35th Annual Survey of Corporate Executives Commentary: Skilled Labor, Taxes & Incentives Still Paramount in the Location Decision
Companies recognize the importance of a location’s quality of life in in attracting the skilled labor that they need, and taxes and incentives continue to be a top criteria as well.
Q1 2021
For these decision-makers, the local availability of skilled labor continues to be at the top of the list of decision criteria, as it has been historically. Quality-of-life trends continue to be an important factor in site location decisions, and it’s no surprise given the importance of quality of life considerations in attracting skilled labor. In fact, quality of life this year ranks higher in the survey when compared to universally important factors as labor, occupancy and construction cost. This trend is likely to continue as many employers attempt to reimagine their workplaces and cater to a more mobile workforce.
Finally, state and local taxes and incentives continue to be top 10 criteria for decision-makers. While recent declines in state and local tax revenue collections resulting from the global pandemic have impacted many public-sector budgets, economic development authorities continue to seek meaningful engagement with the business community and offer financial support. I expect these collaborations to take precedence going forward.
Recent Project Announcements
South Korea-Based ELSPES Plans Osceola County, Florida, Headquarters-Manufacturing Operations
05/06/2026
American Sugar Refining Expands St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, Operations
05/06/2026
Southern Classic Food Group Expands Brundidge, Alabama, Production Operations
05/05/2026
France-Based ARMOR-IIMAK Expands Boone County, Kentucky, Operations
05/05/2026
Global Business Solutions Expands Covington, Kentucky, Operations
05/05/2026
LEV Manufacturing Plans Putnam County, Tennessee, Assembly-Logistics Operations
05/05/2026
IonQ Expands Bothell, Washington, Operations
05/05/2026
Avant Technology Expands Pharr, Texas, Manufacturing Operations
05/05/2026
Czech Republic-Based GHH-BONATRANS Plans Wayland, New York, Production Operations
05/05/2026
Toothsure Plans Perry County, Kentucky, Operations
05/04/2026
Applied Optoelectronics Expands Sugar Land, Texas, Production Operations
05/04/2026
IBM Plans Chicago, Illinois, AI Data Center Operations
05/02/2026
Turner Industries Plans New Iberia-Port Allen, Louisiana, Nuclear Fabrication Operations
05/02/2026
Stella-Jones Corporation Expands Lincoln County, Tennessee, Operations
05/02/2026
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