The traditional economic base of the region was once heavy manufacturing. Concurrent with national trends, the regional economy has now shifted toward a skilled/service oriented base. Approximately 33 percent of the region's 2.1 + million work force is now employed in the service industries, as contrasted with approximately 15 percent employed in manufacturing. Furthermore, another 22 percent of the region's work force is employed in the wholesale and retail trades, while only 14 percent is employed by government. While only the strongest of manufacturing companies remain in the region, economic leadership is now shared with companies in health care, information processing, pharmaceutical, education, banking, insurance, real estate and legal service industries.