AUGUSTA – A survey designed to measure small business interests is making its way around the state, gathering information to guide Maine’s largest business organization.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce published its first Small Business Survey online to gauge members’ opinions on topics from taxes and health care to business climate and political support.

“The vast majority of businesses are very small, between 10 and 12 employees,” said Chris Hall, executive vice president of the state Chamber. “It’s important that we hear their voices, and make sure that all of us at the local and state level understand their perspective.”

Among the questions the survey asks are how well respondents think Gov. John Baldacci is doing, whether workers compensation rates have changed in the past 12 months, and which tax reduction would most benefit their companies. It also asks whether respondents support the Palesky tax cap and if they plan to use Dirigo health plan. The last page asks respondents to rank the importance of issues such as incentive programs, environmental regulations and telecommunications.

The state Chamber represents about 15,000 businesses through its alliance with 50 independent local Chambers. It employs full-time lobbyists who identify issues and advocate for business during the legislative session.

For the past 12 years, the Chamber has published “Where We Stand” a position paper outlining its key issues and positions.

“We traditionally build a legislative agenda based on what we hear from the business community,” said Hall. “This will be an additional source of information.”

Hall said new technology allowed the Chamber to devise and post the survey on its Web site. It takes less than five minutes to complete the survey and respondents’ anonymity will be protected. The survey is soliciting responses until June 18.

The state Chamber has also asked local Chambers to encourage their members to fill out the survey. Hall said participation so far has been encouraging. He expects several hundred responses.

The results will be published in the early fall.

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