Chase Business Leaders Outlook Survey: Business Confidence Gets a Boost
By Mae Marie, Close-Up Media Staff Wrtier
As company size grows, so does optimism about national economy, reports Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The company said in its 2015 Chase Business Leaders Outlook, U.S. businesses report growing optimism about the economy and easing concerns about credit and regulation.
"We're seeing a positive combination of business leaders feeling better about their companies and effectively managing regulatory challenges, such as healthcare and taxes," said John Simmons, Head of Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries.
For the first time in the study's five years, the company noted, middle market companies' optimism about the national economy exceeds the outlook for their local economy and industry performance. About two-thirds (68%) of middle market companies are optimistic about the U.S. economy, compared with 54% in 2014.
Meanwhile, small business owners have the brightest outlook in the three years Chase has surveyed them.
According to a release, businesses of all sizes reported lower confidence about the global economy, with pessimism among middle market companies increasing to 26% from 15% from last year, and 31% for small businesses in 2015.
As in past years, small businesses are most optimistic about their local economies.
"Small business owners have their fingers on the pulse of the local economy, so it's especially encouraging to see their confidence in their customers and communities continue to grow," said Jennifer Piepszak, CEO of Chase Business Banking, which generally serves businesses up to $20 million in annual revenue.
This year Chase surveyed more than 3,600 senior decision-makers from small businesses (revenue between $100,000 and $20 million) and middle market companies (revenue between $20 million and $500 million).
Among the other highlights on what business leaders expect in the year ahead:
Sales and profit growth:
-A majority of both middle market and small business respondents expect sales and profit growth in 2015, with about three-quarters (73%) of larger companies and 60% of small businesses projecting revenue growth.
-Optimism about profits is higher among middle market companies, with 66% expecting to grow profits compared with 55% of small businesses. Business leaders in the retail industry expect to see the biggest increase in both revenue/sales (80% vs. 67% in 2014) and profits (78% vs. 55% in 2014).
Regulatory environment:
-Year over year, and for both middle market and small business leaders, concerns about taxes, healthcare regulation and fiscal policy are all lower than in 2014.
Borrowing and capital expenditures:
-Concern over the availability of credit dropped in 2015, especially among small businesses (8% lower than 2014), indicating business leaders feel more confident about their access to the capital to support their business plans.
-Planned capital expenditures are on the rise, especially for companies with more than $500,000 in annual revenue.
Talent: an increasing priority:
-Business leaders have a growing concern about a limited supply of talent, which outranked labor costs and regulatory requirements among expected challenges in 2015. Respondents said positions requiring technical/trade skills remain the most difficult to fill.
-Regionally business leaders in the West are more likely to increase full-time personnel, and companies in the South are more likely to decrease full-time employees than in other regions. Among those who plan to increase hiring, 86% plan to do so because of anticipated sales growth. The most common reason for restraining hiring is increased efficiency/productivity (49%).
Impact of Lower Oil Prices:
-About half of all business leaders said lower oil prices had a positive impact on their businesses, although larger companies - especially in the South - were more likely to react negatively.
Full report:
www.chase.com
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
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Alexandra Scarborough
Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for SpringSarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.
The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.
"Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.
Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.
The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading.
The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.
"Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."
As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection.
To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.
The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.
More Information:
http://www.Gilt.com/SJP -
Alexandra Scarborough
Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ CollectionConvenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.
The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.
"The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."
Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.
According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.
Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.
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Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.
Among other insights, the roundup revealed:
- Labor Day was the busiest weekend for car rental
- Disney Theme Parks topped the list of things to do
- The average hotel stay was two nights
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