WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index saw more poor conditions last month, indicating a drop in design activity at U.S. architecture firms, and suggesting upcoming weakness in spending on nonresidential construction projects. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the June ABI score was 45.9, nearly identical to the mark of 45.8 in May. This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects … Read more
FMI Releases Q2-2012 Construction Outlook Report
RALEIGH, N.C. — FMI released the second quarter 2012 Construction Outlook Report. FMI's forecast calls for 3 percent growth for construction put in place by the end of 2012 and another 7 percent in 2013 for a total of $882.4 billion. This is $92.6 billion more than the lows of 2011. Despite the constant confusion of news from Europe and uncertainty and inaction in the U.S. Congress, there are some positive signs in the economy. As one might expect, improving housing construction is helping to lead the way, especially multi-family housing. However, power construction is another strong point, and even … Read more
‘Topcon is Everywhere’ Photo Contest Launched
LIVERMORE, Calif. — Topcon Positioning Systems announces the “Topcon is Everywhere” photo contest — inviting participants from around the world to share a look at where and how Topcon products are being used. “Topcon is a global company and our equipment is "everywhere" from high-accuracy monitoring in a large-scale London tunneling project, to mapping flood-affected areas in Australia to leveling a field in South Carolina,” said Scott Langbein, TPS director of product marketing. “Topcon products can be found on the jobsite, saving time and increasing productivity around the globe and we invite the public to share those photos with cash … Read more
Construction Materials Prices Slip for Second Consecutive Month in June
The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials decreased for the second consecutive month in June and inched up by just 0.5 percent from a year earlier, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the amount contractors charge to construct projects was virtually unchanged for the month and rose only between 3.2 and 4.4 percent from a year ago. “Contractors are finally seeing sustained relief from the outsized cost increases that buffeted them last year,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The half-percent rise in … Read more
NCCER Congratulates 2012 SkillsUSA Carpentry Competition Winners
ALACHUA, Fla. — On June 27, the winners of the SkillsUSA Carpentry Competition were announced at the awards ceremony for the 48th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The Conference was held in Kansas City, Mo. More than 5,600 outstanding career and technical education students joined in the excitement of hands-on competition in 94 different trade, technical and leadership competitions. This is NCCER's third year sponsoring the SkillsUSA Carpentry Competition, with carpentry committee chair Boyd Worsham of The Haskell Company leading the way in organizing the event.NCCER is proud to congratulate secondary level medalists Brandon Hicks of Tiffin, Ohio … Read more



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