OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- For an eleventh straight month, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota and the Dakotas to Arkansas, stayed in growth territory.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says the overall index set a record.

Goss says while the economy is rebounding, it can grow further.

The regional employment index remained above growth neutral for April, but sank from 60.0 in March to 57.2 for April. Goss says finding enough workers is a widespread problem.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the April Business Confidence Index, climbed to a strong 64.8 from March’s solid 58.0.