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
Austria-Based RINGANA Plans Roanoke, Virginia, Operations
06/17/2026
Lunar Resources Plans Salt Lake County, Utah, Production Operations
06/16/2026
Rural King Expands Mattoon, Illinois, Operations
06/16/2026
Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plans Columbus-Bedford, Ohio, Biomanufacturing Operations
06/16/2026
NPL Construction Plans Greenwood, Mississippi, Fabrication Operations
06/16/2026
C&C Forest Products Modernizes Coushatta, Louisiana, Sawmill Operations
06/16/2026
CQT Weapon Systems Expands Macomb Township, Michigan, Manufacturing Operations
06/16/2026
Scout Space Expands Fairfax County, Virginia, Production Operations
06/15/2026
CRP Automotive Plans Pittsfield, Michigan, Operations
06/15/2026
Faith Technologies Plans Monroe, Louisiana, Manufacturing Operations
06/15/2026
Front Line Safety Plans Kansas City, Missouri, Distribution Operations
06/14/2026
Durango Machining Innovations Plans Farmington, New Mexico, Operations
06/14/2026
West Fraser Expands McDavid, Florida, Sawmill Operations
06/14/2026
Alstom Plans Newark, Delaware, Operations
06/14/2026
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