Common Ground Alliance Launches Online Utility Damage Prevention Technology Database

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Common Ground Alliance, the stakeholder-run organization dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the people who dig near them, announced the launch of a new comprehensive online utility damage prevention technology information source called VAULT. The database, which can be accessed at www.cga-vault.com, can be used to identify technologies that help reduce damages to the more than 100 billion feet of underground facilities in the United States. VAULT is an easy-to-use, searchable database that provides product specifications, equipment capability and company representative contact information for each technology listed. Damage prevention technologies are searchable by technology category, CGA … Read more

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AGC Reports on June Construction Highlights

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Equal numbers of states gained and lost construction jobs in June, highlighting the fragmentary nature of the industry's recovery, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials added that, despite the fact most states added jobs year-over-year, construction employment levels are below peak levels for nearly every state. “Job gains and losses were quite different last month from the patterns in the past several years as some lagging states—notably Nevada—added workers, while former high-flyers such as Texas, had layoffs,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “On a year-over-year basis, construction … Read more

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NCCER Congratulates 2013 SkillsUSA Competition Winners

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ALACHUA, Fla. — The winners of the SkillsUSA Carpentry and Masonry competitions were announced at the awards ceremony for the 49th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 24-28 in Kansas City, Mo.   Nearly 6,000 outstanding career and technical education students joined in the excitement of hands on competition in 98 different craft, technical and leadership fields. 2013 marked NCCER's fourth year sponsoring the SkillsUSA Carpentry Competition and its first year sponsoring the Masonry Competition, with Carpentry Technical Committee Chair Boyd Worsham of The Haskell Company and Masonry Technical Committee Chair Bryan Light of the Brick Industry … Read more

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Construction Unemployment Falls, Lowest June Level in Five Years

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The unemployment rate for construction workers fell below double digits in June for the first time since 2008 as every segment of the industry added employees, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the relatively positive jobs report for the sector highlights the need to address potential shortages of skilled and entry-level workers. “Construction employment in June was the highest since August 2009,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But employment is still down by one-quarter from the peak more than seven years ago. Many of those laid-off … Read more

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Construction Spending Level Climbs in May

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Total construction spending climbed modestly in May as growth in residential and public construction offset a drop in private nonresidential activity, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials predicted that spending would remain uneven through the second half of 2013. “Hesitancy by private owners to commit to new construction, along with continuing shrinkage in public budgets, will keep the recovery weaker than it otherwise would be,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “On the plus side, both new residential spending and improvements to existing homes will keep some … Read more

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