A survey of the Metro Chamber member outlook on the economy last month found that business people are gathering their information largely from media outlets, and it is that information that seems to be shaping their perceptions of the economy.

Half of the respondents said that it is the perception of a weak business climate that will be the significant factor impacting their business in the next six months, not the true business impact.

The "perception of things being really bad seems to be a self- fulfilling prophecy," commented one respondent. Another said, "If you keep your mind in the right place and go out and make something happen, you can overcome most obstacles."

When survey respondents looked at their own business, a negative perception of the economy didn't necessarily equate to a catastrophic failure of theirs. Notably, about 42 percent see sales growth increasing in the next year, while an additional third of the respondents predicted no growth.

"We have had a very good past year, in part due to innovation and development of new revenue streams," said one respondent.

Nearly 58 percent of respondents see the business climate remaining the same or getting better in the next six months. In 2010, 63 percent believe the region's business climate will improve.

The majority of businesses that responded to the survey don’t project doing any less business this year than they did last year. The majority of respondents also don’t have plans to lay people off. Over the next six months, nearly half of the respondents said their business employment levels will stay the same; 13 percent even predicted an increase in jobs at their business.

"Businesses seem to be circling the wagons. They are adjusting their business practices to match the challenge of the day," said Matt Mahood, president & CEO.

In the area of finance, for instance, 65 percent are delaying capital purchases, perhaps because 40 percent found credit harder to obtain. About 45 percent of respondents said they were also scaling back slightly on their own personal spending--being more careful in making purchases.

One business summed up the economy this way: The "media is very negative indicating that all business in all sectors is down; however, we are experiencing an increase in business. What is not reported is that those companies that have built a solid foundation and are willing to work hard(er)--particularly small businesses--should be able to hang in there. We have been fiscally very conservative--have not spent beyond our means--and it appears that is helping us out for 2009."