Chamber Poll: Economy Impact Not So Bad

The not-very-dramatic conclusions from the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Business Climate Survey of its 987 members (with a 16 percent return) was this:

• Economic growth remains a priority for the voters.
• The Roanoke region is not immune from an economic downturn.

Not exactly ground-breaking stuff, but a close look reveals ... well, not a lot you wouldn't expect. Here's some of the findings:

• Economic growth, followed closely by health care costs, education, available workforce, retaining young people and taxes and fees are the issues most affecting business here.
• Jobs "needed," in order, are: sales, management, administrative, technological, production, engineering, construction and trades, health care.
• Training was most needed in technical areas, followed by communication skills, computer skills and work ethic.
• Asked if they would expand in 2009, 18 percent said yes, within the region and another six percent said they'd expand outside the region. That was not dramatically different from 2008 answers.
• Thirty-five percent (compared to 44 percent in 2008) say they will add jobs in 2009. Ninteen percent will cut jobs (9 percent in 2008).
• Forty-two percent expect revenues to decrease in 2009, compared to 18 percent in 2008. Just 36 percent (down from 59) say they expect an increase.
• While 74 percent expected operating expenditures to increase in 2008, that was down to 39 percent for 2009.
• Twenty-seven percent expect an increase in profits in 2009 (compared to 44 percent) and 41 percent expect a decrease (up from 25).
• Fifty-six percent said tyhe economic climate was either good or poor and 56 said fair.
• All that said, just 36 percent said there has been a significant impact on them from the economic downturn.