The Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s latest survey of its board members found nearly three-quarters, 71 percent, of members expect sales to expand over the next year. 

“Iowa’s economy is doing well,” said Mike Ralston, ABI president. “Confidence is high and business leaders expect positive trends will continue.”

On the downside, ABI members still say skilled labor is tough to find, and material costs are rising. 

The September survey also found: 

• 59 percent of survey respondents expect to add to their staff in the fourth quarter, with 35 percent expecting no change.
• 65 percent of survey respondents plan to make capital expenditures in the fourth quarter.
• A shortage of skilled labor and rising material costs were identified as top issues for survey respondents in the fourth quarter.

The survey results may be found here.