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
British-Based Zotefoams Expands Walton, Kentucky, Headquarters Operations
07/13/2026
Hoffmaster Group Expands Clintonville, Wisconsin, Manufacturing Operations
07/13/2026
Weidmann Electrical Technology Expands Middletown-Urbana, Ohio, Production Operations
07/12/2026
Japan-Based Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Expands Reading, Pennsylvania, Manufacturing Operations
07/12/2026
Jabil Plans Marshall County, Mississippi, Production Operations
07/11/2026
Bio-Lab Expands Westlake, Louisiana, Manufacturing Operations
07/10/2026
Germany-Based Alzchem Group AG Plans Berkeley County, South Carolina, Production Operations
07/10/2026
Platform Aerospace Expands St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Manufacturing Operations
07/08/2026
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Expands San Antonio, Texas, Assembly Operations
07/08/2026
Oobotic Plans Melbourne, Arkansas, Operations
07/07/2026
Curtiss-Wright Expands Cheswick, Pennsylvania, Manufacturing Operations
07/07/2026
Germany-Based Blackwave Plans San Antonio, Texas, Manufacturing Operations
07/06/2026
Edible Garden AG Upgrades Webster City, Iowa, Operations
07/05/2026
ADM Upgrades Decatur, Illinois, Operations
07/05/2026
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