Iowa’s major employers remain positive despite challenges

The Daily Nonpareil, Susan Payne

April 4, 2019

Iowa Business Council members reported optimism in the quarterly Economic Outlook Survey, although challenges remain attracting and retaining a quality workforce.

Seventy percent of IBC members cited unable or struggling to fill key job positions in engineering, IT or healthcare.

“The quarterly survey measures Iowa’s progress in five categories relative to other states. The lack of available and qualified workforce is threaded throughout every category,” said Georgia Van Gundy, executive director.

 Although attracting and retaining qualified workers has been difficult, the survey found that 80% of ICB members anticipate higher sales in the next six months.

The Economic Outlook Survey has been completed by council members on a quarterly basis since 2004. Trends reported in the survey have a state-wide impact, representing IBC companies in all 99 counties.