A research report on the Global Building Finishing Contractors Market offers a detailed analysis about the market share, size, trends, and growth prospects. In addition, the report contains market volume with an accurate estimation offered in the report. The data offered in this report is gathered based on the latest industry news, trends, as well as opportunities. Moreover, the report comprises a complete market analysis and provider landscape with the help of SWOT analysis of the major service providers. This research report provides an extensive evaluation of the Building Finishing Contractors Market. The Global Building Finishing Contractors Market report is designed through the detailed qualitative insights, verifiable projections, and historical data about the Building Finishing Contractors Market size.

This study covers following key players:APiPerformance ContractingCleveland ConstructionIrex Corp Of Lancaster

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In addition, the projections offered in this report have been derived with the help of proven research assumptions as well as methodologies. By doing so, the Building Finishing Contractors research study offers collection of information and analysis for each facet of the Building Finishing Contractors Market such as technology, regional markets, applications, and types. Likewise, the Building Finishing Contractors Market report offers some presentations and illustrations about the market that comprises pie charts, graphs, and charts which presents the percentage of the various strategies implemented by the service providers in the Global Building Finishing Contractors Market. In addition to this, the report has been designed through the complete surveys, primary research interviews, as well as observations, and secondary research.

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Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Drywall And Insulation ContractorsPainting And Wall Covering ContractorsFlooring ContractorsTile And Terrazzo ContractorsFinish Carpentry ContractorsOthers

Market segment by Application, split into UtilitiesCommercialResidential

Moreover, the Building Finishing Contractors Market report introduced the market through several factors such as classifications, definitions, market overview, product specifications, cost structures, manufacturing processes, raw materials, and applications. It also includes the major market conditions across the globe such as the product profit, price, production, capacity, demand, supply, as well as market growth structure. In addition, this report offers significant data through the SWOT analysis, investment return data, and investment feasibility analysis. The Building Finishing Contractors Market study also sheds light on the highly lucrative market opportunities that influences the growth of the global market. Moreover, the study offers a complete analysis of the market size, segmentation, and market share. Additionally, the Building Finishing Contractors report contains market dynamics such as market restraints, growth drivers, opportunities, service providers, stakeholders, investors, key market players, profile assessment, and challenges of the global market.

Some Major TOC Points:1 Report Overview2 Global Growth Trends3 Market Share by Key Players4 Breakdown Data by Type and ApplicationContinued

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Global Building Finishing Contractors Market Expected to reach highest CAGR by 2025: APi, Performance Contracting, Cleveland Construction, Irex Corp...

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Chris Baranowski, owner of Rolling Paws Mobile Grooming Spa stands for a portrait in Wilkes-Barre Twp. Friday, May 15, 2020. Sean McKeag / Staff Photographer

SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Baranowski, owner of Rolling Paws, a mobile dog grooming business, applied three times for an exemption from Gov. Tom Wolfs coronavirus shutdown order.

Chris Baranowski comes in contact with virtually no humans during her workday just dogs so she cant understand why she wasnt granted a waiver to continue to operate her business during the coronavirus shutdown.

She doesnt have an office or storefront people visit that could be contaminated. As a mobile dog groomer, she comes to them in a pickup truck pulling her grooming trailer. Its just her and the dog inside.

Ive been curbside the four years Ive been open. I have no human contact unless the person is eldery. I go in, grab the dog or meet the person at the doorway and take the dog back to the enclosed trailer. I take the dog back to the door and go to my next appointment, Baranowski, 36, said.

Baranowskis truck, which hasnt stopped from the moment she started Rolling Paws Mobile Grooming Spa four years ago, has been idle for nearly two months outside her Wilkes-Barre Twp. home. She applied for an exemption three times, but her requests for a waiver were denied each time.

Rolling Paws is one of hundreds of businesses in Luzerne County that were denied an exemption to continue to operate during the coronavirus shutdown.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to shutter during the lockdown. However, last Friday he announced 6,060 exemptions statewide out of 42,000 requests.

Many of the businesses in Luzerne County denied exemptions are construction companies, real estate firms, salons, and vaping shops.

Most are small, locally owned businesses, but even a national chain, like the Barnes and Noble book store, was denied an exemption.

The owner of a Back Mountain-based plumbing, heating and excavating business said his company is on the list of businesses denied an exemption despite getting conflicting advice from the state.

