Photo: MNP

If a single picture is worth a thousand words, how much is an economic snapshot of the North Okanagan worth to the business community?

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and MNP spent several months developing a clearer picture of the Vernon business landscape. 

The results of the first MNP Greater Vernon Business Leaders Survey were shared with members of the business community at a business breakfast Thursday morning. 

Overall, the Greater Vernon business community is optimistic.

The results found, despite facing an uncertain economic future, more than half of the business leaders in the region expect their business to grow, and almost 40 per cent say they are in a position to hire more employees.  

Tourism is still leading economic driver for Greater Vernon. 

Forty-nine per cent say the proposed increase in the minimum wage would have no effect on their business.

The majority was split over the newly announced payroll tax having an effect with 36 per cent saying no, and 34 per cent saying somewhat.

Some of the biggest factors that might limit growth or success were identified as well. 

Those being uncertainty about local economic conditions, local government regulation and approval processes, lack of skilled labour and the image of the community (what others think of Vernon.)

As for what local government could do to improve the business climate in the Greater Vernon area, the respondents say they would like to see lower taxes, tourism developed and a solution to deal with the homeless. 

The bulk of business responses (43%) came from within Vernon's downtown. 

The surveys were sent out to more than 200 businesses big and small in the Greater Vernon Area.