Spotlight: Survey Shows Optimism Over Southland Economy

Southland executives are optimistic about the future of the local economy, but are concerned about a looming shortage of qualified employees, according to a Deloitte & Touche survey. More than 70% of the 638 executive respondents expect the economy to improve in 1998, with 13% anticipating significant improvement. The respondents were even more optimistic about the future of their firms. Nearly 90% expect their sales to increase next year, including 43% anticipating increases of 10% or more.