OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- Mixed signals for the February Mid America economy report with a number of outside factors mixed in.

Creighton University Professor Ernie Goss says the overall index took a positive jump.

Goss says finding employees continues to be the biggest issues for businesses across the region.

Goss says despite a jump in hiring, job numbers are still not back to pre-pandemic levels.

The survey covers businesses in nine states ranging from Minnesota and the Dakotas to Arkansas.