Detroit City Wire

Business Leaders for Michigan released its CEO Economic Outlook survey, revealing that 73% of Michigan’s top executives expect the state’s economy to stay about the same over the next six months and more than half expect their revenues to increase.

DETROIT – Three-quarters of Michigan’s top executives expect Michigan’s economy to stay about the same over the next six months and more than half expect their revenues to increase, according to Business Leaders for Michigan’s CEO Economic Outlook Survey released today.

Long-term growth will require more work though. Executives cited Michigan’s slow population and economic growth, increasing costs, state policy, and talent shortages as hurdles to overcome.

“We’ve seen improvements to our short-term economic outlook, but persistent barriers to sustained long-term growth. Consumers and businesses are worried about increased costs, many of which can be impacted by state policies and talent shortages. To grow our economy, Michigan needs to continue improving its competitiveness in job and business creation and talent,” said Jeff Donofrio, president and chief executive officer of Business Leaders for Michigan.

The outlook for Michigan’s economy for the second half of the year has improved compared to the last survey conducted in December 2023. The most recent survey shows 73% of chief executive officers expect the state’s economy to stay the same, compared to 53% previously. When it comes to the U.S. economic outlook over the next six months, the results were more mixed, with 54% expecting the economy to stay the same.

The survey’s revenue estimates were optimistic as well, with 51% of respondents saying they expect their company’s revenues to increase over the next six months. However, increased costs continue to impact overall profitability. Also, despite the downturn in office real estate nationally, nearly 85% of respondents say they expect their real estate footprint in Michigan to remain unchanged over the next six months.

Many of the state’s top executives continue to struggle to find qualified people for job openings, with 38% saying they are having trouble filling positions.

For the first time, the survey asked chief executive officers “what excites you about Michigan’s future?” Some responses included:

“The chance for a long-term economic incentive package being approved.”

“Our natural resources and continuing investment in Detroit.”

“Efforts toward economic growth and diversification and a renewed focus on education reform.”

“Continued investment in infrastructure, and our wonderful natural resources and environment.”

“We are still the go-to spot for technical expertise to solve the world’s mobility challenges.”

The internal member survey was conducted from June 18 through July 15, 2024.

About Business Leaders for Michigan:

Business Leaders for Michigan is dedicated to making Michigan a Top 10 state for jobs, education, widely shared prosperity and a healthy economy. Guided by its Compete to Win Plan strategy involving government, community, education and business leaders working together towards improving Michigan's growth. The organization consists exclusively of executive leaders from Michigan's largest companies and universities who drive 40% of the state's economy employing more than 540,000 people generating over $1 trillion in annual revenue while serving more than half of all public university students in Michigan. More information can be found at www.businessleadersformichigan.com.

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