MANUFACTURERS SURVEY
The latest survey of Midwest purchasing managers shows Iowa and the rest of the region are seeing slower manufacturing growth, but there’s mixed sentiments over future expansion. The survey is done monthly by Creighton University. The survey’s author, economist Ernie Goss, says the region’s June business conditions index sank to 58 on a scale of 0 to 100, indicating slower growth than a month ago. Anything above an index of 50 indicates economic growth. Iowa’s index was lower, at 53.4. This survey shows that over the past year, Iowa manufacturers have seen a longer work week, and increased hourly wages. Business confidence fell to the lowest levels since the pandemic. Nearly 70% supply managers surveyed think a recession will occur in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, over half of those surveyed expect business activity to expand in their own firms over the next six months.
SATURDAY IN THE PARK
The stage is set for this weekend’s annual Saturday in the Park music festival in Sioux City.
Concert organizer Dave Bernstein says the festival remains free to the public, and is back to one day of great music today. The music begins around noon, with local acts leading up to the headliners.
There’s a second stage of music, the “Abe” stage, named after the statue of President Lincoln at the park’s main entrance. Because of ongoing water tower construction, that stage has again been moved to the other side of the park. The show closes with a spectacular fireworks display.
SUMMIT SURVEYS
A group of South Dakota landowners is challenging a state law allowing Summit Carbon Solutions to survey their properties without their consent. A newly filed lawsuit alleges that the law allowing anyone with an open filing before the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to survey land without consent is against the state and U.S. constitutions. The law requires 30 days notice to be given to landowners and allows the use of backhoes and other implements, possibly cause soil disturbances; No compensation is required for surveys done under the law.
FIELD OF DREAMS CANCELLED
Iowa-based filming of the “Field of Dreams” television series was supposed to start in the coming months, but the project has suffered a setback. Variety reports the Peacock Network has dumped the show and Universal Television is trying to shop it to other media outlets. The series was to be a prequel to the 1989 movie that was shot, in part, in Dyersville. Governor Kim Reynolds recently awarded six-million dollars to Universal for the show. It was supposed to be shot in Polk, Boone, Mahaska, and Clinton counties.
