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Survey Reveals Mood of 88 South Jersey Businesses

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Apr. 15 /PRNewswire/ --

CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cherry Hill accounting firm, Alloy Silverstein, conducted an online survey in early April in an effort to gauge the pulse of local businesses regarding the current economic and political climate.

A majority who participated in the survey selected Republican Senator John McCain as their choice for president. In the poll 53 per cent of the respondents said they are "leaning toward" McCain to lead the nation.

On the Democratic side, Senator Barack Obama received a 23 per cent approval rating; Senator Hillary Clinton, 17 percent.

A total of 88 replies -- representing a 13.08 per cent response rate -- were received from the 673 businesses surveyed by the accounting firm. "Of the other questions we asked, it came as no surprise that 67 per cent of the respondents said their businesses are feeling the effects of the nation's economic slowdown," said Ren Cicalese, managing partner at Alloy Silverstein.

"However, we were taken somewhat aback when 43 per cent of those who replied said they believe raising the turnpike tolls is a good way for the state to raise revenue," he continued. "Of course, that figure was directly offset by another 43 per cent who said it's a bad idea."

Although increased toll charges are being advanced as a method of reducing taxes, two-thirds of the surveyed business owners (66 per cent) believe the funds would be diverted to some other program.

The survey was sent in early April to determine current thinking among clients and business associates of Alloy, Silverstein, Shapiro, Adams, Mulford, Cicalese, Wilson & Co. in Cherry Hill.

The firm plans to conduct additional surveys on a quarterly basis in an effort to gauge the mood of the business community as it evolves.