Trade News
ABC Celebrates the Craft and Construction Management National Champions
Associated Builders and Contractors announced the winners of the 2024 ABC Construction Management Competition and the 35th annual National Craft Championships on March 18. The winners were honored on the final day of the ABC Convention 2024 in Orlando, Fla., on March 15.
The 35th annual National Craft Championships showcased the skills and expertise of nearly 190 of the nation’s best craft professionals in trades, all vying for top honors in 16 competitions, with skills on display in 12 crafts. Established in 1987, NCC celebrates and recognizes upskilling in construction, draws some of the country’s most talented craft professionals and highlights the important role that craft skills training plays in the construction industry.
The 2024 Construction Management Competition featured 26 four-person teams of students from colleges and universities nationwide. CMC is ABC’s hallmark competition promoting careers in construction management and features teams of undergraduates who test their skills in project management, estimating, safety, quality control and presentation skills. All competition participants are active members of the ABC National Student Chapter Network, which connects local ABC chapters to colleges and universities with construction management programs to build the talent pipeline and mentor future leaders of the construction industry.
L&W Supply Expands Order Management Tool with E-Commerce Feature
L&W Supply has announced that its customers now have access to enhanced e-commerce capabilities through its online order management tool, myLWsupply.com. The tool will now allow them to order products, see pricing, confirm order details and more.
“Our team has an unwavering commitment to streamlining our customers’ experiences in the ever-changing construction industry,” said Dan Piché, president of L&W Supply. “MyLWsupply.com further optimizes order processing and boosts efficiency and accuracy. Most importantly, it allows our customers to conduct business whenever and wherever their projects take them.”
In addition to online ordering, L&W Supply customers can also benefit from the platform’s other features, including:
- Order History
- Review past and present orders
- Easily re-order frequent purchases
- Delivery Updates
- Track delivery status
- View delivery confirmation photos
- Team Access
- Grant additional team members access to myLWsupply
- Customize individual account permissions as needed
- Simplified Billing
- View statements and pay invoices online
- Eliminate manual billing tracking
L&W Supply will continue to accept orders by phone, email, fax and in-person but highly encourages customers to register to experience even more real-time access to their orders. Learn more and register by visiting myLWsupply.com or download the L&W Supply app for iOS or Android devices.
L&W Supply Expands Order Management Tool with E-Commerce Feature | Walls & Ceilings (wconline.com)
Construction Employment Rises in 40 States, D.C.
Construction employment increased in 40 states and the District of Columbia in October from a year earlier, while 22 states added construction jobs from September to October, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America on Nov. 17. Association officials said more states would likely have added construction jobs if the pool of available, qualified workers were larger.
“The number of states with construction job gains has been tapering off in recent months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors still report strong demand for workers, suggesting that the slowdown in hiring is due to a lack of qualified workers, not a weakened demand for projects.”
Between October 2022 and October 2023, 40 states and Washington, D.C. added construction jobs, while industry employment declined in eight states and held steady in Connecticut and Virginia. California added the most construction employees over the year (21,000 jobs, or 2.3 percent), followed by Ohio (17,700 jobs, 7.5 percent), Texas (17,000 jobs, 2.1 percent), Louisiana (12,900 jobs, 10.3 percent) and Kentucky (12,300 jobs, 14.9 percent). Kentucky had the largest percentage increase over 12 months, followed by Arkansas (13.3 percent, 7,700 jobs), Louisiana, Oregon (9.4 percent, 11,000 jobs) and Wyoming (9.1 percent, 1,900 jobs).
Colorado lost the most construction jobs between October 2022 and October 2023 (-7,200 jobs, -3.9 percent), followed by Missouri (-4,400 jobs, -3.2 percent), North Carolina (-4,000 jobs, -1.6 percent), Washington (-2,600 jobs, -1.1 percent) and North Dakota (-2,300 jobs, -8.5 percent). North Dakota had the largest percentage loss, followed by Colorado, Missouri, Hawaii (-1.6 percent, -600 jobs) and North Carolina.
For the month, construction employment increased in 22 states, declined in 26 states and Washington, D.C., and was unchanged in New Jersey and Vermont. Ohio added the most jobs over the month (6,000 jobs, 2.4 percent), followed by California (4,500 jobs, 0.5 percent), Florida (2,500 jobs, 0.4 percent), Indiana (2,500 jobs, 1.5 percent) and Kentucky (2,400 jobs, 2.6 percent). The largest percentage gain occurred in Kentucky, followed by Ohio, Indiana and Idaho (1.3 percent, 900 jobs).
Tennessee lost the most construction jobs in October (-2,900 jobs, -1.9 percent), followed by Louisiana (-2,200 jobs, -1.6 percent) and North Carolina (-2,100 jobs, -1.6 percent). Rhode Island had the largest percentage loss (-4.5 percent, -1,000 jobs), followed by Tennessee, Mississippi (-1.9 percent, -2,900 jobs) and Louisiana.
Association officials noted that many member firms report applicants lack the qualifications needed to safely work in construction positions. And while many firms are boosting investments in worker training as a result, association officials called for improvements in the way most school districts prepare future workers. They also urged federal leaders to boost funding for construction education and training programs.
“The nation’s education and training programs are failing to properly prepare workers who are employable for the sectors that are hiring,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Fixing the way the nation prepares workers will go a long way to boosting economic activity in many parts of the country.”
