Burnet SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis
Report
Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats

Prepared for:

The City of Burnet

By: AngelouEconomics Inc.

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

May 2003

AngelouEconomics (AE) is pleased to present The City of Burnet and the Advisory Committee (AC) with the SWOT Analysis Report. This
document is one of two research documents that examines the economy, business climate, and marketing opportunity.

The SWOT Analysis Report provides an inventory of the area’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and assesses the
degree to which each economic factor supports future growth. The overall goal of this report is to have a clear understanding of Burnet’s
strengths and areas of potential that can be built upon and better marketed. Findings is this report will lead to our recommendations.

Observations in this report are based on significant input collected from local citizens and businesses. Key findings are based on a review of
prior studies. This report will be available on-line at www.growingburnet.com.

AE will begin developing recommendations to address many of the items described in this SWOT report. It is essential to continue to engage
the community at large for the remainder of this project. Your participation in this endeavor is crucial to the long-term success of Burnet and
implementing this plan. The Strategic Economic Development and Implementation Plan will provide recommendations to the City of Burnet.

Thank you for your input and commitment to this effort.

AngelouEconomics Team:

Angelos Angelou, Principal

Nicole Urbis, Project Manager
Sean Garretson, Project Manager
Daniel Kah, Research Manager

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Table of Contents

I. Project Process 4

II. SWOT Analysis 5

a. Overview 5

b. Vision and Goals 7

c. Key Findings 8

III. Factors 10

a. Factor One: Business Climate and Entrepreneurship 11

b. Factor Two: Workforce and Education 12

c. Factor Three: Quality of Life 13

d. Factor Four: Infrastructure 15

e. Factor Five: Economic Development Efforts 17

IV. Appendix 18

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

I. Project Process

The diagram below illustrates the process and purpose of the SWOT Analysis in relation to our project and timeline.

The findings of the SWOT Analysis will be the foundation of identifying the core strategies, implementation plan, and measurement system.

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

II. SWOT Analysis

Overview

The starting point for an economic development strategy is a comprehensive analysis of the region. The first phase of this project included
creation of a Web site (main communication vehicle), forming an Advisory Committee (AC), and collecting community input. The community
input phase included focus groups, interviews, and surveys, both electronic and handout versions. With assistance from the City of Burnet and
the selected AC, AE assembled community audit information to analyze and compared Burnet to three benchmark communities. The results of
this analysis are presented in the Economic and Demographic Assessment Report.

AE assessed internal aspects such as the existing recruitment strategies, marketing efforts, target industries, and quality-of-life. We also
analyzed external aspects like economic base, infrastructure, and business climate. Analyzing the perception that residents and businesses in
Burnet have is an important step because it directly relates to how well the community conveys its strengths, or tells its economic story.
Understanding Burnet’s strengths and weaknesses will allow us to form strategies to improve working and living in the City.

The project survey provided us with a good baseline of the perceptions of Burnet’s businesses and residents. As of May 1, we have obtained
information from over 390 residents and businesses through our survey and focus group meetings. Throughout this report, AE
summarizes major survey findings and comments and provides a survey update report in the appendix section.

Burnet’s strengths and challenges are examined within five factors, which are important economic development topics:
• Business Climate and Entrepreneurship
• Workforce and Education
• Infrastructure
• Quality of Life
• Economic Development Efforts

Site selectors looking to expand or relocate a business will analyze these factors to determine how well a city ranks compared to other
communities. It is important for Burnet to be aware of its strengths and opportunities to be able to expand upon them.

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

We characterize our “SWOT” in these terms:

• Strengths (Positive, Internal): Positive attributes
currently present in Burnet, particularly in comparison
to competitors and the U.S.
• Weaknesses (Negative, Internal): Local issues or
characteristics that limit the current or future growth
opportunities for Burnet
• Opportunities (Positive, Internal and External):
Areas where Burnet can remedy its weaknesses
(learning from others, state-level assistance, global change,
aggressive marketing, targeted investment, etc.)
• Threats (Negative, Internal and External):
Trends that threaten Burnet’s future and attractiveness
to new industry, from local weaknesses or global threats.

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Vision and Goals

A vision statement is “who” Burnet wants to be in five to 10 years. A vision statement is important because it:
• Sets an objective the entire community can work towards
• Provides guidance for marketing
• Gives consulting team direction to form short and long-term recommendations

As a result of focus group studies, AE has formed the following vision statement for Burnet.

