Slight decline in Minnesota economy found in survey

Summary analyses from nine states in the Mid-America Business Conditions Survey for September, with comments from Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss in Omaha, Neb., who conducts the survey.

* Minnesota: The state's index moved down slightly for September to 56.9 from August's solid 57.

September readings for components of the overall index were 56.3 for new orders, 68.2 for production, 54.2 for employment and 37.5 for inventories.

Goss said a portion of the recent upturn can be attributed to the state's information sector as the prospects for Minnesota's high tech sector improves.

"Minnesota has lost about 6,500 jobs this year though our monthly survey points to increases in employment for the rest of the year for the state," Goss said.