36th Annual Survey of Corporate Executives Commentary: Labor Costs and Availability Go Hand in Hand
The pandemic shook up what workers want and expect from a job.
Q1 2022
The most interesting result on the combined ratings of factors, would be the top two of labor costs and availability of skilled labor. To me, those go “hand in hand.” A recent jobs report shows an increase in the numbers of workers returning to work, but payroll sums are still more than five million shy of pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic shook up what workers want and expect from a job.
Lastly, the most overlooked site selection factor would be quality of life (tied for 11th). This will continue to rise, as it not just about what to do in the region, but other factors to look at are healthcare availability and affordability, educational institutions, infrastructure, crime and corrections, and the natural environment. Quality of life may have a minimal impact early in the site selection process, but a major impact in the final short-list stage.
Recent Project Announcements
Lockers Manufacturing Expands Batesville, Mississippi, Production Operations
05/12/2026
Acra Cast Foundry Expands Bay City, Michigan, Operations
05/11/2026
United Foods International Establishes Phoenix, Arizona, Manufacturing Operations
05/11/2026
Poland-Based Displate Manufacturing Plans Louisville, Kentucky, Operations
05/11/2026
Averitt Expands Bullitt County, Kentucky, Operations
05/11/2026
Denmark-Based Multicut Plans Loveland, Colorado, Production Operations
05/09/2026
TurbineOne Plans Fairfax County, Virginia, Headquarters Operations
05/09/2026
Clarios Expands St. Joseph, Missouri, Operations
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SEG Solar Expands Houston, Texas, Manufacturing Operations
05/09/2026
Buffalo Rock Company Plans Loxley, Alabama, Distribution Operations
05/07/2026
South Korea-Based ELSPES Plans Osceola County, Florida, Headquarters-Manufacturing Operations
05/06/2026
American Sugar Refining Expands St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, Operations
05/06/2026
Southern Classic Food Group Expands Brundidge, Alabama, Production Operations
05/05/2026
France-Based ARMOR-IIMAK Expands Boone County, Kentucky, Operations
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