Burnet’s vision for economic development is:

"Burnet will be a community of retail and employment

opportunities; plentiful recreation and entertainment
activities; and a community with diverse housing
options that embraces controlled, sustainable growth
while maintaining its unique history and heritage."

Burnet’s economic development goals are to:

• Retain and attract high income jobs (diversify industry base)
• Provide small business resources
• Improve infrastructure (water, wastewater, roads)
• Create more entertainment and recreational options
• Improve affordable housing options

These goals will be further developed in the Strategic Economic Development and Implementation Plan.

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Key SWOT Findings

We have identified four key ingredients that are vital to growing Burnet’s economy and attaining its vision:
• Internal marketing
• Entrepreneurial development
• Entertainment and recreation
• Community image improvements

Internal marketing
There is a lack of awareness when it comes to what Burnet has to offer and how the city should grow.
Burnet needs to improve awareness. Internal marketing is building awareness and “buy-in” of Burnet's According to residents
economic development (E.D.) efforts within the community. According to community input, residents are that completed the survey,
interested in learning more and participating in this process. The E.D. team should implement an internal the top five areas that
marketing campaign, including: communicating and aligning each sector of the community, creating Burnet needs to improve
meeting forums to discuss key topics, assigning task force committees to implement strategies, and include:
activating the media to have stories pertaining to the economy, business, and recreational opportunities and • Arts and culture
achievements. Burnet will be more effective in improving its economy once the residents are behind E.D. options
efforts and act as marketing representatives helping the community accomplish its vision. • Entertainment and
recreational activities
The City first needs to strengthen its public and private sector relationships. There appears to be a divide • High paying jobs
among the City and E.D. teams. Public and private collaboration is defined as economic development • Career advancement
organizations, government, school districts and universities, and community organizations having a strong • Location for high tech
alliance with local businesses. When these groups have a common vision and leaders to execute a plan, a
city is able to be competitive and reap prosperity for its citizens.

Entrepreneurial development One survey respondent states, “Burnet

Burnet has an opportunity to develop entrepreneurs. The City is fortunate to have an needs a public awareness program in the
Industrial Development Foundation (IDC) focused on business recruitment and expansion. local newspapers every couple of weeks
The City can benefit even more by fostering an entrepreneurial environment and focusing discussing pride in beautification,
on expansion opportunities. Burnet has shown success in this area with ATMI and FOC. business successes, and recreation and
Once Burnet strengthens its public and private collaboration, it will be ready to support and entertainment options. This program
grow entrepreneurs. According to the World Economic Forum, “Social entrepreneurship should also discuss the proliferation of
is recognized as an effective business initiative benefiting society and significantly doublewides and how they can be
improving people's lives.” Entrepreneurship is responsible for about one third of landscaped. And, we should recognize
economic growth. what developers are and aren’t
aesthetically conscious.”

Source: http://www.weforum.org/

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Entertainment and recreation

It is more and more important to have a high quality of life, which includes having several entertainment and recreational options for citizens of
all ages. Attracting entertainment for the 25 – 44 age group is particularly important, as these individuals make up a large portion of Burnet’s
workforce and potential entrepreneurs. Burnet has several beautiful lakes, the new Galloway Hammond recreational facility, Camp
Longhorn, and some other entertainment venues, but needs to continue to improve and create more venues like this if it wants to retain and
attract its ideal target businesses and workforce.

Community image improvements

How residents feel about the community they live in is one of the most important factors in succeeding and improving an economy. Many
residents have stated their interest in community-wide beautification projects, proper land use planning, street improvements, city park
improvements, and façade improvements to name only a few items that have been addressed. Growth in Burnet is inevitable, but managing
that growth so that the community retains its heritage and unique qualities is essential for Burnet to address now – before the growth manages
Burnet.

