Issue #11, February 2009

The Top 9 from 411SmallBusinessFacts.com

Periodically, NFIB collects data on current public policy issues from a member sample and a population sample, and then compares the two to determine how representative NFIB member policy positions are of the population's. A survey conducted for the Foundation in December and January again shows the two very close. No statistical difference appears on 33 of the 38 issues polled with the NFIB sample more conservative on one, more liberal on two, with the remaining two issues ideologically indeterminate. The comparison is yet to be posted, but is available.

The new Independent Contractor Poll has been posted on 411. The Owners and Managers Poll has been completed, but is not yet up.

Regards,

The NFIB Research Foundation

The TOP 9 Questions for February 2009

1. 1
   UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION - What is the most common small employer policy toward challenging unemployment compensation claims filed against them? (Vol. 7, Iss. 1, Q#6d).
2. 2
   FINANCE - What do small employers think will be the most serious long-term consequence of the nation's recent financial problems? (Vol. 8, Iss.7 Q#4).
3. 3
   BIDS - What is the most important factor small employers used when choosing a bid on their most recent construction/remodeling project that was worth $10,000 or more? (Vol. 8, Iss. 6, Q#4e).
4. 4
   EMPLOYEE TRAINING - What is the most common way small employers provide on-going training or skill up-grading for their most skilled employees? (Vol. 5, Iss. 1, Q#10).
5. 5
   INFORMATION - What is the most important media source (e.g., newspaper, not Wall Street Journal) of business information for small employers? (Vol. 7, Iss. 6, Q#6).
6. 6
   BUDGET - How often do small employers with a written budget typically review it and compare its projections to what is actually occurring? (Vol. 7, Iss. 4, Q#12).
7. 7
   JOB APPLICANTS - When job applicants are not qualified for a vacant position in a small business, what is usually the most important reason? (Vol. 7, Iss. 8, Q#15a).
8. 8
   COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS - In terms of value, do small employers contribute more to their communities in time (volunteer work), in-kind contributions, or cash contributions? (Vol. 4, Iss. 6, Q#9).
9. 9
   IT SERVICING - How many small employers hired (on staff) one or more persons in the last three years to install, service, or repair IT hardware or software, or instruct other employees in its use? (Vol. 8, Iss. 6, Q#11).