Not since 2007 has the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported that its leading index of business optimism, the Small Business Optimism Index, has topped 96, but that it did in May. While 96 is still below the Index’s historical average, it’s the trend that matters.
The driver of middle market business value is growth: sales growth, market growth and resource growth. Also, private company leaders who responded to PwC’s Trendsetter Barometer survey expect to outperform their GDP forecasts, and their expansion plans, PwC says, are picking up steam.
So despite a frigid eastern winter, which put the brakes on spending in Q1 with GDP contracting 2.9% in the U.S., and summer concerns over global conflicts and energy prices, the economy is still projected to grow 3% or better this year.
Meanwhile, as the benchmark 10-year Treasury Note remains below 2.6%, research firm FactSet reports that Consumer Sector M&A topped $26B in the first five months of this year—the hottest since 2008.
The S&P and Dow indexes both continued to make new all-time highs in May and June with no signs or reasons to abate just yet. The VIX (S&P Volatility Index or “the worry gauge”) is under 12, far below the 60 high mark it hit in October 2008 during the height of the Great Recession.
How long will this market “frenzy” last? And what does this mean for business owners in the middle market?
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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.
