Concern about the continued high level of energy prices and its impact on economic activity is again the number one topic on which survey respondents commented.
Overall the report indicates that the non-manufacturing sector is moving right along. We seem to have recovered from the hurricanes, even though the index is down slightly.
This second month of non-manufacturing growth, at a higher rate of growth than in November, appears to indicate that November's growth was not entirely due to a rebound from October's low point following the events of Sept. 11,
I think it indicates that the economy seems to be growing at probably the same rate in March as it was in February.
It's in the high end of the range definitely on the prices paid, ... (Our members are) blaming it all on the cost of oil running up.
Companies are willing to hire more people because they have confidence that at least in the near future, business will be strong.
Price increases have again become a significant area of concern for many members as a result of recent fuel price increases.