Burnet SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis Report

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Prepared for: The City of Burnet By: AngelouEconomics Inc.

Burnet SWOT Analysis

May 2003

AngelouEconomics (AE) is pleased to present The City of Burnet and the Advisory Committee (AC) with the SWOT Analysis Report. This document is one of two research documents that examines the economy, business climate, and marketing opportunity. The SWOT Analysis Report provides an inventory of the areas strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and assesses the degree to which each economic factor supports future growth. The overall goal of this report is to have a clear understanding of Burnets strengths and areas of potential that can be built upon and better marketed. Findings is this report will lead to our recommendations. Observations in this report are based on significant input collected from local citizens and businesses. Key findings are based on a review of prior studies. This report will be available on-line at www.growingburnet.com. AE will begin developing recommendations to address many of the items described in this SWOT report. It is essential to continue to engage the community at large for the remainder of this project. Your participation in this endeavor is crucial to the long-term success of Burnet and implementing this plan. The Strategic Economic Development and Implementation Plan will provide recommendations to the City of Burnet. Thank you for your input and commitment to this effort.

AngelouEconomics Team:

Angelos Angelou, Principal Nicole Urbis, Project Manager Sean Garretson, Project Manager Daniel Kah, Research Manager

Burnet SWOT Analysis Table of Contents

I. II. Project Process SWOT Analysis a. Overview b. Vision and Goals c. III. Key Findings 4 5 5 7 8 10 11 12 13 15 17 18

Factors a. Factor One: Business Climate and Entrepreneurship b. Factor Two: Workforce and Education c. Factor Three: Quality of Life

d. Factor Four: Infrastructure e. Factor Five: Economic Development Efforts IV. Appendix

Burnet SWOT Analysis

I.

Project Process

The diagram below illustrates the process and purpose of the SWOT Analysis in relation to our project and timeline.

The findings of the SWOT Analysis will be the foundation of identifying the core strategies, implementation plan, and measurement system.

Burnet SWOT Analysis

II.

SWOT Analysis

Overview
The starting point for an economic development strategy is a comprehensive analysis of the region. The first phase of this project included creation of a Web site (main communication vehicle), forming an Advisory Committee (AC), and collecting community input. The community input phase included focus groups, interviews, and surveys, both electronic and handout versions. With assistance from the City of Burnet and the selected AC, AE assembled community audit information to analyze and compared Burnet to three benchmark communities. The results of this analysis are presented in the Economic and Demographic Assessment Report. AE assessed internal aspects such as the existing recruitment strategies, marketing efforts, target industries, and quality-of-life. We also analyzed external aspects like economic base, infrastructure, and business climate. Analyzing the perception that residents and businesses in Burnet have is an important step because it directly relates to how well the community conveys its strengths, or tells its economic story. Understanding Burnets strengths and weaknesses will allow us to form strategies to improve working and living in the City. The project survey provided us with a good baseline of the perceptions of Burnets businesses and residents. As of May 1, we have obtained information from over 390 residents and businesses through our survey and focus group meetings. Throughout this report, AE summarizes major survey findings and comments and provides a survey update report in the appendix section. Burnets strengths and challenges are examined within five factors, which are important economic development topics: Business Climate and Entrepreneurship Workforce and Education Infrastructure Quality of Life Economic Development Efforts Site selectors looking to expand or relocate a business will analyze these factors to determine how well a city ranks compared to other communities. It is important for Burnet to be aware of its strengths and opportunities to be able to expand upon them.

Burnet SWOT Analysis

We characterize our SWOT in these terms: Strengths (Positive, Internal): Positive attributes currently present in Burnet, particularly in comparison to competitors and the U.S. Weaknesses (Negative, Internal): Local issues or characteristics that limit the current or future growth opportunities for Burnet Opportunities (Positive, Internal and External): Areas where Burnet can remedy its weaknesses (learning from others, state-level assistance, global change, aggressive marketing, targeted investment, etc.) Threats (Negative, Internal and External): Trends that threaten Burnets future and attractiveness to new industry, from local weaknesses or global threats.

