Accounting
Marcum LLP Unveils Comprehensive 2023 Year-End Tax Guide
With the tax landscape continually evolving, Marcum LLP is proud to announce the release of its 2023 Year-End Tax Guide. Marcum’s 2023 Tax Guide features a detailed analysis of the current tax environment and spans more than 135 pages. Marcum’s tax team meticulously constructs its annual guides to help businesses and individuals navigate the latest changes…
Four Tips for Construction Firms to Reduce the Risk of a Tax Audit
With an ever-expanding web of tax regulations being applied to the construction industry, including construction specific provisions such as energy efficiency credits, tax season can be particularly stressful for construction companies. Construction projects often involve complex financial transactions among dozens of entities, making the specter of an audit particularly daunting. These four tips can help…
Weakened Economy and Higher Borrowing Costs Dog Construction Industry, Reports Marcum Survey
The Marcum Commercial Construction Index for the second quarter of 2022 reports that the construction industry continues to face rising costs and shortages of both labor and materials, but now also must contend with a weakening economy and elevated borrowing costs. Notably, the residential sector has weakened significantly, while the outlook remains dicey for the nonresidential sector….
Diversity & Inclusion
Business Leaders Continue to Support DEI Initiatives Despite Year of Attacks and Criticism
In the second annual Inclusion Barometer, released today by executive search firm Bridge Partners, business leaders show a continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite a year filled with attacks and criticisms of DEI programs from some well-known business and civic leaders including Bill Ackman, Elon Musk, and Senator Tom Cotton, 72% of C-Suite and Human Resources leaders…
NAIOP DEI Strategic Pillars: New Committee on DEI
2023 NAIOP Chair Kim Snyder and the NAIOP Board of Directors are proud to announce the adoption of its Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy statement by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. During the board meeting on October 17, held as part of NAIOP’s CRE.Converge conference in Seattle, the board unanimously approved the…
ICSC and Partner Associations Form the Commercial Real Estate Diverse Supplier Consortium
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) announced their participation in an industry-wide alliance to foster supplier diversity in the real estate industry. The Commercial Real Estate Diverse Supplier (CREDS) Consortium, made up of seven real estate trade associations, aims to meet growing interest from companies in real estate to further diversify their supply chains while…
Finance, Bonding, & Insurance
Marsh McLennan to Acquire McGriff Insurance Services
Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), a global leader in risk, strategy and people, today announced that it has reached an agreement through its Marsh McLennan Agency business to acquire McGriff Insurance Services, LLC, an affiliate of TIH. McGriff is a leading provider of insurance broking and risk management services in the United States, with $1.3 billion of…
Vantage Risk Introduces U.S. Large Property Insurance
Vantage Group Holdings Ltd. (Vantage) launched today its U.S. Large Property offering through its U.S. insurance subsidiaries, further extending the company’s insurance capabilities for its brokers and clients. Vantage’s new U.S. Large Property team builds on the group’s existing property expertise and sustained portfolio growth. Designed to serve a broad range of middle market and corporate…
Streamline Your Construction Lien Management with Bectran and NCS Credit Integration
Bectran, Inc., the industry leader in credit, collections, and accounts receivable management technology has announced a new collaboration with NCS Credit, a renowned provider of Mechanic’s Lien, UCC, and collections solutions. This partnership unveils an innovative Mechanic’s Lien integration solution tailored specifically for construction professionals, providing users with a streamlined approach to safeguard their projects and efficiently…
Government Affairs
Politics and Construction
Understanding the opportunities and risks of political engagement With the next election cycle approaching, the political landscape is heating up. From the race for the White House to Congress and state and local offices, major policy decisions will be shaped by those elected to lead. As a construction executive, you’re likely considering what, if any,…
ABC Endorses Trump for President
During a recent campaign rally at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia, former President Donald Trump thanked Associated Builders and Contractors and its members for their recent endorsement and applauded the association’s commitment to fair and open competition. “We are joined tonight by Michael Bellaman, president of Associated Builders and Contractors, which represents over 23,000…
CAGC Leaders Converge on Capitol Hill
Carolinas AGC Leaders last week met with Congressional delegation representatives from North and South Carolina to discuss issues important to the construction industry, ranging from help with the workforce shortage to opposing impractical proposed heat standards. The Capitol Hill visits were part of AGC of America’s annual National Chapter Leadership Conference that drew about 250…
Human Resources
Matt O’Neill’s New Book, Good Mood Revolution, Presents Strategies to Achieve Lasting Happiness
Like many people, the pursuit of happiness has been Matt O’Neill’s life goal. Also like many, he grew up in a household where bad moods were prevalent and struggled as an adult to maintain happiness on a daily basis. In his new book, Good Mood Revolution: Igniting The Power Of Conscious Happiness, published by Advantage Books,…
Stellar Unveils State-of-the-Art Employee Fitness Center
Stellar, an integrated design-build firm, announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor recreation area on its Jacksonville campus. Renovations to the headquarters this year include 12,000 square feet of office space, a nutrition center, recreational area, and a fitness center. The cutting-edge, two-story fitness center is open to all Stellar employees, providing both…
A Professional Approach to Holiday Parties
Navigating Holiday Parties: Opportunities, Risks, and the Importance of Professionalism As the holiday season approaches, the calendar fills with office parties, client gatherings, and social events. These celebrations offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, strengthen relationships, and recognize the successes of the year. However, they also come with risks that can have long-term…
Leadership
Where are the Sparkplugs?
