Click here to download the pdf version of the Austin Chamber’s monthly newsletter, the Member V.O.I.C.E., which includes the article below.
The Austin Chamber of Commerce has released the results of a recent national survey of corporate leaders of companies with revenues in excess of at least fifty million dollars. The goal of the survey was to find out how these executives looked at Austin relative to other cities as a site for possible expansion or relocation.
Out of 15 possible metropolitan areas across the country, Austin was the city most often chosen as a desired target for expansion or relocation. Executives cited an educated workforce, top-notch universities, a thriving tech community and abundant quality of life as reasons to consider Austin, the Human Capital, when repositioning a company.
The survey, conducted in the fall of 2008 by The Benchmark Company, an Austin market research firm which numbers many national firms among its client base, mentioned that Austin was also perceived to be the city that would stand a greater chance of being recession resistant.
“Considering the current national malaise that has affected so many cities, the fact that Austin has maintained a strong, favorable perception among C-level executives across the country is extremely important,” said Dr. Robert Balon, CEO Benchmark. “This should bode well for increased corporate visits and interest in Austin from a cross section of large companies representing many industries. And ultimately, that should pay dividends for Austin businesses and residents.”
The survey shows a drastic increase in recognition of Austin-based companies over 2006, indicating that a greater number of executives not only distinguish Austin as a strong business climate, but also understand that Austin is an attractive market for headquarter relocation as well.
The Austin Chamber, through Opportunity Austin 2.0, has made a commitment to drive the healthy growth and expansion of Austin’s business community with a committed focus on attracting new business from around the country and the globe as well as retaining and expanding existing businesses. The primary goal is to create 117,000 new jobs and $10.8 billion in payroll in the next five years.
Opportunity Austin 2.0 is targeting five specific industries to strengthen and grow, creating a greater depth of diversity in Central Texas: convergence technologies, creative media, green industries, corporate headquarters and health care/life sciences.
