Richmond-area businesses seem to be feeling a bit better about prospects for the months ahead, according to a survey by Business First, the business retention and expansion program of the Greater Richmond Partnership. The survey of 594 business owners or CEOs of area companies shows roughly 30 percent plan to hire during the next 12 months, the group said in its annual report.

An old Roxy Music song goes something like this: “Make me a deal and make it straight / All signed and sealed, I’ll take it.“ It’s called “Virginia Plain.“ You may not know the tune.

Richmond Jones proposes budget solution Compromise for the current cycle melds council, Wilder plans Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones is proposing a fix to the 10-month-old budget dispute between City Council and former Mayor L. Douglas Wilder. As he prepares to submit a spending plan for next fiscal year, Jones has offered a $655.3 million substitute budget for the current year.

A British auto insurance company is locating its new U.S. operation in western Henrico County. Admiral Americas plans to employ 40-50 people by the end of the third quarter of 2009 and a projected 200 by the end of its second year here. “It’s our U.S. headquarters,“ said Andrew Rose, Admiral Americas’ president and chief executive officer. “All the infrastructure for the organization will be based out of Richmond for the foreseeable future.“

Businesses in such fields as alternative energy, scientific and technical consulting, and Internet security are among those being targeted for recruitment by local economic-development officials as part of a response to the recession. A 90-day plan initiated by the Greater Richmond Partnership in December emphasized those sectors and others seen as potential job creators during the downturn, and whenever a recovery starts. The plan also aims to give laid-off workers more information on finding jobs or getting into business for themselves.

The Greater Richmond Partnership is suspending its fundraising campaign until the economy improves. The regional economic development agency hoped to raise $9 million during its private-sector fundraising campaign, but contributions dried up during the financial turmoil in the fall. It came in nearly $2.4 million shy of its goal. Donations will still be accepted, but the partnership will not be as aggressive in its press for money.

The Greater Richmond Partnership launched a Web site this week aimed at helping area residents find local jobs. RichmondJobNet.com is free and intended for people who have been laid off or are searching for a new career. “We recognize it’s a challenging environment,“ partnership president and chief executive Gregory H. Wingfield said. “By providing a central site to support job seekers and promoting the many career opportunities our region has to offer, we hope to help individuals transition into new jobs in our market.“

The Greater Richmond Partnership is re-evaluating its mission in light of the downturn in the national and global economies. The regional economic development agency released an action plan this week. In the next 90 days, it will review what industries to target, how to assist companies in growing and declining markets, ways to help dislocated workers and how to support innovation and entrepreneurship.