USG Gives Economic Forecast at BUILD24
Chris Griffin spoke at the opening keynote session at the 2024 AWCI conference in Orlando this past month. The company co-sponsors the keynote event, which includes opening remarks by USG, recognition of the outgoing and incoming AWCI presidents, and a keynote speech by renowned leadership expert and Colonel, USAF (Ret.), DeDe Halfhill.
“Every one of you in this room plays a critical role. It’s not lost on me how important all of you are to our industry’s success,” says Griffin. Thank you for continuing to push boundaries, innovate, and propel our industry into the future.
Griffin says that [the wall and ceiling] business is affected by factors outside of our control—and outside of the industry.
“First, we’re looking at the federal decisions around interest rates, and what this will mean for timing, cadence and magnitude of interest-rate cuts.
“Second, we have inflation to contend with.
“And third, the fact that this is an election year promotes further uncertainty about construction outlooks and the economy as a whole,” Griffin says.
The effects of these factors remain to be seen, but could hugely impact the industry, Griffin says. He further explains the word “uncertainty” several times. According to him, that’s not a bad thing and can lead to incredible strides forward. He cites an example from 2005 when Hurricane Katrina was the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.
“Pre-Katrina, that win would have seemed impossible. The franchise owners were openly looking to move to rival cities. Season ticket sales were plummeting. And fans were polarized,” he continues.
Post-Katrina, team management overhauled the operation. Their terrible 2005 season led to a cohesive team focused on community, fans and overcoming the odds.
In fact, we are hearing that companies are off to a better than anticipated start to this year. This is at both the contractor and builder levels.
Millennials are entering prime home-buying years and the continued undersupply of houses could be a key structural driver for strong remodeling and new construction.
The latest forecasts call for housing starts in the range of 1.30-1.40, with single-family start-ups up around three percent.
While there isn’t a predicted rebound from COVID in new non-residential builds, it looks like the commercial market is remaining steady, without further material declines in the short-term.
Despite this, total construction spending as of August of last year was up 7.4% over the previous year.
The construction sector is predicted to have the largest increase in employment than any other sector, adding nearly 800,000 jobs through 2024. [Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor]
Supply chain issues are improving.
And while our industry has historically been slower to change, we’re seeing significant innovation that will help us do our jobs more safely and efficiently.
I continue to be impressed with hearing how companies and our people are tackling challenges and propelling our industry forward.
“Overall, I’m optimistic and excited for all the opportunities ahead,” Griffin concludes.
NWCB Revamps Website
The Northwest Wall & Ceiling Bureau announced the launch of its brand-new website and online community.
The bureau presents a space that brings its community together like never before. The site is designed to enhance user’s experience and foster meaningful connections.
Key Features
- Sleek Design: The website has a modern and user-friendly design for easy navigation.
- Interactive Community: Join the conversation, share your thoughts and connect with like-minded individuals in the vibrant online community.
- Exclusive Content: As an NWCB member, you can access valuable resources, insightful articles and updates directly related to your interests.
- Event Calendar: Stay informed about upcoming events, webinars and gatherings within the NWCB community.
- Member Profiles: Create and personalize your member profile, making it easier for others to get to know you.
The site can be found at nwcb.org.
https://www.wconline.com/articles/96202-introducing-the-nwcb-online-community
Reppert is on Lehigh Valley Business’s Power List Again
After consistently demonstrating his leadership skills and impressive business acumen, Richard Reppert Jr. has once again—for the third time—secured a spot on Lehigh Valley Business’s prestigious Power List.
For more than 51 years, R. L. Reppert Inc. has been an example of strong influence in its community. The company has garnered numerous awards and become the standard for other contractors to aspire to. Leading the company is Richard Reppert Jr., a second-generation leader who is committed to upholding his family’s legacy and ensuring that every project undertaken by the company surpasses expectations.
Reppert, along with his two sisters, proudly carries on the legacy of their father, Richard Reppert Sr., who founded the company 51 years ago with just four part-time employees. As the president of the company, Richard Jr. upholds the high standards set by his father and works diligently on the daily operations, closely collaborating with project managers and estimators to ensure smooth bidding and execution of projects. He also provides additional support whenever needed, keeping the company running efficiently.
OSHA Announces Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health Meeting
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration held a public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health on April 24 to address the following agenda items: OSHA’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Rulemaking, OSHA’s Infectious Disease Rulemaking and a public comment period.
The ACCSH advises the Secretary of Labor and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA in the formulation of standards affecting the construction industry and on policy matters arising in the administration of the safety and health provisions of the Construction Safety Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The ACCSH’s Workgroups include those addressing “Education, Training and Outreach;” “Emerging and Current Issues;” Injury and Illness Prevention Program;” “Health Hazards, Emerging Issues & Prevention through Design;” Temporary Worker;” “Women in Construction” and “Backing Operations.”
Spackle by Dave Coverly
People News
Knight Wall Systems announced the hire of Heidi Olson as project manager.
Sto Corp. has named Chasity Johnson product manager.
Barnaby Tool and Equipment announced Equipment Account Manager Raúl Rendon has joined the company at the North American headquarters in metro Atlanta.
The Architectural Team has announced strategic promotions for four exceptional and longstanding team members. The newly promoted leaders include Thomas Schultz, who has been named a principal, as well as Elizabeth Peabody, Venket Holi and Matthew Duggan, all of whom have been named associates at the 100-person firm founded in 1971.
