Construction Employment Increases in 30 States between January and February

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Construction employment increased in 30 states between January and February, while 19 states added construction jobs during the past 12 months, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of state employment data released by the Labor Department. Association officials cautioned, however, that it was too early to tell whether the relatively positive report reflects improving economic conditions or the benefit of warmer weather much of the country experienced in February. “These are certainly some of the best state-by-state numbers the industry has seen in quite some time,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But it is … Read more

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Iowa-Based Contractor Becomes 1st Woman to Lead Construction Industry Group

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LAS VEGAS — Kristine Young, the chief executive officer of Des Moines, Iowa-based Miller the Driller, became the first-ever woman to lead the U.S. construction industry. Young, who was sworn in as president of the Associated General Contractors of America, will oversee the trade group’s work on behalf of the commercial construction industry. “I”m humbled that this association has always treated me as a fellow contractor that happens to be a woman, instead of a woman that happens to be a contractor,” said Young. “Being the first is never about being alone; it took the time energy and encouragement of … Read more

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McCarthy Selected as a Build America Award Winner for Cancer Center Expansion

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McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., a Texas builder since 1980, was recently selected as an Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)/Aon Build America Award winner in the Design-Build Renovation category for its construction of the expansion of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital project. McCarthy, along with 20 other Build America Award winners and eight Merit Award winners, was recognized at the AGC’s 92nd Annual Convention at the Aon Build America Awards dinner on March 23, in Las Vegas. McCarthy previously received a 2010 Build America Award in the New Building category … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Shows Nominal Increase

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Commercial/Industrial Sector Strongest Performing Building Category WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the first two months of 2011 the Architecture Billings Index is not exhibiting the strength of business conditions that were seen in the final quarter of 2010. 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 (AIA) reported the February ABI score was 50.6, up slightly from a reading of 50.0 the previous month. This score reflects a modest increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates … Read more

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Topcon Announces 3D-MC2 System for Motor Graders

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System developed for dozers allows graders to operate at speed with extreme accuracy LIVERMORE, Calif. — Technological advances from Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) changed the reality at what speeds dozers could operate, effectively and efficiently, with its introduction of 3D-MC2 technology in 2008. Now, TPS announces the world’s first 3D-MC2 technology is available for motor graders. The patented technology allows a grader to operate at speeds well above those achieved on any other 3D machine, with tighter tolerance. The 3D-MC2 for graders and dozers is on display March 22-26 in Las Vegas at ConExpo 2011, the largest U.S. construction trade … Read more

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