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
Pivot Bio Expands Hazelwood, Missouri, Operations
04/29/2026
Davis Timber Company Expands DeRidder, Louisiana, Manufacturing Operations
04/28/2026
Blevins Asphalt Expands Mount Vernon, Missouri, Maintenance Operations
04/28/2026
Niagara Bottling Plans Perth, New York, Production-Warehouse Operations
04/26/2026
Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Plans Osceola, Arkansas, Flat-Rolled Steel Operations
04/25/2026
Corderill Plans Meridian, Mississippi, Operations
04/25/2026
Ferrara Candy Plans Orangeburg County, South Carolina, Production Operations
04/25/2026
Blue Ops Plans Valdosta, Georgia, Manufacturing Operations
04/25/2026
Virginia Transformer Expands Rincon, Georgia, Production Operations
04/25/2026
AbbVie Plans Durham, North Carolina, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations
04/24/2026
Air Liquide Plans St. James Parish, Louisiana, Production Operations
04/24/2026
Envoy Air Expands Little Rock, Arkansas, Operations
04/24/2026
Australia-Based Syenta Establishes Tempe, Arizona, Semiconductor Development Operations
04/23/2026
Mondi Expands Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Production Operations
04/23/2026
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