Architecture Billings Index Reverts into Negative Territory

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — After indicating increasing demand for design services for the better part of a year, the Architecture Billings Index has reversed course in April.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate from nine- to twelve-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI score was 48.6, down from a mark of 51.9 in March.   This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings) and is the lowest mark since July … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

NCCER, ABC Honor 2013 Award Winners

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ALACHUA, Fla. — Ed LePage, of Hudson, Maine, was recently named an NCCER Construction Education Champion. The award is given to industry professionals with at least 10 years of service to NCCER who have made significant contributions to construction education and workforce development efforts. Throughout his long and varied career in the industry, LePage acquired skills as a welder, pipefitter, instrument fitter, millwright, operator and rod buster. During more than 40 years with Cianbro, LePage managed projects in Maine, New York and New Hampshire before becoming the company's mechanical craft training coordinator. He has served on NCCER subject matter exert … Read more

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Construction Employment Declines, Says AGC

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Construction employment declined in 32 states and the District of Columbia in April even as 29 states added jobs between April 2012 and April 2013, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that construction demand in a number of states appears to be slackening amid federal construction spending cuts and relatively weak private sector demand. “The industry shows signs of recovering but employment growth continues to be uneven, with some areas seeing stronger gains even as others continue to contract,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “In addition, … Read more

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Local Nonprofit Angel View Dedicates New Outdoor, Wheelchair-Accessible Therapy Area

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Desert Hot Springs, Calif.-based Angel View, Inc. opened a new, wheelchair-accessible outdoor therapy area today after volunteer contractors completed the three-month-long project. Construction charity organization AGC Charities, Inc., with the leadership of Hensel Phelps Construction Co., rebuilt Angel View’s existing courtyard as part of its series of renovation projects known as Operation Opening Doors. “Projects like these allow contractors an opportunity to donate their skills to make life a little easier for folks who haven”t always been dealt the best hand,” said Jim Clemens, chairman of Ocean City, N.J.-based Clemens Construction Co. and the chairman of AGC Charities. “The easiest … Read more

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Kraus-Anderson to Build K-8 Special Education School in Minnesota

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Kraus-Anderson Construction Company has been selected to build a new school for Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District that will be the first of its kind to serve kindergarteners through eighth graders with special education needs.   The 70,000-square-foot education center, located in Blaine, Minn., will expand the district's capacity to serve a growing need for education services from partner school districts.   Northeast Metro 916 serves 10 member school districts providing educational services, special education and administrative services to meet the specific needs of students.   Construction will begin on July 1and is expected to be … Read more

Filed under: News