Recently, your Chamber sent out a survey to our members asking their opinion on economic development, workforce, and transportation/infrastructure in our community and throughout Texas. The survey found that most members believe that Texas’s economy is headed in the right direction, but more must be done to shore up education, transportation, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Fort Worth were among the fellow Metro 8 Chambers who participated in the survey. The joint survey also found that most of the chambers’ members believe the “bathroom bill” debate hurt Texas’ efforts to attract and keep talent. Additionally, many say Washington’s inability to resolve immigration is negatively affecting their businesses.
“The San Antonio Chamber was proud to participate in this important survey, which helped us validate the issues the business community believes are key drivers of their success. As expected, our Members felt strongly about state regulation/legislative issues, workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure in our community and throughout Texas,” said 2018 Chairman of the Board Shaun Kennedy, San Antonio Regional Chairman of Texas Capital Bank. “Our Chamber was not surprised by the survey’s results, as we have heard about these same issues from our membership. We will continue to focus on these opinions as we develop our local and State outreach efforts and our long range strategic plans.”
In their responses to the survey, business leaders from across the state also indicated that:
- Texas’ economy is on the right track, but they have little confidence that public school students are well prepared for post-secondary education and the workforce after graduating high school.
- If budget demands were not a concern, the state should focus its spending on public education, higher education, transportation, and workforce development.
- Transportation/infrastructure is a legislative priority, and the state should invest more in that to keep pace with Texas’ growing population and transportation demands.
In addition, more than three quarters surveyed said NAFTA has helped their businesses overall, and 43 percent claimed it boosted their business specifically.
On the so-called bathroom bill, nearly two-thirds say the state discussion about that issue has had a negative effect on perceptions of Texas’ ability to attract or retain qualified employees for its businesses. Of those polled, 44 percent say it has had a very negative effect. The Legislature last year debated but did not pass a bill that would restrict bathroom use for transgender Texans in public facilities. Many of the state’s most recognized companies and business groups opposed the measure.
On immigration, 44 percent of Chamber members polled say that federal discussions and actions over immigration are negatively affecting their business. Almost half say it has had no impact and eight percent say it has been positive.
The survey went beyond an assessment of top business issues, offering solutions by chamber members to keep Texas moving. Among the findings:
- Most support using the state’s Rainy Day Fund to make up for budget shortfalls.
- Most back public-private partnerships and toll roads to improve infrastructure.
- Nearly a third support the state spending more on public education and infrastructure, even if it means a small tax increase on their business.
The
online poll of 454 Chamber members was conducted Feb. 9-18 by Research+Data Insights, a national polling firm based in Texas that is part of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, which has offices in Dallas, Austin, and Houston.
As your Chamber, we value your opinion and will continue to focus on the issues and opportunities necessary to propel your business forward.
