10 Years Ago RI Businesses Were Optimistic About the RI Economy

10 Years Ago RI Businesses Were Optimistic About the RI Economy

Ten years ago almost to the day, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation released the results of a survey distributed to more than 1,400 RI businesses – the survey was sent out just weeks after 9/11.

The result of the survey stands in contrast to today’s perception of the RI economy. Despite RI being in the shadow of the “attack on America,” of those responding to the survey in 2001, the responses were surprisingly optimistic:

69 percent of the respondents were optimistic about the future and had plans for expansion. Most with plans to expand within the next six to 12 months

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When asked if their business travel plans would change, 66% said they would not be cutting back.

9% plan to rely more on teleconferencing

81% said they would not reduce leisure spending in Rhode Island

64% reported that they would not reduce leisure spending outside the state

In 2011, survey of Rhode Islanders (not just the business community) found that most believe RI is on the wrong track. A GoLocalProv/Starr Opinion Research Poll released in September found that 74% thought RI was on the wrong track and only 16% think RI is on the right track.

A lot can happen in 10 years.