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ASA Introduces Certified Health Care Staffing ProfessionalSM Credential

Staffing and recruiting professionals working in the health care sector now have the opportunity to differentiate themselves by earning the ASA Certified Health Care Staffing Professional credential. The program features content focused on employment and labor law at the federal level for health care staffing and recruiting professionals. Developed by a team of attorneys, staffing firms that serve the health care sector, and professional development specialists, the CHPSM credential is the most comprehensive and sector-specific credential available to industry professionals right now.

Find out more at americanstaffing.net/chp.

NorthStar Anesthesia Acquires Anesthesia Staffing Consultants

PR Newswire (08/13/15)

NorthStar Anesthesia has acquired Anesthesia Staffing Consultants, a Detroit-based anesthesia management company. With this acquisition, NorthStar expands its footprint in the Midwest.

Forecasters See Slightly Slower Growth as the Unemployment Outlook Holds Steady

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia (08/14/15)

The outlook for growth over the next four years in the U.S. economy looks slightly lower from that of three months ago, according to 42 forecasters surveyed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The panel expects real gross domestic product to grow at an annual rate of 2.7% this quarter, and 2.8% next quarter. Forecasters forecast that real GDP will grow 2.3% in 2015, down from the previous 2.4%, on an annual-average to annual-average basis. The forecasters estimate real GDP will grow 2.8% in 2016, 2.6% in 2017, and 2.4% in 2018.

The outlook for the labor market remains nearly unchanged. Forecasters predict the unemployment rate will be an annual average 5.3% in 2015, before slipping to 5.0% in 2016, 4.8% in 2017, and 4.7% in 2018—these projections are nearly the same as those detailed in the previous survey. Forecasters have revised their estimates for job gains in 2015 and 2016 as well, highlighting a slight uptick from previous projections. Projections for the annual-average level of nonfarm payroll employment suggest job gains at a monthly rate of 244,200 in 2015, up slightly from the previous estimate of 243,900, and 200,500 in 2016, up from the previous estimate of 180,100.

New York Fed: Manufacturing Activity Declines in August

Federal Reserve Bank of New York (08/17/15)

The August 2015 Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates that business activity declined for New York manufacturers. After hovering around zero since April, the general business conditions index dropped nineteen points to -14.9, its lowest level since April 2009. The new orders index fell twelve points to -15.7, its lowest level in several years, and the shipments index plunged twenty-two points to -13.8.

Labor market indicators pointed to little change in employment and hours worked. The index for number of employees edged down one point to 1.8, and the average workweek index fell to -1.8. The index for future business activity climbed seven points to 33.6. The index for future number of employees declined for a fifth consecutive month, reaching 3.6—a sign that little change in employment levels is expected in the months ahead.

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Falls Slightly in Early August

Wall Street Journal (08/14/15) Kate Davidson

The University of Michigan preliminary August consumer sentiment index declined from a final July reading of 93.1 to 92.9. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had forecast a reading of 94.0.

Although the reading was below expectations, the index is up 10.4 points from a year ago, “indicating a much healthier level of consumer optimism and in line with our call for a pickup in spending ahead,” Derek Lindsey, BNP Paribas economist, said in a note to clients.

The August early current conditions index was also little changed, falling from 107.2 in July to 107.1. The expectations index fell from 84.1 to 83.8.

Microsoft Tries to Reassure Contractors About Rule Changes

Seattle Times (08/13/15) Matt Day

New policies for Microsoft contractors, due to be implemented in January, have some observers concerned that layoffs are imminent, a fear that the software company is trying to alleviate. The new rules mandate a six-month break from access to the company’s property and network for contractors who have worked there for 18 consecutive months. Although the company expects “the significant majority” of the contractors will not be subject to the new vendor policy, some of the companies that supply workers to Microsoft are skeptical and are preparing for job losses at the end of 2015.

Free ASA Webinar Next Month—Expand Your Firm’s Recruiting Reach

Your firm could be building relationships with state and local government agencies that can provide free, recurring assistance with recruiting and screening candidates. Find out how to take advantage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which went into effect July 1, during the ASA webinar “Refine Your Hiring and Training Through Government Partnerships.” It takes place Tuesday, Sept. 8, 3–4 p.m. Eastern time.

All ASA webinars are free for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.