Nearly half of Dane County’s businesses say they are earning more money this year than in 2004, and 57 percent say they expect profits to rise again in 2006.
But projections for the coming year are down from the levels of a year ago, according to the third annual Dane County Economic Survey, scheduled for release today. That’s due, in part, to higher energy costs and increased prices for materials, following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
“I would call (the results) less optimistic,” said Corey Chambas, chief executive officer of First Business Bank, Madison. “People are still positive but not as positive as last year.”