A new survey of 72 existing businesses by the Iowa City Area Development Group shows steady employment growth among interstate commerce companies operating in the southern end of the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor.

The second-quarter poll found that firms engaging in interstate commerce restored 760 of the 1,370 jobs lost between 2008 and 2009. The employers have a combined full time employment level of 13,425, up 6 percent from this time last year. 

Sixty-nine percent of the businesses surveyed expect to expand in the next three years. If the hiring projections of all the companies are realized, 1,100 new positions will be created in the near future with opportunities in manufacturing and the financial and insurance sectors.

The survey also found that 68 percent of the companies reported an increase in sales from the year prior, 16 percent higher when surveyed a year ago.

ICAD Group President Joe Raso said the survey results reflect a stable economic environment that continues to grow. 

“We haven’t been immune from the global recession, by any means, but our area has shown remarkable resilience,” Raso said. “We are fortunate to have such a vibrant mix of innovative companies, a consistently supportive business climate and talented work force.”