Louisiana Products Co. had the following positive cash flows during the current year: received cash from customers of $750,000; received bank loans of $35,000; and received cash from the sale of common stock of $145,000. During the same year, cash was paid to purchase inventory for $345,000, to employees for wages of $230,000, and for the purchase of plant assets of $217,000. Calculate the amount of cash provided by or used for operating activities by the direct method.