Minnesota employers are pleased with the performance of today’s economy, but they warn that the state’s high costs of doing business — if left uncurbed — could slow additional growth. These are among the findings of the 12th annual Business Barometer co-sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Himle Rapp & Co., a public affairs firm headquartered in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Chamber is the state’s largest business advocacy organization representing 2,300 companies of all types and sizes across the state.

 

Highlights of the survey

Business climate

47 percent are trying to add jobs in the next 12 months

82 percent said the governor and legislature play a role — 31 percent said a very important role — in determining the business climate. Only 14 percent said the role of policy makers is not very important.

48 percent said legislators understand everyday business challenges; 41 percent said they do not.

 

Taxes

56 percent said high taxes are one of the two biggest barriers to job creation, which is a consistent finding throughout the years of the survey.

62 percent said their business tax burdens are greater than five years ago.

 

Transportation

59 percent said the state’s transportation system is better than four years ago in the areas they most frequently travel.

77 percent believe the current transportation and transit system will serve their business needs for the next 10 years.

When told the state faced an estimated $7 billion shortfall in transportation needs, 47 percent said the state should find new revenue and 48 percent said it should not.

 

Workplace mandates

74 percent said they currently offer paid sick leave to employees or expect to offer it in the near future.

The Minnesota Business Barometer surveyed a random sample of owners or managers of 350 Minnesota businesses with at least five employees. Survey interviews were conducted by The Morris Leatherman Co. of Minneapolis. The sample surveyed accurately reflects the breadth of Minnesota’s business community in the areas of size, location and type including manufacturing, retail and service. The survey was conducted in July and August and has a margin of error of 5.3 percent.