Ninety percent of Iowa Business Council members anticipate higher sales in the next six months, as Iowa’s largest employers express continued optimism for the economy.

According to the IBC’s second-quarter economic survey released today, two-thirds of the IBC’s members expect to expand their workforce in the next six months, and 60 percent project more capital spending.

However, 80 percent cited their primary business challenge as attracting, developing and retaining a quality workforce, up 15 percentage points from the first-quarter survey.

The IBC is made up of chief executives of 23 of the largest companies in the state. As part of a comprehensive effort to address workforce issues, the IBC has launched a series of events titled “Vision to Vitality” to provide a forum for communities to discuss barriers and best practices for workforce and economic growth.

The first forum will be held in Boone on July 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the DMACC Boone Campus Theatre. The event is free to attend and open to the public.