The latest survey of purchasing managers across Iowa finds the state’s economy continuing to recover, though very slowly. Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss says the survey shows the Iowa economy remains in the red but does show marked signs of improvement and economy is likely to slowly expand in the months to come.Goss says 2002 is concluding as a year that was bad for widespread corporate firings in Iowa. While there were many hirings to offset the state’s negatives, he says there weren’t enough hirings to offset the many terminations. He says Iowa lost about 2,000 jobs and that’s probably about the worst of it for now. Goss says the holiday season just ahead will be a boost for Iowa retailers, but it’s not likely to be as big as in some years past.Retail sales will likely only increase three to four percent in the next month. Goss and his staff do the survey every month, covering Iowa and eight other Midwest states.