Clark, Champaign counties to study wages, benefits in region

Clark and Champaign counties are kicking off a wage and benefit study beginning this week that will allow area companies to get a better grasp on whether they are offering competitive pay and benefits to their workers.

The counties have each conducted similar studies in the past, said Amy Donahoe, director of workforce development for the Chamber of Great Springfield. But this survey will be the first time that five counties have collaborated.

READ MORE: Clark State expands degree program in growing field

About 100 Clark County businesses have completed the survey in past years, but working with other counties will provide a more extensive view of what’s happening throughout the region, Donahoe said. Madison, Union and Logan counties will also take part in the survey.

“It’s the first time we have included a regional approach with the other four counties,” Donahoe said.

The survey will only collect information on benefits. Information on wages will come from data compiled by the Dayton Development Coalition. Employers will have access to both the wages and benefit information once the study results are released.

Employers who complete the study will receive a summary of the findings in September, said Marcia Bailey, director of the Champaign Economic Partnership. Employers who don’t participate will still be able to review the report, but not until January.

DETAILS: Navistar to lay off more than 80 workers in Springfield

Clark County has conducted a similar survey every other year since 2007. The last time Champaign County conducted a similar study was 2012. Wendy Gradwohl, an associate professor and chairwoman of the Department of Business at Wittenberg University, will lead the study.

Information about individual businesses will remain confidential.

The survey can be accessed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017_Regional_Wage_and_Benefit_Study.

In Champaign County, employers can take the survey online at the CEP’s website at cepohio.com.

It will be available through June 24.


Complete coverage

The Springfield News-Sun digs into important issues that affect jobs and the economy in Clark and Champaign counties, including recent stories tracking local unemployment numbers and Honda’s plans to build a wind tunnel at the Transportation Research Center.

About the Author