Chicago, IL – The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has released the results of its first-ever member survey, revealing that 62 percent of the member respondents reported optimism about the region’s economy.

Further supporting this encouraging outlook, 60 percent of respondents reported plans to add employees over the next year and 53 percent reported that they are conducting business internationally in 2014.

The Chamber conducted the survey to learn more about areas its member organizations believe the Chamber should be involved to drive growth in the region and increase their success. The results will also serve as a guide as the Chamber continues to develop networking events, educational programs, and new committees and forums.

“This is the first time the Chicagoland Chamber has conducted a member survey, and the information we have gathered will be extremely valuable in helping us develop programming and events that serve the needs of our members,” said Theresa E. Mintle, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “The results reflect a diverse range of companies in terms of size, revenue and years in business that share a largely optimistic outlook for the future.”

Survey respondents selected the following areas as what they believe should be the Chamber’s top six priorities: providing networking opportunities (86%), small business development (73%), economic indicators and trends (64%), addressing obstacles to starting and running a business (60%), lobbying (58%), and developing future leaders (53%).

The survey also gathered information on engagement with the Chamber, stances on public policy issues, growth data, and government and international affiliations.

Click here to view the survey results.

About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to making Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America by enhancing members’ success through relevant programs in advocacy, member benefits and services, and actionable information. Serving as “The Voice of Business” since 1904, the Chamber leads public policy and business growth initiatives and creates meaningful events and programs to inform, engage, and connect members to each other and the community. Visit ChicagolandChamber.org.