Charlotte Leaders Cautiously Optimistic About Economy

Charlotte leaders were cautiously optimistic Thursday evening after an encouraging business forecast by a local economic expert.

John Connaughton, UNC Charlotte economist, predicted growth in 2010 in many business sectors in North Carolina during his quartely assessment earlier Thursday.

Connaughton singled out the construction industry as a sector that should grow by five percent.

Scott Harris, director of business development, for Choate Construction in Charlotte was more subdued in his assessment to Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Choate Construction worked on several projects this year including the Metropolitian at Midtown development.

Harris said the recession has had a big impact on his company and many others.

"We think 2010 is going to be a flat year and we're very optimistic for 2011," said Harris. "Now, if the funding starts, it'll come back a lot sooner."

Connaughton also predicted growth in the government sector in 2010.

City councilman Andy Dulin said Charlotte wasn't hit as hard by the recession as other major cities.

"Through this we've had jobs stagnant," said Dulin. "We haven't hired any. We haven't filled some positions, but we really haven't let anybody off."

Dulin said he'd rather see growth and jobs return in the private sector instead of in government.

"When we start coming out of the recession the word will get out that it's good times in Charlotte," said Dulin. "We've got to be ready for that."