Survey Highlights CEO Challenges and Issues
Indianapolis – Butler University College of Business, Ice Miller and Inside INdiana Business announced today the results of the third annual statewide survey of Indiana's chief executive officers and senior executives. The survey, "The State of Our Business – A Perspective from Indiana Executives," provides insight and understanding with respect to significant issues facing CEOs, the state's role in attracting and retaining business, specific state initiatives and employment related issues.
The project partners identified 1,913 CEOs and other executive officers as potential respondents. Of those contacted, 350 responded to a comprehensive online survey designed by Butler University's College of Business.
The partners addressed several themes to examine in greater detail including: CEO challenges and issues, the state's economic climate, the state's role in economic development, human resources, education, and information technology.
"It's particularly interesting to see trends emerge and new issues develop, especially in light of the instability in the economy," stated Gerry Dick, president, Inside INdiana Business. "For example, when asked what specific activities organizations are taking in an effort to deal with the economic situation, larger firms were more likely than smaller firms to mention cost-reducing activities, while smaller firms were more likely than larger firms to mention revenue-generating activities."
In comparison, among the list of CEO challenges and issues, the study found that most of the issues received importance ratings that are statistically equal to ratings received in 2008, indicating that even in times of major economic change, CEOs maintain a relatively consistent structure of priorities. "It's not surprising that issues such as customer loyalty and retention and corporate reputation would be on the minds of the CEOs during these times of economic uncertainty," stated Byron Myers, Chief Managing Partner, Ice Miller LLP.
“On a positive note, CEOs see advantages to living and working in Indiana,” said Chuck Williams, Dean, Butler University College of Business. “The state’s cost of living is once again viewed as a strong advantage over surrounding states and Indiana’s business environment is generally perceived to be improving relative to neighboring states over 2008 levels. This is very encouraging news.”
Study highlights from 2009 include the following:
The project partners will continue to benchmark the results from the 2009 survey and monitor, discuss and analyze the state's progress.
A full summary of the report can be found online at: www.inceosurvey.com.
Challenging and enabling students to meet their personal and professional goals has guided Butler University since 1855. Today, Butler is a nationally recognized comprehensive university that blends the liberal arts with first-rate pre-professional programs. It seeks to prepare each graduate not simply to make a living but to make a life of purpose, in which personal flourishing is intertwined with the welfare of others. Butler is known for its vibrant campus, superior academics and dedicated faculty. The University enrolls more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students in five academic colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Fine Arts. Located just six miles from downtown Indianapolis, Butler’s urban setting affords students internship opportunities that provide excellent graduate school and career preparation.
Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, industries, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; DuPage County, Ill.; and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.icemiller.com.
Grow INdiana Media Ventures, the parent company of the powerful Inside INdiana Business brand of multi-media business news products, was created in 2000 by broadcast news veteran Gerry Dick and technology entrepreneur and visionary Scott Jones.
With a fully-integrated portfolio of television, radio, Internet, permission-based email and on-demand business news products, Inside INdiana Business delivers superior journalism trusted by an educated and affluent audience.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Inside INdiana Business has developed a network of the state's leading television, radio and print mediums to deliver the business news only Indiana's business news leader can provide. As a result, our daily business news can be watched, heard and read in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois (including Chicagoland), Ohio and Kentucky.
Sally Fillbrunn Director of Sales and Marketing Grow INdiana Media Ventures 317.275.2014 sfillbrunn@InsideINdianaBusiness.com
or
Courtney Tuell Director of Public Relations Butler University 317.940.9807 (direct) or 317.908.2307 (cellular) ctuell@butler.edu
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