Introducing the Cole Taylor Business Owners Confidence Index, designed to gather feedback from Chicago area business leaders regarding their attitudes and perceptions of the economy, both nationally and within the local market.  We hope you'll find the results engaging and insightful as you plan for your future and the future of your business.

Chicago area business owners are planning for second quarter growth while keeping a cautious eye on the local economy.

• 85% of respondents rate the current condition of the Chicago economy as fair to poor, slightly worse than the overall national economy. Most do not expect to see any improvement in the Chicago economy over the next three months.

• Current and anticipated staffing levels provide positive outlook; 42% of respondents expect to increase hiring.

• Economic uncertainty is affecting businesses' plans for capital expenditures. Only equipment and technology investments appear strong.

Click here to view the full report - including responses on issues related to sales volumes, key problems facing businesses, taxes, and government policies.

Register now to receive the results of the Fall 2012 Cole Taylor Business Owners Confidence Index survey.