Burnet SWOT Analysis

Vision and Goals

A vision statement is who Burnet wants to be in five to 10 years. A vision statement is important because it: Sets an objective the entire community can work towards Provides guidance for marketing Gives consulting team direction to form short and long-term recommendations As a result of focus group studies, AE has formed the following vision statement for Burnet. Burnets vision for economic development is:

"Burnet will be a community of retail and employment opportunities; plentiful recreation and entertainment activities; and a community with diverse housing options that embraces controlled, sustainable growth while maintaining its unique history and heritage."
Burnets economic

development goals are to:

Retain and attract high income jobs (diversify industry base) Provide small business resources Improve infrastructure (water, wastewater, roads) Create more entertainment and recreational options Improve affordable housing options

These goals will be further developed in the Strategic Economic Development and Implementation Plan.

Burnet SWOT Analysis Key SWOT Findings

We have identified four key ingredients that are vital to growing Burnets economy and attaining its vision: Internal marketing Entrepreneurial development Entertainment and recreation Community image improvements Internal marketing There is a lack of awareness when it comes to what Burnet has to offer and how the city should grow. Burnet needs to improve awareness. Internal marketing is building awareness and buy-in of Burnet's economic development (E.D.) efforts within the community. According to community input, residents are interested in learning more and participating in this process. The E.D. team should implement an internal marketing campaign, including: communicating and aligning each sector of the community, creating meeting forums to discuss key topics, assigning task force committees to implement strategies, and activating the media to have stories pertaining to the economy, business, and recreational opportunities and achievements. Burnet will be more effective in improving its economy once the residents are behind E.D. efforts and act as marketing representatives helping the community accomplish its vision. The City first needs to strengthen its public and private sector relationships. There appears to be a divide among the City and E.D. teams. Public and private collaboration is defined as economic development organizations, government, school districts and universities, and community organizations having a strong alliance with local businesses. When these groups have a common vision and leaders to execute a plan, a city is able to be competitive and reap prosperity for its citizens. Entrepreneurial development Burnet has an opportunity to develop entrepreneurs. The City is fortunate to have an Industrial Development Foundation (IDC) focused on business recruitment and expansion. The City can benefit even more by fostering an entrepreneurial environment and focusing on expansion opportunities. Burnet has shown success in this area with ATMI and FOC. Once Burnet strengthens its public and private collaboration, it will be ready to support and grow entrepreneurs. According to the World Economic Forum, Social entrepreneurship is recognized as an effective business initiative benefiting society and significantly improving people's lives. Entrepreneurship is responsible for about one third of economic growth.

According to residents that completed the survey, the top five areas that Burnet needs to improve include: Arts and culture options Entertainment and recreational activities High paying jobs Career advancement Location for high tech

One survey respondent states, Burnet needs a public awareness program in the local newspapers every couple of weeks discussing pride in beautification, business successes, and recreation and entertainment options. This program should also discuss the proliferation of doublewides and how they can be landscaped. And, we should recognize what developers are and arent aesthetically conscious.

Source: http://www.weforum.org/

Burnet SWOT Analysis

Entertainment and recreation It is more and more important to have a high quality of life, which includes having several entertainment and recreational options for citizens of all ages. Attracting entertainment for the 25 44 age group is particularly important, as these individuals make up a large portion of Burnets workforce and potential entrepreneurs. Burnet has several beautiful lakes, the new Galloway Hammond recreational facility, Camp Longhorn, and some other entertainment venues, but needs to continue to improve and create more venues like this if it wants to retain and attract its ideal target businesses and workforce. Community image improvements How residents feel about the community they live in is one of the most important factors in succeeding and improving an economy. Many residents have stated their interest in community-wide beautification projects, proper land use planning, street improvements, city park improvements, and faade improvements to name only a few items that have been addressed. Growth in Burnet is inevitable, but managing that growth so that the community retains its heritage and unique qualities is essential for Burnet to address now before the growth manages Burnet.

