January 28, 2010

Charlotte NC Regional Leaders Foresee Slow Growth But Still Optimistic

Even though the economy remains tight right here in our backyard and across the country, Charlotte’s leaders are still optimistic about the prospects for growth.

Yes, the economy will continue to be a hot topic as businesses fight for more sales and unemployment remains a concern, but overall they do see positive signs of growth for the area.

I personally believe this sentiment applies to the Fort Mill and Rock Hill SC areas as well. Yes, things will continue to be tight, but I personally think we’re in a better position than Charlotte because of SC’s lower taxes and the number of large companies still looking to invest in York County.

clipped from www.charlotteobserver.com

The Charlotte region is emerging from the recession, but its standards of growth, living and doing business are shifting, business owners, city officials and economists said Wednesday.

The leaders met over breakfast at Duke Energy uptown to talk about the economy and hear the results of a fourth-quarter survey of 166 businesses from across the community. That survey, a joint effort of the city and Charlotte Chamber, found that businesses expect a slight rebound this year and perceive Charlotte as a stable, cost-effective place to work.

About six out of 10 respondents said they feel positively about Charlotte’s business climate, down from eight of 10 in 2008. But about half said they expect sales and revenue to grow more than 10 percent this year, and just 16 percent expect declines.