Corporate Directors Predict Stronger Business Conditions and Job Growth

February 7, 2011 – U.S. corporate directors are optimistic about the economy's strength moving into 2011 and beyond, according to the quarterly NACD Board Confidence Index (BCI), an indicator of the health of the economy as viewed through the corporate boardroom lens. The Q4 2010 survey conducted by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Heidrick & Struggles International and Pearl Meyer & Partners, revealed a gain in confidence of almost 14 percent compared to last quarter, and reinforces the positive assessment of the economy that President Obama offered in his recent State of the Union address. NACD's BCI for Q4 2010 rose to 64.4, reflecting a positive outlook about long-term economic growth amidst rising corporate profits and a rebounding stock market. "While there is a stronger positive feeling as companies emerge from the crisis, we are still seeing some uncertainty in the shorter term, which may stem from an ongoing flux in the regulatory and political environments," said Ted Dysart, Heidrick & Struggles vice chairman.