The latest survey by the Iowa Business Council shows some mixed news in the plans of some of the state’s largest businesses in the next six month. I.B.C. executive director, Elliott Smith, talks about the survey.
Smith says sales projections have dipped a bit for the next six months, but he says the good news is that companies expect to maintain or even increase employment levels. Smith says the projections for employment levels are key. Smith says the employment projections foretell that business leaders believe the economy in Iowa and nationwide is at least steady, with optimism that it will improve in the new year.
Smith says the positive outlook is especially good, considering the factors involved. Smith says given all the circumstances with the national economy and the state issues with flooding and tornadoes "I think your really seeing overall a pretty good picture of relative health for our companies here in the state."
Smith says many businesses had disaster contingency plans set up after the flooding in the 1990’s and that had probably helped them this time around. He says some businesses will be able to take the negative of the natural disasters and come out stronger. For example, the home building and industry has been in a lull prior to the disasters.
Smith says the disasters are certainly not the way you want to infuse business into the industry, but in the aftermath there is an opportunity for homebuilders and the craftsmen who build the homes to see a higher level of activity. The IBC Economic Outlook Survey was completed by the 19 corporate members of the Iowa Business Council during the second and third weeks of August. You can see the entire survey at the Iowa Business Council’s website .
