GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC) - The economic signals are mixed, according to one local observer.

In his monthly survey of the West Michigan industrial economy, Grand Valley State’s Director of Supply Management Research Brian Long says that new orders and production indices from the 70 total purchasing managers polled in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo were up, but that purchasing was down, and employment stayed unchanged. The first index was in the positive range, but the other three were negative.

Dr. Long concluded that “all we have is an economic slowdown, not a recession,” adding that “part of the recent strength of our local economy relates to the uptick in the office furniture business, which is now significant for several firms.” He also felt that many business owners are waiting until after the election and the resolution of the “taxmageddon” situation before committing new resources, with seeing the way ahead much clearer in January.