The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for a nine-state region stretching from Arkansas to North Dakota, rose for January, according to the latest survey results. Ernie Goss is director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group………

The January number rose to its highest level since February 2015. This is the second straight month that the index has climbed above growth neutral.
Goss says the January employment index also shows a strong rebound…..

Goss says when asked to name the biggest challenge to their company’s 2017 economic success, almost one-third of supply managers reported finding and hiring qualified workers was the biggest obstacle.
Goss says one rising concern is the return of inflation…..

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the January business confidence index, rose to 69.5 from 63.3 in December, the highest confidence reading in six years.