Tepid Rise for Dodge Momentum Index in February

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index increased 0.5 percent in February to 146.9 (2000=100) from the revised January reading of 146.2. The momentum index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The move higher in February was the result of an 8.2 percent increase in the institutional component, while the commercial component contracted 4.8 percent. The commercial component has declined for two consecutive months and, while this should not lead to an outright decline … Read more

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February Construction Unemployment Rates Down Year-Over-Year in 34 States, Says ABC

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The February 2018 not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate was 7.8 percent, down 1 percent from February 2017 and the lowest national February rate on record, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Estimated construction unemployment rates were down in 34 states on a year-over-year basis, unchanged in one state (Arizona) and up in 15 states. At the same time, the construction industry employed 273,000 more workers than in February 2017. “Construction activity continues to be positive in much of the country, resulting in healthy demand … Read more

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NCCER Awards the 2018 ABC Craft Instructor of the Year

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ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER recognizes William Fuller, of La Porte, Texas, as the 2018 Associated Builders and Contractors Craft Instructor of the Year. NCCER presented Fuller with the prestigious award and a $10,000 cash prize from NCCER and the Trimmer Construction Education Foundation at ABC’s Workforce Development Conference last month. The Craft Instructor of the Year award is presented each year to an instructor who possesses outstanding creativity, exceptional communication skills, a positive attitude and an unparalleled passion for teaching. The award recipient works diligently to promote lifelong learning and represents NCCER and ABC’s unwavering commitment to training America’s skilled … Read more

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Construction Employment Rises in 35 States, D.C. from February 2017 to February 2018

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Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between February 2017 and February 2018, while 38 states added construction jobs between January and February, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials praised the latest Congressional spending bill for funding career and technical education to help young workers get into the industry. “The construction industry continues to add employees in most of the nation, despite a shortage of workers with construction experience,” said chief economist Ken Simonson. “But job openings are growing, as contractors encounter a shrinking pool … Read more

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Skender Expands Business beyond Construction

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CHICAGO, Ill. – Envisioning a more efficient future for the building industry, Skender is expanding beyond construction, becoming a vertically integrated company including construction, design and building component manufacturing functions. The expansion includes significant investment in the launch of a new Chicago, Illinois-based advanced manufacturing subsidiary and the acquisition of the boutique design firm Ingenious Architecture. Skender has also recruited two industry trailblazers: architect and thought leader Tim Swanson, and construction technology innovator Kevin Bredeson. As part of the transformation, Skender Construction has rebranded as Skender, reflecting the expansion beyond its core construction business. Skender will open a manufacturing facility … Read more

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