A survey of tech executives revealed an optimistic mood and that the worst of the economic decline has passed. Eighty-two percent of respondents expected some level of growth in 2010, according to the survey by tech-industry publisher socalTECH.com and The David James Agency, a Westlake Village-based tech-industry public relations firm. Survey participants were from San Diego County to San Luis Obispo County and employed in a broad sampling of tech industries, including digital content, Internet and software. When asked whether the technology industry has passed through the worst of the economic decline, 48 percent of respondents replied yes, with 35 percent unsure and only 17 percent replied no. Further evidence of optimism was revealed when 80 percent of respondents believe the forecast for 2010 will improve sometime within the twelve-month period. However, optimism levels increased in the southern most counties surveyed. Only 36 percent of the respondents from Ventura County indicated that they felt that the worst of the economic troubles were behind us, while in Los Angeles County, 50 percent, and in Orange County 53 percent of participants felt that way. “Southern California is one of the top locations for technology companies and I think it will be reassuring to the industry as a whole to see these executives entering 2010 with a greater sense of confidence,” said Ben Kuo, socalTECH founder. “Based on the survey results, it looks like executives are expecting 2010 will be a growth year for the tech industry, which will be welcome news after a tough 2009.” Thom Senzee
