Architecture Billings Index Continues Positive Momentum

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Three out of past four months have seen positive business conditions WASHINGTON D.C..— On the heels of its highest mark since 2007, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) jumped more than two points in December.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the December ABI score was 54.2, up from a reading of 52.0 the previous month.   This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

More Construction Firms Plan to Hire, Instead of Cutting, Workers in 2011 Survey Finds

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More Firms in Iowa Plan to Hire than in Any Other State, While More Firms in Idaho Plan Layoffs, Most Firms Expect Big Declines in Stimulus Work, According to New Industry Outlook More construction firms are planning to hire workers this year than are planning to make layoffs, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America and Navigant. The survey, conducted as part of the Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, shows the industry may finally be emerging from a severe downturn that has left millions of skilled workers unemployed. “This … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, NewsTagged with:

Green Technology Training Criteria Adopted for Construction Apprentices

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Starting next year, all construction apprentices in California will receive instruction on green building practices as a component of their training. The California Apprenticeship Council (CAC) recently approved integration of environmental components into minimum industry training criteria for the building construction trades apprenticeship programs, with full support from the construction industry. The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DIR/DAS) was instrumental in working with the 23 trades to create the criteria. “California is poised for success in the greening of commercial and residential construction,” said DIR Director John C. Duncan. “This move will help California’s … Read more

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Reid Offers Tips to Keep Road Workers Safe

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Most people do not give much thought to high-visibility clothing until it is too late. Reid Supply Company, a Michigan-based global distributor of safety workwear and industrial products wants to change that thinking with some simple tips. “We want to lead the way in emphasizing the importance of high-visibility workwear and safety equipment to roads and bridges workers, or any pedestrian who must navigate streets where vehicles are present,” says John Carrier, President of Reid Supply Company. Reid Supply Company emphasizes that if you’re a part of a road crew, other than appropriate motorists signage, there’s nothing more important than … Read more

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Michael D. Bellaman Named President and CEO of ABC

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Associated Builders and Contractors recently announced the appointment of Michael D. Bellaman as president and CEO, effective Feb. 1.   In a career spanning 23 years with Lend Lease Corporation, he served as CEO of Americas for Bovis Lend Lease from 2008 to June 2010, having started with the company as a project engineer.   Most recently, he has been involved in a number of entrepreneurial initiatives, including serving as managing director of Grow the Pie Ventures, LLC.     Previously, as CEO of Lend Lease Retail and Communities from 2005 to 2008, Bellaman was responsible for the management and … Read more

Filed under: Movers & Shakers, News, Organizations