Tuolumne County’s Economy Improving?
Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce has released the results of its annual business survey for the year 2010.
“Looking at the results overall, I think there was more optimism in the business community last year, than in the previous year,” says George Segarini, Chamber President and CEO. “Regarding the question of whether Tuolumne County is a good place to do business, 81 percent said yes and 12 percent said no. This is one of the highest percentages (81) we’ve ever had in that particular category. “
In 2009, only 68 percent said yes, and 25 percent said no. On the other spectrum, the results show that the retail sector was down last year, and Tuolumne County business leaders are pessimistic about the chances of the national economy improving this year.
The survey was filled out by Chamber members, and around 11 percent chose to take part.
The results are listed below:
1. Type of Business Reporting
Retail 28%
Service 63%
Mfg. 9%
2. Business this year compared to a year ago
Up Down Same
Retail 22% 56% 22%
Service 40% 30% 25%
Mfg. 67% 0% 23%
Total 31% 41% 22%
3. I intend to expand the business in the near future
Yes No
Retail 11% 89%
Service 40% 60%
Mfg. 23% 67%
Total 31% 69%
4. I intend to hire more employees in the near future.
Yes No
Retail 11% 89%
Service 45% 55%
Mfg. 23% 67%
Total 34% 66%
5. I intend to downsize in the next 3 years
Yes No
Retail 11% 89%
Service 5% 95%
Mfg. 23% 67%
Total 9% 91%
6. The current employee pool has the type of experienced person I’m looking to hire
Yes No
Retail 67% 33%
Service 70% 15%
Mfg. 23% 23%
Total 66% 22%
7. Work ethic is very important to me as an employer
Yes No
Retail 100% 0%
Service 100% 0%
Mfg. 100% 0%
Total 100% 0%
8. I believe the national economy will continue to decline this year (2009)
Yes No
Retail 56% 44%
Service 55% 45%
Mfg. 23% 67%
Total 53% 47%
9. I believe the local economy will expand this year
Yes No
Retail 56% 44%
Service 60% 40%
Mfg. 23% 67%
Total 56% 44%
10. Tuolumne County is a good place to do business
Yes No
Retail 78% 11%
Service 85% 15%
Mfg. 67% 0%
Total 81% 12%
11. The county needs more emphasis on tourism to draw visitors
Yes No
Retail 44% 33%
Service 70% 25%
Mfg. 0% 23%
Total 56% 28%
12. Do you know about the Business Alliance of Tuolumne County
Yes No
Retail 78% 22%
Service 75% 25%
Mfg. 100% 0%
Total 77% 23%
13. Do you believe the County is currently moving in the right direction regarding economic development
Yes No
Retail 78% 11%
Service 85% 10%
Mfg. 67% 0%
Total 81% 10%
