Survey shows local business optimistic

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on January 29, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

A survey which wrapped up earlier this month shows that local businesses are generally more optimistic than they were at the same time last year.
The Brighter Together survey conducted by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) is completed annually to gather data from the business community in Lethbridge and surrounding area.
Of the 160 businesses who participated in the survey, 74 per cent felt positive about the overall health of their business up from 63 per cent in 2020.
“Leveraging our community brand is a great way to collaborate with EDL and reach out to businesses in Lethbridge to find out what’s working, what isn’t working and most of all, how organizations like ours can help,” said in a press release Cyndi Bester Vos, CEO, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.
She said they used the data collected from past surveys to put work plans in place, offer support and information to businesses in need and also identify trends in the business community that they can raise up to all levels of government.
This is the third consecutive year the survey has been conducted under the Lethbridge Brighter Together community brand.
Results of the Brighter Together survey showed that the biggest strengths to doing business in the Lethbridge area include quality of life, transportation infrastructure, and a collaborative environment.
It also shows that the three biggest challenges to doing business in the Lethbridge area include utilities costs, tax environment and workforce availability.
It shows 54 per cent of businesses surveyed reported moderate or substantial growth and 61 per cent of businesses expect to be busier than normal over the next six to 12 months.
The results also indicate that rising cost of inputs, recruiting and retaining skilled employees, combined with unpredictable fluctuations in consumer demand are obstacles that are concerning to businesses in the next year.
New to the Brighter Together survey this year was the addition of a Brighter Together Success Story. Business were asked to answer what they enjoy about operating in Lethbridge, how their business embraces the Brighter Together message or provide a positive experience they have had over the past 12 months.
Of the many businesses that responded, A-Win Insurance (Solutions Group) was chosen as the recipient of a Brighter Together marketing package and had their business and story highlighted at this morning’s State of the City event.
“We are honoured to have our story represent the broader business community here in Lethbridge and southern Alberta, so many businesses are doing so many great things to help elevate our community,” said in a press release Tania Stilson, C.E.O, A-Win Insurance (Solutions Group).
Full results of the survey will be posted by Jan. 31, 2021 at http://www.chooselethbridge.ca and http://www.lethbridgechamber.com.

Follow @APulidoHerald on Twitter

Comments are closed.