Construction Increases in April, Reports AGC

Construction employment increased in 170 out of 339 metropolitan areas between April 2012 and April 2013, declined in 123 and was stagnant in 46, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that a majority of metro areas are adding construction jobs as private sector demand accelerates in many parts of the country. “Demand for construction continues to grow in many parts of the country amid increasing private sector investments in new residential, energy and supply chain facilities like factories, rail lines and warehouses,” said Ken Simonson, … Read more

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National Building Museum to Recognize Turner at 2013 Honor Award Gala

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The National Building Museum will recognize Turner Construction Company’s 111 years of industry leadership at the museum’s annual Honor Award gala, to be held on June 4 in Washington, D.C. The National Building Museum’s Honor Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made important contributions to the nation’s building heritage. Recipients are selected from a wide variety of backgrounds to call attention to the many factors that determine the form and quality of the built environment. “We are proud to support the National Building Museum in its presentation of the Honor Award to Turner Construction Company, … Read more

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AEM Offers New English, Spanish Skid Steer Safety E-books, Updates on Safety Manuals

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has extensively updated its popular Skid Steer Safety Manual and now also offers e-book versions in English and Spanish. (The print manuals are available in English and a flipbook-style English/Spanish version). Much of the manual's text has been rewritten and the graphics updated to be more inclusive of all styles of skid steer loaders. The safety information contains several key additions, including new content on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel hazards and hazards involving masked visibility areas around the machine. “With a variety of information platforms and multiple languages, equipment users and companies can choose what … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Reverts into Negative Territory

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After indicating increasing demand for design services for the better part of a year, the Architecture Billings Index has reversed course in April.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate from nine- to twelve-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI score was 48.6, down from a mark of 51.9 in March.   This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings) and is the lowest mark since July … Read more

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NCCER, ABC Honor 2013 Award Winners

ALACHUA, Fla. — Ed LePage, of Hudson, Maine, was recently named an NCCER Construction Education Champion. The award is given to industry professionals with at least 10 years of service to NCCER who have made significant contributions to construction education and workforce development efforts. Throughout his long and varied career in the industry, LePage acquired skills as a welder, pipefitter, instrument fitter, millwright, operator and rod buster. During more than 40 years with Cianbro, LePage managed projects in Maine, New York and New Hampshire before becoming the company's mechanical craft training coordinator. He has served on NCCER subject matter exert … Read more

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