Ernie Goss Strong Quotations

Job growth in Missouri has definitely slowed over the past several months. In terms of hiring, Missouri experienced January job losses. However, strong new orders should convert to an improving employment picture in the months ahead. Durable goods producers were much more bullish in their economic assessments for January than non-durable goods manufacturers.

Utah began 2006 on a strong note, but on a pace somewhat below that of 2005.

The trend in economic reports from supply managers in our survey has been fairly positive since October of last year following some of the negative shipping impacts from Hurricane Katrina. Companies with strong ties to the state's growing ethanol industry reported solid growth for February but were very optimistic about future economic growth for this sector.

After growing at a very strong pace in 2005, we are now detecting a slowdown in the pace of growth. Just as nondurable goods manufacturers reported improving economic conditions, durable goods producers detailed a pullback in economic conditions for the month. I expect this slower pace of growth to continue into 2006.

Strong growth among firms in business and professional services and truck transport offset somewhat weaker reports from manufacturers for March.

Iowa's leisure and hospitality industry and manufacturing, both durable and nondurable, ended 2005 on a very strong economic note. On the other hand, Iowa's transportation sector and construction industry are beginning 2006 on a lackluster path.

The construction industry and transportation sector in Kansas have pushed 2005 growth into the very strong range. However, higher interest rates will slow growth for both industries in the first half of 2006. The rate at which our Asian trading partners open their borders to U.S. beef will be an important factor affecting growth for the state in 2006.