ABC Acknowledges 2017 National Craft Champions

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors recognized the winners of the 30th annual National Craft Championships during its Careers in Construction awards ceremony on March 3 at the conclusion of ABC’s Workforce Week ’17. NCC is a part of ABC’s effort to raise the profile of careers in construction and highlight the $1.1 billion that ABC member companies spend annually on workforce development. This year’s field of competitors featured nearly 170 craft professionals from 28 states competing for top honors in 13 competitions across 11 crafts. Competitors first took an intense, two-hour written exam and then competed in a … Read more

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Construction Input Prices Expand for Third Straight Month, Petroleum Prices Soar

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction input prices expanded 0.3 percent on a monthly basis and 4.8 percent on a year-over-year basis in February, according to a recent analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and released by ABC. This represents the most rapid yearly growth in construction input prices in more than five years. Only four key inputs tracked by BLS experienced monthly price declines, principally natural gas. Natural gas prices declined 18 percent in February, but are still up by more than 66 percent over the past year. Crude petroleum prices are up 107 percent over the past year. … Read more

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Nonresidential Construction Spending Slips

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nonresidential construction spending contracted during January, according to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Nonresidential spending fell 1.9 percent from December to $698.4 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis. This represents the first month total nonresidential construction spending dipped below $700 billion since July 2016. Despite the monthly setback, year-over-year progress remains intact, with nonresidential spending increasing 1.5 percent since January 2016. However, in real terms, that represents virtually nonexistent growth. Private nonresidential spending remained unchanged for the month, while public sector spending plunged 4.7 percent. The greatest loss in spending … Read more

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More Than 170 Top Construction Pros to Compete at ABC’s National Craft Championships

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors announced that more than 170 of the top construction apprentices and trainees in the country will compete in the 30th annual National Craft Championships, March 1-2 during ABC’s Workforce Week ‘17. Competitors from 27 states will contend for gold, silver and bronze medals and a safety award in 13 competitions representing 11 crafts. The two-day competition includes a written exam and a hands-on, practical test where competitors will demonstrate their high-level craftsmanship and safety best practices. The annual National Craft Championships was first held in Orlando, Florida in 1987. Apprentices and craft trainees … Read more

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Construction Input Prices Surge to Start 2017, ABC Says Energy Prices Remain on the Ascent

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction input prices collectively rose by 1 percent on a monthly basis and 3.8 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. This represents the fastest year-over-year rate of materials price inflation since the beginning of 2012. Nonresidential input prices rose 0.9 percent for the month and are up 4 percent year over year. The rise in input prices is largely attributable to natural gas prices, which expanded 23.6 percent for the month and are up 81.8 percent year over year. Crude petroleum prices … Read more

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