Small business owners continue to be optimistic despite perceived stagnation in the Thunder Bay economy.
Thunder Bay Ventures recently surveyed 600 randomly selected small businesses to obtain input on the present economic conditions in the city.
Only 14 per cent of the surveys were returned; however, an official with Lakehead University marketing division says the poor response should not affect what the numbers represent.
Approximately 97 per cent of respondents expect to keep employment levels the same or better in spite of the overall feelings that city council is not representing their businesses.
Surveys also indicate retailers seem to have a growing negative response to the Thunder Bay Charity Casino since it opened two years ago.
