Construction spending was mixed in October as a rebound in residential and public categories outweighed a downturn in most private nonresidential segments, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials noted, however, that public investments in infrastructure remain down compared to last year while private-sector demand should remain robust amid continued economic growth.

"It's encouraging to see a rebound in public construction in recent months, but most infrastructure categories are down substantially over the past year," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Meanwhile, private nonresidential construction still appears to have good prospects, assuming the economy continues to expand." Learn More...

 

Construction employers added 19,000 jobs in November, reaching the highest employment level since November 2008, but a drop in public sector investments in construction projects held down employment among heavy and civil engineering firms, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials noted that recent construction spending numbers show a decline in most categories of infrastructure investment.

"This report shows the construction industry has the capacity to handle additional infrastructure work even as private nonresidential projects, apartments and homebuilding continue to go up," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "The industry would be adding more high-paid jobs if local, state and federal officials were investing more to build new and repair aging infrastructure." Learn More...

 

 

 

Have you ever spent weeks or months recruiting a great candidate, only to have everything "blow up" at the offer stage? DK Cole, a Builders Association member, has a few tips to help manage this fragile part of the hiring process and increase chances of acceptance. Learn More...

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BEST PRACTICES SERIES
Design exploration has evolved into having one BIM file morph into millions of project design alternative models focusing on altering specific design variables while capturing a project’s initial costs, lifetime costs, and energy usage. And those millions of BIM files are being produced by server clusters within a single work day then incorporated into an interactive scatter plot where designers can pick and choose which models to review in detail. Learn More...

 

Old CCTV analog technology, although still used by some companies today, is quickly being replaced by modern IP video systems. These new systems have a great range of camera and software features, flexible installation options and a large selection of other equipment that can be integrated, including lights, motion detectors and alarms. As the technology has evolved, the reliability of video surveillance systems has greatly increased. These systems are now used by businesses around the world to increase security. Learn More...

 

Integrated Facility Services, an AGC of Missouri member, has completed a full retrofit of the HVAC system at the historic Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Downtown Clubhouse in St. Louis. Built in 1915, the MAC is believed to be the first building west of the Mississippi River with an air conditioning system, which was installed between 1934 and 1941. Learn More...

 

NEW BAGGAGE CLAIM FACILITY IS PHL'S FIRST LEED® GOLD CERTIFIED BUILDING
Skanska USA, a member of multiple AGC chapters, has announced the completion of Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) American Airlines Terminal F expansion project. The expansion was awarded the airport’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification. Learn More...

 

KENNEBUNKPORT CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL CELEBRATES COMPLETION AND TOPPING OUT AT KENNEBUNK HIGH SCHOOL
PC Construction, a member of multiple AGC chapters, and Harriman, an AGC of Colorado Building Chapter member, joined RSU 21 school leaders, students and community members recently at a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of construction at the Kennebunkport Consolidated School, part of a $46 million school renovations and addition project. Work began last spring at the three schools, which include Kennebunkport Consolidated School as well as Mildred Day School and Kennebunk High School. Learn More...

 

TDIndustries, a Houston Chapter and TEXO member, recently announced that it has been named one of the 2016 Best Workplaces for Latinos, by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune magazine. TD ranked #9 on the list, which is based on employees’ assessments of workplace fairness, opportunities for training and access to senior leadership, among other factors. Learn More...

 

Vanir Construction Management, Inc. a Builders Association member, recently announced that it hired Bernie O’Donnell as its Northwest area development manager, while Scott Tomlinson, CCM, assumes a new role as executive director of technology, manufacturing and Indian Nation pursuits. Learn More...