On Assignment Inc. News Release (07/26/12)

On Assignment Inc. reported revenues for the second quarter of 2012 were $283.2 million, including $99.0 million from Apex Systems, which was acquired May 15. Revenues were up 97% year-over-year and up 70% from the preceding quarter. Revenue growth (excluding the acquisition of Apex Systems) was 28% over the second quarter of 2011. Net income was $8.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share and $13.0 million or $0.28 per diluted share excluding acquisition related costs.

Birmingham Business Journal (Alabama) (07/27/12) Ryan Poe

In metro Birmingham, AL, several locally based staffing firms have found the recession to be the best time to grow. The Onin Group and Personnel Staffing Inc. have both expanded with new offices outside the Birmingham market. Onin Group leaders say they owe their rapid growth largely to the recession, which has created a temporary work force boom. In the past year, Onin opened 15 offices, giving it a total of 52 offices in 11 states, says chief operating officer Jim Weaver. Year to date, revenues are already up about 50% over the past year, he adds.

Personnel Staffing account executive Sylvia Wright says her company has added two branches—one in Tuscaloosa and the other in Chattanooga, TN—giving the company a total of seven offices. “The recession has affected our industry in a positive way,” Wright says. “There is an increase in business for staffing companies.” With the effects of the recession still lingering, Wright says, businesses are wary of committing to long-term employment. “It saves companies money if an employee does not work out,” she notes.

Des Moines Register (07/26/12) William Petroski

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) is working with companies, government, and nonprofit organizations to add one million disabled individuals—a 20% increase—to the work force by 2015. “The business community has shown many examples that employing people with disabilities is not an act of charity,” Harkin says. “It is actually good for your bottom line and companies are showing that with modest accommodations people with disabilities can be highly productive and may be in some cases more productive than their nondisabled peers.” Harkin spoke on July 26, the 22nd anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which is considered his signature legislative achievement during his 28 years as a U.S. senator.