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…
Spotlight on Dr. Mike Jackson, Incoming Chair and Professor, Clemson University’s CSM Department
GroundBreak Carolinas sat down with Clemson University’s N. Mike Jackson, Ph.D., P.E., incoming Construction Science and Management (CSM) department chair and professor, to learn more about the “why’s” behind this fall’s Second Annual Symposium for the design and construction industry — scheduled for October 12 in Greenville, S.C. — as well as his vision for…
TECHnically Speaking Part 3 | Technology After Construction
This is the third installment of a three-part series where Balfour Beatty-Carolinas explores the innovation that technology brings to the life of a project – before, during, and after construction. The benefits of integrating technology into project closeout can best be seen rather than described. The paperless workflow that is maintained through preconstruction and construction…
Blowing the Whistle on Public Construction and the False Claims Act
Contractors hoping to take advantage of incoming infrastructure spending should implement False Claims Act protections now. While promises made during a presidential campaign can’t always be taken to the bank, the construction industry is nonetheless preparing for a rise in federally-funded projects based on the Trump campaign’s promise of increased infrastructure spending. Contractors taking on…
