SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Midwest economy is improving but conditions remain relatively weak.
That's the determination of the monthly survey of business supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states including South Dakota.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss conducts the survey and he concludes that the overall regional economy will continue to limp along against the national economy because of the region's dependence on agriculture and energy.
The Mid-America Business Conditions Index, released this morning, shows the overall economic index for the nation's midsection rose to 46.5 last month compared to 43.8 in October.
The Index results range from zero to 100. Goss says any score above 50 indicates growth, scores under 50 suggests decline.
States in the Business Index include Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
Business supply managers typically oversee the flow of goods and services. That includes raw materials, processing and finished goods from beginning to consumption.
