Poll respondents to a recent Small Business California poll.
I recently noticed a poll in which owners
noted the problems they wanted state legislators and Gov. Jerry Brown to tackle. But this single question is worth exploring further.
Many of the responders seem to be on their way out the door, one way or another. Fifty-three — 15.5% of those who gave fuller explanations of their response — specifically mentioned moving out of state.
Here are samples:
- “We will go where we can operate profitably.”
- “The way things are going we’ll have to move out of state just to survive.”
- “Nevada and other states offer a much more friendly climate.”
- “Ease of communication, travel and shipping make relocating less onerous.”
- “If I am (still in business in 2014), it will be in another state. The business and regulatory climate in CA is too oppressive.”
- “I already moved as much as possible out of CA, but I will not abandon my clients here and will keep a satellite office.”
A few of those leaving the Golden State mention their destination: Texas, Nevada, Arizona, the Midwest or Oregon.
These small guys are usually overlooked in news reports, but they’re not alone. In recent years so of California’s biggest companies have announced moves to other states including Apple expansion to North Carolina; Beckman Coulter in Brea expansion to Indianapolis, Ind.; Edwards Life Sciences in Irvine added 1,000 jobs in Draper, Utah; and Fluor moved its corporate headquarters from Irvine to Texas.
Others in the Small Business California poll plan to close completely, many by retirement. Here’s a sample of what the others said:
- “Can’t afford to quit but not making much; I’m 63 and may just give up.”
- “The business climate here is punishing and not conducive to small-business success. We’ve been in business for 16 years, but conditions keep worsening.”
- “We’re holding on by a thread and playing it day by day.”
- “CARB (California Air Resources Board) will force us to shut our doors. Over-regulation and extremely high costs of doing business.”
- “Way too difficult to do business here…everyone has their hand in your pocket. CA needs to get a grip on the fact that small business is the driver and without it, we are doomed.”