OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasing Management Association, began formally surveying its membership in 1931 to gauge business conditions. The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group uses the same methodology as the national survey to consult supply managers and business leaders. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss oversees the report. The overall index ranges between 0 and 100. Growth neutral is 50, and a figure greater than 50 indicates growth in that factor over the next three to six months.
Here are the state-by-state results for August:
Kansas: The overall index for Kansas sank to 49.9 in August from July's 52.1. Index components were new orders at 49.8, production or sales at 59.9, delivery lead time at 51.4, employment at 46.1 and inventories at 42.1. The state's manufacturing sector lost jobs in August, the survey said.
Missouri: Missouri's overall index slumped to 50.1 in August from July's 51.9. Index components were new orders at 50.1, production or sales at 51.1, delivery lead time at 60.2, inventories at 42.6, and employment at 46.3. Missouri's manufacturers experienced solid growth over the past 12 months, the survey said, but the sector lost jobs in August.
Nebraska: After two straight months with above growth neutral readings, Nebraska's overall index fell into negative territory. The index tumbled to 49.3 last month from July's 52.9. Index components were new orders at 49.6, production or sales at 51.6, delivery lead time at 59.7, inventories at 42.3, and employment at 43.4. Job growth over the past 12 months was flat for durable-goods producers, Goss said, while nondurable-goods manufacturers experienced solid growth. However, the survey showed the state's manufacturing sector lost jobs in August, he said.
Oklahoma: After two straight months with above growth neutral readings, Oklahoma's overall index dipped into negative territory. It dropped to 49.6 in August from 52.8 in July. Index components were new orders at 51.8, production or sales at 49.5, delivery lead time at 47.8, inventories at 45.8 and employment at 59.5. The survey said durable- and nondurable-goods producers experienced job losses over the past year, but Oklahoma was the only state to add manufacturing jobs in August.
Iowa: Iowa's overall index sank below the 50.0 threshold to hit 49.7 last month, compared with 52.6 in July. Index components were new orders at 51.8, production or sales at 49.4, delivery lead time at 59.4, employment at 45.7 and inventories at 42.1. Manufacturers experienced slightly positive growth over the past 12 months.
Arkansas: The overall August index for Arkansas fell to 48.2 from July's 51.0. Index components were new orders at 45.9, production or sales at 52.4, delivery lead time at 58.8, inventories at 41.6 and employment at 42.3. Manufacturers in the state experienced solid growth over the past 12 months. "However, the state's manufacturing sector lost jobs in August, according to Creighton's survey," said Goss.
Minnesota: The overall index for Minnesota fell to 48.6 last month from 51.7 in July. Index components were new orders at 52.2, production or sales at 49.0, delivery lead time at 58.9, inventories at 41.7 and employment at 41.1. Durable-goods manufacturers in the state experienced slight growth over the past 12 months, while nondurable-goods producers suffered job losses. The state's manufacturing sector lost jobs in August, according to the survey.
North Dakota: North Dakota's overall index dropped to 51.2 from 55.4 in August. Index components were new orders at 49.7, production or sales at 52.7, delivery lead time at 59.5, employment at 45.9 and inventories at 47.8. "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that North Dakota manufacturing workers ranked tops in the nine-state region with a 6.9% increase in hourly earnings over the past year," Goss said. However, the survey showed the state's manufacturing sector lost jobs in August, he said.
South Dakota: South Dakota's overall index fell to 48.3 last month from July's 52.5. Index components were new orders at 51.7, production or sales at 49.5, delivery lead time at 52.1, inventories at 42.1 and employment at 45.8. Job growth was solid for South Dakota manufacturers over the past 12 months, the survey said, but the sector lost jobs in August.
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