Don’t miss tomorrow’s ASA webinar “How to Maximize Net Profits in Workers’ Compensation and the Back Office: Strategies for Success,” 2–3 p.m. Eastern time.

Experts from VensureHR Staffing Alliance, part of ASA corporate partner Vensure Employer Solutions, will explore strategies for improving your bottom line by controlling workers’ compensation expenses, building stronger relationships with clients and host company locations, and developing a back-office audit process. Sponsored by VensureHR Staffing Alliance.

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.

The rate of staffing employment growth slowed during the week of Jan. 13–19, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing 1.6% to a rounded value of 82. Staffing companies cited inclement weather as a primary factor that prevented further growth. Staffing jobs were 5.9% lower relative to the same period last year, narrowing the gap from 8.5% observed the previous week.

New starts also increased slightly in the third week of the year, up 2.3% from the prior week. Four in 10 staffing companies (41%) reported gains in new assignments week-to-week.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average eased again from the previous week, down to a rounded value of 78. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Jan. 19 was 8.0% below the same period in 2024.

“Staffing activity saw a modest start to 2025, hindered by the holidays and inclement weather,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. “However, the temporary headwinds handicapping further momentum within staffing activity are no match for the long-term tailwinds expected to drive growth throughout the year, including robust economic activity, declining labor costs, and increased business sentiment.”

This week will be used in the January monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Feb. 7.

With a new administration in place, staffing laws and regulations at both the state and federal level are about to get even more complex. That’s why you need to be at the 2025 ASA Staffing Law & Compliance Conference, May 8–9 in Washington, DC—to stay ahead of legal changes and gain confidence in compliance issues.

This is your opportunity to hear the latest on topics affecting staffing, learn to navigate upcoming policy shifts, equip yourself with strategies and tools that will help your firm stay ahead of evolving regulations, and connect with like-minded professionals who face the same challenges—and have solutions to share.

Register by March 7 to lock in the lowest rate available and save more than $200.

Insurance Applications Group, the insurance broker for the insurance program known as Essential StaffCARE, announced the closure of its corporate headquarters Jan. 17. IAG also informed its staff that they were not to report to work.

ASA has been working with the company that administers that insurance program, Planned Administrators Inc.; the carrier that provides the coverage under the program, BCS Insurance; and industry brokers connected to the program to ensure no disruption of current coverage.

PAI and BCS have confirmed that current insurance coverage will not be disrupted as a result of IAG no longer being the broker of record for the program.

In a statement to customers, PAI noted, “I understand you might have some questions and concerns regarding your current limited benefit plans administered by PAI. I am reaching out to let you know there is nothing you need to do at this time to continue with your limited benefit plans. PAI and our carrier partners are fully committed to your limited benefit program, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come. If we need to make any administrative adjustments to your plan, such as transitioning you off IAG’s ePortal enrollment platform, rest assured that our team has plans in place and we will be contacting you soon to discuss those transitions.”

ASA today announced staffing firm payroll funding provider Advance Partners as the newest member of its corporate partnership program.

An ASA corporate partnership represents the highest level of support for the association and the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and talent solutions industry. Advance Partners’ support will bolster ongoing ASA initiatives and strengthen future projects.

“We are delighted to welcome Advance Partners as a new ASA corporate partner in recognition of its commitment and track record of success in empowering staffing firms to expand,” said ASA chief executive officer Richard Wahlquist. “Advance Partners distinguishes itself by offering creative funding solutions, comprehensive back-office support, and strategic business development consultation and planning that fosters innovation, enhances efficiency, promotes scalability, and supports sustainable growth.”

“As long-time partners of the American Staffing Association, Advance Partners is excited to be its newest corporate partner,” said Jeremy Bilsky, senior director and general manager at Advance Partners. “Advance has always been a leader in the industry, and this new partnership allows us to further our goal of helping staffing firms grow. We look forward to continuing our work with ASA and are excited to see where this partnership takes us.”

