Today’s release of the Institute of Supply Management’s (ISM) Index of Factory Activity is good news, indicating that nationwide manufacturing activity moved into growth territory in September after weaker readings the previous three months. While Insyte saw some softness in WNY in July and August, we also know many WNY manufacturers whose businesses has been going strong all summer and, indeed, all year. As always, broad economic measures can provide helpful context, but they are less important than keeping your finger on the pulse of your own business, customers and suppliers and making your decisions accordingly.