Goss: Midwest Economy

Goss: Economic Survey

     Omaha, NE (Radio Iowa)--The region's economic recovery is picking up steam, according to a Creighton University survey of business leaders in Iowa and eight other Midwestern and Plains states. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says it's the fourth time in the past six months the survey showed a rise in Iowa's business conditions index, one of the state's chief economic indicators.
    Goss says the regional employment index also rose for January, indicating jobs are being added.*
    Despite the upturn in overall business conditions, both durable and nondurable goods manufacturers in Iowa experienced employment losses for the month. Goss says the numbers show that layoffs could decrease in the coming months, both in Iowa and across the region.*
     Goss says the global economy continues to push higher and new export orders are up several points but supply managers surveyed continue to reduce inventory. The states included in the survey are: Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma.