INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Purchasing managers have a rather dim view of the local economy.

In their latest assessment issued Friday, 53 percent of the purchasing managers surveyed predict a weaker economy the first quarter of the year. Only 13 percent believe it will improve.

The Institute of Applied Research at Cal State San Bernardino found that the manufacturing sector is no longer growing primarily because of reduced production and new orders. However, it said the local economy, overall, continues its slow growth.

On an optimistic note, the closely watched Employment Index increased slightly.

Story Date: January 8, 2013