Businesses Anticipate Status Quo for Area Economy
Posted August 19, 1999FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(YORK, PA)-- A survey of York County businesses conducted by the York College-York Federal Institute of Regional Affairs during the first two weeks of August indicated that 77% of the respondents felt that over the next six months the York economy would stay about the same. Eighteen percent felt we would see improvement over the next six months. This result is similar to the results of the last poll taken in May. The Institute, a partnership of York College of Pennsylvania and York Federal, conducts the survey on a quarterly basis.
Thirty-six percent of respondents felt that the net revenue generated from their York Area operations would grow during the next six months and 38% felt their workforce would grow. These numbers are down slightly from the May survey when 52% felt revenue would grow and 42% expected their workforce to grow.
Because of the concerns expressed in the May survey over the availability of qualified workers, specific questions concerning workforce readiness were included in the recent poll. Sixty-four percent of respondents who have interviewed job applicants recently felt those applicants were less prepared for jobs in their business than previous candidates. Fifty-seven percent felt recent applicants had less formal education and training; 54% felt recent applicants have poorer interpersonal skills; and, 54% felt recent applicants were less motivated to succeed.
When asked to rank five general categories of job skills applicants need to possess in terms of their importance to their business, respondents ranked personal skills (e.g. motivation) as most important. Interpersonal skills (e.g. communication) was the second most important followed by technical/vocational skills (e.g. welding)and general/basic skills. Computer-oriented skills was ranked as the least important.
The Institute for Regional Affairs is dedicated to evaluating the issues that shape the economic, political, and social health of the region. The Institute conducts research as well as organizes and reports on information and events that impact the quality of life here in Central Pennsylvania. A partnership of York Federal and York College of Pennsylvania, the Institute utilizes state of the art technology in fulfilling its objectives.
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