Green Bay, WI (Sept. 29, 2008) – The 2008-2009 Fox Valley Wage & Benefit Study’s preliminary results reveals the following percentage of area companies expect to give wage increases of 3 to 4 percent for 2009: 37.5 percent of union positions, 49.4 percent for hourly positions, 50.5 percent for salaried-exempt positions and 42.6 percent for salaried non-exempt positions.
Other results are being tabulated and are forthcoming.
The annual study, conducted by the Northeast Wisconsin Chambers Coalition (Green Bay, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Fox Cities Chambers) determines salary levels and changes in fringe benefits offered to area employees. More than 190 Fox Valley area companies responded to this year’s survey, up from 175 last year. The data includes wage data for more than 300 job descriptions; benefit data included answers to 182 benefit questions. This information is particularly beneficial for businesses’ budget planning, hiring and retention efforts.
Study results are available for purchase - $100 for online access for Chamber members who didn’t participate in the survey and $300 for non-members who didn’t participate in the survey. A paper copy of the results will also be available for purchase in November for those who purchase online access. For more information, contact Cindy Gokey at (920) 496-8390.
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 Established in 1882, the mission of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic and community development. Chamber programs include Advance, the economic development arm of the Chamber. Advance is a partner in the Business Assistance Center, a partnership of organizations providing assistance and resources for growing businesses in the New North. Other partners include: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Center for Entrepreneurship, SCORE, Urban Hope Entrepreneur Center, UWGB Small Business Development Center, Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation, Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Network, and Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership. For more information about Advance call (920) 496-9010 or visit www.advancegreenbay.org.  For more information about the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and its programs, call 437-8704 or visit www.titletown.org

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