Biz Walk 2011: Results
Oct 03, 2011 - Coppell, Texas
The annual Coppell Business Economic Outlook: Biz Walk is an opinion survey of businesses within the city limits of Coppell and is intended to gauge the current local business climate and identify possible areas of concern.
Results are shared with survey participants, the City of Coppell and the general public via the Coppell Chamber of Commerce website.
About the Biz Walk
The 3rd Annual Biz Walk began Monday, June 20, 2011. The purpose of the Biz Walk is to encourage local growth by identifying local businesses’ benefits and concerns.
During Biz Walk week, teams of volunteers visit as many businesses in Coppell as possible. The city was divided into grids, and each team assigned a specific area to canvass.
Thirty (30) volunteer Biz Walkers in teams of two canvassed businesses within the city limits of Coppell. Surveys were also distributed via mail and email. Ninety-nine (99) responses were recorded.
The survey consists of some demographic information and a few brief questions.
- How is business? Is it better or worse than last year?
- What are the benefits of having your business in Coppell?
- What could be improved about your experience opening/operating in Coppell?
This approach is based on a set of national studies demonstrating that up to 80% of an area’s job growth is generated by existing companies rather than attracting new industries to a community. Coupled with the fact that business attraction efforts are less likely to succeed if existing businesses are not happy with the local business climate, it is imperative to focus efforts on helping existing businesses stay and grow in Coppell.
City Demographics
Incorporated in 1955, Coppell is a suburb and bedroom community of the DFW Metroplex in extreme northwest Dallas County adjacent to DFW International Airport. A small area in the far northern portion of the city extends into Denton County.
Coppell has a current population of 38,659 with a total of 13,276 households. 33.7% are under 18, and 4.46% are over 65. The median age is 33.7.
Coppell has a total area of 14.71 sq. mi. The entire perimeter is served by the Sam Rayburn Tollway, I-635, President George Bush Turnpike and I-35E.
As of October 2010, the unemployment rate in Coppell is 6.8%. The current city sales tax rate is 8.25%. According to the 2010 Adjusted Claritas, the median income for a family is $113,122.
Respondent Demographics
3 percent of respondents reported having over 100 employees, 19 percent reported having between 10-99 employees and the remaining 78 percent reported fewer than 10 employees. 44 percent reported no more than 3 employees.
Respondents were categorized into six (6) general business types: Retail (15%), Financial (15%), Restaurant (19%), Medical (10%), Service (38%) and Warehouse (2%).
Businesses were also asked if they were currently members of the Coppell Chamber of Commerce. 44% of respondents are current Chamber members.
Response Summary
The feedback garnered during this year’s Biz Walk indicated that the majority of the business community continues to hold a positive view of the local business climate. 64% of respondents also indicated that business was better this year as compared to last year.
40 percent of respondents indicated that business was good to great (7 or 8 rating), while another 28 percent indicated it was excellent (9 or 10 rating). 5 percent rated their current business as poor (1 to 3 rating).
Looking at specific industry groups, medical reported the highest average rating at 8.2 and warehouse reported the lowest average at 6.5. Financial averaged 7.4 and service averaged 7.2. Restaurants and retail both averaged 7.1.
Community demographics was cited as the number one benefit with a 62% response rate. The second rated benefit was customer demographics at 59%. The next highly rated benefits were Coppell residency (44%) and stability of community (43%).
42% of respondents cited an improved sign ordinance as helpful in increasing their business and 28% desire more local support such as local marketing and shop local campaigns. 16% requested more retail and a more small business friendly environment.
In general, overall comments indicated satisfaction with the community with anxiety regarding municipal regulations such as the local sign ordinance and other business-related restrictions. Additional comments expressed concern of an imbalance in police priorities and activities.
