13 - Laserfiche WebLink

IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS How Do Local Businesses Feel About Their Community? From the results of this research, it would appear that businesses in the city of Pleasanton are generally very to extremely happy with their location. Nine in ten find the community an excellent or good place to do business, in large part due to its positive business environment, convenient location, and friendly people. Underscoring these data, commentary in the focus groups about Pleasanton as a business location was almost universally complimentary. Also of note in this regard is the fact that 74 percent of those who were asked to complete the survey cooperated, an increase from 64 percent in 2012. A cooperation rate of such magnitude for a survey of this nature is very good, and it likely reflects a considerable amount of support among members of the business community. In terms of specific characteristics of the city, most of the ratings of Pleasanton as a business location are above the level of good, and ratings of the city's infrastructure are also generally around the level of good. With the sole exception of entertainment options, city amenities rate quite highly as well, with local schools and community events achieving particularly high scores. That said, the 2015 survey found noticeable and statistically significant decreases in ratings of Pleasanton's location in terms of attracting qualified employees, retaining qualified employees, and finding appropriate business space. While the first two of these may reflect either the improving economy or the simple fact that Pleasanton is an affluent community with relatively few residents who are well-suited to entry-level jobs, the latter suggests an area in which the City may need to consider taking action. CITY OF PLEASANTON: 2015 SURVEY OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES