Business Survey Indicates Growth in Optimism

A new survey finds increased optimism over Vermont’s economic future.

The Vermont Business Roundtable released the results of it most recent CEO Economic Outlook Survey on Tuesday assessing the 6 month economic outlook of 120 company leaders across Vermont. The key findings from the second quarter of 2012 found an expected 7-percent increase in stable company sales; an expected 5-percent increase in stable capital spending and an expected five percent decrease in stable employment levels. King Arthur Flour CEO Steve Voigt is Chair of the Business Roundtable.

University of Vermont Professor of Economics Art Wolfe finds the use of the phrase “stable” in the results unusual.

State Economist and Principle Economic Advisor to the Vermont Legislature Tom Kavet calls the report optimistic but cautious.  Kavet notes that the survey is consistent with data for the state economic outlook.

The Business Roundtable survey was taken between June 1st and 15th with a response rate of 60 percent. 

6/21/12  Following the airing and web publication of this report, the Vermont Business Roundtable issued a revised press release correcting the expected five percent decrease in stable employment levels to a five percent increase.