Survey Looks At Tuolumne County Economy

Sonora, CA — While a majority of business leaders feel that the Tuolumne County is a good place to do business, very few say they plan to hire new employees in the near future.

Every year the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce conducts a “State of the County Survey” to better analyze the local economy.

Chamber President and CEO George Segarini says 19 percent of Chamber members took part this year, which is one of the highest response rates he has recorded.

-31 percent say business was up compared to a year ago, 47 percent say it was down, and 22 percent say it remained the same.

-34 percent plan to expand their business in the near future, while 66 percent say no.

-26 percent plan to hire new employees in the near future and 74 percent say no.

-19 percent intend to downsize in the next three years, while 79 percent do not.

-79 percent believe that the national economy will continue to decline in 2009 and 19 percent say no.

-19 percent say that the local economy will expand this year, while 81 percent say no.

-78 percent say that Tuolumne County is a good place to do business and 18 percent say no.

-74 percent say that the county needs more emphasis on tourism to draw visitors and 21 percent say no.

-81 percent say they have high hopes for the joint city, county economic development venture, while 13 percent say no.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com