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

III. Factors
Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths Weaknesses
• ATMI and FOC successes • Lack of middle income jobs
• Near two metropolitan areas • No incubator facility
Business Climate • Pro-business environment • Disconnect between E.D. and business community
and • Low tax rate • Lack of local funding for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship • Quick permitting process • Lack of business “Champion” to address existing
business needs

Strengths Weaknesses
• Large geographic area for labor pool • Shortage of skilled workers
• Loyal workforce • Lack of high paying jobs
Workforce • Nearby universities and colleges • Limited higher education courses
and • Few vocational training programs
Education • Lack of knowledge of existing business workforce training
needs

Strengths Weaknesses
• Recreational facilities – Inks and Buchanan Lake, • More proactive government
Canyon of the Eagles, Camp Longhorn, Galloway • Appearance of downtown square
Hammond • Lack of shopping and entertainment options
Quality of Life • Bluebonnet Festival • Difficulty obtaining liquor license
• Seton Healthcare
• Low crime
• Youth church activities
• County Library
Strengths Weaknesses
• State and County Roads • Out of date land use plan
• Low utility rates • Poor road conditions
Infrastructure • Airport • Few citizens own land for business development
• Inexpensive land

Strengths Weaknesses
• Community support • E.D. and City have poor relationships
• 4A Sales tax • No formal E.D. organization
• Pro-growth team • Lack of marketing strategy
E.D. Efforts • E.D. Foundation • Chamber and City relationship
• Urgency for improvements

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Factor One: Business Climate and Entrepreneurship

Burnet’s pro-business environment, location, and inexpensive land make it an ideal location to expand or
According to businesses
relocate a business. It is about 50 miles from Austin and 90 miles from San Antonio, giving the community
that completed the survey,
access to two growing metropolitan areas. Over the last decade, two major technology employers serving
the top five areas that
global clients have located their operations in Burnet, thereby employing 100+ technical, business, and
Burnet needs to improve
administrative employees and raising the average income for the area. Burnet’s inexpensive land and low
include:
tax rate are major incentives to businesses.
• Higher education
Burnet has a quick and responsive City government, which is appealing for commercial and residential • Strong economic growth
development. However, two obstacles for business growth are future land planning and control over • Effective government
available land. From interviews, AE learned that available commercial lands are owned by a small number leadership
of individuals. It is uncertain how willing these individuals will be to sell land to future business prospects. • Incentives
Having available land for commercial development is a critical component to economic success. In • Image
addition, there are many incompatible uses of land throughout the City. As an example, AE heard that a
church-related organization exists next to a facility that puts off gases and could be potentially harmful in a catastrophic event. This type of
incompatibility can be dealt with proactively by developing a current future land use plan and corresponding zoning ordinance.

Strengths
• ATMI and FOC successes
• Near two metropolitan areas
• Pro-business environment
• Low tax rate
• Quick permitting process
Business Climate
and Weaknesses
Entrepreneurship
• Lack of middle income jobs
• Lack of entrepreneur–incubator
facility
• Disconnect between E.D. and
business community
• Lack of local funding for
entrepreneurs
• Lack of Business “Champion”
to address existing business
needs
Opportunities
• Funding for new expansion and new
business
• Targeted marketing strategy
• Build upon recreational activities
success
Threats
• Aggressive incentives by competitors
• Available commercial lands
controlled by few individuals
• No managed growth plan for land
development could lead to many
incompatible land uses

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Factor Two: Workforce and Education

Burnet has access to many local universities and colleges, but does not have a local campus. With Marble Falls’ recent addition of the Texas
Tech campus, Burnet residents can attend these business, education, and technical degreed programs to enhance their career opportunities.
Nevertheless, Burnet may want to consider recruiting Central Texas College (CTC) to further supplement resident’s educational options.

On the workforce front, Burnet is faced with a two-folded challenge in that it lacks high paying jobs and trained workers. As mentioned in the
business climate section, Burnet should create high school coop programs to better train individuals who do not want to go to college, but want
to pursue careers in technical trades such as welding, electricians, plumbing, and construction. The City should collaborate with local
businesses and economic development leaders to determine what type of training programs are needed. Burnet needs to expand its high
school co-op, vocational training, and college degree program offerings. This will accomplish three milestones: 1) produce a better-trained
workforce, 2) retain a creative youth population, and 3) help local businesses expand. Survey and focus group input suggests the biggest
threat facing Burnet’s workforce is a loss of skilled workers due to lack of entertainment options and affordable housing.

CTC has suggested that Burnet perform a needs assessment to determine the need for local vocational education and continuing education
classes. This could be done as part of a larger “existing employer” outreach campaign.

