60% say sales will climb: Iowa survey

Sixty percent of Iowa business leaders still say they believe sales will grow in this year’s second quarter, according to a survey from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry — but that’s a drop from 76 percent who expressed such confidence for 2022’s first three months.

However, 54 percent of respondents said they expect their total number of workers to grow, up from 50 percent who expressed confidence in the first quarter.

“This quarter’s survey results reveal that businesses remain positive that sales will continue to expand,” association President Mike Ralston said in a news release.

“This optimism is shadowed slightly from the first quarter of 2022 as businesses start to question just how much sales can continue to increase with the constraints of supply chains and a shortage of employees.”

The survey also said 77 percent of respondents — about the same as the year’s first quarter — intend to make capital expenditures between April and June.

“Businesses are no longer worried about simply attracting new employees. There is a renewed focus on employee retention, as well as recruitment,” Ralston said.

“Skilled workers are not easily replaceable. And with so many other opportunities available, employees need to feel fulfilled with their current employer.”

The Des Moines-headquartered association reports 1,500 member companies.