The American Staffing Association’s call for subject matter experts is currently open. Do you have insights that are essential to the staffing, recruiting, or workforce solutions industry that you’d like to share with the ASA community? Submit your proposal today for your chance to present an ASA webinar or speak at Staffing World^®, the ASA annual convention and expo.

Staffing World 2025 takes place Oct. 6–8 in Orlando, and slots are available for Speed Talks (10-minute talks on topics important to the industry). Proposals are due May 31.

ASA webinars (60-minute presentations on a topic important to the industry) take place virtually, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Proposals are accepted throughout the year.

For more information and to start your submission, visit americanstaffing.net/presenters.

The association’s quarterly Staffing Employment and Sales Survey for the fourth quarter of 2024 is now open. Staffing companies that complete the brief survey by Feb. 28 receive an exclusive report on the results, which includes gross margin and sector-level data.

Register to take the survey, or view the questionnaire, at americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey. If you have questions or did not receive a survey link, email research@americanstaffing.net. There are no fees to participate.

ASA chief executive officer Richard Wahlquist, whose vision led to the expansion of the ASA education, learning, and advocacy programs, has announced his retirement at the end of 2025. ASA president Stephen C. Dwyer will assume the role of chief executive officer Jan. 1, 2026.

During Wahlquist’s time as chief executive officer, the association’s scope, effectiveness, and recognition as the voice of the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry grew exponentially, both in the U.S. and internationally. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to work with the incredible team at ASA; its current and past boards of directors; and the wonderful members of the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry,” Wahlquist said. “As staffing faces new challenges and opportunities for growth, Stephen’s forward-thinking vision and passion for the industry will be instrumental to the association and industry’s continued growth.”

Dwyer has worked at ASA since 2002. As senior vice president and chief legal officer, he led legal and public affairs campaigns to advocate for the industry. Since being named president in 2023, Dwyer has spearheaded organizational transformations to allow ASA to better serve its members. “I’m humbled at the opportunity to support the industry as the chief executive officer at ASA,” Dwyer said. “Richard’s steadfast leadership has helped the industry evolve and innovate, navigating economic downturns, market fluctuations, and even a global pandemic. I look forward to helping build on his legacy of success at ASA.”

As your firm navigates new policies, shifting regulations, and complex compliance challenges, you know 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for staffing firms. Policy shifts are happening, and they will directly affect your firm.

At the 2025 ASA Staffing Law & Compliance Conference, May 8–9 in Washington, DC, you’ll gain expert insights and actionable strategies from top legal minds and industry leaders to stay ahead of evolving regulations, minimize risk, and safeguard your firm’s success.

Hear from top legal experts who know the staffing industry, learn about new laws and compliance risks before they become liabilities, and connect with peers who are facing the same challenges. Register by March 7 to save more than $200.

Next week, ExecuVision 2025 will bring together the staffing industry’s most innovative c-suite executives to gain fresh insights, solve pressing challenges, and develop a roadmap for growth. Hear from expert speakers like Jim Collins, Kelly Boykin of Growth Curve, and Dana Baughns of Allegis Group, who will help you get a strategic edge that will help you and your firm excel in 2025. Collins will deliver a transformative masterclass focused on the principles that turn obstacles into opportunities.

This exclusive gathering, taking place Feb. 11–12 in Miami, is limited to 200 industry leaders, which ensures every session is tailored to deliver high-impact strategies. Tackle today’s challenges with insights on artificial intelligence, market shifts, and operational transformation; connect with top executives and peers to exchange insights and opportunities; and build relationships that will propel your business forward. Seats are limited—secure your spot today at execuvision.net.

Don’t miss your chance to get the staffing and recruiting data you need. The association’s quarterly Staffing Employment and Sales Survey for the fourth quarter of 2024 is now open. Participate in the survey and compare how your company is doing with similar-sized companies and firms within your industry sector.

After completing the survey, you will be able to access an exclusive online report archive, which includes benchmarks for the number of direct hire searches and permanent placements, sector-specific gross margin trends, and payroll and productivity metrics by company size. Participate by Feb. 28 to get the staffing industry information you’re looking for.

Register to take the survey at americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey. If you have questions or did not receive a survey link, email research@americanstaffing.net. There are no fees to participate.

A legend among the world’s most influential business leaders, Jim Collins will be at ExecuVision, Feb. 11–12 in Miami, to deliver the game-changing insights and strategies that transform companies and their leaders.

ExecuVision 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. The event is limited to 200 attendees, so attendees will be able to engage deeply with peers who are shaping the next generation of staffing. Secure your seat today at execuvision.net.

The association’s quarterly Staffing Employment and Sales Survey for the fourth quarter of 2024 is now open. Staffing companies that complete the brief survey by Feb. 28 receive an exclusive report on the results, which includes gross margin and sector-level data.

Register to take the survey, or view the questionnaire, at americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey. If you have questions or did not receive a survey link, email research@americanstaffing.net. There are no fees to participate.

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.