Confidence levels for one year out are up 5.3% in September with a ranking of 6.44 out of 10, compared with 6.11 in August. Respondents rated current, overall business conditions as 6.18 compared with a 5.88 rating in August, an increase of 5.2%.
The trend in confidence levels for 2014 has been encouraging, with ratings hovering around or exceeding 6.0. However, CEOs are cautiously optimistic about the future. September figures confirm a gradual, slow-growth outlook, with 46.3 percent of CEOs surveyed predicting either no growth or growth of less than 10 percent for the coming year.
Interestingly, nearly 50% of all CEOs surveyed indicated confidence levels between 7 and 10, with only 12% listing levels of 4 or less. “Our economy is gradually improving due to increased energy production in the U.S., which is helping reduce our deficit,” said one CEO respondent.
Regarding CEO views on growth prospects, some executives cited the government’s failure to invest in infrastructure. As one CEO said, “The U.S. Congress is failing to show leadership in the critical area of infrastructure investment in transportation and public utility infrastructure–water, [sanitation], drainage and public buildings.” He also stated that the nation’s aging infrastructure warrants more than mere maintenance.
Adding some uncertainty to CEO mindsets is the ongoing threat to global business interests from geo-political terrorism, particularly in the Middle East. Some 53.8 percent of the CEOs cited terrorism as a concern. “I am concerned that the ISIS
phenomenon will soon affect global business in a severe way,” said one CEO. “They seem intent on disruption.”
In the wake of the 2008 economic meltdown, confidence levels were a roller coaster ride, dipping below 2.0 and spiking to nearly 6.0 between 2009 and 2010. The volatility of the rankings reflected a prevailing mood of uncertainty.
However, confidence levels in January 2009 were up a staggering 31.8% from December 2008. But by February 2009, confidence fell off a cliff and dipped some 26 percent compared with the previous month. A low rating of 1.54 for
the one-year outlook in February 2009 was followed by wild spikes throughout 2009 and 2010. In 2011, a gentle rolling upward trend began, and today, CEO confidence levels reflect less volatility.
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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.
