AGC Launches New Construction-Focused Podcast

AGC of America recently launched ConstructorCast, its new monthly podcast that explores in depth issues affecting the construction industry. For each episode, an AGC representative will speak with a different authority on today’s topics including public policy, safety and health, labor and many more. In the first episode, the organization speaks with David Ashinoff, director of AGC’s PAC and Political Advocacy, about the 2016 elections. Upcoming episodes will focus on OSHA’s new silica rule and multi-employer pension reform. Listen to the first episode here: https://soundcloud.com/agcofamerica/constructorcast-2016-elections.

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Construction Employment Increases in 235 of 358 Metro Areas Year-Over-Year

Construction employment rose between April 2015 and April 2016 in two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas, while spending on most types of structures increased for the year despite a drop in the latest month, according to a new analysis of federal data on employment and construction spending recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that many parts of the country continue to benefit from strong demand for construction services. “Construction growth remains widely distributed by location and project type,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, job gains were uneven: many states included metros … Read more

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Construction Spending Posts Solid Monthly, Year-Over-Year Increases in March

Construction spending increased by 8 percent in March compared to a year earlier and was also up slightly between February and March amid growing demand for many types of construction, as the spending total hit the highest level since October 2007, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the growth comes amid strong private-sector demand and new federal investments in surface transportation programs. “Construction should be a significant contributor to economic growth in the remainder of 2016 and beyond,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Right now the biggest challenge for … Read more

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Industry Pulse

Grooming the next generation, embracing ‘smart’ tools and technology By Justin Blubaugh The strong demand for quality superintendents is greater than it has ever been with companies and headhunters, alike, recruiting top talent. Contractors need to be diligent in retaining their current superintendents and explore ways to bring on new superintendents and train current talent into superintendent roles. According to the AGC of America’s 2015 Worker Shortage Survey Analysis, out of 1,400 survey respondents, 86 percent of firms report having trouble filling available positions, up from 83 percent in 2014 and 81 percent in 2013. The main reasons for these … Read more

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Construction Firms Add 1,000 Jobs in April, AGC Career Center Launches New Program

Construction employment rose in April by 1,000 for the month and 261,000 for the year as mild winter weather and labor shortages impacted the early spring hiring season for many firms, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. “Some of the slowdown in hiring last month was due to mild winter weather that allowed contractors to hire or retain workers in the first quarter instead of waiting until spring,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet reports from contractors and recent Census Bureau data on construction spending through March suggest industry demand for workers will … Read more

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