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2. 1. Which category best describes your business activity?

   1. Retail Goods
   2. Food/Restaurants
   3. Recreation/Personal Services
   4. Business Services/Marketing
   5. Financial/Investment/Real Estate Services
   6. Manufacturing
   7. Distribution/Warehousing
   8. Medical/Dental Services
   9. Beauty/Wellness
   10. Technology/IT Services
   11. Construction Services
   12. Agribusiness
4. 2. Please indicate to which degree your business experiences the following challenges:

   Select the answer that best applies using a scale of: 4 (Very Much), 3 (Somewhat), 2 (Not Much), 1 (Not at All)

6. Recruiting or retaining employees

   1. 4 (Very Much)
   2. 3 (Somewhat)
   3. 2 (Not Much)
   4. 1 (Not at All)
7. Expensive employee wages/benefits

   1. 4 (Very Much)
   2. 3 (Somewhat)
   3. 2 (Not Much)
   4. 1 (Not at all)
9. Unskilled Workers

   1. 4 (Very Much)
   2. 3 (Somewhat)
   3. 2 (Not Much)
   4. 1 (Not at All)
10. Employee Retention

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
12. Expensive health insurance

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at all)
13. Expensive rent

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
15. Poor building condition

    1. 4 (Vey Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
16. Tenant/Landlord relationship

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at all)
18. Insufficient parking

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
19. Insufficient local financing available

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
21. Expensive or unavailable utilities

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
22. Restrictive business regulations/taxes

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
24. Expensive shipping or transportation

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
25. Expensive or unavailable products

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
27. In-town competition

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
28. Out-of-Town competition

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
30. Shoplifting of theft

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
31. Vandalism

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
33. Language barriers

    1. 4 (Very Much)
    2. 3 (Somewhat)
    3. 2 (Not Much)
    4. 1 (Not at All)
35. Other (please specify):
37. 3. What is the top business issue or concern currently impacting your organization/business?

    1. Economic conditions and market volatility
    2. Regulatory compliance and government policies
    3. Workforce recruitment and retention
    4. Expenses and financial burdens
    5. Infrastructure and transportation challenges
39. Other (please specify):
41. 4. How would you prioritize the following business-related topics in terms of importance for the town to address? (Select top three):

    1. Economic development and job creation
    2. Regulatory policies and compliance burdens
    3. Taxation and fiscal policies
    4. Infrastructure development and transportation
    5. Workforce development and talent acquisition
    6. Access to capital and financing options
    7. Government procurement and contracting opportunities
    8. Marketing and public outreach
43. Other (please specify):
45. 5. Which specific regulations or policies pose the most significant challenges to businesses in our area?

    1. Labor regulations and employment laws
    2. Environmental regulations
    3. Licensing and permitting requirements
    4. Tax codes and reporting obligations
    5. Zoning and land use regulations
47. Other (please specify):
49. 6. Are there any emerging business trends or issues you believe the town should proactively address?

    1. Technological advancements and digital transformation
    2. Sustainability and green business practices
    3. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
    4. Interregional and international business opportunities
    5. Cybersecurity and/or incorporation of AI
51. Other (please specify):
53. 7. What types of support or resources do you think the town should provide to help businesses thrive in our community?

    1. Connections and business development opportunities
    2. Educational workshops and training programs
    3. Advocacy and representation with government officials
    4. Access to funding and financing options
    5. Information and research on market trends and industry insights
55. Other (please specify):
57. 8. Are there any specific initiatives or policy changes you would like the town to pursue to support the business community?

    1. Streamlining regulatory processes and reducing red tape
    2. Promoting tax incentives and business-friendly policies
    3. Enhancing workforce development programs and partnerships
    4. Investing in infrastructure improvements and transportation networks
    5. Facilitating access to capital and financing opportunities
59. Other (please specify):
61. 9. What actions or strategies should the town take to enhance collaboration between the business community and local government?

    1. Organizing regular meetings and forums for dialogue
    2. Establishing task forces or committees to address specific issues
    3. Encouraging participation in local government in various capacities
    4. Engaging in public advocacy campaigns (ex. Buy Local) and media outreach
63. Other (please specify):
65. 10. In your opinion, what are the most critical factors hindering business growth and prosperity in our town?

    1. High operating costs and overhead expenses
    2. Limited access to qualified workforce and skilled
    3. Insufficient infrastructure and transportation systems
    4. Excessive government regulations and bureaucracy
    5. Competition from neighboring regions or online platforms
67. Other (please specify):
69. 11. Does your business incorporate any green/sustainable/energy efficient policies or practices? (Ex. recycling, solar energy, grant/rebate/tax credit recipient

    1. Yes, and I believe green policies positively impact business
    2. Yes, and I believe green policies have little to no impact on my business
    3. Yes, and I believe green policies are hurting my business
    4. No, this is not priority
    5. No, I was not aware of any incentives for businesses to implement sustainable practices
71. Other (please specify):
73. 12. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for improving communication between local businesses and residents?
75. 13. If you have any suggestions that you feel would benefit the Town of Poughkeepsie and the community, as well as benefit the local businesses and restaurants, please add them here.
77. 14. Any additional comments:
79. Name
80. Email Address
82. Address
84. City
85. State
86. Zip Code
88. Phone Number
89. Fax Number
91. Thank You For Your Input!
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