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
Toyotetsu Mid America Expands Owensboro, Kentucky, Operations
09/17/2026
Mayo Clinic Laboratories Plans Southaven, Mississippi, Operations
09/16/2026
V&S Schuler Tubular Products Expands Muskogee, Oklahoma, Manufacturing Operations
09/15/2026
Germany-Based Stöbich Fire Protection Systems Expands Dorchester County, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
09/14/2026
Black Bayou Energy Hub Expands-Plans Lafayette-Cameron Parish, Louisiana, Natural Gas Operations
09/14/2026
General Atomics Expands Shannon, Mississippi, Manufacturing Operations
09/14/2026
AirPro Expands Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Operations
09/13/2026
Moog Expands West Valley, Utah, Production Operations
09/13/2026
KIHOMAC Expands Davis County, Utah, Operations
09/13/2026
Spot & Tango Expands Upper Macungie Township, Pennsylvania, Production Operations
09/13/2026
Arvaya AI Automations Consulting Plans North Charleston, South Carolina, Operations
09/13/2026
SHEIN Establishes Lebanon, Indiana, Fulfillment Operations
09/13/2026
Saval Foods Expands Howard County, Maryland, Headquarters Operations
09/12/2026
SteelFab Expands Fayetteville, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
09/12/2026
Most Read
-
The Shifting Landscape of Location Strategy
Q2 2026
-
Power Is the New Gatekeeper in Manufacturing Site Selection
Q2 2026
-
Avoid These Red Flags, Deal Killers, and Blunders in Site Selection
Q2 2026
-
Site Readiness Is Broken: What Manufacturers Should Demand From Their Locations
Q3 2025
-
What Site Selectors Discuss After the Site Visit Ends
Q3 2026
-
Why Relationships Still Win Projects in Site Selection
Q3 2026
-
21st Annual Shovel Awards: The American Industrial Economy Remade in Real Time
Q2 2026