The Partnership Delivers Business Climate Update at Good News Breakfast

ST. CLOUD -- Nearly 100 business and civic leaders from the St. Cloud area gathered at the Kelly Inn this (Wednesday) morning to get an update on the economic forecast for 2011.

The Partnership's Annual Meeting and "Good News Breakfast" gave members a look at some successes in 2010 and the outlook for 2011.

Partnership President Tom Moore says their Business Outlook Survey revealed most businesses expect things to get better over the next two quarters.  According to their Business Outlook Survey, 57% of respondents expect the economic conditions to improve in 2011.  Moore says about 30% of the respondents also feel they expect prices for their product to increase next year.

He says while private sector employment remains flat, The Partnership is working with existing firms to grow their employment levels while also attracting new companies to town.  Moore says it's been a difficult climate to attract new businesses, but he says they currently have 22 active prospects.

Moore also stressed the importance of attracting an air carrier to St. Cloud that will offer direct flights to Chicago.