While he believed his industry was exempt from the beginning, Sean McGrath, owner of R.N. Fitch and Sons in Dallas, said he applied for an exemption to be on the safe side and because someone in the industry told him he might need proof of the exemption to apply for assistance.

After not hearing anything from the state, he filled out the online exemption form again.

The first response he got from the state was an email saying he didnt even need an exemption and could continue work. Then, he got an email days later, saying he must close down.

Its just very confusing. My assumption is you have two different people reading it and one person made a judgement call, McGrath said. In defense of the state, they had so many requests, there was a lot of confusion.

With the conflicting response, McGrath said hes limiting his work to emergency calls and is forced to pass on a lot of work that is now going to other contractors, some who ended up on last weeks exempt list despite being the same exact type of business.

Whats unfortunate is some people are following the rules and some people arent following the rules. We did our best to exercise good judgement. We are trying to do all the right things, McGrath said.

The document listing all the companies denied exemptions even gets confusing, as it notes that businesses are permitted to continue life-sustaining activity regardless of whether it obtained or was denied an exemption.

Efforts to reach officials with the state Department of Economic and Community Development, which processed the exemption requests, were not successful Friday.

Baranowski thinks dog grooming should have been an exception because it could be life-sustaining to the animal.

We see them every four to six weeks. Their hair gets matted. Their nails get long. We clean their ears. We prevent a lot of underlying health issues, Baranowski said. A vet might not see them for a year.

She didnt think the lockdown has been fair to small business owners, while big box stores like Walmart and Home Depot filled with hundreds of people at a time were allowed to remain open.

I have no livelihood. They took it from me. My business, beside my family, is my life. Those dogs I take care of are like my own, Baranowski said.

Contact the writer:

bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2055, @cvbobkal

Local businesses that were denied an exemption

1Singular Sensation Dog Grooming

A) Mericle Construction, Inc. (Mericle) For The Benefit Of Wren Manufacturing, Inc.

A. Pickett Construction, Inc. / Pickett Facilities Maintenance

Action Contracting & Electrical Company LLC

Action Real Estate Affordable Parts And Service

Aggressive Realty & Rentals LLC

Ahlborn Enterprises

Al Dunn Masonry

All 4 Paws

All State Traffic Control Of Pa, Inc.

All Vinyl Sunrooms Inc.

All-in Custom Vapes

All-in Custom Vapes Nanticoke

All-in Custom Vapes Wilkes-barre

Allure Salon Group, LLC

Alluring Vapors

American Asphalt Paving Company

American Eagle

American Pie Title & Tag LLC

Apt Distributing Co.

Arena Supplements

Arthur Funk & Sons

Ashton Enterprise Construction LLC

A Team-Construction

Au Salon

Avenue Auto Tags LLC

B&D Technology LLC

Baby To Be 3d

Back Mountain Floral

Back Mountain Tobacco Inc

Baer & Evans Surveyors

Barkavenue

Barnes & Noble

Barrys Floral Shop

Bathtime Boutique

Beach Fence Company

Bedrock Gardens Landscape Supply And Materials

Beulah Construction LLC

Bob Lasota Construction

Bordentown Driver Training School LLC

DBA Smith & Solomon Commercial Driver Training

Borton Lawson

Brackney Leather

Brenda Reimold, LLC

Brokers Realty Group Limited Dba

Brokersrealty.Com

Bubbles And Biscuits Pet Grooming Salon

Byras Fence Company

Caddie Labars Inc

Canine Castle

Canine Designs

Caramelle Di Capelli Studio

Carmens Flowers And Gifts

Cartridge World Edwardsville

Centurion Abstract, Inc.

Commiso Flooring LLC

Commonwealth Home Inspections

Complete Fitness Equipment

Concrete Alternatives

Conrad Barbershop And Marilyn Klem Beauty Shop

Conversionworx Media

Corcoran Printing

Creative Interior Imagery

Croughns Cuts

D&N Furniture Inc

Dangola Contracting

Dave Ferrey Construction

David R. Balent Construction Co.

Debbies Beauty Salon

DeckerS

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Business owners frustrated by waiver process - News - Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice

May 15, 2020

RALEIGH With North Carolinas revenue drop for the current fiscal year predicted to be upwards of 15%, the state treasurer is calling on local governments to pinch pennies, even more so than before, and calling for residents to help.

