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NBC correspondent and Today show anchor Natalie Morales visited Rio de Janeiro last week to report on the progress of the construction of the venues which are being built for the 2016 Summer Olympics, set to begin one year from now on August 5, 2016.“There have been a lot of hurdles getting ready for this Olympics – a lot of obstacles and challenges; and the glare of the spotlight has been harsh at times. But what we saw are signs of progress. At most of the venues we have seen at least 50 percent completion. The mayor of Rio is saying that by February or March of next year they expect to have everything up and running and online. The infrastructure – they have added on to that – with bus and rapid transit lines – the metro lines are going to be expanded throughout the city, which is great news for this city – they need that.”
Reshaping the Construction Industry
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Employment edges up, unemployment shrinks in July; spending accelerates in JuneEditor’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.Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 215,000 in July, seasonally adjusted, and by 2,915,000 (2.1%) over 12 months, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Friday. Construction employment rose by 6,000 for the month (to 6,383,000) and by 36,000 (7,200 per month) over the past five months, far below the monthly average gain of 19,250 from July 2014 to July 2015. The number of unemployed jobseekers who last worked in construction fell from 666,000 in July 2014 to 474,000 in July 2015, the lowest July total since 2001.
August 10, 2015
We have written about the work of Software Advice, a Gartner company that helps buyers build short lists of various types of construction software, including HVAC, several times in the past. They have just released a survey that addresses a long-standing problem in every office, including in the construction industry.Whether in the job shack or in the high-rise office building we have all said or heard – “Why is it so ****(Hot) (Cold) in here?” “Where is the thermostat?” “Who turned the thermostat up so high?” We have all heard the complaints. Now with the new smart systems and the software that runs them, we have an opportunity to make a positive change, especially with the “internet of things.”As part of the process of reviewing new climate control software, Forrest Burnson at Software Advice conducted a seven-day online survey that solicited 252 responses (129 women and 123 men) to assess the issue of “occupancy comfort” among office workers, both young and old. Their findings were interesting to say the least.
August 07, 2015
Read about a young woman from the Pacific Northwest who is working with her father in their family plumbing business. She hopes to inspire others to work with their hands.
August 06, 2015
The following article originally appeared in the August newsletter to clients of Kiley Advisors, LLC for the purpose of providing the latest leading indicators and industry issues to those clients. Reprinted with permission.With oil prices again on a bit of a roller coaster, the outlook for Houston becomes cloudier.Well permits and rig counts have hit bottom, total production has been declining since April, and is expected to continue to decline, potentially at a faster pace, according to Jesse Thompson with the Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. With developing countries reducing their demand for oil, through efficiencies, and domestic GDP growth underperforming its 2015 target through the first two quarters, lower oil demand and lower oil prices over the next year or two are an increasing possibility.
August 05, 2015
Hi there. The Chamberlin Man here.It’s no secret we love history at Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing (‘cause we’ve got quite a long history ourselves)! So it’s especially exciting when we’re working on a project we feel will become an integral part of that story. Even before ground is broken some projects are just special. They are challenging and rewarding all at the same time. They are notable and significant.Austin’s highly anticipated new JW Marriot is that kind of project. With more than 1,000 guest rooms and a three-level below-grade parking garage, the hotel and conference center is Marriott’s largest property in North America – the second largest worldwide.Chamberlin is mighty proud to have been appointed by joint venture general contractors Hunt Construction Group and Hardin Construction to provide a comprehensive scope of waterproofing services that touched the building envelope, the parking garage, the pool deck and even an underground sedimentation tank.
August 04, 2015
Only half of metros add construction jobs; industry wages rise at fastest rate since 2008Editor’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.Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, increased from June 2014 to June 2015 in only half (180) of the 358 metro areas (including divisions of larger metros) for which the BLS provides construction employment data, decreased in 127(28%) and was stagnant in 51, according to an AGC release and map on Wednesday that analyzed BLS data. (BLS combines mining and logging with construction in most metros to avoid disclosing data about industries with few employers.) The number of metros with job increases was the smallest since September 2012.
August 03, 2015
The following article originally appeared in the July newsletter to clients of Kiley Advisors, LLC. Reprinted with permission.This article continues the discussion of succession planning, reinforcing that it is the hallmark of all successful organizations, and that it is an inherent responsibility of senior leaders to ensure successors are in place for continuity and survival.Last month we discussed identifying your talent pool, particularly your high-potentials and then assigning coaches and mentors as appropriate. In this article, we will discuss methods of preparing those selected, in coordination their coaching and mentoring.The most proven method is to give them experiences that are directly related to the challenges they will face in their next role.
July 31, 2015
The following article was originally published by Forbes and authored by Jennifer Latson. Reprinted with permission.While the Houston metro-area boasts one of the fastest growing economies in the U.S., nearly 855,000 Houstonians aged 25 and older do not have the minimum credentials for middle skills jobs.1 Lone Star College, a growing contributor to the Houston economy, recognized this challenge and partnered with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to pioneer a groundbreaking program to match the needs of local employers with the aspirations of potential employees.
July 30, 2015
Interview with Ronnie White, a construction project manager for Force Corporation, an industrial construction company that provides Construction, Railroad and Maintenance services in TX and LA.
July 29, 2015
