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NJ Businesses Expect Better Times In The Year Ahead, Not That 2014 Was Too Shabby

By David Madden

TRENTON, NJ (CBS) -- New Jersey business people are bullish on 2015, according to their latest survey.

Three quarters of the more than 1,000 owners taking part in an annual survey conducted by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association employ 25 people or less.

Profits were up this year, and Association President Michelle Siekerka says that trend is expected to continue.

"Clear optimism about the year ahead. We believe the state's moving in the right direction. But that optimism also is tempered by some challenges at the state house."

The usual concerns are expressed: high taxes, divided government, the budget.

But 75 percent expect the economy to remain the same or improve. Sixty-one percent think they'll grant raises, and 22 percent believe they'll be hiring more people in 2015.

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