• OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- A recent survey of supply managers suggests growing economic strength in a nine-state region of the Plains and Midwest.
• The Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 60.0 in April, compared with 58.6 in March and 58.4 in February.
• Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says in a report released Tuesday that heavy manufacturing continues to be propel economic growth for the region, with export-oriented manufacturers leading the way.
• Survey organizers say it uses a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100

and that any score above 50 suggests growth while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor. The survey of business leaders and supply managers covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
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