Architect testifies about need for polices designed to help small businesses during economic crisis Washington, D.C. — October 7 — Tampa-based architect, Mickey Jacob, FAIA, unveiled the American Institute of Architects" (AIA) Rebuild & Renew plan for both short- and long-term economic recovery to the House Committee on Small Business at a hearing today. “Small business does not want a bailout. We want access to loans to bridge the economic downturn to help fund operational costs. We want relief from the premium costs of health insurance. We want incentives for people to build, buy, and renovate their homes and businesses. … Read more

Latest Producer Price Index Figures Point to ‘Limited-Time Sale’ For Construction Services Despite increases in construction costs in August, new figures released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that prices for the sector remain significantly down from a year ago, the chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America said today in analyzing the data. Simonson noted that the producer price index (PPI) for inputs to construction industries, a weighted average of the costs of all materials used in every type of construction, increased 1.1 percent in August compared to the previous month. He noted that … Read more

Few ARRA Funds Reaching Nonresidential Contractors Yet RALEIGH, N.C. — August 25 — The NRCI index for the third quarter is 44.8 and essentially unchanged from the second quarter reading of 45.0. This result leads us to think we are seeing the bottom of this long recession for nonresidential contractors. However, there isn"t much this quarter indicating recessionary conditions, for nonresidential contractors at least, are going to end soon. Most panelists see the short-term outlook as slightly less bad than last quarter, and we will take that as a good sign, even if a small one. A more important and … Read more