Unemployment is still over 8 percent as small-business hiring remains stagnant and housing foreclosures remain at historically high levels. Consumer confidence continues to lag pre-recession levels and businesses are still reluctant to hire or invest even as sales start to im- prove. And with the added pressure of high gas prices, similar to price increases last seen in 2008, the likelihood of rapid economic improve- ments is remote. While the economy is over two years into its recov- ery, progress is painfully slow as economic headwinds and uncertainty remain. The effects of the recession and fragile economic recovery are reflected in owners’ assessment.