Were all working together, but were in different boats, Dale Folwell said Friday. Lumberton may be a little different than Laurinburg, Shallotte may be a little different than Charlotte each of these communities has a unique situation going on but its important to know that the only way were going to get through this is by challenging assumptions.

The first assumption is that as much as people have been looking at the pennies and the paper clips, theyre going to have to be even better than that.

Although he is the keeper of the purse for the state he doesnt have an exact figure on just how much of a revenue loss the state could experience because of COVID-19s hit to the economy, Folwell said. But, all the predictions from experts are more than 15%. With that loss in mind, he sees rural and border counties, like Robeson County, most at risk.

It seems now, and Im not talking about the medical virus Im talking about the economic virus, it seems like this creates economic inequality to lower income parts of North Carolina, and thats our number one concern, the treasurer said.

He worries about local governments that rely on state property tax when considering their new budgets, Folwell said.

Im very concerned about the collections of water and sewer bills, he said. Im very concerned about the ability to collect property taxes. This is a very serious problem.

Folwell cited the recently signed Senate Bill 704, which alleviates stress on drivers by giving an extension on drivers license renewals and registrations to August.

When you renew the tag on your car, the biggest expense on that is not the tag, he said. Theres the property expense for the city, the county and the volunteer fire department.

With local government budget deadline of July 1, crafters of local government budgets are preparing for the unknown, Folwell said. And he is too.

As the state treasurer Im not only concerned about the state budgets, but Im also concerned about the local county and city budgets, he said.

Red Springs Manager David Ashburn said he has a budget ready to be presented to the Board of Commissioners.

We have already built into it some revenue projections that are decreased because of a potential estimated decrease in sales tax, and then the property tax is the big unknown because although they (state lawmakers) may not excuse it, they might postpone it, Ashburn said.

The town is already dealing with a loss in revenue from utility fees collection because the town cannot turn off unpaid utilities through through May.

We have a lot of people that arent paying their bills, so thats heavily affecting revenue in this fiscal year, Ashburn said.

The town is having to build its budget based on potential loss, he said.

Money that could come in this fiscal year could come in next fiscal year, or not, Ashburn said. Theres a lot of unknown that no one really knows.

Because of the unknowns Rowland Town Clerk David Townsend suggested his Board of Commissioners approve the budget to meet the July 1 deadline and later in the year approve an alternate budget that adjusts to changes in the states economy.

The operating budget for the current fiscal year was $1,449,490. Townsend said that 35% of the towns total budget relies on state taxes.

The biggest variable is how much we lose from six different state taxes we receive back from Raleigh, Townsend said.

A recent bill passed in the General Assembly appropriated $150 million for local governments. Folwell said Robeson County has received just under $2.4 million of that money.

Four billion dollars from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act was given to the state, he said. About half of that is left.

Where we stand today, we have $2 billion left from the CARES Act money, he said. We have over $2 billion left from the unappropriated budget from the year were in right now. We have nearly a billion and a half dollars in the rainy day fund, he said. Were in pretty good shape compared to other states our size.

His latest goal in Raleigh is to relax COVID-19 restrictions on federal monies going out to local governments, the treasurer said.

The strings attached to this money are too tight and we need to push the ability to use this money down to the local county commissioners and city council people, he said.

In the meantime he asking residents who can to support their local government.

If they have the economic means to do something, the quicker they can do, the healthier their local governments are gonna be, Folwell said.

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Folwell

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_treasurer-balcony-croped.jpgFolwell

NC treasurer urges local leaders to pinch pennies

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Crews return Monday to cut road ditches - The Robesonian

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that seven contractors are facing felony charges and 10 more were arraigned on misdemeanor charges in Providence District Court for failing to comply with a final order from the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CLRB). Two additional contractors reached agreements with CLRB as a result of this effort.

The charges here are serious; were not talking about cases where folks are dissatisfied with their paint color. These are hardworking Rhode Islanders who paid a lot of money for contractors to make improvements to their homes and were left high and dry, said Neronha in a statement. The defendants were given multiple opportunities to resolve their situations. Some took advantage of that opportunity. Others didnt. Those who didnt will now be held accountable, and this Office will pursue restitution to the homeowners and any fines owed.

All contractors in the state are required to register with the CLRB, a part of the Department of Business Regulation (DBR). When a complaint is filed against a contractor, the board determines whether the contractor is properly licensed with CLRB and whether the contractor performed work according to industry standards. Final orders are entered only after every effort is made to reach a resolution between the contractor and the complainant. Failure to comply can be prosecuted as a felony in Rhode Island if the amount of the money judgement combined with the CLRB fines is over $5,000, per the final order. Cases involving less than $5,000 constitute misdemeanors.

