Ernie Goss Regional Quotations

I expect higher commodity prices and escalating short-term interest rates to push regional growth down significantly in the second half of 2006.

The 15 Fed rate hikes and higher energy prices, even with the warmer than expected winter weather, are having negative impacts on confidence among regional supply managers and business leaders.

Despite the announced closure of the two Tyson plants, Nebraska's confidence index stood at a regional high of 70.2. Certainly, the rising fortunes of the state's ethanol and renewable energy industry have buoyed businesses in this industry or firms with close ties to this industry.

The Mid-America regional economy began 2005 like a lion, but higher interest rates and elevated energy costs forced the region's economy to end the year like a lamb.