The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on Northeast Wisconsin businesses in 2020, but many area executives are optimistic about 2021, according to results of First Business Bank’s Business Statistics & Trends Survey. In a discussion about the 12th annual economic survey results, Mark Meloy, CEO of First Business Bank, speaks with Nancy Johnshoy, Market Strategist of First Business Bank, Susan Finco, Owner & President of Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Chris Hess, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin, Mark Kaiser, President & CEO of Lindquist Machine Corporation, and Rick Hearden, President – Northeast Wisconsin Market for First Business Bank, about their reactions to local business performance and their experience within their own industries. The discussion focuses on:

  • Northeast Wisconsin business performance in 2020 and projections for 2021
  • Hiring and wage trends
  • Primary reasons cited for below-expected and above-expected business performance
  • Industry differences within the local business landscape