Roundtable Releases 3 Qtr CEO Economic Outlook Survey

Vermont’s CEOs Willing to Invest in the Future

The chief executives of Vermont’s leading businesses appear optimistic for long-term growth and a gradually improving employment environment.  According to the most recent Vermont Business Roundtable survey, business leaders expect to invest more in both capital expenditures and personnel compared to the last quarter.  While most respondents predict that sales will remain unchanged for the coming quarter, there are businesses that are already experiencing an increase in sales.  Roundtable President, Lisa Ventriss, said “The forecasts gathered this quarter indicate an economy in transition and activity that is trending upward nicely. It complements what we are hearing anecdotally from our members.”

Carolyn Edwards, CEO and President of Competitive Computing says, “We have been experiencing a healthier market in recent months and are actively working with a number of clients on their technology investment plans for the coming year.  We are still being conservative with our own growth plans but are confident enough to move ahead with hiring for a few key positions.”

“The survey reflects what we are seeing in our business.  Those commercial and industrial clients that are optimistic about their futures are making investments in their physical plants to take advantage of unusually low, very competitive construction costs,” notes Mark Neagley, President of Neagley & Chase Construction Co.

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 35 percent.

2009 Q3

2009 Q2

Increase No Change Decrease Increase No Change Decrease
How do you expect your company’s sales to change in the next six months?

34%

49%

17%

41%

31%

28%

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

31%

46%

23%

17%

51%

32%

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

34%

46%

20%

21%

50%

29%