“At Advance Partners, our decision to further invest in the American Staffing Association through a formal corporate partnership reflects our commitment to advancing the staffing industry as a whole,” added Mike Brew, director of revenue and operations at Advance Partners. “By leveraging our unique position and unmatched understanding of the industry, we aim to drive meaningful advocacy for all staffing firms, including those that have chosen and will choose to partner directly with us to help grow their business. Together, we can address the challenges facing our industry and pave the way for continued growth and success.”

ExecuVision 2025 is an exclusive event that brings together top staffing industry leaders for a one-of-a-kind experience combining in-depth discussions with innovative strategies in intimate, retreat-style sessions. It takes place Feb. 11–12 in Miami. A special block of rooms is available for ExecuVision attendees, but reservations must be made today to secure rooms at the ASA ExecuVision group rate.

Join c-suite staffing executives to learn what truly makes businesses thrive in challenging times—and hear keynote speaker Jim Collins, a legend among the world’s most influential business leaders, deliver an exclusive leadership masterclass. Attendance is limited to just 200 staffing industry executives so that participants will be able to engage deeply with their peers who are shaping the next generation of staffing. Secure your seat today at execuvision.net.

The American Staffing Association stands with the families and communities whose lives have been affected by the California wildfires. The staffing industry is proud to support neighbors in California during their urgent time of need.

These organizations are leading the efforts to provide aid and relief to communities affected by the wildfires:

• American Red Cross—redcross.org
• World Central Kitchen—wck.org

These sites offer resources for those affected:

• CA.gov—Links to real-time information and assistance
• FEMA.gov—Links to federal, state, and local resources
• USA.gov—Links to federal government sites and resources, including weather information, health announcements, and information on how to access housing and financial assistance

Don’t miss tomorrow’s webinar presented by ASA corporate partner ClearlyRated, “The Year Ahead in Staffing: From AI to Z,” 1–2 p.m. Eastern time. After two challenging years for the staffing industry, experts are forecasting renewed growth in 2025. Savvy firms recognize that growth is predicated on their ability to successfully navigate economic uncertainty, changing demographics, and emerging technologies.

ClearlyRated founder Eric Gregg will facilitate a conversation with CareerBuilder + Monster director of sales Danny Ashraf and ASA chief economist Noah Yosif to share insights, trends, and predictions for the year ahead, as well as pragmatic advice for how your firm can stay ahead of the competition. To learn more and to register, visit clearlyrated.com.

ASA announced today that ConverzAI, pioneers of AI Virtual Recruiter and Voice AI platform for the staffing and recruiting industry, is the newest member of the ASA corporate partner program.

An ASA corporate partnership represents the highest level of support for the association and the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and talent solutions industry. ConverzAI’s support will allow ASA to both strengthen its current programs and initiatives and explore new opportunities to support its members.

“ConverzAI’s cutting-edge technology can help staffing and recruiting firms grow their revenue potential,” said ASA chief executive officer Richard Wahlquist. “The partnership with ConverzAI will play a key role in helping ASA serve as the leading voice for the staffing and recruiting industry in the future.”

“The partnership between ConverzAI and the American Staffing Association signifies a powerful alliance committed to advancing the staffing industry,” said Ashwarya Poddar, founder and CEO of ConverzAI. “This collaboration embodies our shared dedication to driving innovation and accelerating industry-wide transformation, while improving staffing delivery and outcomes for customers of staffing companies. Together, we’re championing a future where the staffing industry can stay ahead of the tech curve, workers thrive, and businesses achieve superior results.”

ExecuVision 2025 is an exclusive event that brings together top staffing industry leaders for a one-of-a-kind experience combining in-depth discussions with innovative strategies in intimate, retreat-style sessions. It takes place Feb. 11–12 in Miami, and a special block of rooms is available for ExecuVision attendees—but the deadline to reserve rooms at the ASA ExecuVision group rate is next Friday, Jan. 17.

Join c-suite staffing executives to learn what truly makes businesses thrive in challenging times—and hear keynote speaker Jim Collins, a legend among the world’s most influential business leaders, deliver an exclusive leadership masterclass. Attendance is limited to just 200 staffing industry executives so that participants will be able to engage deeply with their peers who are shaping the next generation of staffing. Secure your seat today at execuvision.net.