While economic troubles dominated Washington, businesses gathered in Lincoln, hoping to buck the trend.

The Lincoln Products Show for business and industry began Wednesday at the Lancaster Event Center. But how are manufacturers faring with the tough economic landscape?

Organizers say they expect a similar turnout to years past, but some businesses say their companies are seeing a slowdown.

Iowa Metal Spinners, Inc. employee Dale Miller said, "Business is a little off this year. It's a little slower, and we're not sure why, whether it's gas prices or the economy."

Miller's company spins metal to create products for customers, and he says he's in the right business.

"A lot of industries use spinnings," said Miller.

But they're changing tactics during a slowing economy.

"Actually, we're extending our sales force, going out further into territories, trying to hit new markets, things like that. We're just doing anything we can to get the business back up," Miller said.

Still, not all businesses at the products show claim to be affected by the economy. Like Braas, a company that specializes in factory intelligence solutions.

Braas employee Todd Berner said, "So far we're seeing quite a lot of activity in our business."

But many admit that trouble in the national economy and an unstable wall street can trickle down into the manufacturing business.

Kirby Taylor of Lincoln Machine said, "When consumers hurt, we hurt, because even though we may not build the product you buy, we build the machines that help the end users build the products that you would buy."

And so, Taylor says, in the end, it all comes back to customers.

"If people don't feel comfortable spending their money... Then they're won't," Taylor said.

The Lincoln Products Show is open again Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.