The CRLB works hard to ensure that homeowners who have suffered damages as a result of negligent work performed by contractors receive some form of justice. I am confident that these recent prosecutionsa direct result of interagency cooperation between our department and the Attorney Generals Officewill serve as a powerful deterrent to any contractors who believe they will not be held accountable for wronging Rhode Island homeowners, said Liz Tanner, director, DBR, in a statement.

The defendants charged yesterday with a felony violation are:

Paul Arruda, Paul Arruda Corporation

Defendant did not pay a sub-contractor, despite being paid himself in full by the homeowner. The homeowner has a lien on his home as a result.

Kevin Chaisty, KSC Construction

Homeowner contracted with KSC to remove and replace siding. Homeowner paid $8000 to the defendant, who failed to start the work on time. He still has not returned the deposit, despite his assurances that he would.

Felony warrants have been issued for:

Anthony Arena, Northwest Construction and Maintenance

After entering into a contractual agreement to perform work on the homeowners basement, the defendant cashed the checks provided by the homeowner and did not perform any of the work. The amount totaled over $10,000.00.

Robert Darling, Saintz Construction Co.

Homeowner paid nearly $30,000 and the defendant did not complete the project or return any funds. The work performed was not up to industry standards.

Rodolfo Hernandez, Statewide Construction Company

Defendant failed to complete any of the contracted work. The homeowner suffered $40,000 in damages and became homeless as a result.

Jose Jimenez, J&J Landscaping

Homeowner and J&J entered into a contract to replace existing driveway. The work performed would not meet industry standards and the company willfully failed to complete the project.

Richard Wilson, Custom Quality Home Services

Homeowner contracted with defendants company to construct an exterior fence. After the homeowner paid $15,000, the defendant failed to perform any work.

Eight contractors were arraigned on Feb. 19 on misdemeanor charges:

Nicholas Chamberlain, CAS Drywall

Ana Paulino Contreras, Paulino Construction

John Cronin Cronin Construction

Joshua Cruz, Eden Improvements

Joshua Gomes Building Concepts

Derek Penta Capital Home Improvements

Jose Reis J Reis Painting

Luis Rodrigues Lincoln Construction

Two contractors were arrested yesterday on bench warrants for failing to appear in court on February 19 for misdemeanor violations:

Zachary Brown, ZD Brown Construction

Joseph Grilo, A Touch of Class

Richard Bourque, Jr., Richard Bourque Enterprises, is scheduled to appear for arraignment on Feb. 26. There is a remaining warrant out for James Porter, J. Porter Concrete & Stone.

Im thankful for the work of our investigative team and to DBR for their partnership in this enforcement effort, Neronha said in a statement. Like any business in our state, contractors need to play by the rules. When they dont, we will take action on behalf of Rhode Island consumers.

Assistant Attorney General Meghan McDonough and Investigator John Rabbitt investigated and prosecuted these cases on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General. The cases were referred to the Office of the Attorney General by the Department of Business Regulation.

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R.I. AGs office: 19 contractors charged with failure to comply with orders involving substandard or unfinished construction work - newportri.com

The Inspired Home, Garden, and Gourmet Expo of Paso Robles will be gathering local businesses in SLO County for an inspirational two-day event Feb. 22 and 23.

Over the last three years, the legislature has passed many housing measures including reforms designed to prioritize quality jobs, transportation and affordable housing to fight income inequality. The workers building our homes are essential in reducing income inequality and Inspired Expo aims to support these workers and their families. This year, hundreds of local home improvement businesses will exhibit at the show Feb. 22nd and 23 at the Paso Robles Event Center as they showcase the positive influence their industry has been making on SLO Countys economy these past few years.

Local homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their home project budget without cutting corners or sacrificing quality. The Inspired Expo can help them do just that, by delivering more than 100 home improvement vendors to the Paso Robles Event Center over two days in February.

Instead of driving from one end of town to another, hours of DIY research, and visits to showrooms, homeowners can visit the Inspired Expo to meet every professional on their list including general contractors, landscapers, painting contractors, landscape designers and experts in flooring, kitchen and bath, cabinets, counter tops, tile, granite, appliances, solar energy, synthetic turf, HVAC, garage doors, windows, furniture, mattresses, and much more all from around San Luis Obispo County.

