U.S. Economy Expands in Q2, Investment in Structures Contracts, Says ABC

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The U.S. economy expanded at a 6.5% annualized rate in the second quarter of 2021, pushing overall gross domestic product above pre-pandemic levels. Investment in nonresidential structures, however, declined 7% for the quarter and has now contracted in six of the past seven quarters, according to an analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The overall growth in GDP was almost entirely driven by increases in personal consumption expenditures, with sales of goods increasing by 11.6% and sales of services by 12%. “Today’s GDP report was terrific by normal standards, but … Read more

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ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator, Contractor Confidence Index Rise in June

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Associated Builders and Contractors reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.5 months in June, according to an ABC member survey conducted June 20-July 6, 0.5 months higher than in May 2021 and 0.4 months higher than in June 2020. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins and staffing levels increased modestly in June. All three indices remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months. “Nonresidential contractors continue to predict a strong rebound in activity over the balance of the year,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Despite recent weakness … Read more

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ABC’s Sizemore to Serve on OSHA Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health

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Greg Sizemore, Associated Builders and Contractors vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, has been appointed by the U.S. Department of Labor to serve as a representative for U.S. construction employers on the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, which provides advice and assistance to the assistant secretary on occupational safety and health in construction standards. As one of 15 individuals selected, Sizemore will serve a two-year term on ACCSH, which was established in 1987 to advise the assistant secretary for OSHA on setting construction standards and policy matters arising in the … Read more

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ABC Announces New Director of National Craft Championships

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Associated Builders and Contractors has hired Jarrell Jackson as the director of ABC’s National Craft Championships and Construction Workforce Awards. Jackson brings nearly 15 years of program management experience to ABC’s NCC and CWA, two hallmark programs that highlight the best of the best in the construction industry. While promoting and celebrating skilled trades and careers in construction, Jackson will serve as the ABC national staff liaison to the NCC Committee and as the liaison amongst ABC strategic partners, training sponsors and outside resources in a workforce development subject matter expert capacity. Jackson will support ABC chapters and their members … Read more

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ABC Announces Winners of its National Awards

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Associated Builders and Contractors announced the winners of its annual national awards — the Excellence in Construction, Safety and Diversity Excellence, Contractor of the Year and Construction Workforce Awards — during ABC Convention 2021 in Grapevine, Texas. 2020 Excellence in Construction® Awards Honor 87 World-class Construction Projects 2020 National Safety Excellence Awards Presented to 39 ABC Contractor Companies 2020 National Diversity Excellence Awards Spotlight Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Initiatives of Three Member Companies Big D Metalworks of Dallas Named 2021 Contractor of the Year Todd Swan of the ABC Cumberland Valley Chapter in Hagerstown, Maryland, Named 2021 Craft Instructor of … Read more

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