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 ›

Cloud Hangs Over U.S. Economy, Hiring Plans

MarketWatch (11/03/13) Jeffry Bartash

The recent government shutdown has made it virtually impossible for economists to determine how fast the U.S. economy is growing and how many jobs are being created. The October employment report and the first estimate of growth for the third quarter will not offer any clarity as a result. Scott Anderson, chief economist of Bank of the West, says, “We are going to need a couple of months because there is going to be so much noise in the data.”

Net jobs will decrease slightly from a preliminary increase of 148,000 in September, according to a MarketWatch poll of economists, though the extent of the decline tied to the shutdown will remain uncertain. Observers say the expected jump in the U.S. unemployment rate to as high as 7.5% will be bigger news, though much of the increase could be attributed to federal employees who were furloughed or employees temporarily laid off by private firms relying on federal contracts. November’s unemployment rate could decline, given that most of these workers are now back at work.

Manufacturers Shake Off Effect of U.S. Budget Impasse

Bloomberg Businessweek (11/01/13) Michelle Jamrisko

The Institute for Supply Management’s index rose to 56.4 in October—the highest since April 2011—from 56.2 in September. A survey of economists by Bloomberg had expected the ISM index to decline to 55. Readings above 50 indicate expansion. Motor vehicle purchases and improved exports contributed to the rise. The government shutdown is unlikely to affect manufacturing activity.

Find the Association Resources You Need in the Staffing Professional Catalog

Consider ASA your strategic business partner: By providing education opportunities to advance your career, resources to help you navigate the legal and legislative landscape, and tools to market your business, ASA is your one-stop shop for staying competitive in the staffing industry.

The ASA Staffing Professional Catalog—mailed recently to members and available on the ASA Digital platform—also offers reports for measuring your business, certification programs for proving your industry knowledge, and much more. View the latest product catalog today to see why ASA resources are the most valuable tools a staffing professional can have.