The National Center for the Middle Market is the nation's leading research institution dedicated to understanding the significant impact of the "mighty middle" and providing resources to help this powerful economic segment grow. The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and GE Capital formed the Center in 2011, and share the vision to help build awareness and action for the middle market. By bringing together the best of the academic and business worlds, the Center generates innovative research in areas of unique importance to middle market firms; collaborates with companies, universities, and students nationwide and provides a platform of thought leadership to advance the dialogue surrounding job creation and economic growth. In addition to providing tailored training for middle market leaders and access to highly skilled students and graduates, the Center publishes the nation's most comprehensive middle market economic barometer, the Middle Market Indicator. This quarterly report examines trends in performance, and also anticipates future challenges. Signature events, including our annual National Middle Market Summit, provide executives, policymakers, and academics with opportunities to engage with the Center and help guide our growth strategies. Supporting and elevating the middle market is a continuing journey and we invite you to join us. Together, we will build the resources needed to help middle market companies better meet their needs and challenges, and to create a voice of advocacy for the middle market across board rooms, classrooms, and seats of government.