What do Sangamon County employers see in the year ahead? The fall economic outlook survey shows they have a positive outlook about their individual business and sector, but not about the overall economy. As for jobs, nearly half expect employment rates to stay stagnant.
"In 2009 to 2012, we were seeing people expecting layoffs. So the fact we are expecting employment to stay the same or maybe improve a little bit, is an exciting sign for the overall economy," said Ashley Kirzinger, Director of the Survey Research Office at the University of Illinois Springfield, which conducted this survey.
Kirzinger says areas of concern for businesses include government regulation and taxation. That includes uncertainties with the Affordable Care Act. They also worry about state government's finances and finding skilled workers. 2/3 also want to see more workforce training programs.
The survey finds the medical/health care sector has the most positive expectations in the count y.
