OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — January results from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states suggest some improvement in the regional economy but not enough to generate optimism.

A report issued Monday says the overall Mid-American Business Conditions Index jumped to 48.3 in January from 39.5 in December. The figure was 40.7 in November, 41.9 in October, 47.7 in September and 49.6 in August.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth. A score below that suggests decline. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the strong U.S. dollar is among the obstacles facing manufacturers.