Construction Economists Optimistic About 2014-15 Commercial, Industrial Growth

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu, American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker and National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist David Crowe recently provided a collaborative economic forecast combining their expert economic analysis on leading, present and lagging economic indicators. “A combination of low interest rates, wealth effects stemming from a booming stock market and rising home prices, surging energy production and expanding industrial output has helped position the U.S. economy for more rapid growth during the next several quarters,” said Anirban Basu. “This will lead to more robust recovery in the U.S. … Read more

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AGC Releases July Construction Unemployment Rate, Spending

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New government data today show the uneven nature of the construction industry's recovery, as the sector added 22,000 jobs in July, but suffered a pullback in spending in June, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that uncertainty about federal funding for a range of infrastructure and construction programs is one reason for the uneven recovery. “Construction employment and spending are both rising at a moderate year-over-year clip, but there have been some setbacks,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While prospects for private construction remain largely favorable, inadequate public investment still … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases Between June 2013, June 2014

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Construction employment expanded in 215 metro areas, declined in 80 and was stagnant in 44 between June 2013 and June 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that uncertainty about a range of federal infrastructure and construction programs could weigh on future growth for the sector. “Contractors have been expanding their work force in about two-thirds of the country for several months in a row,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Some metro areas are adding workers at a strong clip, but the gains remain … Read more

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Equipment Leasing and Finance Industry Confidence Remains Steady in July

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation releases the July 2014 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry. Designed to collect leadership data, the index reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $827-billion equipment finance sector. Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market is 61.4, unchanged from the June MCI-EFI.   When asked about the outlook for the future, MCI-EFI survey respondent Adam D. Warner, president, key equipment finance and chairman of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, said, “I don’t believe … Read more

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Addressing Complacent Workers to Eliminate Safety Violations

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By Doug Henderson During my normal day of visiting construction sites and conducting safety surveys, I see countless bad habits that result in safety violations. I”ve been given a long list of excuses for these habits, such as, “I didn”t know that was a rule,” or “that will make the job take twice as long.” I”m sure that we will all agree there is no good reason and no valid excuse not to be safe. Regardless of the underlying cause or condition, we need to ramp up the attention we place on safety, specifically with training and consistent enforcement of … Read more

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