SBRB Retail, Distribution & Wholesaling Small Business Confidence Index Study:

The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) has established a Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI) for two new industry categories, including the retail and distribution / wholesaling businesses, it was announced here today.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. (Business Wire EON) October 16, 2007 -- The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) has established a Small Business Confidence Index (SBCI) for two new industry categories, including the retail and distribution / wholesaling businesses, it was announced here today.

The Small Business Research Board has had significant success consistently utilizing its methodology to track the opinions of small business owners and managers. We have found that the SBRB provides valuable real time data that can be used today as management tools for businesses

The SBRB through its quarterly updates of the SBCI helps determine and track trends shared by business owners and managers in the US and Canada as well as in specific industries. The SBRB also issues quarterly SBCI reports for the construction / contracting, manufacturing and food / beverage businesses in the US. The SBRB U.S. survey programs are co-sponsored by International Profit Associates (IPA).

Based upon the responses during the third quarter, the SBRB has established an SBCI of 44.66 for the retail sector and an SBCI of 41 for the distribution / wholesaling sector. The SBRB has been tracking attitudes of businesses in these sectors since its inception, but this is the first time an SBCI has been determined.

By contrast, the overall SBCI for all small businesses responding to the quarterly survey was 43 or three points lower than the 46 recorded during the second quarter.

The SBRB polls capture the opinions of small businesses on such topics as the economy, revenue growth, hiring and significant issues, among others. The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the U. S. The SBRB studies are voluntary surveys conducted via direct telephone contact. Projections about the strength of the economy, revenues and hiring looking forward 12 months are the three key ingredients to determining the SBCI and providing the basis for the quarterly and annual comparisons.

The SBRB will issue separate industry reports on the retail and distribution / wholesaling sectors as it does with the other industries.

“The Small Business Research Board has had significant success consistently utilizing its methodology to track the opinions of small business owners and managers. We have found that the SBRB provides valuable real time data that can be used today as management tools for businesses,” said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of IPA.

The Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations. The SBRB conducts these studies for the benefit of small business owners and managers. The SBRB also provides opportunities for third parties to gain real time insight into the attitudes of small businesses nationwide through the independently conducted research. The SBRB, based in Northfield, Il., has conducted similar quarterly studies in the U. S. since 2004.

The latest information about the Small Business Research Board can be found at www.ipasbrb.com.

International Profit Associates, Inc. (IPA) is the largest privately-held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size businesses in North America. IPA and its more than 1,800 professionals offer a wide range of proven and innovative methodologies to help businesses grow and prosper regardless of the economic cycle. IPA either provides directly or through its affiliated companies a comprehensive array of business advisory services, tax and estate planning services or merger, acquisition and other financial advisory services in the United States and Canada. More information about IPA can be found at www.ipa-iba.com.

Copyright 2007 Small Business Research Board (SBRB)

The Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations. Participants in the poll provide feedback on significant issues and allow for real-time insight into the state of small businesses nationwide. The poll was structured and is supervised through an independent resource using data collected from small businesses across the U.S.

For more information about this poll, results of previous studies or other matters related to the SBRB, please contact Raymond D. Minkus, (847) 441-4192.