Results of the May Survey of Nebraska Business: June 13, 2014

Authors

Eric Thompson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Shannon McClure, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mihdi Vahedi, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

6-13-2014

Document Type

Article

Comments

Prepared by the UNL College of Business Administration, Department of Economics

Abstract

Respondents to the May 2014 Survey of Nebraska Business remained positive in their outlook for sales and employment at their business. More respondents expect sales to rise (29%) than decline (17%) in the next six months. Slightly more respondents expect to add (7%) than to reduce (4%) employment. Respondents also are more focused on the market challenges facing their businesses. When asked about the most important issue facing their business, 6.5 in 10 focused on core business operations issues such as customer demand, the cost of supplies, labor quality, competition, improved business practices, and credit availability. 3.5 in 10 focused on public policy issues such as taxes, the Affordable Care Act and other regulations. These shares are the same as in the April survey. Respondents from the Omaha Metropolitan Area (Nebraska portion) were particularly positive about the outlook for sales. Omaha area businesses also prioritized customer demand as a top business concern facing their business and were more likely to name health care costs and the Affordable Care Act as the top concern.