Sonoma County business leaders appear to feel the worst is over, economically speaking, and are beginning to express cautious optimism about the future.

Ben Stone, (left) Executive Director of the Sonoma County Business Development Board, cautions that significant challenges still face important sectors of the local economy, notably in commercial real estate, tourism and the wine industry.

The Business Confidence Index is compiled 2-3 times per year, and has been an ongoing project of the EDB for nearly 10 years.  The most recent level is shown in the chart below, which tracks that history.

The current overall confidence reading of 4.6 (on a scale of 10) is a rebound from last winter’s low of 3.62. But the current figure is still below the 2001 trough recorded just after the 9-11 attacks, and well below the three-year readings around 6 from 2004 through 2006. That history is among the charts included in the most recent full report, which you can read here.