Burnet SWOT Analysis

III.

Factors
Strengths Weaknesses Lack of middle income jobs No incubator facility Disconnect between E.D. and business community Lack of local funding for entrepreneurs Lack of business Champion to address existing business needs

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Business Climate and Entrepreneurship

ATMI and FOC successes Near two metropolitan areas Pro-business environment Low tax rate Quick permitting process

Strengths

Weaknesses Shortage of skilled workers Lack of high paying jobs Limited higher education courses Few vocational training programs Lack of knowledge of existing business workforce training needs

Workforce and Education

Large geographic area for labor pool Loyal workforce Nearby universities and colleges

Strengths Recreational facilities Inks and Buchanan Lake, Canyon of the Eagles, Camp Longhorn, Galloway Hammond Bluebonnet Festival Seton Healthcare Low crime Youth church activities County Library Strengths State and County Roads Low utility rates Airport Inexpensive land

Weaknesses More proactive government Appearance of downtown square Lack of shopping and entertainment options Difficulty obtaining liquor license

Quality of Life

Weaknesses Out of date land use plan Poor road conditions Few citizens own land for business development

Infrastructure

Strengths Community support 4A Sales tax Pro-growth team E.D. Foundation Urgency for improvements

Weaknesses E.D. and City have poor relationships No formal E.D. organization Lack of marketing strategy Chamber and City relationship

E.D. Efforts

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Burnet SWOT Analysis Factor One: Business Climate and Entrepreneurship

Burnets pro-business environment, location, and inexpensive land make it an ideal location to expand or relocate a business. It is about 50 miles from Austin and 90 miles from San Antonio, giving the community access to two growing metropolitan areas. Over the last decade, two major technology employers serving global clients have located their operations in Burnet, thereby employing 100+ technical, business, and administrative employees and raising the average income for the area. Burnets inexpensive land and low tax rate are major incentives to businesses. According to businesses that completed the survey, the top five areas that Burnet needs to improve include: Higher education Strong economic growth Effective government leadership Incentives Image

Burnet has a quick and responsive City government, which is appealing for commercial and residential development. However, two obstacles for business growth are future land planning and control over available land. From interviews, AE learned that available commercial lands are owned by a small number of individuals. It is uncertain how willing these individuals will be to sell land to future business prospects. Having available land for commercial development is a critical component to economic success. In addition, there are many incompatible uses of land throughout the City. As an example, AE heard that a church-related organization exists next to a facility that puts off gases and could be potentially harmful in a catastrophic event. This type of incompatibility can be dealt with proactively by developing a current future land use plan and corresponding zoning ordinance.

Strengths ATMI and FOC successes Near two metropolitan areas Pro-business environment Low tax rate Quick permitting process

Opportunities Funding for new expansion and new business Targeted marketing strategy Build upon recreational activities success

Business Climate and Entrepreneurship

Weaknesses Lack of middle income jobs Lack of entrepreneurincubator facility Disconnect between E.D. and business community Lack of local funding for entrepreneurs Lack of Business Champion to address existing business needs

Threats Aggressive incentives by competitors Available commercial lands controlled by few individuals No managed growth plan for land development could lead to many incompatible land uses

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Burnet SWOT Analysis Factor Two: Workforce and Education

Burnet has access to many local universities and colleges, but does not have a local campus. With Marble Falls recent addition of the Texas Tech campus, Burnet residents can attend these business, education, and technical degreed programs to enhance their career opportunities. Nevertheless, Burnet may want to consider recruiting Central Texas College (CTC) to further supplement residents educational options. On the workforce front, Burnet is faced with a two-folded challenge in that it lacks high paying jobs and trained workers. As mentioned in the business climate section, Burnet should create high school coop programs to better train individuals who do not want to go to college, but want to pursue careers in technical trades such as welding, electricians, plumbing, and construction. The City should collaborate with local businesses and economic development leaders to determine what type of training programs are needed. Burnet needs to expand its high school co-op, vocational training, and college degree program offerings. This will accomplish three milestones: 1) produce a better-trained workforce, 2) retain a creative youth population, and 3) help local businesses expand. Survey and focus group input suggests the biggest threat facing Burnets workforce is a loss of skilled workers due to lack of entertainment options and affordable housing. CTC has suggested that Burnet perform a needs assessment to determine the need for local vocational education and continuing education classes. This could be done as part of a larger existing employer outreach campaign.
Strengths Workforce and Education Large geographic area for labor pool Loyal workforce Nearby universities and colleges Opportunities Expand H.S. co-op program Attract local community college Improve educational attainment Retain and attract a larger segment of young diverse professionals Strong linkage of education programs and economic development Expand training opportunities Bringing in residents with high skills and education that can be utilized to attract business to Burnet

