Business First Greater Richmond today released the summary findings of 600 face-to-face company visits over the past year with owners, managers and CEOs of Richmond areas companies. Highlights of the interviews include:
A third of the businesses have definite plans to expand and create more than 1,800 new jobs over the next 12 months.
Approximately 80 percent of the firms identified their primary product or service as belonging to an “emerging” or “growing” market.
Fifty percent of those interviewed predict sales growth in excess of 10 percent over the next year.
Largest employment gains are anticipated in health care, manufacturing, and professional services.
Eighty-five percent rate the local business climate as good or excellent and 91 percent have an overall positive attitude about the community.
Seventy-four percent rate workforce quality as good or excellent, although more than 200 firms report recruitment is a challenge
The mission of the Business First Greater Richmond program and its network of partners is to help solve business problems, remove barriers to growth, and provide direct assistance to firms in need. “The Greater Richmond Partnership developed this program realizing the success of existing industry affects the economic vitality of the region. Supporting businesses that already call Richmond home is a key component our overall mission,” states Gregory H. Wingfield, President and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership.
For the full text of the Business First Greater Richmond report or to schedule a company visit, access www.businessfirstrichmond.com.
Business First Greater Richmond, launched in October 2006, is supported by the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. in collaboration with the Greater Richmond Chamber and the economic development offices in the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico and the City of Richmond. It is also supported by more than 80 volunteers and other agencies in the region committed to the growth and retention of area businesses.
The preceding was compiled from a Greater Richmond Partnership Inc. news release.