Strengths Opportunities
• Expand H.S. co-op program
• Large geographic area for labor pool • Attract local community college
• Loyal workforce • Improve educational attainment
• Nearby universities and colleges • Retain and attract a larger segment of
young diverse professionals
Workforce and • Strong linkage of education
Education programs and economic
development
• Expand training opportunities
• Bringing in residents with high skills
and education that can be utilized to
attract business to Burnet

Weaknesses Threats
• Workforce is not equipped to serve
emerging industries • Loss of workforce due to lack of
• Shortage of skilled workers entertainment and housing options
• Lack of high paying jobs • Migration of skilled workers
• Limited higher education courses
• Few vocational training programs

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Factor Three: Quality of Life

Burnet is fortunate to have several beautiful lakes and parks surrounding the city. This draws in tourists “I would love to see more
and new residents. The Galloway Hammond recreational facility, which was jointly funded with private and cultural and children
public sector support, is an outstanding center for all citizens. This shows tremendous community pride activities. We currently drive
and commitment, and Burnet should build upon these efforts and replicate this type of initiative. to Marble Falls for most
entertainment.”
Being the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas”, Burnet hosts a festival each year, which draws residents from all
over the State and strengthens the local economy. In 2003, Burnet pulled in 30,000 people for their biggest festival yet.

To continue to be attractive, Burnet will need to focus on road, park, and downtown improvements. Community input conveys that there is a
perceived shortage of entertainment and cultural events. If the Steam Train is going to continue, for example, Burnet should provide amenities
for visitors and consider a bus that could take folks from the square to other parts of the city. The city could make aesthetic improvements to
the downtown façade and persuade more local businesses to expand retail and restaurants in this area to continue to improve the quality of
life.

According to community input, there is a concern pertaining to liquor licenses. Resident’s want to make it easier for restaurants to maintain
and expand its clientele by reducing the cost and time to get a liquor license. In these times of fiscal constraints, the City may want to examine
the opportunity to allow restaurants to sell beer and liquor for numerous reasons:

• Sales of liquor and beer will increase the sales tax revenue for the City
• More restaurant establishments will consider expanding a franchise in Burnet
• More tourists and transient workers (construction workers) will stay in Burnet, which will increase hotel and motel tax revenue.

While there’s a perception of high housing cost, numerous real estate developers are currently One survey respondent states, “Since I
moved to Burnet about 10 years ago, there
building more housing divisions, such as the Hills of Shady Grove and the Ranch at Delaware
have been empty buildings on the square.
Creek to address this concern. However, the number of units that will come online may not be That has always given me the impression
sufficient to support a growing employee population who may have a median household income that the economy is slow, or worst dieing.
of between $25,000 - $45,000 (an income for most support staff, firemen/policemen, and I get the impression that there are too
teachers). The City will need to actively pursue developing affordable multi-family and single- many restrictions to keep restaurants
family housing to support this employee base. here. We need to change the liquor
license laws and help our local
restaurants.”

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Strengths Opportunities
• Recreational facilities
o Inks and Buchanan Lake • Entertainment and recreational
o Canyon of the Eagles activities
o Camp Longhorn • More proactive government
o Galloway Hammond leadership
Quality of Life • Tourism Festivals – Bluebonnet Festival • Support downtown improvement
• Seton Healthcare efforts
• Low crime • Address liquor license issue
• Church activities for youth • Add more affordable housing areas
• Tourism Marketing Plan
• Expand City-owned property next
to Galloway Hammond
• Enhance downtown square
• Create a façade enhancement
program for downtown

Weaknesses Threats
• Downtown degradation
• More proactive government • Low paying jobs
• Appearance of downtown square • Diversity of housing
• Lack of shopping and entertainment
options
• Difficulty in obtaining liquor license
• Perceived high cost of housing
• Parks need improvement

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Factor Four: Infrastructure

Burnet has numerous strengths that will help grow local and new business, including: low utility rates, inexpensive land, access to major
metropolitan areas, and an airport. These are important criteria that site selectors and business executives examine when considering a new
city for expanding its operations.

