Views on the community weren’t the only issues the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s Business Retention Survey delved into with area businesses.

Among the other findings from the 51 companies surveyed between October and June were:

• Sixty-three percent of companies surveyed said they planned to expand operations in Lawrence in the next three years, although that doesn’t always mean the expansions will produce new jobs. Only 51 percent of the companies said they anticipated near-term employment increases, while 41 percent predicted their work force levels would remain stable, and 8 percent projected declines.
• In the past three years, 43 percent added jobs, 33 percent had no change in work force levels, and 24 percent had reductions.
• Research and development activities were conducted in Douglas County by 33 of the companies. Chamber officials said that number was significant because it showed the area has potential to be a technology oriented economy.
• A high cost of doing business and a lack of available manufacturing and technology employees were cited as the top two reasons why Douglas County might not be considered for a company expansion. Both reasons were cited by 14 percent of respondents. An unfriendly business environment, and lack of available industrial building sites were next, both cited by 12 percent of respondents. A lack of business incentives, such as tax abatements, was last on the list with a 4 percent response rate.
• Fire protection was the highest-rated public service in the community, with 94 percent of respondents rating it above average or excellent. Ambulance service was second with a 90 percent approval rating. Public schools received a 67 percent approval rating.
• Seventy-six percent of businesses said they were experiencing employee recruitment problems.