Across Industries, Top Execs Expect Better 2010

Surveys of executives in the technology, financial, retail, and food and beverage industries by KPMG found that all expect higher revenues and profits in 2010, though banks and financial services providers believe their industry will lag the general recovery, while tech execs expect to be out in front of the rebound.

Two-thirds of senior executives in the retail industry expect to see better revenue, profitability and an improving jobs picture in 2010, and 72 percent of food and beverage executives said they expect business conditions to improve in 2010, with 72 percent also expecting stronger revenue and 65 percent expecting improved profitability. However, 48 percent of the food and beverage executives believe the U.S. economy as a whole could take as long as 2011 or later to substantially recover.

Opinion was similar among retailers, with 70 percent saying they expect business conditions to improve in 2010, 68 percent expecting stronger revenue and 66 percent expecting improved profitability. Forty-four percent thought the U.S. economy would not recover until 2011 or later.

Senior business leaders in the banking and financial services industry foresee their industry’s recovery lagging that of the national economy, but still see 2010 as a turnaround year as they expect improvements in revenue (72 percent) and profitability (68 percent).

Technology executives believe that the technology sector will recover from the current economic crisis substantially faster than the U.S. economy, with senior business leaders expecting improved revenue and profitability in 2010 and about half seeing an improved job picture.
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News & Notes: Jaymar-Ruby Shutters Michigan City Plant

Clothing maker Jaymar-Ruby will close its Michigan City facility in November, a move which will put 90 people out of work.

Chesterton has secured $5.1 million in funding for extensive sewer work in the downtown area.

La Porte will not suspend water and sewer hookup fees for new construction.

The Lake County election board has decided to pretend that the county didn’t vote against funding the November special referendum on the establishment of a regional transit authority.

Rick Mazer, who has spent the last 14 years as the Regional President and General Manager of Horseshoe Casinos, is headed to Las Vegas to assume management of five Harrah’s properties there.

Linda Satkoski named CEO of Starke Memorial Hospital

The Starke Memorial Hospital Community Board of Directors has named Linda Satkoski CEO, effective immediately. Satkoski, previously Senior Vice President of Physician Relations/Patient Care Services for La Porte Regional Health System, has been serving as Interim CEO at Starke Memorial Hospital since July 1.

“The Starke Memorial Hospital Community Board of Directors has been working closely with Linda over the last six weeks and is satisfied with the progress that has been made so far,” said Walter Fritz, M.D., President of the Community Board of Directors. “We are pleased to be working with her to further the progress of Starke Memorial Hospital.”
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