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ended in 2009.
• "Employment growth in the region is accelerating," Goss said.
• The survey 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 prices-paid index declined to 67.8 in April from March's 76.5, but it remains high enough to suggest continued inflation pressure on the price of raw materials and supplies.
• The business leaders surveyed remain confident in the economy over the next six months. The confidence index grew to 64.5 in April from March's 62.2.
• The inventory index declined to 56.7 in April from March's 58.9.
• The export index improved to 57 in April from March's 56.4 while the import index dipped to 56.7 in April from 57.4.
• "Exports continue to be one of the most important factors driving growth in the regional economy higher, Goss said. "Short of trading skirmishes or a strong dollar, I expect exports to remain healthy for most areas of the nine-state region."
• The other components of the April index were:
• -- New orders increased to 64 from March's 60.8.
• -- Production or sales grew to 61.3 in April from 60.4.
• And deliveries improved to 56.1 from March's 54.5.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- A minority owner of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves is selling his majority ownership in minor league hockey and baseball franchises in South Dakota's largest city.
• Bill Sexton owns Quartzite Holdings LLC, which is the majority owner of Sioux Falls Sports LLC. Sioux Falls Sports is the parent company for the Stampede hockey club and the Fighting Pheasants baseball club.
• Pending the approval of the United States Hockey League and the American Association of Professional Baseball, majority ownership in the Stampede and Pheasants will transfer to SD Sports and Entertainment LLC, a group of regional businessmen. The group is led by Robert Naegele (NAY'-glee) III, a former minority owner of the Minnesota Wild NHL hockey team, and that team's chief operating officer, Matt Majka (MAH'-kuh).
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