State of Ohio business poll underscores need for policy changes.

• Author: Price, Jennifer Tisone

Ohio's anti-competitive business climate continues to be a top concern among Ohio's CPAs, according to this year's State of Ohio Business Poll. The annual poll, sponsored by The Ohio Society of CPAs, gauges the opinions of CPAs throughout Ohio on a variety of issues related to current and future economic conditions and business issues. The results were presented in Columbus on Nov. 17 to an audience of CPAs, business leaders, legislators, and members of the media.

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The CPA profession is uniquely positioned to provide insight about the condition of Ohio's economy and issues facing the state's businesses.

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"There is no other profession that collectively possesses more knowledge and insight into the issues facing Ohio's business community," said Jeffrey H. Tucker, CPA, chair of The Ohio Society's Executive Board and partner with Rea & Associates.

According to the respondents, the economy is and will continue to be an issue. In terms of top of mind concerns, the economy garnered 61 percent of the respondents' vote. Education was a distant second at 15 percent. Health care and national security tied at 9 percent each, which is surprising post 9/11. Government waste was cited by 6 percent and crime drew only a 1 percent mention.

Related to the economy, Ohio's business climate was a recurring concern. On the overall business climate, respondents had little positive to say--with most considering it slightly more negative than 2003.

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* One-third evaluated it as poor in comparison to 27 percent in 2003.

* Half of the respondents termed it fair in comparison to 52 percent in 2003.

* 18 percent characterized it as good, similar to 2003.

* None of the respondents described it as excellent; in comparison to 2003 when a mere 1 percent used this characterization.

Though the economy was a top concern, the future looks bright according to the survey. The CPA profession's assessment of the current and future economy was in line with recently released economic data.

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Though the economy remains a major concern, many see improvement over 2003.

* Over half, 54 percent, said Ohio's economy had improved in comparison to last year.

* About a third, 30 percent, felt it was unchanged.

* 17 percent described it as worse.

Looking ahead to the 2005 economy, the respondents were optimistic with 63 percent predicting improvement and only 8 percent forecasting worse...