City of Burlington Economic Development Committee
City Hall – Upper Conference Room
Minutes - July 18, 2001
At the meeting this Wednesday afternoon Mayor Lois
called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. starting with a
roll call: David Torgler, Frank Cannella, Pat Hoffman,
Ken Jaeger, Paul Mueller, Bill Phenicie, Matthew
Russell, and Robin Vos. Excused: Karen Schinke. Absent:
Larry Dawley. Also present were Jenny Trick and Joanne
Allen of Racine County Economic Development Corporation.
Approval of Minutes. Motion by Robin Vos,
seconded by David Torgler the minutes of the May 16,
2001 EDC meeting were approved.
Old Business.
Business Retention Survey. Jenny Trick of the Racine
County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) provided
a copy of the preliminary survey results from the
Burlington area businesses that received and returned
said survey. Prior to the review, some of the committee
members shared an overview of their experiences and
comments received. Some of the comments were as follows:
Some members cited difficulty in obtaining the
completed document from their assigned companies;
All members indicated that all or a great
majority of their assigned companies were pleased
with the one-on-one contact;
Many members indicated that the opportunity
provided for candid conversations and opinion and
observations were freely offered.
Joanne Allen of the RCEDC reviewed the preliminary
results from the returned surveys. Of the 49 surveys
sent, 24 were returned (at the time of the July 18, 2001
meeting) or a 49% response. Of the responding
participants, the following is a summary of the results:
1. Planning an expansion
project:
2. Plans to move your
firm:
|
Yes: |
2 |
(within Racine County) |
|
Yes: |
0 |
(outside of Racine County) |
|
No: |
12 |
(no plans to move) |
3. Your business outlook
for next year:
|
Very
Good: |
4 |
|
Average: |
15 |
|
Unfavorable: |
2 |
4. Please send Economic
Development program information:
|
Yes: |
7 |
Please send business financing information: |
|
Yes: |
5 |
Please call me for an appointment: |
|
Yes: |
2 |
|
5. Does your firm plan to
hire additional employees:
6. Difficulty finding job
applicants:
|
Managerial/Professional |
3 responses |
|
Clerical |
1 response |
|
Sales/Marketing |
4 responses |
|
Service |
2 responses |
|
Skilled Trades |
10 responses |
|
Operators/Laborers |
2 responses |
|
Part
time/temporary |
2 responses |
7. Knowledge of the
Workforce Development Center (WDC):
8. Resources
available/sought from the WDC:
|
Exposure for your job openings |
7 responses |
|
Specialized recruitment needs |
4 responses |
|
Job
fairs |
3 responses |
|
Assessment services |
5 responses |
|
Workshops |
6 responses |
|
Labor market data |
10 responses |
|
Financial incentives |
6 responses |
|
Customized training |
5 responses |
|
Consulting services |
1 response |
|
GTC
certification program |
4 responses |
9. Desired contact by a
WDC representative:
10. Skill level of
employees:
|
Improved: |
11 |
|
Same: |
8 |
|
Declined: |
2 |
11. Existing employee
deficiencies:
|
Speak/read English |
4 responses |
|
Reading comprehension |
5 responses |
|
Written communication |
6 responses |
|
Technical writing |
4 responses |
|
Basic math |
7 responses |
|
Keyboarding |
1 response |
|
Computer programs |
5 responses |
|
Applied tech skills |
5 responses |
|
Work
habits |
10 responses |
|
Teamwork |
5 responses |
|
Being late |
1 response |
|
Interacting w/customers |
1 response |
12 Company provides
on-the-job training:
13 Aware of the Burlington
Manufacturing & Office Park (BMOP) on Hwy 83:
Additional
comments were provided to EDC members.
14. Would you consider
BMOP location:
Additional
comments were provided to EDC members.
15. Aware of the
Burlington financing programs:
16. Are you satisfied with
the housing options in the Burlington area:
Additional
comments were provided to EDC members.
17. What are the three
most important challenges in attracting future workers:
|
Entry level skills |
11 responses |
|
Advanced skills |
6 responses |
|
Transportation |
5 responses |
|
Childcare services |
4 responses |
|
Basic work skills |
2 responses |
|
Housing availability |
2 responses |
|
Cost
of living |
1 response |
|
Traffic congestion D.T. |
1 response |
|
Parking |
1 response |
18. Are transportation
services adequate:
Additional
comments were provided to EDC members.
19. Are there additional
services that the City can provide to improve your
business operation?
Additional
comments were provided to EDC members.
20. Aware of the Chamber
of Commerce services:
20a. Would you like a
Chamber to send you information on their services:
Ms. Allen confirmed that all parties that requested
information, be it, financial, economic development
programs, chamber information or work force development
data would be provided said data in the short term.
Comments provided by the respondents that were more
pertinent to the City of Burlington would be reviewed
and followed up by the City of Burlington staff.
New Business. None
Adjourn.
On a motion by Frank Cannella, seconded by Bill
Phenicie the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Recording Secretary – Jenny Trick, RCEDC
