What is the future direction of the economy? Georgia Foley, executive director of the Specialty Tool and Fastener Dealers Association (STAFDA), cites part of the report on the economic outlook: "You see one positive story today, and a few days later you see another Negative stories. You can hardly believe who or what.”

Foley found that the recession hit STAFDA members hard, with many companies downsizing, becoming more flexible, and entering new markets they hadn't considered before. She cited an assessment in her annual report to STAFDA members that nearly 100 construction workers are currently unemployed or employed in other industries.

At the same time, she cited a September 2012 report by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) that shared concerns about the outlook with STAFDA members: 1. Uncertainty about the direction of policy, including fiscal issues and Shrinking budgets; 2. Higher healthcare costs; 3. Changes in business taxes and regulations; 4. Increased energy and raw material costs; 5. Staff quality; 6. Weakness in the global economy and exports;

In addition, 62% of respondents in a survey by NAM and the National Federation of Independent Businesses believe that U.S. laws, regulations and taxes have a greater negative impact on businesses than other countries. . Still, Foley believes there is good news ahead, with many forecasting double-digit economic growth in 2013.