Survey Shows Columbus, Ohio Tech Firms Project Positive 2003 Sales Growth

A survey of executives from Columbus, Ohio technology and service organizations showed that more than 70 percent expect 2003 sales to be higher than 2002.

The future looks bright for central Ohio technology firms, according to a survey conducted by GREENCREST, a full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firm.

(PRWEB) June 2003 -- GREENCREST surveyed executives from 54 technology and service firms at the Columbus Technology Council/Columbus Venture Network Golf Outing on June 12. More than 70 percent of those surveyed expect sales to increase in 2003, while about 22 percent expect sales to remain at 2002 levels. Less than 6 percent expect sales to drop this year, while less than 2 percent were unsure of sales expectations.

Despite the rosy sales forecasts, executives were not completely convinced that their companies marketing programs were working. Nearly 54 percent reported feeling only somewhat" satisfied with current marketing programs, while 9 percent were not" satisfied. About 37 percent reported feeling very" satisfied with their companies marketing programs, while about 2 percent did not answer.

Nearly half (48 percent) of these companies handle all marketing in-house. About 11 percent use an outside marketing firm, and 39 percent augment in-house efforts by using outside marketing experts for some work. Two percent were unsure of how marketing efforts were allocated.

GREENCRESTs client list includes privately held companies and award-winning businesses in central Ohio. Since its inception in 1990, GREENCREST has assisted hundreds of businesses with their marketing challenges. A recipient of the Columbus Chamber of Commerces 1998 Sales Executive Club Communicator of the Year Award and a 1999 Ernst and Young® Supporter of Entrepreneurship finalist, GREENCREST is a prominent force in shaping business communications in the central Ohio region. GREENCREST can be reached at 614.885.7921 or at gcm@greencrest.com.

The Columbus Technology Council is a membership led, non-profit organization of technology-based companies in the central Ohio region. The mission of CTC is to act as a catalyst to encourage and foster the initiation and growth of technology- based companies, and the effective use of technology by companies in central Ohio in order to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. To learn more, visit the councils Web site, www.columbustechnology.org.

The Columbus Venture Network strives to stimulate private investment in local ventures through networking, education, and access to qualified opportunities. The organization provides programs and resources to its private equity investor and entrepreneur membership, keeping them up to date on deal flow and providing a point of reference for the central Ohio angel investment community. To learn more, visit www.columbus-chamber.org/investor.html.