Weaknesses Workforce is not equipped to serve emerging industries Shortage of skilled workers Lack of high paying jobs Limited higher education courses Few vocational training programs

Threats Loss of workforce due to lack of entertainment and housing options Migration of skilled workers

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Burnet SWOT Analysis Factor Three: Quality of Life

Burnet is fortunate to have several beautiful lakes and parks surrounding the city. This draws in tourists and new residents. The Galloway Hammond recreational facility, which was jointly funded with private and public sector support, is an outstanding center for all citizens. This shows tremendous community pride and commitment, and Burnet should build upon these efforts and replicate this type of initiative.
I would love to see more cultural and children activities. We currently drive to Marble Falls for most entertainment.

Being the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, Burnet hosts a festival each year, which draws residents from all over the State and strengthens the local economy. In 2003, Burnet pulled in 30,000 people for their biggest festival yet. To continue to be attractive, Burnet will need to focus on road, park, and downtown improvements. Community input conveys that there is a perceived shortage of entertainment and cultural events. If the Steam Train is going to continue, for example, Burnet should provide amenities for visitors and consider a bus that could take folks from the square to other parts of the city. The city could make aesthetic improvements to the downtown faade and persuade more local businesses to expand retail and restaurants in this area to continue to improve the quality of life. According to community input, there is a concern pertaining to liquor licenses. Residents want to make it easier for restaurants to maintain and expand its clientele by reducing the cost and time to get a liquor license. In these times of fiscal constraints, the City may want to examine the opportunity to allow restaurants to sell beer and liquor for numerous reasons: Sales of liquor and beer will increase the sales tax revenue for the City More restaurant establishments will consider expanding a franchise in Burnet More tourists and transient workers (construction workers) will stay in Burnet, which will increase hotel and motel tax revenue.
One survey respondent states, Since I moved to Burnet about 10 years ago, there have been empty buildings on the square. That has always given me the impression that the economy is slow, or worst dieing. I get the impression that there are too many restrictions to keep restaurants here. We need to change the liquor license laws and help our local restaurants.

While theres a perception of high housing cost, numerous real estate developers are currently building more housing divisions, such as the Hills of Shady Grove and the Ranch at Delaware Creek to address this concern. However, the number of units that will come online may not be sufficient to support a growing employee population who may have a median household income of between $25,000 - $45,000 (an income for most support staff, firemen/policemen, and teachers). The City will need to actively pursue developing affordable multi-family and singlefamily housing to support this employee base.

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Strengths Recreational facilities o Inks and Buchanan Lake o Canyon of the Eagles o Camp Longhorn o Galloway Hammond Tourism Festivals Bluebonnet Festival Seton Healthcare Low crime Church activities for youth

Opportunities Entertainment and recreational activities More proactive government leadership Support downtown improvement efforts Address liquor license issue Add more affordable housing areas Tourism Marketing Plan Expand City-owned property next to Galloway Hammond Enhance downtown square Create a faade enhancement program for downtown

Quality of Life

Weaknesses More proactive government Appearance of downtown square Lack of shopping and entertainment options Difficulty in obtaining liquor license Perceived high cost of housing Parks need improvement

Threats Downtown degradation Low paying jobs Diversity of housing

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Burnet SWOT Analysis Factor Four: Infrastructure

