Survey Results: Confidence is High in Iowa’s Economy
September 17, 2018
DES MOINES—Survey results released by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) today found members are confident about the state’s economy.
“Iowa’s economy is doing well,” said Mike Ralston, ABI president. “Confidence is high and business leaders expect positive trends will continue.”
Despite the feelings of certainty, a shortage in skilled labor and rising material costs are top concerns.
“ABI members continue to prioritize workforce as the number one issue for Iowa businesses,” said Ralston. “It’s why workforce has been ABI’s legislative priority for several years.”
ABI surveyed its board members in September 2018. The survey found:
- 71% of survey respondents expect sales to expand over the next year. 24% expect sales to stay the same.
- 59% of survey respondents expect the number of employees in their business to grow over Q4. 35% expect the number to stay the same.
- 65% of survey respondents plan to make capital expenditures in Q4.
- A shortage of skilled labor and rising material costs were identified as top issues for survey respondents in Q4.
The survey results may be found at https://bit.ly/2OugFdi.