Figures from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states have risen, suggesting economic growth ahead.
A report issued Wednesday says the Mid-American Business Conditions index hit 52.1 in May, compared with 50.1 in April and 50.6 in March.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the region's manufacturing sector is expanding.
The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth. A score below that suggests decline. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.