Burnet has numerous strengths that will help grow local and new business, including: low utility rates, inexpensive land, access to major metropolitan areas, and an airport. These are important criteria that site selectors and business executives examine when considering a new city for expanding its operations. Although there is inexpensive land, a small group of citizens own this land and the City may want to work with these individuals and the private sector to ensure that Burnet has a well thought commercial development plan. As was mentioned earlier in this report, the City should address this concern to ensure that land availability for commercial development is not an obstacle for business expansion or relocation. Water and wastewater availability is key to Burnets success in the short and long-term future. Based upon an updated land use plan, Burnet should develop a utility plan to support future business growth, a Capital Improvements Plan to support the development of needed infrastructure. It is our understanding that Burnet currently has sufficient infrastructure suited for business uses. Burnet may want to take a more proactive approach at its long-term plan for infrastructure to ensure the City is prepared for predicted growth. A survey respondent states, We need a concerted effort to improve the physical appearance, such as our streets, abandoned buildings, and roadside clutter. The first visual impressions conveyed to visitors are primarily negative.

Lastly, Burnet needs to update their future land use plan and land development ordinances. Businesses and residents want to be able to predict how land will be utilized next to them before they commit to any decision on how to use their own land. While the upcoming strategic plan will assist in this effort, a Future Land Use Plan and land development ordinance update must be undertaken soon.

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Strengths No traffic congestion Access to land near Galloway Hammond for business park or recreational center expansion Airport Low utility rates Airport Inexpensive land

Opportunities Competitive telecom service & price Develop a new land use plan

Infrastructure

Weaknesses Houses for large businesses (over 300 employees) isnt in place Out of date land use plan Poor road conditions Few citizens own land for business development

Threats Communities offering better business sites More aggressive incentives elsewhere

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Factor Five: Economic Development Efforts

Burnet has the community supporting its E.D. efforts. Thus far in this project, over 390 citizens, business leaders, and local civic leaders have participated by supplying input to help form E.D. strategies. This is a great strength for the City because it builds excitement, momentum, and a team that will bring success to the area. With the newly appointed E.D. Director, Burnet is moving in the right direction to make things happen. AE will develop a work plan for the new Director to help organize and focus these efforts. There is also an opportunity for Burnet to have a formal E.D. organization. Throughout the community input phase, we have heard that Burnets E.D. team and the City do not have a good relationship. This must be changed if Burnet, as a whole, wants to prosper long-term. As mentioned in the key findings section, there is a need for marketing, specifically internal marketing. Burnet should build awareness of its E.D. efforts within the community. Once this happens, Burnet will be more effective and can market to targeted businesses and the tourist market. With Burnets location and many alluring tourist destinations, there is a need to implement a well-thought out marketing strategy to better nurture the local economy. A survey respondent states, I would like to see the City of Burnet work harder to keep our businesses from leaving. We need leadership. Another survey respondents states, Burnet needs committed volunteers who serve the city in many ways, such as leading and organizing meetings, associations, events, and festivals.

Strengths Community support 4A Sales tax Pro-growth team E.D. Foundation Urgency for improvements

Opportunities Develop a work plan for E.D. Director Engage the entire community Build upon E.D. vision and leaders Internal marketing More private / public alliances Connection with education

Economic Development Efforts

Weaknesses E.D. and City have poor relationships No formal E.D. organization Lack of marketing strategy City and Chamber relationship

Threats Fail to implement No clear vision

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

IV.

