ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Rises in June; Contractor Optimism Grows

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Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.1 months in June, an increase of 0.2 months from May’s reading. CBI is down approximately 8% from its June 2019 level. Every region except the Middle States experienced an increase in backlog in June compared to May, according to an ABC member survey conducted from June 20-July 1. Additionally, the survey indicates that confidence among U.S. construction industry leaders increased regarding staffing levels, profit margins and sales in June. Construction sales and staffing levels are expected to expand over the next six months, while profit margins are … Read more

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JE Dunn Houston Excels in ABC Safety Management System

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JE Dunn Construction has achieved Platinum Level in the Associated Builders and Contractor’s STEP safety management system. Founded in 1989, STEP participation demonstrates safety leadership and a cultural commitment to safety performance. STEP applicants measure their safety processes and policies on 24 key components through a detailed questionnaire with the goal of implementing or enhancing safety programs that reduce jobsite incidents. JE Dunn excelled in the training category, as not only are frontline employees trained in safety, but training extends to trade partners as well. This safety culture starts with top management and permeates through all levels of the company. Despite … Read more

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ABC Cancels Convention 2020

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Associated Builders and Contractors has cancelled the ABC Convention 2020, which was scheduled for Aug. 17-19 in Nashville, Tenn. The event, which includes the National Craft Championships, Construction Management Competition and National Excellence in Construction Awards, was previously postponed from March due to the coronavirus pandemic. “While it was disappointing to cancel the ABC Convention 2020, the health and safety of our members, staff and partners amid the COVID-19 outbreak is our utmost priority,” said Michael Bellaman, ABC’s president and CEO. “Due to the conditions of Nashville’s phased reopening schedule and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, we … Read more

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Construction Input Prices Rise in May, Says ABC

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Construction input prices rose 0.8% in May compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released recently. Nonresidential construction input prices rose by 0.8% for the month as well. Of the 11 subcategories, only three experienced monthly decreases, with the largest decrease in steel mill products, which fell 3.1% in May. The rise in prices was driven primarily by the three energy subcategories, which experienced significant increases over the previous month. Crude petroleum was up 41.6%, while natural gas and unprocessed energy materials were up … Read more

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ABC Initiates Safe and Healthy Construction Pledge

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Associated Builders and Contractors recently launched the Safe and Healthy Construction Pledge, an industry-wide call to action to redouble construction jobsite safety commitments under new protocols due to the coronavirus outbreak. Open to all U.S. contractors and industry associations, the pledge calls for prevention, preparedness and response plans to prevent injuries and disease and safeguard total human health. “The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the critical need for leadership commitment to construction worker safety and health by every contractor in America,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC’s vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development. “While ABC members are already evaluating and … Read more

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