Economic Alliance surveys business needs

Economic Alliance Snohomish County has joined several other agencies and governments in conducting a comprehensive survey of businesses in Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap counties.

Its Job Sector Survey builds on a 2010 study that captured responses from nearly 1,200 King County businesses in 15 unique industry sectors.

Along with benchmarking against the 2010 results, the 2011 Job Sector Survey will provide a richer illustration of the challenges, aspirations and opportunities for employers of all types and sizes.

As in 2010, the data will be used as a guide for elected officials, policymakers and community leaders when making decisions that impact the local economy.

Troy McClelland, CEO of the alliance, said the survey will help in answer two questions.

“First, what does your business need in order to be successful here? Second, what is our community’s unique value proposition to business?,” McClelland said. “Knowing the answer to these questions allows us to alleviate obstacles and deliver the appropriate message to companies considering locating operations here.”

The survey will be administered by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

A portion of the survey focuses on degrees, vocational training and skills needed by employers.

“Having information on what employers need by sector is essential to the development and implementation of training programs,” Sue Ambler, CEO of the Workforce Development Council Snohomish County, said of the survey. “With it, we can equip those entering the workforce, as well as those already in it, with the right tools for success.”

The survey takes about 15 minutes, said Ryan Crowther of the Alliance.

To take the survey online, Click here