A monthly survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states shows the economy grew in December.
The overall economic index in the Mid-America Business Conditions Survey was 53.2 in December, up from 51.2 in November. A number above 50 indicates economic growth over the next three to six months.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss compiles the survey. He expects modest economic growth in 2014, with unemployment rates staying low.
Nebraska's unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in November. Goss says the survey's employment index dropped below growth-neutral, due to troubles in the ethanol and agriculture industries.
The survey includes Iowa and Nebraska.