According to a report released this morning by the Spirit of Milwaukee, regional and national business leaders' view of the Milwaukee region has improved since similar research was conducted six years ago.

The report issued at a press conference at the Spirit of Milwaukee headquarters Downtown notes that the businessmen appreciated Milwaukee's work ethic, universities and pro-business culture as well as its access to Lake Michigan.

"The Milwaukee region is evolving rapidly. There are a lot of dated perceptions and misperceptions out there, even among our own residents," said Steve Percy, director of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Center for Urban Initiatives and Research (CUIR), who led the research. "This survey shows that the Milwaukee region is succeeding in changing minds while continuing to address real challenges."

The 2008 National and Regional Perception Studies -- commissioned by the Spirit of Milwaukee -- polled leaders in firms with 100 or more employees in construction, manufacturing, transportation, wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, business and financial services, legal services, engineering, architecture and accounting.

Outside the Milwaukee region, 5,000 surveys were randomly sent to business leaders with a disappointing response rate of just 3.3%. The regional study queried 1,500 business leaders from the seven-county Milwaukee region (Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha). It drew a more impressive 20.4% response rate.

"The research demonstrated why the Milwaukee region must do everything possible to deliver a strong, credible message to important decision makers," stated Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman of the Spirit of Milwaukee and chairman, president and CEO of Midwest Airlines.

"Over the last several years the Milwaukee region has undergone some dramatic improvements but we can not simply build it without telling people across the country that this is great place to live, work, learn and visit."

Among the items business leaders said need improvement are crime, roads and a high tax rate.