Survey Finds NDA Members Cautiously Optimistic for 2010

A survey of members of the National Demolition Association notes that members expect to see improvements in business, scrap prices and company staffing this year.

The survey finds that close to one-third of its members expect sales to increase this year, while more than 25 percent thought sales would remain the same as the previous year. Only 19 percent expect a drop in sales.

"Our industry is populated in large part of entrepreneurs," says Michael Taylor, CAE, executive director of the National Demolition Association. "While they are well acquainted with business realities, they also tend to be optimistic and look for opportunities even when the economy is so challenging."

In regards to scrap prices, about one third feel prices will remain the same, while close to 30 percent feel prices will increase. Another third either feel prices will decline or have withheld their opinion.

Regarding employment plans for this year, nearly 30 percent expected to increase staff, while another third said that staff levels would basically remain the same. Only 15 percent expected to lay off staff.