This is the second annual WMC economic outlook survey conducted in conjunction with the business association s summer board meeting. WMC s board is comprised mostly of CEO s of the state s top manufacturers, service companies and chambers of commerce. Nearly 47 percent surveyed said their top business problem is Wisconsin s labor shortage. And 75 percent said they are having trouble hiring employees, at virtually all levels of operation. In an effort to keep good workers, businesses are offering flex time, incentive pay, and major commitments to employee training and education.
Businesses can t find new workers, so they re working harder to keep current employees.
The survey confirms a December 1997 scientific poll of WMC s members conducted by Chamberlain Research Consultants of Madison. That poll of 400 WMC member companies found 41 percent said taxes are too high, and 36 percent said the labor shortage is their top business problem. Wisconsin posted the record low unemployment level of 2.4 percent in April. 40.3 percent say the top issue is high taxes. 24.8 percent say education quality is the top issue.