After two months of declining confidence, the outlook among CEOs toward the economy improved in April. In particular, they expressed optimism about employment and capital spending, although they remain deeply concerned about rising health care costs and their effect on corporate bottom lines.
The overall CEO Confidence Index, a broad measure of the mood in the corner office, rose 3.9 points, from 154.4 to 158.3, a gain of 2.5 percent. The Index, initially set at 100 in October 2002, hit a peak of 171.9 in January 2004, buoyed by a rising
In April, the Employment Confidence Index jumped 9 points, or 6.1 percent, from 147.1 to 156.1. More than 95 percent of the CEOs surveyed said employment conditions either would increase or stay the same over the next three months. In recent months, this has proved to be a leading indicator of
With the current unemployment rate at 5.7%, near the 56- year
Nearly half of the 312 CEOs who responded to the survey said they expected their companies’ health care costs to increase by 11 percent to 20 percent in each of the next few years. Despite their frustrations and concerns over the
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
