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
Solero Technologies Expands Water Valley, Mississippi, Operations
08/22/2026
Sweden-Based Dometic Expands Sparta, Tennessee, Manufacturing Operations
08/22/2026
Germany-Based INNIO N.V. Expands Waukesha, Wisconsin, Production Operations
08/21/2026
Genentech Expands Hillsboro, Oregon, Production Operations
08/21/2026
SANY Nutrition Group Establishes Jonesboro, Arkansas, Manufacturing Operations
08/21/2026
Amazon Plans Austin, Texas, Robotics Manufacturing Operations
08/21/2026
Marathon Cheese Expands Booneville, Mississippi, Manufacturing Operations
08/21/2026
Amazon Expands Shreveport, Louisiana, Data Center Operations
08/21/2026
Translucent Solar Plans Dorchester County, South Carolina, Panel Manufacturing Operations
08/21/2026
Cirkla Plans Gainesville, Georgia, Packaging Operations
08/19/2026
Quantinuum Expands Albuquerque, New Mexico, Operations
08/19/2026
India-Based Sun Pharma Expands Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Operations
08/18/2026
SAPA Transmission Expands Macomb County, Michigan, Operations
08/18/2026
Pittsburgh Glass Modernizes Richland County, Ohio, Manufacturing Operations
08/18/2026
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