Sparkplugs are the people in your business who make things happen – and they are essential if you want to grow beyond what you alone can ignite. We all need them in our businesses – the people I call “sparkplugs.” Sparkplugs ignite fuel. They make combustion. They make things happen. They are essential if you want…
American Management Association Releases New Research on the Importance of Management Styles
Effective management is always crucial to an organization’s success—but do managers use the “right” style at the right time, and does it get the desired results from their teams? American Management Association (AMA), a world leader in professional development, surveyed over 1,100 U.S. knowledge workers to better understand the role management styles play in performance…
The Business Impact of Promotions and Measuring Employee Motivation and Commitment: New Findings from the ADP Research Institute
The ADP Research Institute® (ADPRI) reveals the business impact of promotions and presents a new way to measure worker motivation and commitment in Today at Work, a fresh and comprehensive data-driven resource for business leaders and other decision-makers. In the September issue of Today at Work – “The Hidden Truth About Promotions” – ADPRI shows how promotions, under certain conditions,…
Legal
Five Poyner Spruill Construction Practice Attorneys Receive 2025 Best Lawyers in America Recognition
Poyner Spruill LLP is pleased to announce 64 firm attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers® in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America in nearly 50 practice areas. Five Poyner Spruill attorneys were recognized on the Best Lawyers® in America list for…
Poyner Spruill Honors Late Colleague with Second Annual Service Week
Poyner Spruill LLP recently honored the life and legacy of late colleague Cheslie Kryst during their second annual Service Week. Kryst worked as an attorney then as the firm’s Diversity Advisor. She was passionate about volunteering at nonprofits and advocating for those in underserved communities. Kryst had a life-long battle with mental illness and died…
Contech360, LLC to Join FORVIS, LLP Construction Technology Practice
Contech360, LLC, a leading provider of construction technology solutions, is pleased to announce the signing of an asset acquisition agreement with FORVIS, LLP, a leading public accounting and consulting firm. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for both organizations, solidifying their commitment to innovation and growth in the construction technology sector and is expected to close…
Management
FMI Releases 2024 Study on Ownership Transfer and Management Succession
FMI Corporation, a leading provider of consulting and investment banking services to the built environment, released the 2024 Ownership Transfer and Management Succession Study focused on the engineering and construction industry. The report provides key insights and tactics to help owners and executives navigate their companies’ transitions. In early 2024, FMI partnered with the Construction…
American Management Association Releases New Research on the Importance of Management Styles
Effective management is always crucial to an organization’s success—but do managers use the “right” style at the right time, and does it get the desired results from their teams? American Management Association (AMA), a world leader in professional development, surveyed over 1,100 U.S. knowledge workers to better understand the role management styles play in performance…
Confidence Among Small and Midsize Business CEOs Dips in Q2 2024
Small and midsize business (SMB) CEO confidence decreased slightly to 83.3 in Q2 2024, according to the latest CEO Confidence Index released by CEO coaching and peer advisory organization Vistage. The dip in CEO confidence occurred after four consecutive quarters of gains, driven by a decrease in economic optimism. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of CEOs report higher…
Marketing & BD
It’s a New Year. Time for Some Marketing Maintenance.