Although there is inexpensive land, a small group of citizens own this land and the City may want to work with these individuals and the private
sector to ensure that Burnet has a well thought commercial development plan. As was mentioned earlier in this report, the City should address
this concern to ensure that land availability for commercial development is not an obstacle for business expansion or relocation.
A survey respondent states, “We
Water and wastewater availability is key to Burnet’s success in the short and long-term future.
need a concerted effort to improve the
Based upon an updated land use plan, Burnet should develop a utility plan to support future
physical appearance, such as our
business growth, a Capital Improvements Plan to support the development of needed
streets, abandoned buildings, and
infrastructure. It is our understanding that Burnet currently has sufficient infrastructure suited for
roadside clutter. The first visual
business uses. Burnet may want to take a more proactive approach at its long-term plan for
impressions conveyed to visitors are
infrastructure to ensure the City is prepared for predicted growth.
primarily negative.”
Lastly, Burnet needs to update their future land use plan and land development ordinances.
Businesses and residents want to be able to predict how land will be utilized next to them before they commit to any decision on how to use
their own land. While the upcoming strategic plan will assist in this effort, a Future Land Use Plan and land development ordinance update
must be undertaken soon.

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Strengths Opportunities
• No traffic congestion • Competitive telecom service & price
• Access to land near Galloway • Develop a new land use plan
Hammond for business park or
recreational center expansion
• Airport
Infrastructure • Low utility rates
• Airport
• Inexpensive land

Weaknesses Threats
• Houses for large businesses (over • Communities offering better business
300 employees) isn’t in place sites
• Out of date land use plan • More aggressive incentives
• Poor road conditions elsewhere
• Few citizens own land for business
development

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Factor Five: Economic Development Efforts

Burnet has the community supporting its E.D. efforts. Thus far in this project, over 390 citizens, business leaders, and local civic leaders have
participated by supplying input to help form E.D. strategies. This is a great strength for the City because it builds excitement, momentum, and
a team that will bring success to the area.

With the newly appointed E.D. Director, Burnet is moving in the right direction to “make things A survey respondent states, “I would
happen.” AE will develop a work plan for the new Director to help organize and focus these efforts. like to see the City of Burnet work
There is also an opportunity for Burnet to have a formal E.D. organization. harder to keep our businesses from
leaving. We need leadership.”
Throughout the community input phase, we have heard that Burnet’s E.D. team and the City do not
have a good relationship. This must be changed if Burnet, as a whole, wants to prosper long-term. Another survey respondents states,
“Burnet needs committed volunteers
As mentioned in the key findings section, there is a need for marketing, specifically internal who serve the city in many ways,
marketing. Burnet should build awareness of its E.D. efforts within the community. Once this such as leading and organizing
happens, Burnet will be more effective and can market to targeted businesses and the tourist meetings, associations, events, and
market. With Burnet’s location and many alluring tourist destinations, there is a need to implement a festivals.”
well-thought out marketing strategy to better nurture the local economy.

Strengths Opportunities
• Community support • Develop a work plan for E.D. Director
• 4A Sales tax • Engage the entire community
• Pro-growth team • Build upon E.D. vision and leaders
Economic • E.D. Foundation • Internal marketing
Development Efforts • Urgency for improvements • More private / public alliances
• Connection with education

Weaknesses Threats
• E.D. and City have poor relationships • Fail to implement
• No formal E.D. organization • No clear vision
• Lack of marketing strategy
• City and Chamber relationship

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

IV. Appendix
Survey for Burnet

General Information

Your name: (Anonymous) _______________________

E-mail: _______________________
Age: _______________________
Ethnicity: White Hispanic Black
Other: _________________
Years of education: H.S. Undergraduate degree
Graduate and above
Other: _________________
Years in Burnet: _______________________
Recreational hobbies: _______________________
Company name (if applicable): _______________________
Company address: _______________________
Industry: _______________________
Product / service: _______________________
Your position and title: _______________________
Company Web site address: _______________________

You are invited to fill-out this survey as either a resident or company professional. Your input is incredibly important to us and will help AE form economic development
recommendations for Burnet.

Please select what category you feel is appropriate and proceed to that section. The last page is for all respondents to complete.

For more information on our project, visit www.growingburnet.com

Thank you for your time and information.

For Residents:
Please circle the appropriate number rate.

