In the fall of 2017, a business survey was developed by Village Staff with input from the Arlington Economic Alliance. The survey was consistent with one of the Village Board strategic priorities, to obtain feedback from the business community. Staff disseminated the survey to businesses as a link via an online survey program. Also, two postcards were mailed to all commercial addresses in the community, making them aware of the survey and how to access it. In addition, the Village, Chamber of Commerce, and Meet Chicago Northwest also emailed the survey link to their local business e-contacts.
Village Staff has completed review of the results of the 2017 Arlington Heights Business Survey. In all, 143 different businesses responded to the 18-question survey, which ran online from late-October through early-December of 2017. A report of findings was completed and disseminated to the Mayor and Trustees in February 2018. In addition, Planning & Community Development Staff presented the findings to the Arlington Economic Alliance during their monthly commission meeting in February.
Survey takers were asked 18 questions, with an overarching goal of making two significant determinations:
- Are businesses in Arlington Heights satisfied with the community?
- Are businesses planning to leave the community for any reason?
The data accumulated provided several key findings:
- Of responding businesses, 79% are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with Arlington Heights as a place to do business.
- A great majority of respondents (85%) are planning to remain in Arlington Heights.
- Most respondents do not need to modify their space needs, but significantly more need to increase their square footage than those that need to decrease it.
- Most respondents represent small businesses (less than 2,000 square feet with eight or fewer employees).
- Overall business health for most respondents has increased over the past three years.
- Location is the greatest asset to the highest percentage of respondents.
The findings of this survey will be presented to the Committee-of-the-Whole at their meeting scheduled for June 11, 2018.