CEO Survey results - Most Pressing Problem

In your opinion, what is the single most pressing problem facing your organization in Florida?
	2008
The economic outlook	62%
Recruiting, retaining and training new employees	10
The role of local or state government	8
Fuel/energy costs	5
Healthcare/workers’ compensation costs	4
Business regulations	2
Education/improving education	2
Growth management	2
Property, casualty, liability insurance availability	2
Rising housing costs	2

Viewpoint Most Pressing Problem
Jeffrey J. Lyash
Progress Energy Florida Inc.
President & CEO
St. Petersburg

Like all Floridians, Progress Energy Florida faces challenges that we must confront and solve. Rising and volatile fuel and commodity prices — natural gas, coal, steel, copper and concrete — are impacting our company and our customers. The downturn in the Florida economy has slowed and reversed growth. Also, the lack of a clear commitment nationally to policy objectives affecting the energy business impacts our ability to plot the correct course. Recruiting and retaining good employees is critical, and I believe that the most important element in addressing this challenge is to make sure that our people are getting the leadership they deserve. Relative to healthcare, we are doing everything we can inside our company to promote and reward healthy lifestyles. We have seen significant growth in the use of health savings accounts, from about 5% three years ago to between 20% and 25% today, and an almost 90% participation in our wellness programs.