Building a Safer Business Community | Columbia Chamber of Commerce

August 04, 2021

As we continue to rebuild in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying how we can maximize the recovery of the Midlands' business community will be the key to success. Advocating for initiatives to promote a business-friendly climate in the region could help attract new investments and economic developments, bolstering our local economy. However, a major hindrance to business growth in any city is rising crime rates, which can discourage companies from choosing to expand to a region.

When a company is deciding where to open a new branch of their business or a new corporate headquarters location, safety is often a top priority. Not only do most businesses want their employees to feel safe and protected in their workplaces, areas with high crime rates can also be a threat to the business's overall success. Cities with high-crime reputations can be an indicator that a business's inventory may be at a higher risk for burglary or theft. Similarly, if a major corporation prides themselves on their prestige and branding, they may fear that expanding to a region known for high crime rates could tarnish their trusted reputation.

Crime also impacts communities as a whole. When a community experiences an uptick in crime, whether violent or non-violent, resources are often reallocated to police and public safety initiatives, which can decrease a business's confidence that they will feel supported and be successful in that region.

These effects are not merely anecdotal. One study found that in Washington, DC, every 10 additional gunshots in a given year were associated with 20 fewer jobs among new establishments, one less new business opening, and one more business closing the same year.

Moving forward, fostering a safe and vibrant community in the Midlands will be critical to attracting new developments and continuing to build a thriving local business scene. Below are tips for preventing crimes in your neighborhood and business so we can start moving towards a safer community for everyone.