Local wineries will be hosting $5 wine tastings with all proceeds benefiting The Wellness Kitchen & Resource Center, a Templeton-based nonprofit that provides restorative nutrient-rich food, education, and resources to individuals with critical or chronic conditions.

This two-day event also includes gourmet food tasting, SLO Countys Best Chef Showdown, and hundreds of home improvement exhibitors.

EnjoySLO will be hosting the SLO County Best Chef Showdown at the Inspired Expos, which will gather four of SLO Countys best chefs in a head-to-head competition. Three industry professionals will be judging in a blind setting. The winner receives the title of Chef Showdown Champion and will claim a $1,000 cash prize!

The Peoples Choice winner will receive a gorgeous hand-forged gyuto knife made by Bruno Medieros of Medieros Knives. The competition begins at 12 p.m. and the last two standing chefs will compete with a mystery box starting at 2 p.m. Winners will be announced Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

The community is encouraged to visit this inspirational two-day event at the Paso Robles Event Center on Feb. 22nd and 23. Admission and parking are free.

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Get Inspired at the Home & Gourmet Expo on Feb. 22 & 23 in Paso Robles Paso Robles Press - Paso Robles Press

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Megan Boswell claims her mother took Evelyn to Mendota, Va., has since told authorities where to find missing toddler - 8News

A crew from ICC Commonwealth working on the roof and lens room exterior of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla in Feburary 2020. [photo courtesy Meghan Agresto]

The iconic Currituck Beach Light Station, which celebrates the 145th anniversary of the beacons lighting on December 1, is in the process of receiving an off-season face lift.

Part of the roof at the top of the 162-foot tall tower is currently being repaired by the same company that moved the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1999.

International Chimney, which is now known as ICC Commonwealth, will have two people working here for about a month to disassemble the lighthouse roof cornice, said Light Station site manager Meghan Agresto.

The cornice is the ornamental molding hanging along the bottom edge of the roof of the lens room, which houses the original first order Fresnel lens that shines a beam of light for three seconds that can be spotted up to 18 miles away.

They are also working a bit on the lantern glass, making sure no disparate metal is touching in the frame around the lantern glass, Agresto said. And they will be sealing and painting the lower cast iron belt courses.

The cornice pieces will then be recast and put back into place later this spring.

Back at ground level, local contractors The Martin Boys are removing rotted wood from both the Keepers House and the Little Keepers House.

They replaced part of the front decking of the Little Keepers House and all of the decking of the southwest porch on the Keepers House, along with some girders, Agresto said.

The Martin Boys also have used some of the wood siding left over the renovations of the buildings in the 1980s that had been stored under the the porch of the Little Keepers House to replace siding and construct four new window sills.

Interestingly enough, it turns out that the weight/rope sash system that existed in the Keepers House still exists, Agresto said.

The Currituck Beach Light Station is owned by Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc., which began restoring the site in 1980 after it had been abandoned by the Coast Guard four decades earlier.

The last brick-and-mortar lighthouse built in North Carolina, which contains one million bricks and weight 9 million pounds, will reopen to the public for the climbing season on March 14.

More information can be found at the Currituck Beach Light Station official website and Facebook page.

Excerpt from:
Outer Banks icon getting an off-season face lift ahead of its 145th birthday - OBXToday.com

Oliver can also handle another dull task: spray-painting lines on the ground as it rolls along, to indicate the exact placement of walls, water pipes or wiring. With its autonomous guidance system, the robot can independently scan or tag a construction site without human assistance, perhaps at night when itll have the place to itself.

RCML designed Oliver in partnership with Beverly-based Windover Construction. Both companies were assisted by Autodesk, which makes 3-D design software for the construction industry and runs a technology center in the Seaport District where architects and construction companies can learn and develop new building techniques.

At Autodesk, RCML chief executive Lana Graf encountered engineers from Windover working on new construction techniques. From them she learned of the need for a cheaper, more efficient way to run 3-D scans.

"They would not have found each other if they hadnt both been here, said Rick Rundell, who runs Autodesks technology centers.

These days, architects build virtual structures inside a computer long before construction workers break ground. Autodesk makes software that can simulate every detail of a building, down to the placement of light switches and sprinkler nozzles.

