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
Shoulder Innovations Expands Kent County, Michigan, Headquarters Operations
08/14/2026
R.W. LaPine Expands Kalamazoo County-Berrien County, Michigan, Production Operations
08/14/2026
Vertical Autonomy Expands Jackson County, Michigan, Operations
08/12/2026
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Expands Alexandria, Louisiana, Operations
08/12/2026
Germany-Based IEB Americas Plans North Charleston, South Carolina, Production Operations
08/12/2026
Comlux America Expands Indianapolis, Indiana, Operations
08/12/2026
Duotech Services Establishes Huntsville, Alabama, Operations
08/12/2026
Japan-Based Kyoto Fusioneering Plans Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Headquarters-Operations
08/11/2026
Southwire Expands Starkville, Mississippi, Manufacturing Operations
08/11/2026
Bristol Myers Squibb Plans Houston, Texas, Manufacturing Operations
08/11/2026
SpaceX Plans Grimes County, Texas, Terafab Operations
08/11/2026
Siemens Plans Jackson County, Georgia, Manufacturing Operations
08/11/2026
Bishopric Industries Expands Natchez, Mississippi, Operations
08/11/2026
Traxion Materials Expands Jacksboro, Tennessee, Production Operations
08/10/2026
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