Hello Chamber of Commerce Members:

Welcome to our Focal Point Survey for the Spring 2010 Economic Briefing. This survey is being sent to members electronically as requested by your local Chamber President. Your contribution by completing the survey will help provide a picture of business conditions in the local area. The spring breakfast will be held on the PNC campus, April 16, 2010, at 7:30 a.m. for the La Porte and Michigan City Chambers. See your local Chamber for details about obtaining reservations.

Please submit your survey by March 26, 2010, 12:00 p.m. Thank you for your time and attention.

Daniel Rutledge, Associate Professor of Business, Purdue North Central.

Part A:

For each item listed below, please indicate how your company/organization has been impacted over the past twelve months.

Part B:

Several items are listed below. Please indicate the two most important factors that you anticipate will impact your company/organization over the next twelve months.

Reaching sales/revenue level target
Controlling costs of doing business
Finding and keeping competent employees
Financial health and obtaining capital
Finding new business opportunities
Health care costs
Other

Business Optimism Score:

Please indicate how pessimistic or optimistic you feel regarding prospects for your company or organization over the next twelve months.
Scale: 1= very pessimistic to 9=very optimistic

Part C:

Business Profile - Indicate the characteristic in each category that best reflects your company or organization.

Business orientation: Profit Non-Profit

Employment size (locally): 1-9 10-19 20-49 50-99 100-249 250+

Years in business: 1-4 years 5-10 years 11-30 years 31-50 years 51+ years

Industry classification:
Manufacturing
Construction
Retailing
Services
Health Care
Transportation
Education
Government
Non-profit services
Other not listed above

Chamber of Commerce Membership (select one):
LaPorte
Michigan City
Valparaiso
Chesterton-Duneland Chamber