Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/763581
6 2017 Economic Forecast • www.wbjournal.com • Worcester Business Journal Commercial Lending Wealth Management Mortgages Our dedication to providing customers with superior financial products and the support they need to prosper at work and at home has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. Limited impact Despite their positive observations about the Central Mass. economy, WBJ readers were less bullish on how their organizations would fair in 2017 High taxes ............................................................................24% High cost of living .................................................................21% Other (see below) .................................................................21% High healthcare costs ...........................................................20% Slow regulatory process .......................................................12% High energy costs ...................................................................2% What is your estimate for your company's revenue performance for 2017 compared to 2016? What is your estimate for your company's bottom line (net income/profit) performance for 2017 compared to 2016? What's the biggest impediment to business growth in Massachusetts? Gov. Charlie Baker, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito looking on, signs the Massachusetts state budget into law. WBJ readers consider high taxes to be the No. 1 impediment to business growth in the commonwealth. Increase 1-10% Increase 11-20% No growth Increase more than 20% Decrease 1-10% Decrease 11-20% Decrease more than 20% Increase 1-10% Increase 11-20% No growth Increase more than 20% Decrease 1-10% Decrease 11-20% 0% Decrease more than 20% 56% 60% 17% 12% 7% 6% 2% 0% 12% 11% 8% 7% 2% 1% 56% 60% 17% 12% 7% 6% 2% 0% 12% 11% 8% 7% 2% 1% Other responses: • "A state legislature that doesn't give local cities and towns the freedom to raise revenue from a diverse series of avenues." • "Trump" • "Transportation, congestion" • "Technical labor shortage" • "All of the above"