TORONTO, ONTARIO, Jul 10 (MARKET WIRE) --
Business confidence is on the rise in Ontario, as economic improvement
appears not just on the horizon but currently underway, according to a
survey conducted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC).
The business climate survey, conducted in June, shows that business
performance has improved and business owners are more confident in the
future, as compared to a similar survey conducted six months earlier.
Specifically:
- While 43 per cent of businesses indicated that their performance is
worse today, compared to a year ago,
- Only 35 per cent described their performance weaker today, than 6
months ago.
- 38 per cent expect their business to perform better in the next 6
months, while only 15 per cent expect a weaker performance.
- 45 per cent expect greater performance over the next year, while only
16 per cent expect a weakening performance.
"This is a positive sign directly from those who live, employ and serve
consumers in communities across Ontario," says Len Crispino, President
and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "There is a significant trend
upwards in terms of business performance and since recoveries often begin
with business and consumer confidence, this may be the first indicator
that the beginning of an economic recovery is at hand."
The surveys of OCC members were conducted between November 21 and
December 12, 2008 and between June 1 and June 19, 2009. They received
1,397 and 1,353 responses respectively from a wide cross section of
industries and business size across Ontario.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is a federation of 160 local
chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the Province of Ontario,
representing 60,000 businesses of all sizes, in all economic sectors and
from every area of the province. In its mandate to advocate strong
policies on issues affecting its members, the OCC is currently focused on
economic renewal and business competitiveness. Its over-arching goal is
to make Ontario the most competitive jurisdiction in North America.
Contacts:
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Amy Terrill
(416) 482-5222, ext. 241 or C: (416) 605-8205
amyterrill@occ.on.ca
Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.
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