ABC’s 2020 Construction Economic Forecast: Momentum Persists, Despite Uncertainties

Associated Builders and Contractors’ Chief Economist Anirban Basu forecasts continued momentum for the construction sector next year but advised an overall “wait-and-see” approach based on leading and lagging indicators and economic uncertainties. Although ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator—a leading indicator that reflects projects under contract yet to be executed—climbed to nine months in August 2019, construction spending and employment—lagging indicators—have started to soften. Yet, while spending in private nonresidential categories such as office and logging has decreased, public spending categories remain a bright spot. “Indeed, one of the sources of strength for the U.S. economy over the last year has been … Read more

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Jeff Williamson Promoted to President of Sundt Construction’s Transportation Group

Jeff Williamson has been promoted to president of the Transportation Group for Sundt Construction, Inc. Williamson brings over 30 years of experience in the construction industry to his new position. He began his career in the construction industry as a field engineer in 1986 and has worked in both the field and the office at all levels of the business. Prior to joining Sundt, Williamson served for 15 years as a regional vice president for a civil contractor in the Southwest, where he helped grow annual volume from $28 million to $242 million. Upon joining Sundt in 2011, he assumed … Read more

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Reeves County Hospital Breaks Ground on Replacement Facility

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held to celebrate the start of construction on the new Reeves County Hospital replacement facility located in Reeves County, Texas. This $80-million project represents the district’s investment in a total replacement of the community’s hospital, which will include 25 all-private inpatient beds, a level four emergency department with at least eight exam rooms and three trauma rooms, a delivery suite, a nursery, women’s imaging department, physical therapy gym, 15-bay dialysis unit, surgical services space, an inpatient/outpatient lab, a cardiovascular rehabilitation program and support service spaces. The design, led by project architect Perkins and Will, is … Read more

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AEM Elects 2020 Officers, New Directors

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers announces its 2020 officers, as well as directors elected to the AEM board of directors and AG and CE sector boards at its recent annual business meeting. 2020 AEM Officers are: Chair Jeffrey Reed, president & CEO, Reed International/VSS Macropaver Vice Chair Steven Berglund, president & CEO, Trimble Inc. Ag Chair Jerry Johnson, president farm, ranch & agriculture div., Blount International Inc. CE Chair Rodney Schrader, chairman & CEO, Komatsu America Corp. Treasurer Todd Stucke, sr. VP marketing, product support & strategic projects, Kubota Tractor Corp. Secretary Dennis Slater, president, AEM AEM officers and directors … Read more

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CPWR to serve as NIOSH National Construction Center

CPWR’s selection to again serve as the NIOSH National Construction Center has provided the opportunity to continue conducting applied research that improves construction worker safety and health. Included in this work are 13 new multi-year research projects — seven led by university-based research partners and six by CPWR staff. Some build off previous research, on topics such as manual materials handling, isocyanates and nanotechnology; others head in new directions, such as promoting safety and health for women construction workers through mentorship and evaluating exoskeletons. Learn more.

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