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sity economics professor Ernie Goss oversees the report.
• The overall index ranges between 0 and 100. Growth neutral is 50, and a figure greater than 50 indicates an expanding economy over the next three to six months.
• Here are the state-by-state results for November:
• Arkansas: The overall index expanded to 51.1 from 45.6 in October. Components of the index were new orders at 53.5, production or sales at 47, delivery lead time at 50.5, inventories at 56.4, and employment at 48.1. "Nondurable goods manufacturers in Arkansas continue to report job losses even as durable goods producers indicate expanding employment levels," Goss said. "Construction activity has yet to return to pre-recession levels in the state. Even with recent job gains the state's nonfarm employment level is down by 19,000 from its maximum level achieved in February 2008."
• Iowa: After declining for five straight months, the state's overall index rose in November to a healthy 59.2 from October's 58.5. Components of the index were new orders at 57.1, production or sales at 63.9, delivery lead time at 56.3, employment at 57.7, and inventories at 61.1. "Government data show that after peaking in July of this year, Iowa has lost nonfarm jobs albeit at a slow pace. Even with these overall losses, our surveys indicate that Iowa's manufacturing sector, both durable and nondurable, remains the strongest in the nine-state region. I expect the state to continue to add jobs at a solid pace in the months ahead," Goss said.
• Kansas: The overall index fell to 51.5 from October's 56.3. The index includes new orders at 57.1, production or sales at 49.6, delivery lead time at 48.7, employment at 53.9, and inventories at 48.3. "Service providers in Kansas cut back on hours worked by their current employees. Except for food processors, nondurable goods manufacturers experienced upturns in overall economic activity. Durable goods producers continue to expand but at a slower pace," Goss said.
• Minnesota: The state's overall index has remained above a neutral 50 for 12 straight months. The overall index advanced to a solid 55.7 from 55.2 in October. Components of the index were new orders at 64.9, production or sales at 55.6, delivery lead time at 56.8, inventories at 47.7, and employment at 53.7. "Stronger growth among durable goods manufacturers offset somewhat weaker conditions for nondurable goods producers, including food processors. Construction activity continues to expand although it remains well below pre-recession levels," Goss said.
• Missouri: The overall index for Missouri declined to 51.9 from October's 54.3. That index includes new orders at 56.5, production or sales at 56.4, delivery lead time at 49.5, inventories at 49.8, and employment at 47.6. "Even with recent gains, employment levels at construction firms in the state remain 35,000 below pre-recession levels. Durable and nondurable goods manufacturers are adding jobs at a

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