Online Community

ASA Central

A dynamic online community for ASA members to exchange ideas and best practices, and connect with industry peers in their sector. Visit the site ›
Find Goods & Services

ASA Marketplace

This powerful online resource enables staffing companies to find and access industry supplier information, products and services. Visit the site ›
Daily Publication

Staffing Today Newsletter

Your #1 daily source for news about the workforce industry. With versions available to members and nonmembers. Visit the site ›
Health Care Reform

Affordable Care Act Resources for Staffing

Up-to-date news, resources, interactive tools, and more—all focused on helping ASA members comply with the ACA. Visit the site ›
Advertisers & Exhibitors

Staffing Industry Suppliers

ASA has numerous and diverse marketing opportunities available to help you reach the rapidly growing staffing industry. Visit the site ›
Exclusive Products

ASA Store

From certification packages and study guides to marketing tools and data reports, ASA resources add value to your business. Visit the site ›

Philadelphia Area Manufacturing Contracts for Fifth Month

Bloomberg (09/20/12) Shobhana Chandra

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reported on Sept. 20 that manufacturing in the Philadelphia region shrank for a fifth straight month in September, reinforcing signs the industry will offer less support to the U.S. economy. The bank’s general economic index improved to -1.9, higher than forecast, from -7.1 in August. Readings less than zero signal contraction in the area covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. The median forecast of 62 economists surveyed by Bloomberg was -4.5.

The figures, which showed a slump in sales and cutbacks in employment, add to concerns that a pillar of the expansion is faltering. Cooling exports due to the European debt crisis, combined with slower business investment and restrained household spending in the world’s largest economy, mean manufacturing may stay depressed. “The sector continues to struggle,” says Millan Mulraine, senior U.S. strategist for TD Securities. “There’s uncertainty both domestically and globally. We’re likely to see manufacturing moving sideways.”