Certainly, every dark cloud has a silver lining. If you are a business owner, the recession just might be something that could benefit you and your business. Daniel Touizer, CEO of Cinergy Health, offers five key suggestions to cash in on the recession and to see 2010 in a positive light.

There are many discounts that business owners can find at the moment. You might be able to renegotiate your rent or purchase new office space inexpensively. Commercial vacancy rates are as high as 10% right now – and you can benefit from that high rate. In addition, the cost of raw materials is much lower now than it’s been, allowing you to save money while purchasing the supplies you need. In addition, according to Daniel Touizer, now is a great time to hire staff. You may be able to find highly qualified workers who will work for less money. Unemployed and underemployed people are eager to work, and will do so right now for less wages than ever before.

Keep your insurance costs in check by encouraging good health in your employees, and perhaps even by offering discounted gym memberships and other perks. Finally, as the Cinergy Health CEO recommends, offer your employees multiple healthcare plans. This will allow each employee to select the plan that suits his needs and his health situation.