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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New Steel, Aluminum Tariffs Cause Concern within Construction Industry

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The CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, released the following statement in reaction to President Trump’s announcement that he will impose new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum products: “These new tariffs will cause significant harm to the nation’s construction industry, put tens of thousands of high-paying construction jobs at risk, undermine the President’s proposed infrastructure initiative and potentially dampen demand for new construction projects for years to come. That is because the newly imposed tariffs will lead to increases in what construction firms are forced to pay for the many steel and aluminum products that … Read more

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Billings Strong at Firms in West, Midwest Regions

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Institute of Architects is reporting an increase in architecture firm billings for February from its Architecture Billings Index, with several key segments showing an encouraging outlook for 2018. “We remain optimistic about the trends we’re seeing at architecture firms this year with the ABI continuing to show growth in February,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. “We saw several major bright spots reflected in February’s data, as billings remained particularly strong at firms located in the West and Midwest.” While the pace of growth in design activity slowed a bit in February … Read more

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ABC Honors Best at Annual Excellence in Construction Awards

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LONG BEACH, Calif. — Associated Builders and Contractors’ officials announced the winners of its annual awards for best construction projects, safety performance, diversity initiatives and the Contractor of the Year. The awards were presented at the 28th annual Excellence in Construction Awards during ABC Convention 2018. Excellence in Construction Awards ACI Mechanical Named Contractor of the Year National Safety Excellence Awards National Diversity Excellence Awards ABC’s convention also features the National Craft Championships, the Construction Management Competition, keynote speakers and education sessions for ABC members and staff from 70 chapters, technology exhibits, networking opportunities and a national board meeting.

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