For businesses in the Pacific Northwest, salaries are still employees’ top priorities, and the marijuana industry is considered to be the “next big thing” the region will be known for.
That is according to a survey conducted by the Washington State University Carson College of Business of 500 employers and 500 employees across the region.
Chip Hunter, dean of the college, said the data show where business leaders and employees differ or agree on various topics related to the state of the business community in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
For example, business leaders are feeling confident about the business climate in the Northwest, according to the poll. Sixty-one percent said the climate has been strengthening, largely because of advances in technology and improved efficiency.Employees, however, were less optimistic, as 45 percent said their confidence in the business climate has plateaued or stayed the same since last year’s survey.
Hunter said he does not know the precise reason for employees’ lack of confidence, but it is apparent they are not seeing the same kind of economic growth the business leaders are reporting.
He said one of the most surprising results is the excitement for the marijuana and wine industries.
According to the survey, when asked to name “the next big thing” the Pacific Northwest will be known for, marijuana was at the top of the list for employees and business leaders. World-class wine production was also near the top, along with the Northwest being known as a good place to raise a family and have livable wages.
WSU survey: Marijuana the ‘next big thing’ for Pacific Northwest
For businesses in the Pacific Northwest, salaries are still employees’ top priorities, and the marijuana industry is considered to be the “next big thing” the region will be known for. That is according to a survey conducted by the Washington State University Carson College of Business of 500 employers and 500 employees across the region.