Economic Outlook Survey

In the first quarter of 2019, Iowa Business Council (IBC) members express economic optimism but challenges remain in attracting and retaining a quality workforce. This has been a consistent theme throughout the past year for IBC members, with nearly 70 percent of IBC members citing either engineering, IT or healthcare as key job positions they are unable or struggling to fill within the state.

As part of IBC's continued effort to provide a forum for communities – large and small – to discuss barriers and best practices, it will hold its first of four "Vision to Vitality" forums on April 2 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at Iowa Valley Continuing Education in Marshalltown. This year, the series will focus on the need to increase and diversify our population and will focus on the theme, "Growing a strong, diverse community.”

IBC members remain optimistic overall about the economy, nearly 80 percent of IBC members anticipate higher sales in the next six months and the majority expect their company's employment to increase.

To review the press release and expanded results from the Iowa Business Council's 2019 first quarter Economic Outlook Survey, click here.

Return to Research

IBC's 2018 Q4 Economic Outlook Survey Released

IBC members report high hopes for 2019 in the IBC's latest economic outlook survey. This optimism is bolstered by the fact that two thirds of the members anticipate higher sales in the next six months. To support this projected sales growth, 60 percent of respondents expect to add to their workforce, and half project an increase in capital spending.

IBC's 2018 Q3 Economic Outlook Survey Released

Iowa's economy is at its strongest in 10 years according to the IBC's latest quarterly economic outlook survey. This quarter's index number for capital spending, 70, came in as the highest recorded number for this metric in the past ten years, while the overall index number from the second quarter of this year was the highest overall index number reported in ten years.

IBC's 2018 Q2 Economic Outlook Survey Released

Iowa Business Council members express continued economic optimism in the IBC’s quarterly economic outlook survey released today, with 90 percent of IBC members anticipating higher sales in the next six months. To support this projected sales growth, two thirds of IBC members expect to add to their workforce, and 60 percent project an increase in capital spending.

IBC's 2018 Q1 Economic Outlook Survey Released

Iowa's largest employers expect continued growth for the 2018 economy, with 80 percent of the Iowa Business Council members anticipating higher sales in the next six months. To support this projected growth, IBC members expect increases in both capital spending and employment.

Van Gundy on WHO Radio

Our very own Executive Director, Georgia Van Gundy, was interviewed on WHO Radio's weekly show, Focus, regarding our latest Economic Outlook Survey. Check out what she had to say about the survey's results and the members' concerns regarding Iowa's workforce. (Interview starts at 12:35 in the recording).

IBC's 2017 Q4 Economic Outlook Survey Released

Iowa's largest companies report a positive outlook for the 2018 economy. According to the Economic Outlook Survey, a majority of the Iowa Business Council members anticipate an increase in sales, capital spending, and employment during the first half of 2018.