One Question

Our business community has a powerful collective voice! Each week, we ask one question that will help us plan better events and programs, advocate your concerns, identify priorities and more.

Previous Survey Results

Your answers from November 3, 2025:
Does your business allow time off to go vote?
45% - Yes
55% - No

Your answers from October 27, 2025:
Will you or your employees be affected by the pause of SNAP benefits, given that the government shutdown continues?
45% - Yes
55% - No

Your answers from October 20, 2025:
Would you recommend this community to others as a great place to live?
68% - Yes
32% - No

Your answers from October 13, 2025:
Have you noticed that some of your typical grocery items are becoming harder to find?
50% - Yes
50% - No

Your answers from October 6, 2025:
Do you expect the current government shutdown to have any short or long-term effects on your business?
48% - Yes
52% - No

Your answers from September 29, 2025:
Do you expect Florida's new 'open carry' policy to have an impact on your business or workplace?
5% - Yes
95% - No

Your answers from September 22, 2025:
What is your favorite way to experience a new city?
31% - Visiting local restaurants, eateries, breweries, etc.
21% - Exploring culture through live music or the arts
33% - Historic tours, visiting museums
3% - Shopping at local boutiques or maker markets
7% - Outdoor adventures (hiking, water activities, etc.)
5% - Landmarks, murals, or "must visit" photo spots

Your answers from September 15, 2025:
What does "upskilling" mean to you and your business?
20% - New certifications for existing employees to expand their skillsets
20% - Internal training programs tailored to your business
10% - Mentorship or coaching programs
13% - Entry-level employee certifications for those new to the workforce
20% - Pathways to promotions or succession planning
17% - Other

Your answers from September 8, 2025:
Do you feel you'll have enough information about each candidate's positions to make informed choices in the upcoming municipal election? 
51% - Yes
49% - No 

Your answers from September 2, 2025:
Do you plan to 'shop local' this holiday season? 
55% - Yes
45% - No 

Your answers from August 25, 2025:
Within the next six months, will your company seek new volunteer opportunities for staff participation?
50% - Yes
50% - No

Your answers from August 18, 2025:
Have you / your business reviewed or updated your disaster plan since last hurricane season?
53% - Yes
47% - No

Your answers from August 11, 2025:
Do you plan to attend (or watch online) at least one town hall or community forum where local election candidates will discuss their approach to supporting businesses?
63% - Yes
37% - No

Your answers from August 4, 2025:
What communication tool do you primarily rely on to gather information about election candidates and their positions on important issues?
28% - Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
24% - Television or Radio (Local News or Advertisements)
16% - Conversations with friends, family, or colleagues
32% - Candidate campaign websites or official campaign materials

Your answers from July 28, 2025:
Will the work schedule of you or your employees change during the school year to accommodate after-school pickup needs?75% - Increased
47% - Yes
53% - No

Your answers from July 21, 2025:
Are you aware that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes provisions that give tax relief to workers receiving tips and overtime?
34% - Yes, and I feel confident in my understanding of its impact on my business
35% - Yes, but I have questions about how it will impact my business
31% - No

Your answers from July 14, 2025:
Over the last two months, how did the prices your business pays for goods or services change?
75% - Increased
0% - Decreased
25% - No Change

Your answers from July 7, 2025:
Are you concerned that you, your employees, or peers will be impacted by the forthcoming reductions in Medicaid funding?
39% - Yes
61% - No

​Your answers from June 23, 2025:
Are you interested in learning more about how you + your business can help shape local elections that are important to the business community?
85% - Yes
15% - No
BusinessVoice, Inc. was created by a group of Chamber members in 2000 to act specifically as a political organization. The Chamber is involved in advocating for issues that affect the business community but does not participate directly in the politics of the election process. The PAC offers members of the Chamber who choose to also join BusinessVoice the opportunity to have a direct influence on State and Local elections and provide candidate endorsements on behalf of the business community. Though the membership dues payment period for 2025 has ended, please look out for more information about the candidate interview process ahead of our municipal elections in November 2025.

Your answers from June 16, 2025:
Is your business more likely to bid on jobs or contracts if local preference policies are in place?​
51% - Yes
49% - No

Your answers from June 9, 2025:
Do you believe Polk County needs more investment in public transportation options, such as buses or rail?
82% - Yes
18% - No

Your answers from June 2, 2025:
Without access to summer programs, would you struggle to find adequate childcare during the summer months?
53% - Yes
47% - No

Your answers from May 26, 2025:
Would the expiration of ACA Marketplace Premium Tax Credits significantly impact you, your business, or your employees? 
51% - Yes
49% - No

Your answers from May 19, 2025:
With hurricane season on the horizon, have you reviewed your business's emergency or resiliency/continuity plan in the past 3 months?

50% - Yes
50% - No

Your answers from May 12, 2025:
Are you concerned that the lack of consensus during budget negotiations will lead to a government shutdown in Florida?

28% - Yes
72% - No

Your Answers from May 5, 2025:
Are you actively monitoring candidate filings for the City of Lakeland's 2025 Municipal Elections? 

93% - YES
7% - NO

Your Answers from April 28, 2025:
Do you feel Florida lawmakers have focused on the state's most urgent needs during this year's legislative session?

48% - YES
52% - NO

Your answers from November 25, 2024:
Are you aware of the upcoming requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that mandate small businesses to file Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025? (*CTA requirements have been since suspended)
9% - Yes
91% - No

Your answers from September 16, 2024:
Is your business preparing for the upcoming holiday season with special offers or promotions?
50% - Yes
50% - No​

Your answers from September 3, 2024:
Does your company offer on-site childcare for employees?
4% - Yes
89% - No
7% - We'd like to start

Your answers from August 12, 2024:
Would a job board on the Chamber's website benefit your company?
61% - Yes
39% - No

Your answers from August 5, 2024:
Does your company support Amendment 3 - legalization of recreational marijuana?
36% - Yes (yes on 3)
64% - No (no on 3)

Your answers from July 29, 2024:
Does your company have an internship program or regularly hire student interns?
67% - Yes
21% - No
12% - We'd like to start

Your answers from July 22, 2024:
Generally, do you think things in Lakeland are moving in the right direction?
47% - Right Direction
53% - Wrong Direction
A note from Amy: I counted nearly 650 responses to this question, but few comments. Please consider joining the Chamber's public affairs process on the Chamber's Advocacy Committee and/or learning more about running for office at the August 28-29 Florida Institute for Political Leadership (free) virtual training.

Your answers from July 15, 2024:
Does your business offer time off for employees to volunteer in the community (ReadingPals, Day of Caring, etc.)?
49% - Yes
51% - No

Your answers from July 8, 2024:
Does your company intend to hire new employees in the next year?
61% - Yes 
39% - No

Your answers from July 1, 2024:
Would you attend virtual (Zoom) workshops, webinars or educational events offered by the Chamber?
51%  - Yes
49% - No

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BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland

BusinessVoice, Inc. was created by a group of Chamber members in 2000 to act specifically as a political organization. The Chamber is involved in advocating for issues that affect the business community but does not participate directly in the politics of the election process. The PAC offers members of the Chamber who choose to also join BusinessVoice the opportunity to have a direct influence on State and Local elections. Since membership in BusinessVoice is limited to Lakeland Chamber member companies, the Chamber serves as administrator.

visit BusinessVoice

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