3% 0.0% 7.3%

Closing down physical establishments.

Count 24 4 6 2 3 0 2

Percentage 58.5% 9.8% 14.6% 4.9% 7.3% 0.0% 4.9%



Figure 11 shows the results to questions asking small firms (less than 25 employees) about their support of regulations

that relate to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. The item having the largest percentage of no support for government

regulations among respondents (70 percent) was related to closing down physical establishments, followed by 40 percent

that would not support regulations imposed on reducing the number of business hours and 40 percent that would not

support regulations imposed on reducing business capacity. Thirty percent would not support regulations that would

require wearing masks by customers and employees. On the other side, 40 percent would be very supportive of

regulations requiring masks to be worn by customers and employees. This was the highest proportion of a positive

response to government imposed regulations. Degrees of support varied among the other three items. Complete data


Table 11: Regulation Support Firms with less than 25 employees

On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being not supportive at all and five being very supportive, how supportive would you be of state and local policy makers imposing the following regulations on Florida businesses in response to the recent spike in COVID-19

cases?


Not Applicable


Count 3 2 0 0 4 1 0

Percentage 30.0% 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% 40.0% 10.0% 0.0%


Count 4 1 1 2 2 0 0

Percentage 40.0% 10.0% 10.0% 20.0% 20.0% 0.0% 0.0%


Count 4 2 0 2 2 0 0

Percentage 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% 20.0% 20.0% 0.0% 0.0%


Count 7 1 2 0 0 0 0

Percentage 70.0% 10.0% 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%



Figure 12 shows the results to questions asking large firms (at least 25 employees) about their support of regulations that

relate to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. The item having the largest percentage of no support for government

regulations among respondents (60 percent) was related to regulations imposed on reducing the number of business

hours, followed by 57 percent that were not supportive of regulations on closing down physical establishments. Thirty-

seven percent of the firms were not supportive of regulations on imposed on reducing business capacity. Twenty percent

would not support regulations that would require wearing masks by customers and employees. On the other side, 60

percent would be very supportive of regulations requiring masks to be worn by customers and employees. This was the

highest proportion of a positive response to government imposed regulations. Degrees of support varied among the other

three items. Complete data can be found in Table 12.

Table 12: Regulation Support Firms with at least 25 employees

On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being not supportive at all and five being very supportive, how supportive would you be of state and local policy makers imposing the following regulations on Florida businesses in response to the recent spike in COVID-19

cases?


Not Applicable


Count 6 1 0 3 18 0 2

Percentage 20.0% 3.3% 0.0% 10.0% 60.0% 0.0% 6.7%


Count 11 1 9 5 0 2 2

Percentage 36.7% 3.3% 30.0% 16.7% 0.0% 6.7% 6.7%


Count 18 0 5 3 1 0 3

Percentage 60.0% 0.0% 16.7% 10.0% 3.3% 0.0% 10.0%


Count 17 3 3 2 3 0 2

Percentage 56.7% 10.0% 10.0% 6.7% 10.0% 0.0% 6.7%



Given the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Florida, how likely would you be to support a

return to Phase One restrictions?

Figure 13 asks business executives about how likely they would be to support a return to Phase One restrictions, given the

recent spike of COVID-19 cases in the state. Overall, 65 percent of respondents from all firms were very unlikely to support

the return to Phase One. Both small and large firms felt very similarly on this issue. Just 13 percent of the firms were

likely to support the return to Phase One, but fewer small firms (11 percent) than large firms (20 percent) supported the

idea. Fifteen percent of the firms’ responded as somewhat unlikely. A larger percentage of small firms responded as

somewhat unlikely to support a return to Phase One restrictions. All response counts can be found in Table 13.

Table 13: Phase One Support Given the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Florida, how likely would you be to support a return to Phase One restrictions?

Response Less than 25 employees At least 25 employees All firms

Count Percentage Count Percentage Count Percentage Very likely 1 11.1% 4 13.3% 5 12.5%

Somewhat likely 0 0.0% 2 6.7% 2 5.0%

Somewhat unlikely 2 22.2% 4 13.3% 6 15.0%

Very unlikely 6 66.7% 20 66.7% 26 65.0%

I don't know 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1 2.5%

Total Responses 9 100.0% 30 100.0% 40 100.0%



IV. Comments, Suggestions, and Recommendations At the end of each survey, business executives are given the opportunity to provide any general comments they have

about the local economy. Below is a list of the general topics on which the business executives commented.

Government

Health and Safety

Financial Assistance

Economic Recovery

Executive responses to this question are found in Appendix A.


V. Company Characteristics Each executive provided information about his or her firm, including:

Business type;

Number of employees;

Company location; and

Geographic client base.

The following figures provide an overview of general characteristics of the responding companies.

What type of business or industry best describes your company?

Figure 14 shows the percentage of representation by type of industry that characterizes the responding business

executives. Seventeen percent of the surveyed executives represented the construction industry. Twelve percent were

from Other Services and 12 percent were from Health Care and Social assistance. Ten percent were from the retail trade

industry. Each of the next three industries were represented by 7 percent of the respondents: Professional, Scientific and

Technical services, Manufacturing and Finance and Insurance. Other industries were represented by 5 percent or less of

the industry respondents. Eight industries were not represented in this survey. Complete breakdown by type of industry



Table 14: Business Type What type of business or industry best describes your company?

