Construction employment increased by 7,000 in May, helping to push the industry’s unemployment rate down to the lowest May level in five years, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America. Association officials said the relatively positive jobs report for the sector underscores the need to address potential shortages of skilled workers.

Through the month of May, AGC is offering a 30% discount on AGC nationally developed curriculum Instructor's Guides! AGC brings programs to you for early-career superintendents and project managers, and those looking to get involved with green construction, Building Information Modeling, and now Lean Construction. Each of these programs can be customized to fit your particular location, type of construction, or even company. Check out each overview to find your best match.

In the May/June 2013 issue of AGC’s Constructor Magazine, there is an article, Strategies for Success – Paving Your Way to Better Fortunes, that highlights the findings from the AGC-FMI 2012 Business Development survey.  In this article, the author of the AGC-FMI survey and current AGC Construction Marketing Forum chair, Cynthia Paul (FMI Corp.), and other AGC Construction Marketing Forum members share business development strategies that have made their businesses successful and align with the findings of the survey.  Successful business development strategies that are highlighted throughout the article include planning, cultivating repeat business, networking to build contacts and implementing strategies. Click here to read the article in its entirety.

Today, AGC celebrates green construction efforts on Earth Day, along with its chapters and members.  While AGC debuts a new online toolkit for building energy code information, AGC chapters and members celebrate Earth Day through building green, recycling, carpooling, planting trees, cleaning up rivers and sponsoring awareness events.

With increasing demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) is continuing to strengthen. The ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.  The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the February ABI score was 54.9, up slightly from a mark of 54.2 in January.

Due to the continual decline of construction employment over the past five years, many contractors are concerned about the availability of skilled workers now that hiring in the industry has resumed.  Many former construction workers have left for other industries or retired.

For the first time, AGC members responded to a survey that gathered information for a market report on green schools.  McGraw-Hill published “The New and Retrofit Green Schools SmartMarket Report” in March 2013.  As a benefit of their participation, AGC members can access the report for free by clicking on this link.

Construction employment increased in 158 out of 339 metropolitan areas between February 2012 and February 2013, declined in 132 and was stagnant in 49, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the industry's long-awaited recovery could prove fleeting if public construction spending continues to decline and a reported immigration reform deal could undermine efforts to recruit skilled workers.

Construction spending rebounded in February with gains from depressed January levels in residential, private nonresidential and public investment, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC of America. Association officials cautioned that the rise in public investment was likely to be short-lived and urged policy makers in Washington to make infrastructure investment a priority.

The AGC Building Division continues to grow our social media presence through LinkedIn and Twitter in order to better facilitate information sharing and dialogue between us and members.  Follow the Building Division @AGCBuildingDiv.