• The county got high marks for quality of life and location.
• For those whose businesses are here in the county, three reasons emerge: the ability to live and work in the same region, the strategic location of the county and the market growth potential.
• For those whose businesses are NOT in the county, the biggest reasons were the market growth potential, the location of the existing business, competition and workforce.
• Respondents were split on whether or not the county is “entrepreneur-friendly.” This also elicited a lot of discussion (see comments later.) Those agreeing cited community support. Those disagreeing cited too much regulation.
• The vast majority—89%-- said that they see opportunities for their business to grow in Livingston County.
• Nearly half of those responding –48%--said that the existing road and highway in this area is not serving business well.
• 78% responded that public transportation connecting the county to other counties would be an asset for our continued growth.
• 35% said “No” to the statement “The community has an environment that values and supports people who are starting new businesses.” 35% said “Yes” and 18% were unsure.
• The top three issues most in need of attention to improve the business condition are Less Regulation, Lower Taxes and More resources to expand or grow existing businesses.

Much of the “meat” of the morning—mostly areas for improvement-- occurred from discussion during the event, afterwards in small groups and with follow up emails. Here’s what we heard:

• Regulations (planning, zoning etc.) are cumbersome, changeable and expensive to implement, delaying projects and costing employers inordinately. Communities are not perceived as business-friendly.
• Officials and regulations at the state level are slanted towards manufacturing. There is often nothing the state can offer business start ups or expansions in fields other than manufacturing. This stymies high tech and knowledge-based companies.
• Entrepreneurs and business people should work together to support new businesses and development. A fast track process for development approvals is needed.
• Business people should serve in elected and appointed official roles.
• Some stakeholder have considered moving elsewhere because of greater market potential, better economy and lower taxes.
• Excessive standards by planning commissions (colors, materials, landscaping) that preclude the opportunity to charge lease rates competitive with older buildings.
• Length of review/approval process. According to some stakeholders, it now takes longer to get a building permit or site plan approval than five years ago.
• Stakeholders, especially in the technology and scientific sectors are frustrated by lack of support in Livingston County. Ann Arbor and SPARK was used as an example of a community that understands the needs of high tech and research.
• Some stakeholders expressed concern that this county doesn’t “understand” new technology and its potential.
• This county may have a limited market of qualified candidates/professionals for knowledge-based jobs. This is most likely because of population numbers, rather than lack of education/training.
• Livingston County has a perception of only having major manufacturing employers.
• Oakland County with its County Executive was noted as an example of a county that is proactive in seeking desired businesses.

The goal of the Community Development Committee of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is to share this information with those who can impact change. We would like to reach a common understanding of what needs to be done, identify gaps and build solutions.

• A commitment to the success of incoming and existing businesses.
• The understanding that government and business should be “partners in solutions.”
• The development of realistic and clear planning and zoning standards which meet the goals of the community.
• The recognition that businesses do not have unlimited funds and the understanding that, for businesses to succeed, they must spend responsibly.
• Treating businesses already within the community as highly as potential new businesses.
• Educating the business about potential tax incentives, grant assistance, zoning variances, etc. that may assist in the success of the project.
• A commitment to streamline the approval process by:
• Providing a knowledgeable staff contact to guide the business person through the development process.
• Communicating clear guidelines, fees and expectations and adhering to them.
• Eliminating multiple, costly site plan changes by the municipality.