Streamwood Newsletter - March/April 2010 - Village of Streamwood

Business Survey (continued from page 1)
What are the key issues facing businesses
Not surprisingly, the economy
was the primary concern from
businesses. 41% reported that
their business is decreasing.
However, 45% reported business
as stable, and 14% saw increases.
Respondents’ report that the primary
reason business is down is
the economy (39%). We would
expect employment projections to
mirror business projections. Yet, the majority of respondents stated employment is either stable
(70%) or increasing (11%). Only 19% of businesses were looking to reduce workforce. The
overall stability of our business community and strong employment projections indicate that
local businesses remain strong even during these troubled economic times.
Nearly half of the businesses said surviving in this economy has been a significant accomplishment.
But, 16% reported experiencing growth, and 11% told of significant advances such
as selling to major retailers, patenting unique products, or being recognized nationally for
their product or services. These positive signs are further evidence of the overall health of our
local business community.
How do businesses rate the Village
Businesses were asked to rate
community characteristics,
such as housing and taxes, as
well as Village services. We’re
pleased to report that both our
community and our services
received positive marks.
Overall, community amenities
are looked upon favorably
(3.86 out of 5). Not surprisingly,
taxes are seen as the
biggest concern for businesses with an overall rating of 2.71. When the tax rating is removed,
the overall perception of our community increases to a 4.0 rating. And, while taxes received
the lowest rating in 2010, it is higher than it has ever been in past surveys. This can be attributed
to the Village’s willingness to work with businesses on certain tax incentives.
Village services rated very well (4.73 out of 5.0). The highest rating was for fire services
(4.89), followed closely by police services, health inspections, and general outreach (4.78).
The lowest rating was for sign regulations (4.64), where businesses expressed concerns about
site specific issues. As with community ratings, when compared with past surveys Village services
received higher ratings in all categories. This seems to validate the Village’s efforts over
the years to improve our service delivery to our businesses and residents.
Conclusion
The Village of Streamwood has a diverse and stable business community, which seems satisfied
with both Village services and amenities. Village services clearly receive some of the
highest ratings overall, and show a positive upward trend over the past 20+ years such surveys
have been conducted.
The primary concern for the business community, not surprisingly, is the state of the economy. The
majority of businesses see survival as their greatest accomplishment. But, some businesses are
reporting positive gains and expanded markets. Most businesses note stable growth and employment
projections. This is another positive sign for the continued health and stability of our community.
Message From The Village President
Every household
in town should
have received its
2010 Census
questionnaire.
Please complete
it and return it
as soon as possible.
The Census
Bureau has
worked to make
this the easiest
questionnaire
ever! It’s only
10 questions,
and should only take 10 minutes to complete. The Census is critically
important to us all. First, and foremost, it affects your voice in government.
Census counts are used to create federal and state
legislative districts. This affects who represents you in Washington
and Springfield. Second, the Village receives a variety of funds based
on our Census population. Our ability to leverage these funds allows
us to keep property taxes as low as possible. One of the most important
per capita revenue we receive is from Motor Fuel Taxes. The
Village has dedicated these funds to the maintenance of our streets
and infrastructure. An accurate population count will ensure the
future continuation of this vital service. Finally, Census data is used
by other agencies and researchers to help us provide better service
to the community. Senior services, educational tools, and workforce
development assistance are all dependent on information received
from the Census. An accurate count ensures that our community
receives the services and resources to keep our community strong.
Please take a few minutes and complete the Census. An accurate
count is truly in our hands.
We recently had the pleasure of attending graduation ceremonies for
many of our fifth grade DARE classes. We are very proud of the partnership
between the Village of Streamwood and local schools. The
strong bond between our children, our schools and the police department
was evident in every school. I would like to congratulate the
graduates of this year’s program, and thank Officers Steven Millar
and Matt Stastny for their dedication to the children and the
instruction of DARE.
The summer season is right around the corner – and with summer,
comes a number of our community-wide celebrations. We look forward
to seeing you at our annual Memorial Day ceremony on May
30th, the 4th of July fireworks display at Dolphin Park, and, of
course, please keep July 23rd through July 25th open for Summer
Celebration. This year’s theme is Once Upon a Time.
Sincerely,
Billie D. Roth, Village President
President Roth congratulates Jhantelle Damasco,
one of St. John the Evangelist's DARE essay winners.
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