The 16th Annual Chamber Day Survey: Brazos County Commissioners Reflect on Results

Brazos County, TX- The Brazos County Commissioners met this Tuesday to delve into the findings of the 16th annual Chamber Day survey. The chamber of commerce president, Glen Brewer, presented the report during the meeting.

Earlier this year, about 125 volunteers visited over 1,000 businesses in Bryan/College Station to gather the much-needed data. The survey revealed how local businesses perceive the economy, employment, transport, taxation, and government regulations. 

Survey Findings

The survey findings bring a mixed bag of news. Encouragingly, nearly half of the 769 businesses that participated reported increased sales. However, this is a drop from last year when 56% of businesses reported increased sales and a further decline from two years ago when 60% reported an increase. Glen Brewer attributes this decrease to increased local competition, inflation, and employment-related issues. 

Additionally, the largest concern of the surveyed businesses was the economy by a wide margin. Other items closely following were issues of transportation, taxation, government regulations, and employment.

Employment Perspective

From an employment perspective, 40% of businesses are planning to increase the number of their employees, and 50% are expecting to maintain their present staff levels. The survey also showed that almost half of the businesses (46%) rated the quality of job applicants as good.

The results of this comprehensive survey are anticipated to inform the commissioners’ approach to supporting local business growth and overall economic development within Brazos County.

Moving Forward

The in-depth review of the 16th annual Chamber Day survey results is a step the Brazos County Commissioners are not taking lightly. The economic health and growth of the county firmly depend on its local businesses’ success. It’s therefore important that the commissioners have a robust understanding of the environment in which these businesses operate.

Knowing that about half of the responding businesses expect no change in employment, while just under half expect to grow suggests a cautious optimism within the business community. This data will help the commissioners in their ongoing efforts to foster a prosperous and supportive business environment. 

Despite the effect of increased competition and other contributing factors to the slightly reduced sales growth, the businesses’ resilience shown by their optimism about job growth and the quality of job applicants bodes well for Brazos County’s future.

Reflections

This survey is proving to be a crucial tool in gauging the sentiments of local businesses towards the economy and other significant factors that directly impact their operations. As the commissioners examine these results, they are essentially fine-tuning their strategies for the benefit of the county’s business community and economic outlook.

As Brazos County continues to grow, it remains crucial that the business community feel confident not only in their individual businesses but in the broader environment in which they operate. As such, the county commissioners will continue to prioritize open communication with local businesses, using tools such as the annual Chamber Day survey to respond accurately to their concerns and needs.

This article is based on a report shared during the Brazos County Commissioners meeting held on June 11, 2024. Read the complete 16th annual Chamber Day survey results here. (Provide the actual link in place of ‘here’)