Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said in a note to clients that the March decline might be the first sign that companies are worried about federal spending cuts that took effect on March 1.

NPR: Survey: US Manufacturing Grew More Slowly In March

Note: The sign-up period for community job forums has come to a close, look for the final report synthesizing the feedback we got in the coming weeks.

WHITEHOUSE: It's Work Creating Jobs, But It's Worth It

"We believe this is a positive sign as customers appear more comfortable with inventory levels heading into the holiday season, " Barton said in a client note.

FORBES: Texas Instruments Flies Above The Crowd