The South Atlantic states continue to surpass their regional counterparts in optimism levels, with an OQ score of 111 and a five-year OQ trend of 110. The West South Central and Mountain regions posted double-digit increases from their last place scores in '99, and are once again in keeping with the national outlook. Making the industry stronger As the industry enjoys continued prosperity, it is also laying the foundation for growth in the years ahead. He explains that there is no single reason why respondents are confident about construction activity rather, Forecast participants point to a combination of positive factors. The health U.S. economy is cited by most contractors as the main reason they expect increased activity in the year 2000.
Distributors point to a broad scope of building opportunities as their main source of growth.
Industry updates its strategies and strengthens relationships CIT's 2000 Forecast finds construction executives ready to cash in on the Internet, which made the list as a popular marketing strategy for the first time this year. Respondents also intend to focus more on advertising this year. Other key strategies include business diversification and manufacture subsidized financing programs. Another clear-cut trend in this year's Forecast is that industry players are forging stronger working relationships than in the past, as executives meet one another's business needs more efficiently and increasingly rely on their colleagues to get the job done. Manufactures and distributors alike are getting high marks from their counterparts.