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The Partnership hosted a webisode to release the results of the WNY Impact Survey conducted in April.

The information gathered from the survey will be essential to better understanding how the public and private sectors can work together to address potential gaps in available resources now and during the inevitable economic recovery period that lies ahead. The survey asked employers to weigh in on a variety of topics including lost revenue, workforce impacts, and their ability to operate remotely.

Financial impact:

• 93% of respondents are experiencing a decline in revenue related to COVID-19
• Most report a loss of 50% or less of expected revenue
• 3 out of 5 businesses have postponed investment, many of them indefinitely
• 75% of respondents have applied or are planning to apply for federal business assistance loans
• 51% of businesses are reducing variable costs
• 43% are reducing fixed costs
• 2 out of 3 respondents report implementing a staffing change including reducing positions or adjusting wages/salaries
• More than 1/3 of businesses have reduced staff, mainly through temporary layoff or furloughs
• 60% of respondents have implemented a hiring freeze

Most pressing short-term concerns:

• 79% – Decline in revenue/sales
• 63% – Cash flow
• 42% – Wellbeing and safety of employees

Most pressing long-term concerns:

• 73% – Decline in revenue/sales
• 56% – Cash flow
• 40% – Cash reserves

How government can be most helpful:

• 60% – Expand and/or streamline federal loan programs
• 55% – Payroll tax cut
• 41% – Fast-track the release of reimbursements for contract work
• 28% – Repeal or suspension of certain reporting requirements

Readiness to work remotely:

• 1 out 3 respondents report not being prepared to switch to remote operations
• A quarter of responding businesses were prepared to deploy remote operation plans
• 1 in 5 respondents still do not have a functioning remote plan in place

Biggest concerns for the community:

• 35% – Permanent closure of local small businesses
• 31% – Health of the U.S. economy

Watch the Presentation Below