Latest Idaho Business Insider Survey Sounds a "Cautiously Optimistic" Note About 2015 Economic Outlook

Boise, ID — The fourth quarterly Business Insider survey of Idaho business owners and executives finds respondents optimistic about their companies’ prospects for 2015. Thanks to a growing economy they expect growth in revenue and to maintain or expand their workforces. None expect any layoffs. However, some of the respondents expressed concern that the economic recovery could distract policy makers from addressing education and other workplace issues as well as other concerns such as cybersecurity.

One CEO voiced concern about successful startups leaving Idaho. "From a sustainability standpoint, when companies find their success, it's imperative that the business owners and leaders from that company continue to stay and reinvest in the local area," he says. "If a large portion of the community make their money in the Treasure Valley, then successively leave or retire elsewhere, it will continue to stunt the growth in our area."

Made possible by financial support from Stoel Rives LLP, the Business Insider survey polls local business owners, CEOs and other business leaders on the economy, business climate and other business issues relevant to Idaho's business community. The first quarterly survey focused on business outlook, the second on the impact of employer healthcare costs in the wake of the adoption of the Affordable Care Act, and the third on needed improvements to education. The Business Insider and the Idaho Statesman maintain full editorial control of the survey.

The survey draws on the responses of 12 participants: Lucio Prado, Owner, El Gallo Giro; Rob Perez, President, Northwest Bank; Bill Gilbert, Co-Founder & Managing Director, The CAPROCK Group, Inc.; Jim Kissler, CEO, Norco, Inc.; Jim Cleary, President & CEO, MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc.; Sally Jeffcoat, former President & CEO, Saint Alphonsus Health System; Karen Vauk, President & CEO, The Idaho Foodbank; Bob Lokken, CEO, WhiteCloud Analytics; Tommy Ahlquist, COO, Gardner Company; Darrel Anderson, President & CEO, Idaho Power; Bill Whitacre, President & CEO, Simplot; Matt Rissell, CEO, Tsheets.com.

Visit www.idahostatesman.com to read the survey respondents’ complete comments.