Brainerd Chamber Survey Finds Optimism

Members of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber are Cautiously optimistic about their prospects for 2011.

A chamber survey done last fall revealed that 70 percent of respondents enjoyed business at least as good in 2010 as it was in 2009.

Area businesses are said to be optimistic about the future. 59 percent have a positive outlook on the new year, while 31 percent are unsure and 10 percent are less optimistic about the 2011 Brainerd Lakes Area economy.

Chamber CEO Lisa Paxton said members worry that future government policy would distract from their ability to focus on operating and rebuilding their businesses.  Members would like to see government cut spending and redesign services.

They also report the cost of employee health insurance continues to be a concern. The majority of respondents, 65 percent, said it is a problem, nearly 40 percent described it as a severe problem. Only 50 percent of respondents said they offer employer subsidized health insurance for employees.