Response Count Percentage Construction 7 17.1%

Other Services 5 12.2%

Health Care & Social Assistance 5 12.2%

Retail Trade 4 9.8%

Professional, Scientific, & Technical Service 3 7.3%

Manufacturing 3 7.3%

Finance & Insurance 3 7.3%

Accommodation & Food Services - Attractions 2 4.9%

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 2 4.9%

Information 1 2.4%

Computer Software, Design, and Technical Services 1 2.4%

Accommodation & Food Services - Resorts 1 2.4%

Transportation and Warehousing 1 2.4%

Educational Services 1 2.4%

Aerospace 1 2.4%

Real Estate Rental and Leasing 1 2.4%

Management of Companies and Enterprises 0 0.0%

Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services 0 0.0%

Wholesale Trade 0 0.0%

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 0 0.0%

Real Estate Development 0 0.0%

Real Estate Sales 0 0.0%

Accommodation & Food Services - Restaurants 0 0.0%

Utilities 0 0.0%

Total Responses 41 100.0%



What is the size of your firm?

Figure 15 shows the business executives categorized by the number of employees in their firms. About 13 percent of

surveyed executives were of firms that employed less than ten employees, 13 percent of the firms employed between 10

to 24 employees and 23 percent employed between 25 to 49 employees. Twenty-three percent were firms that employed

between 50 and 99 employees, and 18 percent of firms employed between 100 to 249 employees. Thirteen percent of

surveyed executives were with firms that employed 250 employees or more. Complete response counts can be found in

Table 15.

Table 15: Number of Employees What is the size of your firm?

Response Count Percentage 1 to 9 employees 5 12.5%

10 to 24 employees 5 12.5%



100 to 249 employees 7 17.5%

250 or more employees 5 12.5%

Total Responses 40 100.0%



Where is your firm physically located?

Figure 16 shows where firms of surveyed business executives operated. Business executives were allowed to select all

locations in which their firms had operations. The largest proportion (93 percent) of surveyed executives said their firm

was physically located in Naples. Immokalee accounted for 3 percent of firm locations. Complete response counts can be

found in Table 16.

Table 16: Company Locations Where is your firm physically located?

Response Count Percentage Naples 37 92.5%

Other (please specify) 3 7.5%

Immokalee 1 2.5%

Everglades 0 0.0%

Marco Island 0 0.0%



What areas comprise your geographic client base?

Figure 17 shows the geographic client base for the firms of surveyed business executives. Business executives were

allowed to select all geographical areas in which their firm had a client base. Collier County accounted for 88 percent of

the surveyed executives’ client base. Lee County accounted for 63 percent of their client base and Charlotte had 18

percent. Hendry County and Glades County were each selected as a geographic client base for 10 and 8 percent,

respectively. Florida was the geographical client base for 23 percent of the firms, while the Southeast U.S. region was the

geographical client base for 15 percent of surveyed executives. Thirty percent of the client base for these firms was in all

U.S. markets and 20 percent was in international markets. Complete response counts can be found in Table 17.

Table 17: Geographic Client Base What areas comprise your geographic client base?

Response Count Percentage Collier County 35 87.5%

Lee County 25 62.5%

US Markets 12 30.0%

Florida 9 22.5%

International Markets 8 20.0%

Charlotte County 7 17.5%

Southeast US region 6 15.0%

Hendry County 4 10.0%

Glades County 3 7.5%

Other (please specify) 2 5.0%



Appendix A. Full Comments, Suggestions, and Recommendations The following lists include specific responses from the executives for the following question:

Please indicate any other comments, suggestions, or recommendations you would like to make regarding the regional

economy or your business.

Government

The governor appears to be not showing independent leadership and appears politically motivated to keep the

President happy. It is particularly ironic with the move of the Republican convention to Jacksonville in the face of

our virus increase and purportedly because of North Carolina virus situation, or to punish the North Carolina

governor - ala Chris Christie's punitive moves in New Jersey.

A law needs to be passed that everyone needs to wear a mask when inside a business.

I think a mask mandate across the board would be helpful. I also think going back and reducing some capacity or

certain businesses would be helpful. Doing nothing does not show we are taking this seriously.

Health and Safety

The current restrictions could work if we would make masks mandatory and enforce it similar to when seat belt

rules came in.

Wear your mask. Don't be an idiot. Our conservative politicians are blinded by their beliefs in personal freedoms,

no matter what the cost. So, let’s do away with stop lights! If we find out later that masks really don't help, who

cares? If we find out they do help and we failed to use them, what a travesty!

The biggest challenge with the recent surge in cases is people not adhering to the CDC guidelines. Until that is

properly followed no phased approach will be successful. People need to stop letting their guard down and take

this seriously. Just my two cents.

Masks, social distancing and self/employer health screening seem to be most effective so long as people can be

convinced to do so… Not shutting things down.

Wear a mask, protect the vulnerable and get on with life.

Financial Assistance

We need more help from local government and state help to keep in business if not there will be more lay-off

especially small business owners.

Economic Recovery

Demand for our product is off slightly, but business is still ticking along. I am concerned about the potential impact

on Q4, but have no evidence yet. Hard to imagine 30+ million people out of jobs not having an economic impact

once all the federal subsidies run out.

Our business is 100% reliant on elective surgery. We survived a terrible Q2. We need this to open back up.

Carefully, yes, but open.

collier county executive business climate survey · analysis, including program evaluation, policy...

Documents