MOUNT VERNON — Local businesses are an integral part of each community. Those participating in the Knox County Health Assessment Partnership recognize this and developed a separate business survey as part of the recent county assessment. The business survey was conducted through the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. Questions for the survey, developed by a subcommittee, were sent out to local Chamber of Commerce members as well as other businesses around the county.
The information gathered in the survey was aimed at basic demographic and descriptive data on local businesses; strengths and positive reactions to county businesses; immediate and long-term concerns; and future plans for business operation.
“Basic demographics are very useful,” said Carol Grubaugh, executive director of the chamber. “They’re very attractive to look at and share with other people.”
With 105 responses being returned, the majority rated Knox County as a favorable place to do business. As many as 21.4 percent rated Knox County as excellent, 44.7 percent as good, 31.1 percent as average and less than 3 percent as poor. More than 90 percent of the respondents said they would recommend Knox County as a venue for their business.
Of the businesses surveyed, retail comprised 24.3 percent of the total, healthcare came in at 23 percent, manufacturing at 14.9 percent, non-profit at 14.9 percent, food service at 8.1 percent, government at 6.8 percent, construction at 5.4 percent and other at 2.6 percent.
