Results from a monthly survey of business supply managers suggest economic conditions continue to improve in nine Midwest and Plains states.
The Mid-America Business Conditions Index report released Wednesday says the overall economic index for the region rose to 54.7 in January from 53.1 in December. It's the highest figure since February 2015 and the third monthly increase in a row.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the increases point to an improving regional manufacturing economy.
The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline.
The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.