"It continues to chug along, and is posting steady, overall gains for the industry."
Also, Evans, continued, the improved economy continues to impact tax coffers for both the state and local governmental entities through the collection of gross production and sales taxes.
"And, there's growth in other industries that aren't directly related to either oil and natural gas production or directly support it.
"Those jobs are captured in sectors like manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation and professional service. They aren't reflected in the index, but we are confident jobs in those sectors are benefiting from the oil and gas activity going on in the state right now."