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
Wenger Group Plans New Oxford, Pennsylvania, Operations
08/03/2026
NPK Access Solutions Expands Carencro, Louisiana, Production Operations
08/03/2026
Bridgetown Natural Foods Expands Lebanon, Tennessee, Operations
08/03/2026
Swiss-Based Octapharma Plans Rock Hill, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
08/03/2026
France-Based Monin Plans Zephyrhills, Florida, Manufacturing-Distribution Operations
08/03/2026
Zero Point Cryogenics Plans Chicago, Illinois, Operations
08/03/2026
Doncasters Plans Auburn, Alabama, Manufacturing Operations
08/03/2026
Vine Enterprises Plans Hammondsport, New York, Operations
08/03/2026
Mitsubishi Electric US Expands Mason, Ohio, Production Operations
08/03/2026
Germany-Based Griesson – de Beukelaer Plans Madison County, Mississippi, Production Operations
08/01/2026
Skyeton Plans Fayetteville, North Carolina, Production Operations
07/31/2026
Legora Expands New York City Operations
07/31/2026
Ability Engineering Technology Modernizes-Plans South Holland-Chicago, Illinois, Operations
07/30/2026
BeOne Medicines Expands Hopewell, New Jersey, Operations
07/30/2026
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