State's CPAs guardedly optimistic.

• Position: BUSINESS OUTLOOK

INDIANA CPAs ARE guardedly optimistic with respect to the business climate in the U.S. for 2007 and slightly more optimistic about the prospects for Indiana's economy, according to the recent poll conducted by the Indiana CPA Society In comparison, in 2006, Indiana CPAs were a bit more neutral concerning Indiana's economy.

The society, in partnership with the Indiana Business Research Center, conducted its second annual Business Outlook Survey of Indiana CPAs who serve either as CFOs of Indiana businesses or as managing partners of Indiana CPA firms.

On a continuous rating scale from zero to 100 with zero being very pessimistic, 50 being neutral, and 100 being very optimistic, Indiana CPAs were found to be guardedly optimistic about the prospects for the U.S. economy, with an average rating of 64.2. When asked about the economic outlook for Indiana, the average was 65.5. The outlook for their firms was generally more optimistic, with an average response of 74.

"Indiana CPAs have traditionally been regarded as influential business advisors and consultants," says Ben Kimmerling, chair of the Indiana CPA Society. "The CFOs and managing partners surveyed all play key roles in the success and growth of their respective businesses and firms. Their roles...