By most measures, the United States economy is gaining strength. In 2014, non-farm job growth rose an average 246,000 per month, with creation of high-wage jobs often outpacing low-wage jobs. According to the 2014 McGladrey Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor Report, a survey of more than 1,100 mostly privately held manufacturers and distributors, 67 percent of middle market manufacturers and distributors who participated in the survey expected an increase in profits before interest and taxes over the course of the coming year; 57 percent expected to increase their workforce.

The Monitor also noted that 36 percent of participating executives described their businesses as thriving, a significant difference from 2009, when only 9 percent were bold enough to say in the middle of the recession that they were doing more than just holding steady.

To maintain this positive trajectory, a number of industry and economic stars need to align.

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