The survey found that in Q4 2008, businesses were represented from a broad range of industries and employee sizes. Both working capital and stock prices were dramatically affected, and there was a significant reduction in new building permits and a slight reduction in employee work hours. For Q1 2009, large reductions in anticipated expenditures for travel and education were expected, along with reductions extending to salaries and benefits, though a modest increase in expenditures for raw materials was anticipated.

1. The Corridor Poll™ Quarterly Economic Survey First Quarter-2009 January 2009

2. Findings Industry A broad range of businesses were represented

3. Findings Number of Employees A broad range of businesses were represented

4. Findings—Q4 2008 Price of stock Both working capital and stock prices were dramatically affected

5. Findings—Q4 2008 New building permits A significant reduction in building permits taken out

6. Findings—Q4 2008 Employee hours per week A slight reduction in the reported number of hours worked

7. Findings—Q1 2009 Anticipated expenditures for travel and education Large reductions expected

8. Findings—Q1 2009 Anticipated expenditures for salary & benefits Reductions extend into salaries and benefits

9. Findings—Q1 2009 Anticipated expenditures for raw material An modest increase in expenditures is expected

10. Findings Business Decision Makers The Local Economy and their Business

11. The Corridor Poll Index™

12. The Corridor Poll™ Quarterly Economic Survey First Quarter-2009 January 2009