But construction workers are only human; how to make sure that sprinkler nozzle is the right location, that corner angle is set to just the right degree? Since the 1990s, contractors have been using laser scanners to generate 3-D images of the building as they erect it. These images of the real building can be overlaid on the architects virtual building to identify discrepancies before they throw the whole thing out of whack.

Its measureable and accurate up to one millimeter, said Scott Diaz, director of business development for the construction industry at FARO Technologies, a Florida company that makes the 3-D laser scanner used by Oliver. "Youre now able to bring the real world onto your desktop.

Such scans must be done regularly, floor by floor, to catch errors before they get out of hand. Thats where Oliver comes in. Its named for MIT graduate Oliver Smoot, who in a famous stunt in 1958 laid his body end-over-end across the Massachusetts Avenue bridge to measure the length of the river crossing in "Smoots.

Oliver features a laser scanner mounted about 5 feet high that can rotate 360 degrees. At the front and rear of the robot, LIDAR detectors use a separate laser system to detect landmarks and avoid obstacles, so Oliver can find its own way through the area. The robot stops and scans multiple locations, storing the captured data in the same kind of SD memory card used in digital cameras.

Its scanner beams millions of laser dots and the reflected light builds out a 3-D map. It can also repeat the process using a digital camera that records the color of every object for additional realism. When loaded into a computer, the result is an almost photo-like image of the mapped area, that can be compared with the digital blueprints.

Once programmed, Oliver can navigate the construction site on its own, running its scans at night when workers are off duty and having them ready for architects the next morning. With its large rubber tires, Oliver can climb stairs or a ramp, so it can scan multiple floors.

In addition, Olivers chassis contains room for a can of paint, and a spray nozzle. Guided by its map of the area, the robot can show workers where to install walls, doorways, cables, and ducts. The prototype holds just one can of paint, but future versions could carry multiple colors - perhaps white for walls, black for doorways, red for electric wires, and blue for water pipes.

Spawned by graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, RCML makes software that lets robots from different manufacturers work with each other. For instance, its software helps manage robots on the assembly lines of carmaker Tesla. But RCML also creates robotic hardware, such as a machine for stacking donut baskets that they designed for fast food chain Dunkin Donuts.

Graf has come to believe that theres huge potential in putting robots to work in the building trades. I was literally seeing so many inefficiencies in the construction industry, she said. "We would like to reduce waste out of construction, and we would like to make it eco-friendly.

Windover vice president Amr Raafat does not expect that Oliver will eliminate jobs. Instead the robot will free up highly-paid technical staff, who have plenty of other work to do.

For now, Oliver is just a prototype thats been tested at three Windover construction sites. But Graf hopes to make such robots a common sight on building projects worldwide. Others have had the same idea. One of the Boston areas best known robot makers. Boston Dynamics, which has generated worldwide attention with its four-legged Spot robots, is working with FARO to develop a walking laser scanner that could scamper around a construction site like a Labrador retriever.

Hiawatha Bray can be reached at hiawatha.bray@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeTechLab.

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Robotic hard hat: automation does the tedious survey work at construction sites - The Boston Globe

Fifty-three percent of skilled trade workers are over the age of 46, according to ConstructReach, a construction industry workforce development company. With the skilled labor shortage looming in the construction industry, the company is taking action.

The problem hovers over the entire industry, and all within the industry are feeling the impact one way or another, says Paul Robinson, founder and chief executive officer of ConstructReach. The success of the industrys stability depends on those working within the industry to continue to raise awareness of the opportunities and re-posture the industry so that its attracting great candidates. This innovative approach introduces construction in a new light.

For example, ConstructReach recently launched the new I Built This! initiative to expand awareness of employment opportunities in the construction industry. As part of the program, the company will embark on a four-city tour to engage high school students aged 16 to 18 years old in renovating and rebuilding projects.

The teenagers are a part of the next generation, Robinson says. It provides us the opportunity to provide insight to the opportunities that exist so that they can be equipped to make informed decisions about whats next and how to integrate their unique innate gifts with their interests into a futurecareer.

In the selected citiesLos Angeles, St. Louis, Miami, and Denvergeneral contractors will involve the teenagers in hands-on activities like painting, wall framing and helping with fixtures and flooring.

These markets have growth within the cities that has created an increased demand for construction in addition to them also having emerging and/or developed CTE programsthat encompass construction curriculum, Robinson says.

