LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Northeast Nebraskans are being urged to return surveys that will be used in the state’s Northeast Nebraska Laborshed Study.

The state Labor Department says survey results will be used to help regional and community groups better train employees, target new and expanding businesses and develop niche marketing campaigns.

The study will factor in workforces in southeastern South Dakota and northwestern Iowa, locations employers may draw from to fill positions in Columbus, Fremont, Norfolk, South Sioux City, Wayne and West Point.

A final Nebraska report will be published in spring 2014.

Residents are encouraged to return their completed surveys in the postage-paid envelopes by Dec 31. Individual responses will be kept confidential.