.bodytext {float: left; } .floatimg-left-hort { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right: 10px; width:300px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 10px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} The majority of companies in downtown Des Moines are experiencing an increase in sales, many are planning investments in new construction and nearly all have a positive outlook toward downtown’s development, according to the Executive Call Program 2007 Report.

The annual economic development survey, conducted by the Downtown Community Alliance, looks at the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities businesses see downtown. The DCA interviewed 119 companies in convention, retail, tourism and service-related industries. Collectively, the companies employ 14,814 people; 83 percent of employees are in the service sector.

The study showed a strong business climate, with 63 percent of those interviewed reporting an increase in sales. Fewer than 4 percent said sales were decreasing.

About one-fourth said they are planning a new location, either an expansion or relocation in Greater Des Moines. The total investment planned by businesses in the future is more than $220 million in new construction, bringing about 1,600 new jobs.

Compared with other survey results over the past six years, Shannon Michelsen, coordinator of the Executive Call program, said, “it was more positive. I would say that the negative issues that came up were the same negative issues people have been saying over the past two to three years, so not anything new occurred. But also there is a greater understanding of what is going on and why.”

Interstate 235 construction and parking were among the biggest complaints, with businesses hoping that road closings and detours will be better planned and communicated in the future. Most companies also feel the price for services, especially natural gas, telecommunications and Internet, is too high. However, 93 percent feel downtown’s technology infrastructure is adequate for future growth.

Participants would also like to see more people utilize downtown amenities after work, noting that keeping people downtown after 5 p.m. is a challenge. These companies also have a strong desire for more retail options, including convenience/grocery stores, destination restaurants and gas stations, as well as for more affordable housing. During the survey and preparation of the final report, two new grocery markets opened downtown.

According to the study, the average age of the downtown workforce is 33, and 61 percent would be categorized as head of the household. Investment in employee training is increasing for 48 percent of participants, while 43 percent reported no change.

Downtown companies were also asked what legislation would adversely affect and benefit downtown business. Companies said that legislation related to property tax increase, minimum wage increase, right to work, liquor licensing and online sales tax would hurt them, while tax incentives would benefit them. Legislation related to smoking policies had mixed reviews.

The one thing nearly all businesses (95 percent) seemed to agree on is the excitement and energy going on downtown, which has helped increase sales and improve the area’s image. The cleanliness of downtown, a stable economy, the East Village and Gateway West revitalizations and an eclectic population were also seen as strengths.