1. Forward Frederick 2014
Benchmark Business Survey
Executive Summary & Responses

2. Forward Frederick Mission
Forward Frederick Business Survey
Forward Frederick is a consortium of public and private enterprise to create the first countywide combined business and residential survey. This survey will benchmark the state and outlook of those surveyed as well as the needs, goals and vision for Frederick in the coming years.
The survey will also understand the key challenges and opportunities for Frederick area with particular focus to importance local services, quality of life and workforce from both public and private enterprise.
The survey will also be leveraged by Frederick County to measure the business and residential current experience and outlook for growth. The survey would be repeated bi-annually for used to measure changes along that time and use other research tools to understand why and how the community is changing.

3. Methodology & Response
Forward Frederick Business Research
Conducted via
Survey Monkey
May 12 - June 20, 2014
Total Responses 895 with 717 participants
485 completes
232 partial responses
178 disqualified as non Frederick based business owners or operators
was primary tool as to ensure qualified respondents
5,000 business owners and operators via combined County & City EDC List Responses or 12%
ed to Chamber List & BNWC list -310 Responses
Open Link was also promoted via and or PR via during the last 2 weeks of survey

4. Frederick County Market Overview
Forward Frederick Business Research
Business Growth Slows in 2013
Over the last 5 years, the businesses with employees has grown by 6.7%
There was little growth in 2013 consistent with statewide performance, which ranked 49th in the U.S.
Nearly 17K non-employer businesses not reported since 2012, but are primarily microbusinesses with under 5 employees
These businesses are reported via the Census
2012 most recent with next in 2017
Source: Maryland Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, 3rd Quarter data

5. Industry Survey Participation
Forward Frederick Business Research
Frederick County vs. 5+ Participants

6. Overall Early Findings – Economy & Workforce
Forward Frederick Business Research
Economy is stable & improving
More than 50% believe the economy is improving
40% believe it is unchanged or stable
Workforce will see growth and stability
45% are planning to hire new staffing
50% will keep employment stable
Entry Level, Skilled Labor and Sales/Marketing are primary needs
IT, Management, R&D and Customer support are also needed
Frederick has the talent
75% believe Frederick has the workforce to meet their needs
Nearly 20% said it does not have the talent, but is improving
Employers actively recruit from local colleges and universities
Take it easy
50%+ companies attract their workforce offering an attractive environment, flexibility & growth to differentiate themselves.

7. Growth Challenges
Forward Frederick Business Survey
Business Friendly Frederick
Affordable Taxes, Timely Permitting, Zoning and added Incentives are key to the decision making criteria to operate in Frederick
More & Better People Please
Population Growth and Availability of a Skilled Workforce are key drivers

8. Key Learning – Industry Demographics
Forward Frederick Business Research
Life Sciences and Manufacturing are the largest employers, but IT is growing.
Agriculture rarely has more than 20 employees and the oldest
Manufacturing & Life Sciences are mature, but IT is also maturing.

9. Key Learning - Industries
Forward Frederick Business Research
Life Sciences & Manufacturing were less likely to recommend Frederick as place to do business with Agriculture & IT being in line with the average
Nearly ½ of industries employ workers from out of the County with Life Sciences and Agriculture the largest.
Compare to Average

10. Key Learning - Employment
Forward Frederick Business Research
IT & Life Sciences are more likely to increase employment compared to Manufacturing & Agriculture.
Skilled Labor along with Sales & Marketing were key hires for all industries

11. Q8: Does Frederick offer the talent and the workforce required for positions in the company?
Answered: Skipped: 581

12. Q11: From which universities or colleges does the company recruit employees? (Check all that apply)
Answered: Skipped: 728

13. Q15: How likely would you be to recommend Frederick County as a place to open or do business?
Answered: Skipped: 276

14. Q17: How important are the following factors in the decision to operate facilities in Frederick?
Answered: Skipped: 368

15. Q31: Do you agree or disagree that the City, County, and State are good places to own and operate a business?
Answered: Skipped: 661