Iowa Business Council members bumped the overall economic index up eight points for the next six months, to 65, compared with the same period last year.

When the third-quarter survey questions turned the CEOs’ attention to the most pressing business challenges, workforce and the cost of health care floated to the top.

“Attracting, developing and retaining a qualified workforce continues to be a top priority and challenge for all of our members,” Ben McLean, CEO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems of Des Moines and Iowa Business Council chairman, said in a statement. “In order for Iowa to maintain and grow a vibrant economy, it is critical that we all work together to develop and implement strategies that create the workforce of today and tomorrow. In the coming months, the IBC will be putting forward initiatives to engage both the business and education communities in efforts to strengthen our workforce in Iowa.”

The survey also found:

• The sales index was at 73, up 14 points from the same quarter last year. All of the CEOs surveyed expect steady or increased sales.
• The capital spending index was up four points, to 60, with nearly half expecting higher or substantially higher spending.
• More than half, 56 percent, expected hiring to be higher or substantially higher.

Read the full report.