It wasn’t an easy choice to pursue a career in industrial construction. For some reason or another I just didn’t think I was cut out to be in the industry. Something about my fear of heights kept me away from the scene. Eventually, after being so unhappy for so long in retail, my fiancé told me one day, “Why don’t you go into the construction industry? You are capable of so much more.” Those words stuck in my head and marinated for about two years until I finally decided to do something about it. So, which construction craft was I going to go for? I knew what I didn’t want to do and that was to continue in retail.
Reshaping the Construction Industry
The event gave 400 high-school students a chance to hear from 43 contractors and owners who volunteered their time and equipment that day, and to get a taste of various professions through hands-on activities.
December 31, 2015
First Lady Michelle Obama appears in a new public service announcement aimed at promoting higher education to the youth of America. In the video, Mrs. Obama and Saturday Night Live's Jay Pharoah sing:"If you wanna fly jets, you should go to college. Reach high and cash checks, fill your head with knowledge.If you wanna watch paint don't go to college.But, for everything else you should go to college."
December 30, 2015
The Austin City Council recently extended through March 2016 the current, temporary rules governing overnight concrete pours on downtown job sites.The Austin AGC and our industry allies have been very active on this issue since it developed in late 2014. We’re simply trying to ensure that construction companies working downtown are not subject to rules that may sound solid in theory but in practice will create undue restrictions. Without the opportunity to pour concrete in the late evening hours, a number of problems are created for both the industry at work and the people who live, work and socialize downtown. Pouring at night helps:Alleviate daytime traffic congestion downtown due to large numbers of large concrete trucks required;Keep the public safe from the large number of concrete trucks required;Keep workers safe from high daytime temperatures on hot concrete;
December 29, 2015
Click on image to view more information.Spending, tax bills augur well for construction; Dodge starts slip in NovemberEditor’s note: Construction Citizen is proud to partner with AGC America to bring you AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson's Data DIGest. Check back each week to get Ken's expert analysis of what's happening in our industry.Last Friday, President Obama signed legislation that sets spending levels and limitations for federal agencies for fiscal year (FY) 2016, ending next September, and that extends and amends a variety of tax provisions. An AGC analysis of direct federal spending by agency shows "an increase of approximately $8 billion" from FY 2015 for accounts that cover construction. The act "fully funds the authorized levels contained in the recently-enacted FAST Act [authorizing highway, transit and Amtrak programs], resulting in a 5.5% increase in highway funding and a 10% increase in transit funding over FY 2015 levels."
December 28, 2015
With last minute shopping and preparations for Christmas celebrations happening at this moment all over the country – and the planet – our team thought it would be appropriate to take a moment to reflect on the reason for the season. Each day, we work toward advancing a socially responsible, sustainable and value added construction industry. Through the help of our sponsors, contributing writers, and others we never stop pushing toward the goal of a more perfect industry.
December 24, 2015
The following article originally appeared in the December newsletter to clients of Kiley Advisors, LLC. Reprinted with permission.Dan Gilbane’s tweet carried the good news; so did his Linkedin post. Soon it was on the company’s website: “ENR honors Gilbane’s Charlie Nelson with Legacy Award.” All privileged to know this humble, authentic, and consistently effective leader are on our feet in a thunderous, prolonged standing ovation, some with tears in our eyes. Never has an individual been more worthy.The award recognizes an industry veteran, with many years of experience and extensive contributions to the industry and the community. Charlie significantly exceeds those standards. He is a 54-year veteran, the first 34 with Lott, the last 20 with Gilbane. He has been both a field engineer and a president, and the list of projects he has successfully shepherded is staggering.
December 23, 2015
“Congratulations, you have been selected to be a part of the team! Your starting date will be….” There are no sweeter words than these that I’ve heard in the eight months I scratched and clawed, typed, copied and pasted my instrument and electrical technician resume and work applications day after day. Of course, with some breaks in between as I focused on school, I prepped myself to get back into the workforce. After getting settled in, signing paperwork, and completing training modules, it is finally time to get moving!One word came to mind as I put on my hard hat and safety goggles after completing my training modules: Planning. If you fail to plan, plan to fail.As I start my day, I go into my emails and check to see what is lined up for the day. Whether it be PMs (preventative maintenance), specific projects, such as replacing a valve, or completing company training modules, the day starts off by planning.
December 22, 2015
Click on image to view more information.Construction employment rises from year ago in 44 states, D.C.; housing shows gainsEditor’s note: Construction Citizen is proud to partner with AGC America to bring you AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson's Data DIGest. Check back each week to get Ken's expert analysis of what's happening in our industry.Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose in 44 states and the District of Columbia from November 2014 to November 2015 and declined in six states, an AGC analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released today showed. The number of places with year-over-year (y/y) gains was the most since February. The top three states for jobs added were again California (41,000 jobs, 5.9%), New York (30,500, 8.9%) and Florida (29,300, 7.2%).
December 21, 2015