Bowling Green Area - Good for Business? (Georgetown, Glasgow: city hall, lease)

[aaauger]

Our research has lead us to consider this area for quality of life. However, we'd appreciate some first-hand insight into the environment for small business. Specifically:

- Is government hands-off or even supportive?
- How heavy is the tax burden (both personal and business)?
- How expensive is the unskilled labor force?
- How dependable is the unskilled labor force?

We own a small growing manufacturing business (metal products, non-hazardous production, 7 employees). We plan on training anyone we hire (i.e. no expectations other than aptitude and attitude).

Thanks!

[kentuckygirl23]

My family owns a plumbing and electrical business based in Bowling Green. The taxes are low by all national standards and labor is fairly cheap. Most consider 8 or 9 dollars an hour to be good money. It is a college town so most of the unskilled workers are young. It has been our company experience that most of them don't make it past the first couple of paychecks. But, aside from the obvious slackers there are alot of good hardworking people here. The economy and city are expanding and many are coming from surrounding small towns for work so their are always new prospects. Good luck with your business.

[aaauger]

Thanks for your response. We find the same thing in Austin - being a college town also. As applicants, we either get students who aren't looking for longevity, high school drop-outs, artists trying to get by on some manual skills, and young people who haven't found themselves. Also, as a comparison point, these folks are looking for $15/hour minimum plus benefits.

[KYcoyote]

Originally Posted by aaauger

Our research has lead us to consider this area for quality of life. However, we'd appreciate some first-hand insight into the environment for small business. Specifically:

- Is government hands-off or even supportive?
- How heavy is the tax burden (both personal and business)?
- How expensive is the unskilled labor force?
- How dependable is the unskilled labor force?

We own a small growing manufacturing business (metal products, non-hazardous production, 7 employees). We plan on training anyone we hire (i.e. no expectations other than aptitude and attitude).

Thanks!

Augie, here's the skinny on Bowling Green.... it's got not much industrial base, bulk of developement favored by City Hall with tax advantages etc been retail malls along one major highway South of town.

Y'all would be better off looking to nearby Glasgow for expanding manufacturing opportunies, an easy 15 min commute to Bowling Green. Cheaper industrial lease space too. Otherwise advantages of Bowling is being on rail freight lines that Glasgow aint got.

Meanwhile what kinda metal widgets ye manufacturing? And where's similar industries located at KY?? For example if it's automotive related, then reconnoitre Toyota just opened massive hybrid car assembly plant in Georgetown.