Figures from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states have dropped slightly but still suggest economic growth ahead.
A report issued Friday says the Mid-American Business Conditions index hit 50.1 in June, compared with 52.1 in May.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says gains for nondurable-goods producers more than offset continuing losses for regional durable-goods manufacturers.
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.