The new year is always a good time to do your necessary maintenance. Our Tiffin Allegro diesel pusher motorhome just turned over 50,000 miles. It is going into the truck shop later this week to get an oil change and to check out the front end, air brake and suspension systems, and Allison transmission. It’s…
ING Celebrates 10 Years: An Interview with Founder Chris Simmons
The Industrial Networking Group (ING) is celebrating 10 years. GroundBreak Carolinas recently sat down with ING founder Chris Simmons to discuss the group’s growth and success. What is ING? The Industrial Network Group is a network of industrial professionals focused on improving their skills, increasing their network, and gaining more opportunities for their company. This…
2024 State of Local SEO for Contractors Report
A groundbreaking study analyzing 9,782 contractor Google Business Profiles across the United States has revealed critical insights into the online presence and customer satisfaction of local contractors. The 2024 State of Local SEO for Contractors report highlights the top and bottom-performing locations, key facts, and essential recommendations for improvement. Top-Performing Locations: Bottom-Performing Locations: Key Findings: Top…
Operations Management
Chemistry for a Successful Project Team
I recently had the opportunity to serve as a judge to evaluate entries for the 2022 ABC Carolinas Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards competition. The mechanical contracting firm from which I recently retired had been successful in winning multiple awards from ABCC over the years; however, judging was a new experience for me. Being the “old…
Nick Skrobola Promoted to Project Manager at McCrory Construction
McCrory Construction announces the promotion of Nick Skrobola to Project Manager. Skrobola has a decade of construction industry experience and is currently working on a 150,000-square-foot warehouse and machine/maintenance shop in Anderson, S.C. “Nick has a can-do attitude that has served McCrory well on some of our most complex projects. He has demonstrated leadership qualities…
McCrory Construction Promotes Seth Dunnagan to Project Manager
Columbia, South Carolina — McCrory Construction announces the promotion of Seth Dunnagan to Project Manager. Over the past three years, Dunnagan has served in various project management roles for the firm’s Retail Division, managing several Walmart projects around the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee. A graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Environmental Engineering, he…
Risk Management
Mental Health & Wellness: Key Components of Safety for Construction Industry
A growing topic of discussion in the industries we serve is mental health. Although safety has long been a core value of the construction industry, wellness is now gaining traction as a much-needed area of focus. Its importance can’t be understated. Nearly 13 percent of workplace injuries are attributed to fatigue, and more than 40…
What You Need to Know About OSHA’s New Initiatives for the Construction Industry
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced new enforcement initiatives for 2023 which will have a direct impact on the construction industry. These new initiatives are primarily directed at preventing trenching and excavation fatalities, and heat-related injuries and illnesses. State Plan states, including North Carolina, are required to adopt…
Owens Insurance Agency Celebrates 70 Years in Business
Greer, South Carolina – As 2022 comes to a close, Owens Insurance Agency, an independent insurance agency serving the construction industry in the Upstate of South Carolina and beyond, is wrapping up a year-long anniversary celebration marking 70 years in business. Owens is now under third-generation ownership. Owens Insurance first opened its doors in downtown…
Strategy
The Wooten Company Opens New Winston-Salem Regional Office
The Wooten Company, an engineering consulting firm celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, announced on Monday that it has opened a new Regional Office in the Old Salem Historic District of downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Overseen by Regional Manager John Grey, PE, the office was previously located in Asheboro, NC, from where it served the towns,…
Integrated Delivery – Why Is It?
Integrated delivery is a delivery method that embraced 360 degree collaboration between all the stakeholders on a project; including designers, consultants, general contractor, subcontractor, vendors, and yes the owner. Design-build (DB) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) are two examples of integrated delivery. There are numerous differences between the various contract forms of both DB and…
Should You Get Out of the Contracting Business?
That may seem like a strange resolution for a contractor. However, it might be the best advice you ever receive. How many people do you think wake up in the morning and say to themselves, “I can’t wait to hire a contractor today?” If you do service work, it’s even worse. No one wakes up…
More Business
McCrory Construction Welcomes Bradley Reid as Assistant Project Manager
McCrory Construction, South Carolina’s oldest general contractor, is pleased to announce that Bradley Reid has joined the company as Assistant Project Manager in the Upstate office. Reid has experience with both new construction projects and renovations/expansions. “Bradley brings a genuine passion for our industry, coupled with a strong drive to learn and excel in our…
Let’s Talk Business South Carolina: ABC Carolinas CEO Kristen Powell Featured Guest
In Episode 44 of Let’s Talk Business South Carolina, Kristen Powell, President and CEO at ABC Carolinas, shares info about the recent Excellence in Construction Awards gala, including who won the two big awards that were presented for General Contractor and Specialty Contractor Projects of the Year. Kristen also talks about the ABC Carolinas chapter,…
North Carolina Joining the Race to C-PACE
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a program that allows commercial property owners to finance clean energy improvements such as energy efficiency upgrades, water conservation, renewable energy installations and analogous projects. Below is a brief overview of the key components of the C-PACE program: C-PACE Expected to be Available in NC in 2025 As…
It’s a New Year. Time for Some Marketing Maintenance.
The new year is always a good time to do your necessary maintenance. Our Tiffin Allegro diesel pusher motorhome just turned over 50,000 miles. It is going into the truck shop later this week to get an oil change and to check out the front end, air brake and suspension systems, and Allison transmission. It’s…