Courtesy of ConstructReach

ConstructReach selected major markets that coincided with Targets upcoming new store and remodel schedule. The company can then provide a behind-the-scenes view of the various components that work together within the construction of a store. During the program, the students will learn about various career pathways. While its an informative experience, it also offers culture and inspiration, which makes for a lasting impression, Robinson says.

When fun is coupled with knowledge and those they can see themselves in in real-world successful positions, it makes for a powerful event, Robinson says.

Through the I Built This! initiative, ConstructReach also aims to one day increase diversity in the construction workforce. Currently, only 9.1% ofconstructionworkers are women, only 5.8% are African American, and only 1.9% are Asian, according to ConstructReach.

We can increase diversity through representation and examples, Robinson says. When students see themselves represented in construction professions through this event, they get a chance to envision themselves in the industry.

The program also gives the teenage participants the opportunity to not only learn about construction, but also the ability to secure a possible future internship.

One of the cool aspects is that our industry partners that participate in the event get a chance to engage with the students for future opportunities, Robinson says. Post-event, we maintain relationships with the schools that allows us to identify future talent for the industry.

Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached atamyfischbach@gmail.com.

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Recruiting Teens for Future Jobs in Construction - EC&M

Global businesses are increasingly focusing on sustainability. Contributing 39% of global carbon emissions, there is particular pressure on the construction industry as well as those in architecture and design. Along with preserving our natural resources, the success of companies within these sectors will progressively rely on their continuing to search for more eco-friendly solutions in 2020 and throughout the decade ahead.

New technology and production processes are improving the green credentials of materials used for a variety of design projects, and alternative approaches to sustainability such as offsite production, retrofitting and refurbishing are becoming more widely used in these sectors.

Sustainable design and manufacturing are equally important for the companies who supply these services as well as those who employ them. Whether for office refurbishments or new buildings, businesses should seek out eco-conscious architects, designers, and contractors to help deliver workplaces which benefit their staff, their reputation and the environment.

Here are three reasons why creating a sustainably-built environment is essential and why businesses should take a green approach to their design needs:

Environmental protection

The most important reason architecture, design and construction companies should become more sustainable is the benefits to the environment. 17% of Canadas greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) come from commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Therefore, changes in how these sectors operate can help make the country a cleaner and healthier place.

New decoration technologies also contribute to a concerted effort to protect the environment. One such example comes from premium Sintered Stone brand Neoliths HYDRO-NDD 2.0, which uses water-based inks rather than solvent reliant variations to reduce CO2 emissions. Another is Neoliths partnership with PURETi, a leading manufacturer of water-based photocatalytic preventative maintenance solutions, which offers architects and designers a sustainable surface treatment for exterior faadesespecially useful for commercial buildings and skyscrapers in busy cities.

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Additionally, materials made of natural components can be recycled, minimising the amount of waste going to landfills. Building a circular economy into construction projects from the design stage can maximise re-use of components and reduces embodied carbon through a buildings whole lifecycle.

Offsite rather than onsite construction also reduces the amount of energy used, minimises waste and extends the lifespan of materials. Rather than demolishing existing building stock, retrofitting and refurbishing should always be considered first, as they create more energy efficient, high-performance buildings which cost less to operate, increase in value and are aesthetically pleasing.

Industry leaders

Designing and building sustainably benefits the companies who offer these services as well. Working towards protecting the environment helps build and maintain a good reputation, painting them as leaders in their respective industries and demonstrating their dedication to CSR.

Being seen as a visionary is also likely to contribute to financial growth and lift morale internally among team members. Leadership comes from the top down, so when employees are part of a forward-thinking industry, they feel encouraged to do their best work.

Good for business

Becoming more sustainable benefits all, particularly the businesses employing construction and design companies for their projects.

Ultimately, working with architectural practices and contractors with certified green credentials, as well as specifying eco-friendly materials, results in a healthier working environment for employees. It also helps create a positive brand image from the inside out.

A sustainable approach doesnt necessarily require dramatic action. From the significant design aspects of a modest-sized office to large commercial construction, all actions a business takes are steps in the right direction.

Mar Esteve Cortes is the director of Neolith, a market-leading brand of Sintered Stone headquartered in Castelln, Spain, and with offices around the world. The 100% natural, pioneering product can be specified for the most demanding interior and exterior building projects; combining high-definition detailed decoration with high-performance qualities, Neolith offers the triple reassurance of strength, beauty and longevity.

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Why sustainable construction and architecture are good for business - CSO Magazine - The Global CSR & Sustainability Platform