For the first time since administering the CEO survey, the perceived availability of jobs in Indiana exceeds the perceived demand for all types of workers. Given the state of our country's economy, with the United States dropping 467,000 jobs and unemployment at 9.5 percent, this perception is no surprise.

However, another issue addressed in the questionnaire surveyed Indiana's relative advantages and disadvantages when compared to neighboring states.  Five of the eight characteristics observed were significantly higher than the 2008 results.  Several of those increases include "education system," "economic incentives for business," and "overall business environment;" indicating that Indiana is perceived to be slightly ahead of surrounding states.  This prompted the question of whether the increase in numbers is a result of improvements on Indiana's part or a result of relative declines in surrounding states.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana and neighboring states all currently have similar unemployment rates – each one exceeding the national average at over 10 percent with Michigan taking the lead at 14.1, a good 3.5 percent higher than Indiana.

In addition, respondents felt in general, that Indiana's cost of living is once again viewed as a strong advantage over surrounding states.

Hopefully, with this silver lining, Indiana is able to celebrate our state's successes proudly, despite nationwide difficulties.