down. We should also see an increase in people back in the job market in late fall as well. If that happens as I believe it should, then we will see significant growth in our own businesses in Central New York as well as the greater United States. But opinions are cheap, and everyone has one, this is mine. I wish us all the very best of luck in 2023.” Victoria Usherwood Gailinas Owner, iHeart Corp, Oswego. “The real estate market is great in Central New York and we are expecting it to continue throughout 2023.” Eric Pedrotti, Real estate associate broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CNY Realty, North Syracuse.
WHAT SMALL BUSINESSES EXPECT FOR 2023 Now that we’re several weeks into 2023, we asked a few CNY business leaders about their economic outlook for the year. By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
“If the first month of the year is any indication, people aren’t afraid to spend money. We’ve been fairly active and busy. If the first few weeks of the year are any predictor of the rest of the year, it looks like we’ll have a great year ahead of us.” SCOTT MALCOTT, manager, Burke’s Home Centers, Fulton.
“I’m hoping it’s good for small businesses, but I feel like the way the economy is right now, it might not be so
good. I feel like — I hate to say it — it will decline a little bit.” Jennifer Wakefield Baker, Cakes Galore & More, Oswego. “I think we’re on the upswing, better than during COVID-19. Anything post-COVID-19 has to be better. We’re busier than we were pre-COVID-19 and doing really well. People realize they really, really missed travel and they want to see the world again. The pandemic actually helped us.” Lynn Kistner Travel agent,Canalview Travel Service, Inc., Fulton. “My feeling is that we will continue the current trend of a sluggish growth and high prices, through the fall of 2023. At that time, unless other major conditions become apparent, we should see interest rates and home pricing coming
“I feel the next couple of months will be in a downturn. By spring, the local economy will be bustling. I’m very confident.” DAVID HILL Owner, Oswego Quality Carpet, Oswego.
“KeyBank’s 2023 financial mobility survey reveals that the share of Americans facing financial challenges grew substantially over the last year to 55%, up from 37% in the year prior. A key finding that illustrates these challenges: fewer people (40%) feel certain they could come up with $2,000 in an emergency as compared with last year (51%). Yet, even as Americans face challenges, the majority (85%) strongly desire to become more aware of their financial picture. The study explores the financial habits and attitudes of more than 1,000 Americans — including those in the Northeast — and many young Americans feeling burnout due to the financial uncertainty over the past three years.” Matthew Pitts Regional communications manager, KeyBank. “A $56-billion New York state industry, tourism has rebounded after the pandemic, and regional travel and family tourism are poised to see an expansion in 2023 to 2024, including Central New York.” David Granoff Executive director, DiscoverUpstateNY.com.
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