Survey Reveals Worries of Newport Area Business Owners : Results: Poll commissioned by Chamber of Commerce found insurance and workers’ compensation were among biggest concerns.

Business owners are concerned about workers’ compensation and mandated employee benefits, according to results of a survey conducted for the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce.

The telephone poll of 208 business owners and executives revealed that most Newport Beach businesses are satisfied with the chamber and the local business climate, however, even with the recession, and plan to stay in the area.

Chamber leaders commissioned the poll to identify common concerns among local business owners, especially regarding public policy, and to gauge the community’s opinion of the chamber itself.

Nelson Communications Group in Costa Mesa conducted the poll between April 28 and May 1, using questions crafted with the help of chamber board members. Half of the business owners or executives polled were chamber members with businesses in Newport Beach and neighboring cities; the other half were non-members who hold licenses for Newport Beach businesses.

The businesses varied in size. Most were in retail, real estate, or financial and professional fields, but other areas were also represented, including food service, manufacturing and health care.

Despite the recession, a solid 75% of those surveyed said they regard the Newport Beach business climate favorably, and 85% said they plan to keep their businesses here. Those who expressed dissatisfaction cited the recession and costly, cumbersome government regulations as key reasons.

Of nine business-related issues, those surveyed identified insurance matters, such as workers’ compensation and mandated employee health benefits, as their biggest concerns. Runners-up were proposals for street and traffic improvements, and increased efforts to promote Newport Beach.

A third of those surveyed said the health-care system should be reformed.

In response to the survey’s findings, the chamber has scheduled a workers’ compensation symposium for Friday morning hosted by state Sens. Marian Bergeson (R-Newport Beach) and Bill Leonard (R-Big Bear).

David Carmichael, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, said his group will also study and take stands on various state and local proposals, including the California Medical Assn.’s health-care reform bill slated for the November ballot.