WBA Economic Survey Results Released

Bankers Show Strong Interest in Acquisitions

More than 62 percent of bank executives are interested in acquiring a failed bank, and 42 percent are interested in bidding on failed bank assets or deposits, Grant Thornton reported from its 17th Bank Executive Survey. Read more in the Business Journal.

Most Savers Kept Money in 401(k)s

Of more than 1,100 plan participants polled by Francis Investment Counsel LLC between July and December, 68 percent had not changed their 401(k) accounts in response to the financial crisis. Of the 32 percent that changed their 401(k)s, 18 percent reduced the amount contributed or stopped saving completely, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Credit a Top Concern for Business CEOs

When asked about their biggest concerns for 2010, northeastern Wisconsin CEOs said increasing sales and revenue (74 percent); government regulation/taxes (41 percent); and bank lending (28 percent), according to Nicolet National Bank’s quarterly Business Pulse survey as reported in the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Wisconsin Businesses Optimistic for Year Ahead

Businesses in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties are optimistic about 2010, according to a new report released by First Business Bank. The report indicated 65 percent of 566 businesses in the two counties expect to do better in 2010. Read the story in the Small Business Times of Milwaukee or listen to a podcast from a panel discussion about the survey.

Business Survey Reflects Optimism

A majority of business owners are optimistic about 2010, according results of a survey released by First Business Bank at the invitation-only First Business Economic Forum. Read more at WisBusiness.com.