A new study suggests the worst of the recession may be behind us. The Mid-American Survey of Business Conditions in nine states, including Minnesota, shows purchase managers and business leaders are somewhat more upbeat about the region's economic outlook. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss helped conduct the survey. He says Minnesota has lost about 30-thousand jobs since the recession began last March, and is not doing AS WELL as the rest of the states surveyed....BUT, Goss says 2002 should bring fewer Minnesota job losses and the possibility of some gains.