California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

After five consecutive months of positive signs, “the local economy as
a whole is experiencing growth,” is the conclusion of the monthly Inland
Empire Report on Business prepared by California State University San
Bernardino’s Institute of Applied Research.

For three months in a row, the Purchasing Managers Index has registered
above the 50 percent mark, “signaling a turnaround in the manufacturing
sector,” according to the report. And for five months, regional economic
measures have pointed toward growth. But the indicators were tempered by
high unemployment, statewide budgetary problems for local governments and
skittish consumers reluctant to start buying until they feel more confident.

The report states “It is not clear whether the growth spurt reflects sustained
growth or “just another incidence of high volatility which has been documented
in these reports over the past few months.”

Inland Empire temp agencies are getting more calls — possibly a sign that
businesses are waiting for the economy to further stabilize before hiring
permanent employees.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.