How important are the How well does Burnet

following factors to you? satisfy your needs?
(1=not important; 5=very (1=not well; 5=
important) very well)

Education
K-12 education 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Area community colleges 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Workforce training programs 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Livability
Cost of living 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Entertainment / recreation 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Arts / Culture 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Low crime 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Good healthcare 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Family environment 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Climate 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Good value housing 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Infrastructure
Air connectivity 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Highway 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Driving time to work 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Mobile phone service 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
High speed Internet connectivity 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Working environment
Job availability 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Career advancement opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
High paying jobs 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Equal opportunity 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

General Economy
Image of city as a place to live 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Effective government leadership 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Strong business growth 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Location for high tech activity 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

For companies:

How long has your business been located in Burnet? ____________

How many people are employed in your company?

Total: _____________ In Burnet: _____________

What is your annual gross revenue?

$0-$1million $1-$5 million $5-$20 million

$20-$50 million $50 - $100 million $100 million and above

Tell us about your growth expectations over the next 2 years. Please circle the appropriate response.
Maintain Expand Decline

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Employment Maintain Expand Decline

Revenue Maintain Expand Decline

Profitability Maintain Expand Decline

Supplier purchases Maintain Expand Decline

Equipment investment Maintain Expand Decline

Real estate office /

manufacturing space Maintain Expand Decline

Please circle the appropriate number rate.

How important are the How well does Burnet
following factors to you? satisfy your needs?
(1=not important; 5=very (1=not well; 5=
important) very well)

Education
K-12 education 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Local community colleges 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Workforce training programs 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Workforce Recruitment / Retention

Cost of living 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Entertainment / recreation 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Arts / Culture 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Low crime 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Good healthcare 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Family environment 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Good value housing 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Business Climate
Tax cost 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Regulatory environment 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
State and local incentives 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Proximity to customers / suppliers 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of quality workers 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Cost of labor 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Entrepreneurial environment 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Infrastructure
Air connectivity 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Highway 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Driving time to work 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Mobile phone service 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
High speed Internet connectivity 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Cost of utilities 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

General Economy
Image of city as a place to do business 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Effective government leadership 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Strong economic growth 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Location for high tech 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Research and development resources 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

For all respondents:

Are there any improvements you would like to see in Burnet?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What types of businesses would you like to see expand or relocate to Burnet?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are Burnet’s strengths when it comes to recruiting businesses and families?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Other information you would like to share with us…
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Overview of Survey Findings

Survey Update Peak Survey Times

• 325+ completed surveys
• 300+ unique Web site visitors
• Highest traffic on February 13 – advisory
campaign
• Most requested page = Survey (56.1%)

Top 5 Areas of Importance Top 5 Areas to Improve

Residents Corporations
Residents Corporations • Arts / Culture • Higher education
• Family environment • Family environment • Entertainment / • Stronger economic
• K-12 education • K-12 education Recreation growth

• Low crime • Low crime • High paying jobs • Effective government

leadership
• Good healthcare • Effective government • Career advancement
leadership opportunities • Incentives
• Cost of living
• Tax cost • Location for high tech • Image

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Growth Expectation Industry Demographics

16 companies 14.3
70 27.8
69.2
60 64.3 64.3
50 57.1

40 46.2 0
30 7.1 35.7
20
10 14.3
0
Employment Profitability Supplier Equipment Real Estate
Government 21.4 Services
Purchases Investment 16 companies Retail Construction
Manufacturing Agriculture
Other
Percentage of corporate respondents that plan to expand aspects of their business

Survey Findings Survey Findings

Other information you would like to share with us? What type of business do you see expanding or relocating to Burnet?
Industry / Audience Community needs
• Capitalize on our location, natural resources, • Entrepreneurs • Higher paying jobs
lakes, and public schools • Retail / Outlet Mall • Clean / environment
• Manufacturing friendly businesses
• Burnet is a great place – caring community
• Restaurants • Brand name retail /
and strong education • High-speed Internet Service restaurants
• We should work harder to keep existing Provider
businesses from leaving • High-tech
• Need public relations / awareness. • Recreational
• College
• Grocery
• ATMI supplier company

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 Burnet SWOT Analysis

Survey Findings
Are there any improvements you would like to see in Burnet?

• Improve job availability

• Offer incentives to targeted businesses
• Improve our self-image
• Better communication
• More coordinated ED
• Invest in infrastructure
• Need to market

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