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Executive Confidence Slides on Coronavirus Variants and Workforce Shortages

Salt Lake Chamber CEOutlook 2021-Q3 Highlights A Divergence in Confidence and Job Growth Showing Uncertainty Remains the Dominant Theme  

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (December 20, 2021) – The Salt Lake Chamber’s CEOutlook released today shows mixed results from increased job growth in Utah yet executive confidence declining for the third straight quarter. This divergence signals renewed caution in the face of variants, extremely tight labor markets, and price uncertainty heading into retail season. 

“Utah continues to succeed in the face of prevailing challenges and our economic progress over the past two years is a testament to smart leadership and policy,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Our executive confidence decline does signal caution as our economy is closely correlated with the national trajectory. The passage of the national infrastructure bill will continue to boost growth for our state as projects develop in the new year but real concerns on inflation and labor constraints remain. I remain confident in our direction and momentum as Utah’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to add jobs and make our state the home of opportunity.”

The CEOutlook is a statewide economic survey of Utah business executives conducted by the Salt Lake Chamber in partnership with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. The survey shows CEOs have concerns over the next six months with tepid expectations on outlook despite their projections of rising profits. A new concern not in prior surveys is the difficulty in securing talent or it coming with significant pay increases. A whopping (89%) of respondents stated they have increased wages to attract talent with (85%) also expressing lack of access to childcare as an obstacle for potential employees.  

“Utah’s growth remains on a positive trajectory and continues to lead the nation in growth over the prior two years,” said Natalie Gochnour, director of Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and chief economist at the Salt Lake Chamber. “Our pace of growth and expansion is one of the bright spots on the economic landscape and momentum remains strong. Consumer confidence continues to build while executives remain cautious due to the structural constraints. The persistent inflation, supply chain disruption, and housing affordability remain top concerns with no short term solution. Despite these challenges, we expect Utah to continue outperforming and adapting to meet the demands of growth.” 

Consumers have shifted their expectations as inflation remains persistent across consumer staples and necessary commodities. Sentiment is taking into account increases in the number of COVID-19 variants but vaccine uptake and availability have tapered this concern. Focus now remains on lead time for products, wage inflation, and the unknown impact of major new spending in the infrastructure package. These factors coupled with the rising cost of housing in Utah round out the major concerns but overall optimism remains above average. The holiday season will give strong indications for a burgeoning consensus on the direction of our recovery, whether its slipping or deepening. Stay tuned for the next release.  

To view the full 2021-Q3 report and to learn more about the CEOutlook, visit slchamber.com/resources/ceoutlook.

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ABOUT THE SALT LAKE CHAMBER’S CEOUTLOOK

The Salt Lake Chamber’s CEOutlook is a statewide economic survey of Utah business executives. Modeled after other national business sentiment surveys, it provides a forward-looking view of the Utah economy. The Chamber partners with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah to design, tabulate and analyze the survey. Fifty business executives from Utah’s fourteen major industries are asked 6-8 questions, depending on their responses, about their company and Utah’s economic performance. Respondents are selected by each industry’s contribution to the Utah economy. Panelists come from a range of firm sizes and locations within Utah.

ABOUT THE SALT LAKE CHAMBER

The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest and longest-standing business association. A statewide chamber of commerce with members in all 29 Utah counties, the Chamber represents the broad interests of the state’s 63,000-plus employers, which employ more than 1.4 million Utahns. This includes thousands of members and their employees. With roots that date back to 1887, the Chamber stands as the voice of business, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.

ABOUT THE KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute serves Utah by preparing economic, demographic, and public policy research that helps the state prosper. We are Utah’s demographic experts, leaders on the Utah economy, and specialists in public policy and survey research. We are an honest broker of INFORMED RESEARCH, which guides INFORMED DISCUSSIONS, and leads to INFORMED DECISIONS™. For more information, please visit gardner.utah.edu or call 801-587-3717.