OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- Since declining to a record low in April of last year, 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, has been above growth neutral for 14 of the last 15 months.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says the main index continues to show growth.

Goss says the employment index is also high.

Goss says even with healthy job growth for the month, firms continue to report difficulties in finding and hiring new workers.

Goss says inflation is becoming more of a factor.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the July Business Confidence Index, slumped to 53.6 from June’s 60.8 and May’s very strong 88.6.