The Providence Business News/CellularOne executive poll is a weekly survey of 50 top business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries and businesses.
Last year we asked the same question at this time of year.
For comparison, we have included last year's percentages in parenthesis.
QUESTION: Do you believe the Rhode Island economy will ...
Grow substantially in 1999
0%
(5.9%)
Grow moderately in 1999
31.8%
(17.6%)
Grow slightly in 1999
36.4%
(64.7%)
Be flat in 1999
31.8%
(11.8%)
QUESTION: In spite of your thoughts on the overall economy, what is your company's outlook for 1999?
Believe it will grow substantially in 1999
22.7%
(17.6%)
Believe it will grow moderately in 1999
50%
(70.6%)
Believe it will grow slightly in 1999
27.3%
(5.9%)
Believe it will be flat in 1999
0%
(5.9%)
QUESTION: In 1999 do you expect your company to:
Increase employment more than 10 percent
22.7%
(5.9%)
Increase employment between 5 and 10 percent
36.4%
(23.5%)
Increase employment between 1 and 5 percent
22.7%
(41.2%)
Neither increase nor decrease the number of jobs
18.2%
(17.6%)
Decrease employment between 1 and 5 percent
0%
(5.9%)
Decrease employment more than 10 percent
0%
(5.9%)
QUESTION: Is your company committed to remaining in Rhode Island in 1999?
Yes....90%
(100%)
No....9.1%
(0%)
QUESTION: Even if your company is committed to remaining in Rhode Island do you anticipate opening any other operations out of state in
1999?
Yes....27.3%
(43.8%)
No....72.7%
(56.3%)
