2010 South Shore Economic Outlook Survey

Sovereign Bank, in partnership with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, conducts an annual survey of regional business leaders to obtain their views on current economic conditions. Through the surveys, we gain perspective on the state of the economy. We value your input and thank you for your participation.

1. Thinking about the U.S. overall, over the next 12 months how do you think the economy will be in comparison to today?

Thinking about the U.S. overall, over the next 12 months how do you think the economy will be in comparison to today? Much better shape

Somewhat better shape

About the same

Somewhat worse shape

Much worse shape

2. What do you think are the top challenges facing the South Shore region? Please select up to three.

What do you think are the top challenges facing the South Shore region? Please select up to three. Availability of quality labor

Corporate taxes

Quality of public education

Cost of living

High crime rate/corruption

Traffic/congestion

Retaining college graduates after graduation

Cost of health care

Overall quality of life

Cost of energy

Neighborhoods in decay

Local political/government leadership

Attracting skilled workers

3. Compared to other areas, how well does this region work to attract, retain and expand business?

Compared to other areas, how well does this region work to attract, retain and expand business? Better than other areas

About the same as other areas

Worse than other areas

4. Now thinking about your business, what are the most challenging issues you expect to face in the next two years? Please select up to three.

Now thinking about your business, what are the most challenging issues you expect to face in the next two years? Please select up to three. Obtaining credit

Retaining current customers

Attracting new customers

New/changing government regulations

Hiring qualified employees

Keeping good employees

Attracting a diverse work force

Cost of health insurance/other employee benefits

5. What impact will Green/Sustainable business practices have on your business in 2010?

What impact will Green/Sustainable business practices have on your business in 2010? Significant impact

Moderate impact

Low impact

No impact

6. Which of the following best describes your hiring plan for this region in 2010?

Which of the following best describes your hiring plan for this region in 2010? Significant increase

Slight increase

No change

Slight decrease

Significant decrease

7. Finally, how did your employees' health care plan change in 2010? Check all that apply.

Finally, how did your employees' health care plan change in 2010? Check all that apply. No changes

Increase co-pays

Increase deductibles

Reduce coverage

Thank you for completing the survey.

2010 South Shore Economic Outlook Survey
Exit this survey

1. South Shore Chamber of Commerce

1. Thinking about the U.S. overall, over the next 12 months how do you think the economy will be in comparison to today?

2. What do you think are the top challenges facing the South Shore region? Please select up to three.

3. Compared to other areas, how well does this region work to attract, retain and expand business?

4. Now thinking about your business, what are the most challenging issues you expect to face in the next two years? Please select up to three.

5. What impact will Green/Sustainable business practices have on your business in 2010?

6. Which of the following best describes your hiring plan for this region in 2010?

7. Finally, how did your employees' health care plan change in 2010? Check all that apply.

2010 South Shore Economic Outlook SurveyExit this survey

1. South Shore Chamber of Commerce

1. Thinking about the U.S. overall, over the next 12 months how do you think the economy will be in comparison to today?

2. What do you think are the top challenges facing the South Shore region? Please select up to three.

3. Compared to other areas, how well does this region work to attract, retain and expand business?

4. Now thinking about your business, what are the most challenging issues you expect to face in the next two years? Please select up to three.

5. What impact will Green/Sustainable business practices have on your business in 2010?

6. Which of the following best describes your hiring plan for this region in 2010?

7. Finally, how did your employees' health care plan change in 2010? Check all that apply.

2010 South Shore Economic Outlook Survey
Exit this survey