New Member Orientation Brings Good Fortune for Business Owners

February 14, 2010 by Sam Swineharte

A new member orientation for business members was held at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce on Friday to inform members about the benefits their businesses receive through the Chamber.
 
A topic for discussion from members was how the construction consuming downtown Columbus may affect business owners in the near future.
 
“It’s not looking promising right now,” said Matt McCollister, Vice President of Economic Development.  “However, we have reason to believe that in the next 10 years Columbus’ economic development will provide positive outcomes for its civilians and its business owners.” 
 
Bill LaFayette, Ph.D., vice president and economic analysis also contributed to the topic by introducing to the members their Blue Chip Economic Forecast developed by the Chamber.
 
The blue chip technology is segmented in to three quarters for the year and measures unemployment for the current year based on the previous years’ unemployment and gross domestic product rates. 
 
“The forecast for 2010 seems bad but really isn’t as bad as what we think. We are calling for a net gain in Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area employment of 0.1 percent, or 800 jobs,” LayFayette stated.  “Even though we may see small declines early in the year, the small 0.1 percent gives way for an employment growth later on in the year.”
 
Business sectors that are predicted to see positive growth are healthcare, business and professional services, transportation and utilities and private educators.
 
For the full 2010 Blue Chip Economic Forecast, please visit www.columbus.org.