By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – There is some optimism among business leaders in the Buffalo Niagara region that the economy will improve this year. But most are still pessimistic.
Buffalo-based First Niagara Bank commissioned the survey by the Siena Research Institute. Survey director Don Levy says one-quarter of the local executives questioned are optimistic the economy will grow in 2010. Yet, he says a plurality responded the economy will remain stagnant or get worse.
Levy says a surprising number of local business leaders -- about 39 percent -- expect their revenues to increase, but not their profits.
Levy says the business leaders blame the state for much of their problems. They say they're over-regulated and over-taxed.
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