2017 Survey of Business Attitudes Results Summary

Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Releases Results From Its 2017 Survey of Business Attitudes

Greenwich Chamber of Commerce conducted its third annual Survey of Business and Economic Attitudes among members to gauge prevailing reactions and sentiments toward the current business climate. This survey was sent to approximately 1,200 Greenwich Chamber members.

The Survey results indicated that Greenwich businesses are reasonably optimistic about the local business environment. Biggest challenges for the business community were the following:  difficulty in finding qualified personnel at affordable rates, continued concern about the State’s financial challenges and potential increases in taxes in response.

Below are the results of our yearly Member Survey:

• 48% of respondents reported that current business conditions were better than 2016, a six percent decline; 18% reported that conditions were worse compared with 10% last year.
• 54% expect conditions next year (2018) to be better than this year (down from 61% in 2016); only 8% expect 2018 to be worse, no change. Impediments to business growth included: finding new clients (51%); finding skilled labor (31% vs. 27% in 2016); parking and traffic (25%); cost of real estate (24%); and regulations and permits (15%; down from 23% last year). Among respondents who do business in other towns, the support for business growth still ranks high in Greenwich. However, the demand for goods and services in Greenwich experienced a marked decrease (27% vs. 48% in 2016). The cost of real estate, difficulty in sourcing employees and the local regulatory environment were viewed worse in Greenwich as compared to other neighboring areas. As in previous surveys, Greenwich was viewed as providing good support for businesses when compared with other towns.
• The Town departments viewed most favorably were Police, Fire, Public Schools and Parks and Recreation.
• Businesses reported the most concern with local Planning and Zoning and Parking departments.

The Chamber continues to build better communications between the business community, its constituents and Town Hall. It will continue to use the results of these yearly member surveys to guide these and other efforts in the future. We encourage you to continue to visit our Chamber’s blog for our meeting recaps and to add your comments and feedback.

The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce produces over thirty programs and events a year designed to target your needs. Last year we held four “Meet Your Town Officials” and our Meeting with Amy Siebert, Commissioner of Public Works is scheduled for October 12 this year. Our yearly State of the Town Luncheon will be held October 27th and our Gretchen Carlson “Women Who Matter Luncheon” will be held November 17th. Registration for these and all of our events are available on our website.


Be heard! If you have feedback, comments or suggestions related to the business climate in Greenwich we encourage you to comment below.



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