Ethanol, Farming Boost Midwest Economy

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- The new jobs created by ethanol plants and strong farm income helped the economy remain strong in a nine-state region of the Midwest, according to a monthly survey of supply managers and business leaders.

A decline in inflation pressures also helped the June business conditions index increase to 60 from May's 58.3.

The Business Conditions Index ranges between 0 and 100. An index greater than 50 indicates an expanding economy over the next three to six months.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said it appears that growth in the region will continue to outpace the nation as a whole.

The survey includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

The Associated Press, July 2, 2007