Hurricane Recovery Helps Construction Unemployment Rate Hit Lowest October Mark on Record

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28—The not seasonally adjusted (NSA) national construction unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in October, down 1.2 percent from a year ago, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. It was the lowest October rate on record, matching the rate in 2006, according to analysis released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Further, the construction industry employed 180,000 more workers than in October 2016. Construction unemployment rates were also down in 44 states on a year-over-year basis, unchanged in one (South Dakota) and up in five states.
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Construction's Contribution to U.S. Economy Highest in Seven Years

According to a report released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the private construction industry’s value added as a percentage of the nation’s real gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 4 percent in 2016, the highest level since 2009. The report also shows annual growth in real construction spending, which rose 3.5 percent in 2016. Thirty-seven states benefited from the rise in construction activity in their state, while 13 states experienced a reduction in activity.  
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Merit Shop Scorecard 2017: ABC Ranks America's Construction Business Climate by State

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released its annual update to “Building America: The Merit Shop Scorecard,” which takes stock of state policies that influence the success or failure of a free enterprise-based environment for construction companies.  
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ABC Highlights Construction Worker Shortage During National Apprenticeship Week

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) commends the U.S. Department of Labor for declaring Nov. 13-19 National Apprenticeship Week. It’s the third consecutive year that business, labor, government, education and other partners are highlighting the tremendous job opportunities apprenticeships provide and the need for an infusion of Americans to pursue a skilled trade.
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Construction Input Prices Flat in October; Year-over-Year Inflation Remains

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14—Construction input prices remained unchanged on a monthly basis in October, according to analysis of today’s Bureau of Labor Statistics release by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Overall construction input prices have expanded 4.3 percent year over year, while nonresidential input prices have expanded 4.1 percent since October 2016. Crude petroleum prices rose 6.6 percent for the month and are up 7.7 percent for the year. No other input manifested significant price growth in October.
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ABC Elects 2018 National Chair, Other Leadership Posts

During its Leadership Week Conference in Orlando Nov. 7, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Board of Directors elected George Nash to serve as the association's 2018 national chair. Tony Rader was elected to serve as the association's 2018 chair-elect. Ray Zamora was elected to serve as the association's secretary.

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Gaylor Electric Exec Named ABC's Young Professional of the Year

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) congratulates Justin Baker, executive vice president of Gaylor Electric in Mooresville, N.C., for being named ABC's Young Professional of the Year. Baker accepted the award Nov. 8 during ABC's Leadership Week Conference in Orlando, Fla. 

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ABC Praises Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

ABC thanked House Republicans for working diligently with the White House to get a long-overdue tax reform bill off the ground and begin the legislative process. Our members will feel the direct positive impact of this bill with another dollar in their paychecks, allowing them to create jobs and drive growth.
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Construction Numbers Stagnant in Otherwise Positive October Jobs Report, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3—According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today, the nation’s construction sector added 11,000 net new jobs in October, matching the revised total from September. Nonresidential construction employment, however, experienced a net decline of 2,000 jobs. The residential sector added approximately 13,000 net new jobs.
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Construction Spending Up in September; Down on a YOY Basis

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1—Nonresidential construction spending rose 0.5 percent in September, totaling $698.1 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, nonresidential construction spending is down 2.9 percent on a year-over-year basis, with construction spending related to manufacturing down 20.3 percent since September 2016
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