MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- New surveys suggest Tennessee consumers and business owners have very different views of the economy.
The Middle Tennessee State Office of Consumer Research recently completed surveys gauging both consumer and business owner sentiment concerning the current economy and the economic outlook.
Survey Director Dr. Tim Graeff says Tennessee’s business community is upbeat about the current national economy, but are concerned about the future. Consumers are expressing the opposite sentiment; down on the current national economy but feeling good about the future.
Graeff says there’s also a disconnect regarding the state economy, with Tennessee business owners feeling upbeat but consumers expressing concerns.
Graeff asked business leaders to rate their concerns.
“Rising healthcare costs, difficulty finding employees, political and economic uncertainty, and also the potential for increasing regulation.”
The MTSU study surveyed 89 business leaders statewide, while the consumer survey spoke to more than 600 residents here in Middle Tennessee.