Statewide Iowa — A survey of several hundred Iowa businesses finds an overwhelming majority of them are in good shape compared to a year ago, despite record inflation, the rising cost of living, and ongoing supply chain challenges. Jim Plagge, president and CEO of Bank Iowa, says this is the institution’s second annual statewide survey of businesses and he’s encouraged by the results.
Businesses in a wide range of industries continue to have trouble finding qualified workers to fill open jobs, but Plagge says the survey found 44-percent of Iowa business owners report seeing an improvement in the quality of applicants over the last year.
COVID-19 is still having ripple effects in Iowa’s economy, as 80-percent of responding businesses said the pandemic fundamentally altered their business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Plagge says the biggest lasting change is the work-from-home dynamic.
The survey found 83-percent of businesses do plan to adjust their practices based on change they’ve experienced in the last few years, while 56-percent said the work-from-home economy has helped their business.
