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Two major proposals that would dramatically alter downtown Des Moines drew very little support in the Business Record Executive Survey for 2009.

Asked for their opinion about building a downtown tram system on rails, 56 percent of respondents turned thumbs down, either because the project would be too expensive (32.4 percent) or because a tram wouldn’t serve to spark downtown development (23.5 percent). Thirty-eight percent favored the proposed loop across downtown.

As for the push to redesign Nollen Plaza, 76 percent showed little or no interest. Sixty percent said a remodeling of the 30-year-old public space at Third and Locust streets is “not a top priority,” and 16 percent saw no need for a change at all. Out of our sampling of Central Iowa business leaders – many of whom might expect to hear from fund-raisers if the Nollen plan were to move ahead – just two said they would be willing to contribute to the cause.

The annual e-mail survey was sent to about 180 business people on April 27. Even with a strong response rate of 21 percent, the results reflect the opinions of just 38 people – a long, long way from a community consensus. Still, the survey turned up some interesting numbers and thoughts.

The tram system produced the most comments from survey participants. Kevin Crowley, chief operating officer of Iowa Realty Commercial, wrote of the potentially $100 million project: “The current trolley system is efficient. This is excessive waste. The downtown needs will evolve; tracks are stuck in the ground.”

And Grant Griswold, vice president of marketing at Bankers Trust Co., wrote: “The city has health, education, social services and budget issues. I would rather see more focus on those things.”

Cyril Mandelbaum, owner of an accounting firm, suggested that a tram from the suburbs to downtown Des Moines would be more valuable, and Art Store owner Joe Domeier wrote: “Light rail from Adel, Altoona and Indianola will help the entire metro area as well as improve downtown development. … A win/win for business, employees and the environment.”

On other topics:

• Two-thirds of respondents predicted a steady commercial real estate market for Central Iowa in the next 12 months. Crowley foresees “a six- to 10-year supply of office space.”

• Despite ominous predictions nationally about an impending crisis in delinquent credit card payments, our sample showed little concern about the issue. Two-thirds chose the response: “No, we haven’t seen any problems.”

• Telecommuting and social networking – the use of Facebook, Twitter and other online services – both got a conservative response. Yes, they’re growing in importance, the respondents seemed to say, but they’re not on the verge of dominating how we do business.

• The current leaders of the Greater Des Moines business community got satisfactory marks; 76 percent of the survey takers said they’re “equal to the task,” rather than stronger or weaker than past generations.

• And despite the ever-growing schedule of social events and business-oriented clubs, 86 percent said they most often make new contacts the old-fashioned way: somebody introduces them. No one chose “parties and social events” or “playing golf or other sports.”

The annual check on business prospects for the next 12 months found cautious optimism. Most of the leaders expect greater income, but don’t plan to make big investments to get it. And 92 percent said they would increase the size of their work force or keep it the same.

Employees across the region will be glad to know that only 8 percent said they expect to cut jobs.