Q3 Economic Outlook Forecasts 5% Growth in Equipment and Software Investment

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Investment in equipment and software is expected to grow 5 percent in 2015, according to the Q3 update to the 2015 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook recently released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. As the U.S. economy rebounds from a disappointing Q1, the report predicts that business confidence will improve, which should encourage greater investment over the second half of 2015. The outlook for 12 individual equipment and software verticals tracked in the report is mixed, with some sectors outperforming others. The Foundation's Economic Outlook, which is focused on the $903-billion equipment leasing … Read more

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Construction Unemployment Falls to Lowest June Level Since 2001, Officials Warn of Growing Worker Shortage

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Construction employment held steady in June at the highest level in six years, while the number of unemployed workers with construction experience fell to the lowest total since 2001, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new data indicates contractors are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to meet growing demand in many parts of the country. “Expanding job opportunities throughout the economy make it increasingly difficult for contractors to find experienced construction workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “This scarcity shows up in record work weeks … Read more

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Ray Staus Joins Knutson as Superintendent

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Knutson Construction recently hired Ray Staus to join the firm as superintendent. Staus previously worked for Knutson as a carpenter foreman from 1991-1998. He has spent the past 17 years as a superintendent for Kraus Anderson building medical, federal, residential and parking facilities, including the Humphrey Terminal parking facility. As a superintendent for Knutson, Ray will be working on the Mother Bay Mercy project in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. “We are excited to have Ray back with Knutson and know that he will be a great asset to the team,” stated Dave Bastyr, executive vice president of Minnesota operations.

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Construction Industry Needs Best, Brightest to Lead Future Workforce

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NCCER and its Build Your Future initiative are offering a variety of scholarships to help individuals on their paths to successful construction careers. Deadlines are quickly approaching. ABC Trimmer Construction Education Foundation/Build Your Future Scholarship Available to individuals pursuing craft training in the construction industry through an NCCER accredited program or a state/federally approved apprenticeship program in a merit-shop training facility. 10 scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded annually. Applications are due on July 24. Apply here. HRCC Build Your Future Scholarship Scholarship winners will be awarded $500 a year to help cover training costs. Scholarship applications are due … Read more

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Williams Company Breaks Ground for Goodwill’s ‘Made in America’ Store

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  ORLANDO, Fla. — Williams Company Building Division recently broke ground for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida’s ninth new “Made in America” retail store and Job Connection Center located at 1312 East Semoran Blvd. in Apopka, near Orlando, Florida. The $3.4-million, 23,000-square-foot project was designed by C.T. Hsu + Associates. <!—more—>The products used at the jobsite are 100 percent made in America. The program began in 2012 when Goodwill and Williams decided to do their part in creating as many U.S. manufacturing jobs as possible. When completed in October 2015, the facility will provide selling space, a processing area, a … Read more

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