Central New York business leaders got an optimistic economic forecast Thursday at the CenterState CEO, but also found out that their own attitudes may be holding the area back. The corporation hosted a breakfast at the OnCenter to release its economic forecast, which suggests better times for 2014.
An M&T Bank economist says business growth should be about 2.8%. But CenterState President Rob Simpson says he hears the area is stagnant and flat. He points to downtown investment, a jump in exports and job growth as reasons for optimism, and he praised those willing to take risks.
The growth of Destiny USA, drawing more than 25 million visits, was also highlighted. Spokesperson David Aitken promised that Destiny would continue to boost the region. Besides tourism, CenterState foresees opportunity in healthy foods for agriculture businesses; a boom in ‘buy local’ helping retailers; and double digit export growth.
Chris Bolt brought together positive comments on the economy for WAER News: