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
Google Plans Montgomery County, Missouri, Data Center Operations
05/22/2026
Eden Pharmacy Expands Albuquerque, New Mexico, Operations
05/22/2026
Barilla Expands Avon, New York, Production Operations
05/22/2026
Intermountain Electronics Expands Centralia, Illinois, Production Operations
05/21/2026
Slate Auto Expands Troy, Michigan, Headquarters Operations
05/21/2026
Italy-Based CEP USA Plans Little Rock, Arkansas, Manufacturing Operations
05/21/2026
Virginia Transformer Plans Colbert County, Alabama, Manufacturing Operations
05/20/2026
Quantum Space Plans Tulsa, Oklahoma, Manufacturing Operations
05/20/2026
Aries Plans Detroit, Michigan, Headquarters Operations
05/20/2026
Pratt Miller Engineering & Fabrication Expands New Hudson, Michigan, Operations
05/20/2026
Combe Incorporated Expands Rantoul, Illinois, Operations
05/20/2026
Innovative Refrigeration Systems Expands Augusta County, Virginia, Production Operations
05/20/2026
Magellan Financial Expands Topeka, Kansas, Operations
05/20/2026
Sandvik-Alpha Metallurgical Resources Plan Putnam County, West Virginia, Manufacturing Operations
05/19/2026
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