New survey suggests Anchorage businesses slightly optimistic about economic future [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation told the Chamber of Commerce Wednesday that their annual business community survey shows “good news” about Anchorage’s economy.

“Anchorage businesses are optimistic in almost all categories, including employment gross sales and capital expenditures,” AEDC President Jenna Wright said to a packed crowd at the Dena’ina Center on Wednesday.

Wright said the only caution was optimism about the Anchorage economy itself which was down slightly from the previous year which Wright said mirrors drops in a recent consumer confidence survey as well.

The survey also asked about barriers to business growth.

Number one is the availability of labor.

“55% of respondents said that that was the most significant barrier to growth of their organization,” Wright said. “The next one below that would be the availability of housing, which ties into labor because we can’t retain and attract talent if there is nowhere for them to live.

“And then third, interestingly, the condition of the state economy, and 40% …