Results of the July Survey of Nebraska Business: August 7, 2015

Respondents to the July Survey of Nebraska Business reported optimism for business sales and employment growth over the next six months. To be specific, 27 percent of respondents to the July 2015 survey expected to increase sales over the next 6 months while 13 percent expected to decrease sales. Respondents also were much more likely to plan to increase employment (14%) than reduce it (4%). Businesses in the Omaha area were particularly optimistic about the outlook for sales and employment. Elsewhere in the state, businesses in Central Nebraska were optimistic in their outlook while businesses in Southeast Nebraska were positive. Northeast Nebraska were only slightly positive and businesses in the West Nebraska were neutral. These two regions of the state are most impacted by the agricultural economy, which has been faced lower crop prices. When asked about the most important issue facing their business, customer demand was the top issue named by 33 percent of respondents. The quality and availability of labor was named as the top issue by 17 percent while regulation was named by 15 percent