The EZ has contributed to job creation, but the exact number of new jobs is difficult to determine as figures vary depending on when the job creation data is collected. For example, a business owner may initially project a much greater job creation number before expansion or relocation than actually results from the activity. Awards are made after DECD audits each company's payroll for 13 weeks to calculate the job growth. These job figures are not always completely accurate due to the changing nature of economic activity and the employment gains and losses over time. For example, one company that received a 1997 grant for creating 22 jobs no longer operates in Stamford, according to the EZ employment and training coordinator, Christina Lashley.
Job growth is sometimes under-reported.
Several Stamford and DECD officials noted that not all businesses expanding in the EZ are aware of the JIG program or they may not take the time to complete the program paperwork. In light of this, it is very likely that the enterprise zone businesses have created more jobs than are reflected in the JIG program grant figures. In the last three years Lashley has surveyed the companies in the zone to measure job growth and how many new hires are EZ residents. Table 2 shows the surveys' results. While the survey asked for, and Lashley then verified through address checks, the number of EZ residents hired, there is no data available on the number of employees hired from Stamford as a whole.