Business Owners Optimistic

A Newport Beach-based management consulting firm found in a recent survey that business owners and managers in the western United States are very optimistic about the coming year. Of the 217 chief executives, presidents and managers queried in the fourth quarter, 92% felt their businesses would perform better over the next 12 months, according to Management Action Programs Inc.

Most respondents said the biggest challenges they expect to face in the next year are the implementation of new policies and new technologies. Other major hurdles cited were increased competition, the struggle to find, keep, and train good employees, and managing finances.

A majority of executives also believe that the most important issues for the government to address are reducing regulations, taxes and wasteful programs, and achieving a balanced budget.

The firm said it plans to conduct the surveys each quarter to track changes in business executives’ sentiments.

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Patrice Apodaca covers economic issues for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5979 and at patrice.apodaca@latimes.com.