In April, I joined fellow chamber executives from across the country in Washington, D.C. as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100). CCC100 members meet twice a year, and our role is to support national advocacy efforts, strengthen connections across business communities, and advise the U.S. Chamber’s Board of Directors.
The agenda was strong, with leaders and experts sharing insights across industries. Conversations were thoughtful, direct, and candid about where things stand right now.
One session featured a series of live audience polls. Here were the three questions our group was asked.
Question 1: Last year, GDP grew an estimated 2.1%. This year, I expect the economy to grow at:
A. Less than 2%
B. Between 2% and 3%
C. More than 3%
Question 2: Over the next 12 months, I expect the rate of inflation to be:
A. Between 2% and 2.5%
B. Between 2.6% and 3.0%
C. Between 3.1% and 3.5%
D. More than 3.5%
Question 3: What percentage of your small business members do you believe intend to increase their headcount over the next 12 months?
A. Less than 15%
B. 15% to 30%
C. 30% to 45%
D. 45% to 60%
Take a moment. How would you respond? How would you respond when thinking about the Naperville area?
Here’s how CCC100 members from across the country responded to the poll.
Question 1: Last year GDP grew an estimated 2.1%. This year, I expect the economy to grow at:
A. Less than 2% – 49% of respondents
B. Between 2% and 3% – 47% of respondents
C. More than 3% – 4%
GDP Growth: Cautious optimism. Nearly half expect growth under 2%, with most others landing between 2% and 3%. Very few expect growth above 3%.
Question 2: Over the next 12 months, I expect the rate of inflation to be:
A. Between 2% and 2.5% – 4% of respondents
B. Between 2.6% and 3.0% – 36% of respondents
C. Between 3.1% and 3.5% – 45% of respondents
D. More than 3.5% – 15% of respondents
Inflation: Still elevated. Most expect inflation to remain above the Fed’s 2% target, with the largest share anticipating it between 3.1% and 3.5%.
Question 3: What percentage of your small business members do you believe intend to increase their headcount over the next 12 months?
A. Less than 15% – 39% of respondents
B. 15% to 30% – 48% of respondents
C. 30% to 45% – 9% of respondents
D. 45% to 60% – 4% of respondents
Hiring: Measured. Some growth, but not aggressive expansion.
How do these results compare to what you are seeing in your business, in our region, and across Illinois?
The questions that kept coming up in D.C. focused on three areas. What do you expect for growth, inflation, and hiring in the year ahead?
Alongside the poll responses, there was ongoing discussion around U.S. Chamber policy priorities, including the Growth and Opportunity Imperative and the focus on reaching at least 3% annual economic growth.
Three percent economic growth is not just about hitting a specific number and being satisfied. It reflects a broader goal. Stronger growth supports higher incomes, increased opportunity, and a better path forward for businesses and communities.
While 3% growth may not seem lofty, the sentiment in the room was less optimistic, suggesting that most leaders are not expecting 3% growth right now. But it does provide context. It helps frame how businesses plan, hire, and make decisions in the year ahead.
As we look ahead and look to shape the growth and opportunity in our region, we encourage you to get involved and join us in Moving Business Forward.
Join us at State of the City this Thursday, May 7, with Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli to hear directly about where Naperville is headed and how local leaders are shaping our community. Then, look ahead to our Economic Forecast on November 10, where national experts will give us an overview of our local, state, and national economy and ask you these same questions we pondered in D.C. Your perspective helps shape how we support your business and our broader business climate. A strong and growing business climate will continue to provide opportunities to our community for years to come.
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is mission-driven to move Business Forward toward an engaged, thriving community by serving as Your Business Advocate and Your Business Resource for Our Community.