The rating of current conditions also stayed flat since July, dipping only 0.8 percent to 5.88 out of 10. This rating is the second-highest CEOs have given for current overall business conditions since the onset of the financial crisis in September 2008, indicating the current economic climate is as good as it has been in at least six years in the eyes of CEOs.
“Business is slowly improving, margins are improving, and new capital investment is starting to happen,” reported the CEO of a middle market energy company. “Overall we see all businesses improving: energy (power delivery and generation), food, environmental and federal. We do, however, see a decline or delay in most international projects.”
Despite the fact that ratings for business conditions are at multi-year highs, the majority of CEO respondents expressed skepticism, especially about conditions in Washington, D.C. and the leadership of the executive branch. While the economy has seemingly turning a corner, most CEOs still hope for a change in the White House that will yield better conditions over the coming years.
In a trend that has continued for the past several years, the CEOs of largest companies rate business conditions the highest among their peers, both currently and for expectations a year from now. Companies with $100 million or more in revenue rated current conditions at 6.03, as compared to those with between $10-99.9 million in revenue, which rated conditions at 5.82. Optimism is growing, but the largest companies seem to be benefiting the most in
the short term.
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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.
