The chief executives of Vermont’s leading businesses seem cautious over capital expenditure and employment levels for the summer and fall when compared against expected increases in their sales volumes for that same timeframe. In general, however, the attitude of the business community appears to have stabilized from the last quarter.  The mood was assessed at the end of the second quarter and released today by Vermont Business Roundtable Chair Bill Stritzler and President Lisa Ventriss.

“Interestingly, in all three areas of sales, capital expenditures, and employment levels, our members’ responses appear to be slowing moving in a more positive direction, which suggests that employers may be starting to feel better about their future prospects”, said Ventriss. Chair Stritzler, who is managing director of the Jeffersonville-based Smugglers’ Notch Resort, says “The results of the CEO survey echo similar results of the National Business Roundtable. Though economic conditions are still difficult, conditions appear to be improving among our members and we’re finding fewer negative outlooks.”

The Roundtable’s CEO Economic Outlook Survey provides a forward-looking view of the economic assumptions and attitudes of chief executive officers for 100 of the state’s top employers.  All sectors of Vermont’s economy and all geographic regions are represented.  The response rate for this quarter was 47 percent.  Historically, rates have varied from 40 to 73 percent.

1. How do you expect your company’s sales to change in the next six months?

Totals may not equal 100 due to rounding.

2. How do you expect your company’s capital spending to change in the next six months?

Totals may not equal 100 due to rounding.

3. How do you expect your company’s employment to change in the next six months?

Totals may not equal 100 due to rounding.