Business Barometer

2008 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Business Barometer

Himle Horner partnered with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to present the 2008 Minnesota Business Barometer, the fifth annual survey of business owners and managers on the issues shaping Minnesota’s business climate.

For the past five years, the Business Barometer has provided an in-depth look at statewide issues that affect job growth and economic vitality. Major issues such as Minnesota’s tax burden, climate change, reform of the K-12 education system and the natural and cultural resources constitutional amendment are highlighted in this year’s report.  

“For the first time in five years of sponsoring the Business Barometer, the mood among Minnesota businesses is decidedly pessimistic,” said Todd Rapp, a principal in Himle Horner. “Since this poll was taken before recent national financial news, it is likely that concerns have increased this fall. Many Minnesotans are worried about their future, and the Business Barometer shows that business owners and managers are looking for how to protect their employees’ jobs.”

The Minnesota Business Barometer Survey polled 350 Minnesota businesses with at least five employees in June and July of 2008. The sample reflects demographics of the entire population of Minnesota businesses in the areas of business type, size and geographic location, and has a plus-minus margin of error of 5.3 percent. Detailed results were released October 1 at the Minnesota Chamber’s issue conference and annual meeting.

Read the press release (PDF)

Download a copy of the presentation (PDF)