How do the actions of the Federal Reserve affect U.S. business decisions?

The actions of the Federal Reserve have a significant
impact on the overall health of the economy.  Because of this, US businesses will look
at the actions of the Federal Reserve and try to predict how those actions will affect
the decisions they need to make.

For example, if statements
from the Federal Reserve indicate that the Fed may raise interest rates in the near
future, businesses might act to borrow money in the short term so that they can benefit
from the lower rates.  Conversely, a pending increase in interest rates might convince
some businesses that the money supply will contract, leading to less consumer spending. 
This might cause them to put off expansion or hiring.  Either way, businesses have to be
aware of the impact that Fed actions can have on the economy and try to make decisions
accordingly.