Key industries in the region that are expected to benefit the most include: construction, machinery manufacturing, fabricated metal manufacturing, water transportation, professional and technical services, electrical equipment manufacturing, plastics products manufacturing and primary metals manufacturing.

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"The ITA represents reputable small businesses throughout the U.S. that already adhere to the highest professional standards including good manufacturing practices, " the group said.

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Employment gains were in professional business services such as employment services and accounting, in manufacturing, in health care and in leisure industries such as restaurants and bars.

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The largest employment gains were in professional business services such as employment services and accounting, in manufacturing, in health care and in leisure industries such as restaurants and bars.

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Yet working conditions in services are often pleasanter and safer than on an assembly line, and average wages in the fastest-growing sectors, such as finance, professional and business services, education and health, are higher than in manufacturing.

ECONOMIST: Economics

The surprise boost to output was helped by the production sector, including manufacturing, which rose by more than 1%, and by professional services increasing output by 3%.

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