BEACON at Salisbury University seeks business owner feedback in economic survey – 47abc

SALISBURY, Md. – Economic experts at Salisbury University (SU) need help from local businesses.

SU’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) is conducting its semi-annual survey Eastern Shore Business Sentiment Survey. BEACON Director, John Hickman, says the survey is a litmus test for how the economy is doing in our area.

“What do [business owners] think conditions are going to be, moving forward?” Hickman asked in example. “And, also, what are some of the most important barriers to them? Is it cost of labor, inflation, cost of borrowing? And, what are the biggest concerns that they have, looking out into the future?”

Hickman says the data is valuable for local leaders, as it helps them understand the needs the local economy is facing.

“It also rolls up,” Hickman explained. “We send our reports out, both to statewide and national entities.”

BEACON’s survey covers all nine counties on the Eastern Shore. Hickman says results are typically relatively uniform across the Shore, however some variations do crop up in each iteration.

“We find generally that we may see a little difference in the Lower Shore, during the summer, during the high tourism season,” Hickman said. “We try to get a wide basket of the industries on the Eastern Shore. Certainly, we have a large concentration from the hospitality and tourism industry, but the Eastern Shore also has a stronger manufacturing base than other areas in the state.”

Data collection will close at the end of July, and Hickman says the report will be publicly available on the Delmarva Index mid-August. Local businesses can participate by clicking here to take the survey.

One survey participant will win a $100 gift card courtesy of BEACON.