Demand for Construction Workers Remains Strong
The recent employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows growth in both public and private construction spending, according to an analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Construction added 36,000 net new jobs in January, an impressive increase of 0.5 percent on a month-over-month basis. During the past 12 months, construction has added…
State of the Union Addresses Construction Industry Issues
President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union Address last night. During the address, the President touted key programs that will have a significant impact on the construction industry. This included legislation focused on workforce development, infrastructure and immigration. “I am asking both parties to come together to give us the safe, fast, reliable, and…
Spotlight on Derek Clyburn, P.E., of ECS Southeast – Raleigh
Derek L. Clyburn, P.E., M.B.A. is Senior Vice President and North Region Manager for ECS Southeast, LLP — a premier provider of geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities services across North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. ECS Southeast is an operating entity of Engineering Consulting Services (ECS), one of the largest and rapidly…
Construction – Top 10 List of Provisions Included in 2017 Tax Reform
The last major tax reform legislation was passed in 1986. Since then, the tax rules – Internal Revenue Code amendments, regulations, procedural guidance and court case law – have morphed into a complex system for taxpaying contractors. The recently signed bill is a significant modification to the existing system and the consensus is clear. Most…
Connecting Industry to Education in the Carolinas
With the shortage of skilled craft professionals within the construction industry estimated to be at 1.5 million by 2021, it’s no secret that recruitment needs to be a priority. It takes time to educate, train and gain competency and industry can’t postpone recruiting fresh talent, particularly with 41 percent of the experienced workforce set to…
GroundBreak Carolinas 2018 Outlook Survey Feedback
Last month, GroundBreak Carolinas asked our readers for their thoughts on 2018. While your feedback was generally positive, there were some very interesting comments. We’ve compiled some of your comments and feedback. Our editorial staff categorized your comments. Business “Medical costs continue to be a huge burden for small contractors like us. We have 60…
Seventy-Five Percent of Construction Firms Plan to Expand Headcount in 2018
Contractors Are Optimistic About Strong Economy, Tax & Regulatory Cuts, Says AGC and Sage Report Seventy-five percent of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2018 as contractors are optimistic that economic conditions will remain strong as tax rates and regulatory burdens fall, according to survey results released today by the Associated General Contractors…
Tax Reform Impact on Construction Industry a Positive
Congress recently passed the most significant tax reform legislation since 1986. The tax reform legislation will have a positive impact on architecture, design and construction companies in North Carolina and South Carolina as key provisions of the legislation will converge to drive business investment, employment and wages. “The vast majority of construction companies will benefit…
GroundBreak Carolinas Most Read Articles of 2017
Launching a new publication has been an arduous task. However, the staff at GroundBreak Carolinas is pleased with our success and growth during the last six months. Thanks to you, our circulation and open rates have exceeded our expectations. Your feedback and engagement has been tremendous! Thank you! As we move into 2018, we’d like…
Construction Backlog Surges, Sets Record in Third Quarter, ABC Says
Providing more evidence of a strengthening economy, Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) set a record as it expanded to 9.45 months during the third quarter of 2017, up 9.8 percent from the second quarter to the longest backlog reading in the eight-year history of the series. CBI is up by 0.8…