Appendix

Survey for Burnet General Information

Your name: (Anonymous) E-mail: Age: Ethnicity: Years of education: Years in Burnet: Recreational hobbies: Company name (if applicable): Company address: Industry: Product / service: Your position and title: Company Web site address:

_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ White Hispanic Black Other: _________________ H.S. Undergraduate degree Graduate and above Other: _________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

You are invited to fill-out this survey as either a resident or company professional. Your input is incredibly important to us and will help AE form economic development recommendations for Burnet. Please select what category you feel is appropriate and proceed to that section. The last page is for all respondents to complete. For more information on our project, visit www.growingburnet.com Thank you for your time and information. For Residents: Please circle the appropriate number rate. How important are the following factors to you? (1=not important; 5=very important) Education K-12 education Area community colleges Workforce training programs 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 How well does Burnet satisfy your needs? (1=not well; 5= very well)

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Livability Cost of living Entertainment / recreation Arts / Culture Low crime Good healthcare Family environment Climate Good value housing 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Infrastructure Air connectivity Highway Driving time to work Mobile phone service High speed Internet connectivity

1 1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5 5

1 1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5 5

Working environment Job availability Career advancement opportunities High paying jobs Equal opportunity General Economy Image of city as a place to live Effective government leadership Strong business growth Location for high tech activity For companies: How long has your business been located in Burnet? How many people are employed in your company? Total: _____________ In Burnet: _____________ ____________ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

What is your annual gross revenue? $0-$1million $20-$50 million $1-$5 million $50 - $100 million $5-$20 million $100 million and above

Tell us about your growth expectations over the next 2 years. Please circle the appropriate response. Maintain Expand Decline

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Employment Revenue Profitability Supplier purchases Equipment investment Real estate office / manufacturing space Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Decline Decline Decline Decline Decline Decline

Please circle the appropriate number rate. How important are the following factors to you? (1=not important; 5=very important) Education K-12 education Local community colleges Workforce training programs How well does Burnet satisfy your needs? (1=not well; 5= very well)

1 1 1

2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4 4

5 5 5

1 1 1

2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4 4

5 5 5

Workforce Recruitment / Retention Cost of living Entertainment / recreation Arts / Culture Low crime Good healthcare Family environment Good value housing Business Climate Tax cost Regulatory environment State and local incentives Proximity to customers / suppliers Availability of quality workers Cost of labor Entrepreneurial environment 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Infrastructure Air connectivity 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Highway Driving time to work Mobile phone service High speed Internet connectivity Cost of utilities General Economy Image of city as a place to do business Effective government leadership Strong economic growth Location for high tech Research and development resources For all respondents: Are there any improvements you would like to see in Burnet? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What types of businesses would you like to see expand or relocate to Burnet? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are Burnets strengths when it comes to recruiting businesses and families? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other information you would like to share with us ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Overview of Survey Findings

Survey Update

Peak Survey Times

325+ completed surveys 300+ unique Web site visitors

Highest traffic on February 13 advisory campaign Most requested page = Survey (56.1%)

Top 5 Areas of Importance

Top 5 Areas to Improve

Residents
Family environment K-12 education Low crime Good healthcare Cost of living

Corporations
Family environment K-12 education Low crime Effective government leadership Tax cost

Residents
Arts / Culture Entertainment / Recreation High paying jobs

Corporations
Higher education Stronger economic growth Effective government leadership

Career advancement Incentives opportunities Location for high tech Image

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Growth Expectation
16 companies
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 64.3 69.2 64.3 57.1 46.2

Industry Demographics
14.3 27.8

0 7.1 35.7

14.3
Employment Profitability Supplier Equipment Real Estate Purchases Investment

16 companies

Percentage of corporate respondents that plan to expand aspects of their business

Government 21.4 Retail Manufacturing Other

Services Construction Agriculture

Survey Findings
Other information you would like to share with us?

Survey Findings
What type of business do you see expanding or relocating to Burnet? Industry / Audience Entrepreneurs Retail / Outlet Mall Manufacturing Restaurants High-speed Internet Service Provider High-tech Recreational College Grocery ATMI supplier company Community needs Higher paying jobs Clean / environment friendly businesses Brand name retail / restaurants

Capitalize on our location, natural resources, lakes, and public schools Burnet is a great place caring community and strong education We should work harder to keep existing businesses from leaving Need public relations / awareness.

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Burnet SWOT Analysis

Survey Findings
Are there any improvements you would like to see in Burnet?

Improve job availability Offer incentives to targeted businesses Improve our self-image Better communication More coordinated ED Invest in infrastructure Need to market

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