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
Trump Rescinds Certain Failed Biden Policies on PLAs, Apprenticeships
Associated Builders and Contractors today issued the following statement applauding President Donald Trump’s recent executive order rescinding harmful Biden administration executive actions that needlessly increased costs, restricted competition, exacerbated construction’s labor shortage and delayed taxpayer-funded construction of critical infrastructure, manufacturing and clean energy projects. “President Trump’s elimination of President Joe Biden’s failed policies is a win for…
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…
Human Resources
Hannah Chancellor Appointed CEO of Amundson Group, Leading Construction Recruitment Firm
Amundson Group (AG), the leading expert in recruitment solutions for the construction and infrastructure industries across America, is proud to announce the promotion of Hannah Chancellor from Chief Operating Officer (COO) to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This leadership transition reflects AG’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and client-focused excellence, cementing its position of growth as the nation’s most reliable headhunting…
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…
Leadership
10 Things to Make You More Successful
Simple, intentional habits like time management, strategic investments, and effective communication can significantly enhance personal and professional success. Self-help books take up one of the largest sections of shelves at any major bookstore. But you don’t always need to read another book before you can make small changes that will help. Fifty years of business…
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…
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
Focus on the Clients for Success
Firms with owners who really understand how powerful this idea is don’t do things like all the other firms in our business. It’s been said there is no reason for any business to exist without filling a want or need of a client or customer. AEC firms are no exception. They have to meet the…
Make Your Website Work as Hard as You Do
Your construction company’s website should be more than a placeholder, it should actively bring you new business. If your site isn’t showing up on Google or engaging visitors, you’re leaving money on the table. Can Customers Even Find You Online? When clients search for services, they’re typing specific phrases like “custom home builders near me”…
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…
Operations Management
A M King Promotes Four to Vice President Positions, Recognizing their Outstanding Contributions
Integrated Design-Build firm A M King announced that JD Boone, Andre Harris, Carl H. Morse and David Sawicki have been promoted to Vice President, effective January 1, 2025. These four assume their new roles in recognition of their exceptional performance and outstanding contributions to the company’s continued growth. These latest company promotions follow last January’s…
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…
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
2025 GroundBreakers: Who is Influencing the Industry? Submit your Nomination
People make the construction industry what it is today. The GroundBreak Carolinas team is interested in identifying and featuring those individuals who are influencing construction and having a significant impact on the industry. We are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 7th annual GroundBreak Carolinas “Most Influential in North Carolina…
Clemson University Dedicates Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center
Clemson University officially opened the doors to its newest and most dynamic campus facility, the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 25. The celebration honored the transformational philanthropy of the Nieri family and marked a significant milestone in the University’s history, reflecting Clemson’s vision for a vibrant, welcoming…
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting Earns Just Label from Living Future
Charlotte-based Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, a national transdisciplinary design firm, has earned a Just 2.0 label from The International Living Future Institute (ILFI), showcasing the firm’s commitment to being a more transparent, equitable, and socially just organization. In addition to Charlotte, Little has offices in Durham, NC; Charleston, SC; McLean, VA; Orlando, FL; and Newport…
McCrory Wins Design-Build Excellence Award for E.A. Sween Project in Greenwood County
McCrory Construction, South Carolina’s oldest general contractor, won the Design-Build Excellence Award in the Industrial category in the 25th Annual Project/Team Awards competition sponsored by the Design-Build Institute of America’s Southeast Region (DBIA Southeast). McCrory took top honors for its single-source delivery of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hodges, S.C., for Minnesota-based E.A. Sween (EAS),…
