Architecture Billings Index Positive for Third Straight Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Billings at architecture firms accelerated to their strongest pace of growth since December 2010. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the Architecture Billings Index reflects the approximate nine to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the October ABI score was 52.8, up from the mark of 51.6 in September. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).  The new projects inquiry index was 59.4, compared to a mark of 57.3 the previous month. “With … Read more

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AGC Reveals October Construction Numbers

Construction employment declined in 28 states from October 2011 to October 2012 even as 31 states and D.C. added jobs during the past month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that residential construction gains were being undermined by the broader business uncertainty being caused by the threat of the looming fiscal cliff. “The industry remains stuck in neutral, with close balance each month between the number of states that add or lose construction jobs,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Despite a strong pickup in homebuilding and … Read more

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FMI Releases 2013 Construction Outlook

FMI, the Raleigh, N.C.-based provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, has forecast an 8% increase in construction activity for 2013. Robust growth in residential construction, as well as a few strong markets in nonresidential and non-building construction, will contribute to the expansion, the report said. “The focus for 2013 will be on the movement of private money back into the markets,” FMI said. Total construction put in place for 2013 is forecast to be $892 billion, a solid improvement over the last few years, but still just edging out 2003 levels of construction … Read more

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Crane Operator Named National Champion

Crane Institute Certification and MCM Events have named Jesse Pettit the National Champion of the Crane Operator Rodeo competition held in October in Davenport, Fla. Pettit, an operator for Maxim Crane, Phoenix, Ariz., first got his experience as a crane operator in the U.S. Army and has been operating cranes commercially for about 10 years. Pettit took home $1,000 cash and other prizes sponsored by Manitowoc Cranes. CIC was the event partner for the Crane Operator Rodeo, which included five Regional Qualifiers that culminated in the National Championship last month, where 10 finalists competed using a 66-ton LTR 1060 telescopic … Read more

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OSHA Seeks Nominations for Construction Safety and Health Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that nominations are being accepted for eight new members to serve on the 15-member Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. ACCSH, established under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, advises the Secretary of Labor and Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on construction standards and policy matters. Nominations will be accepted from those interested in representing employee, employer, public and state safety and health agency representative groups. Members serve two-year terms except the representative designated … Read more

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