The Real Cost of Poor Leadership
As I left the man’s office, I couldn’t help but think his company was succeeding despite him. It could have been the way he talked in terms of “I” instead of “we,” how he talked about making all the decisions instead of empowering his people, or how most of his people worked there not because…
Survey: Optimism High for US Commercial Construction Industry
Contractors in the U.S. commercial construction industry remain optimistic about the current state and forward-looking health of the sector, despite some minor changes in the three key indicators used to compute the USG Corporation + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index (CCI)—backlog levels, new business opportunities and revenue expectations. “The Commercial Construction Index is…
Your Safety Manual Isn’t Enough: Safety Management Systems and Their Impact on Your Business
Tim Neubauer is President and Julia Kunlo is the Director of Client Relations at Evolution Safety Resources, a Raleigh-based safety consultation firm serving the Carolinas and beyond. When working with a new client, we start our relationship by asking for an overview of their Safety Management System (also called an SMS). The response we usually…
National Construction Unemployment Rate Ticks Up to 4.9 Percent in July
Construction activity across the country was relatively flat through the summer months, and construction industry employment ticked up slightly in July. The national not seasonally adjusted (NSA) construction unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in July, up 0.4 percent from a year ago, but still the third lowest July rate on record—matching the July 2001 rate,…
Renowned AIA Economist to Share Insights on Design and Construction Outlook in the Carolinas
Kermit Baker, PH.D., chief economist for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for more than 20 years, will kick-off the morning session at Clemson University’s Second Annual Symposium for the construction industry with the morning’s keynote session, titled “Construction Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities.” Dr. Baker will provide a comprehensive overview of the economic issues and trends…
Economic Developer’s Outlook Positive at SEDC
Economic development leaders from Southern states gathered at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, NC for the annual Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) annual conference. “Redefining Competitiveness” was the theme for this year’s conference which drew over 300 participants. The conference featured Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motors. Key topics during the conference included reshoring, political…
Millennials and Factors Driving Multi-family Construction
I’ve spent my career building partnerships with owners and developers — particularly those in the multi-family market. I have seen the ebb and flow of the sector. Recently, I had a chance to sit down with a few of my largest developers and discuss the challenges they face. These include rising costs and a shortage…
Demand for Design Services Bolsters Compensation at Architecture Firms
As the U.S. economy continues to strengthen, compensation across all architectural staff positions averaged $84,000, up about 2.8% per year from early 2015 levels, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2017 Compensation Report. The biannual report provides salary data for 39 architecture firm positions in 26 states, 25 metro areas and 17 cities…
North Carolina Flies High to Become 4th Most-Attractive State for Aerospace Manufacturing
North Carolina has risen 14 spots to become the fourth most-attractive state in the nation for aerospace manufacturing, according to an annual study issued by global accounting firm PwC. PwC (formerly PriceWaterhouseCoopers) recently released its 2017 Aerospace Manufacturing Attractiveness Rankings, which help aerospace companies plan for future growth. The study assesses countries and states on…
North Carolina and South Carolina Pursue Toyota-Mazda Plant
Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. recently announced plans to invest $1.6 billion to build a U.S. assembly plant. The new investment is reflective of a new alliance between the competitors that focus on small car production and the development of connected-car and safety technology and electric vehicles. While a site has not been…
