Construction employment rose in half the states and decreased in half in October and during the past year, closely matching the stable national employment picture, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. The even split between gains and losses reflects the accelerating improvement in apartment and private nonresidential construction, offset by a declining public market and stalled single-family sector. “Construction employment gains are likely to remain spotty for months to come,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Local factors, rather than regional or industry trends, seem to dictate whether a state … Read more
Thirty-Four Construction Professionals First to Receive National Accreditation in Use of BIM
Thirty-four construction professionals received a first-ever new national accreditation in the use of Building Information Modeling, a process that relies on computer-generated models to better manage construction projects. The professional accreditation, which is being offered by the Associated General Contractors of America, is the first assessment-based credential to recognize construction professionals on their ability to use the process. Nearly three dozen construction professionals nationwide tested successfully to receive the new professional accreditation, the Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM). Candidates first had to complete the BIM Education Program, a series of four courses the association developed to help construction professionals … Read more
Architecture Billings Index Moves Upward
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a sharp dip in September, the Architecture Billings Index climbed nearly three points in October. 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 October ABI score was 49.4, following a score of 46.9 in September. This score reflects an overall decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 57.3, up from a reading of 54.3 the previous month. “An increase … Read more
Construction Materials Prices Down Slightly in October
The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials dropped slightly (-0.6 percent) in October but climbed 6.9 percent from the year-earlier level, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the price contractors charge for new nonresidential building construction edged up only 3.3 to 4.3 percent over 12 months, depending on building type. “While the gap is beginning to narrow just a bit, prices for most construction materials have risen far more during the past year than the amount contractors can charge for completing construction projects,” said … Read more
AEM Announces Winners of Inaugural Pillar of the Industry Awards
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers and the I Make America campaign announced the recipients of the first annual Pillar of the Industry award: Angus-Palm, Caterpillar Inc., International Construction Equipment and Stone Construction Equipment. The four companies were recognized for outstanding contributions to the people and communities of the equipment-manufacturing industry through extensive I Make America campaign activities. I Make America is a grassroots campaign that was launched one year ago to dramatically improve American manufacturing policies to create more jobs in the U.S. and keep the economy competitive with other countries. The campaign has enlisted the support of more than … Read more



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