AGC Reports on December to January Construction Employment Data

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Construction employment expanded in two-thirds of all states in January as the industry showed signs of emerging from a six-year slump, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that the industry’s recovery remains fragile and that current and looming federal budget cuts threaten to drag down construction employment in numerous states. “These results show that contractors are finding work in more parts of the country than they have for many months,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Further gains appear likely but could be derailed if lawmakers … Read more

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National Contractors Group Names Opp Construction 2012 Safest

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Opp Construction of Grand Forks, N.D. was named the nation's safest construction company in 2012 by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association, which oversees the Willis-sponsored Construction Safety Excellence Awards, an annual ranking of construction safety programs, noted that 51 other companies were selected as winners for the quality of their safety programs. “Safety is always a top priority for the construction industry,” said Joseph H. Jarboe, the association's president and senior vice president of Bethesda, Md.-based Clark Construction Group. “These companies showcase the highest commitment to keeping their projects and their employees safe.” Jarboe said Opp Construction … Read more

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HITT Contracting Repositions Tysons Metro Center I

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FALLS CHURCH, Va. — HITT Contracting Inc. has recently completed the repositioning of Tysons Metro Center I at 8251 Greensboro Drive in McLean, Va., formerly known as the Edmund James One building. Beacon Capital Partners called on HITT to bring its quality-first, value-added construction approach to this $5-million full-building retrofit, and HITT delivered. Key interior elements of the project included new finishes in the main lobby, all tenant floors, elevators and restrooms, as well as a modern fitness center, rooftop patio with outdoor seating and management office. HITT elevated the building’s curb appeal with a new driveway, two-story entrance and … Read more

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OSHA Partners with VCC to Promote Safety During Bass Pro Shop Project in Arkansas

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Better health and safety for construction workers during the Bass Pro Shop project in Little Rock is the goal of a new partnership formed between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and VCC LLC. “This partnership affirms a shared commitment toward providing a safer work environment on this project,” said Carlos Reynolds, OSHA’s area director in Little Rock. “This agreement will help to ensure that goal is accomplished.” The 120,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shop project is located at the Otter Creek exit off Interstate 30 and is scheduled to open in December. Little … Read more

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Construction Materials Prices Increase in February

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Prices for construction materials jumped in February, driven by extreme increases in items used in new housing and nonresidential building renovations, according to an analysis of new federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the increased materials prices are hitting contractors struggling to recover from a years-long downturn in construction demand. “For the second month in a row, contractors endured outsized price hikes for gypsum wallboard, lumber, and insulation materials,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the construction trade association. “In addition, soaring diesel prices mean contractors are paying more for fuel they … Read more

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