Quarterly survey results from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry today showed optimism among ABI’s board members.

“Business leaders continue to be optimistic about Iowa’s economy,” Mike Ralston, ABI president, said in a statement. “That’s great news for all Iowans.”

The survey of ABI board members in March 2018 found: 

• 76 percent of survey respondents expect sales to expand over the next year. Nearly a quarter expect sales to stay the same.
• 53 percent expect to hire more employees. Another 41 percent expected no change in staffing.
• 79 percent plan to make capital expenditures in the quarter.
• A shortage of skilled labor, rising material costs and concerns about pending tariffs were among top issues cited.