ABC released its 2020 Merit Shop Scorecard today, an annual ranking based on state policies and programs that encourage workforce development, strengthen career and technical education, grow careers in construction and promote fair and open competition for taxpayer-funded construction projects.

Associated Builders and Contractors' Chief Economist Anirban Basu forecasts a recession threat for the construction sector next year, but has illuminated some potential economic bright spots, such as e-commerce and Class B office space, according to a 2021 economic outlook published in Construction Executive magazine.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11—Construction input prices fell 0.5% in November compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.4% for the month.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 7.2 months in November, a decrease of 0.5 months from October’s reading, according to an ABC member survey conducted from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2. Backlog is 1.7 months lower than in November 2019.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4—The construction industry added 27,000 net new jobs in November, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the last seven months, the industry has added 804,000 jobs, recovering 74% of the losses incurred during earlier stages of the pandemic.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3—Like most of the economy, construction, and therefore construction employment, was hit hard by the spread of COVID-19 and measures to limit the pandemic. However, construction performed better than many other occupational groups and has been relatively quick to rebound, though not back to its pre-COVID-19 levels, according to a state-by-state analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1—National nonresidential construction spending was virtually unchanged in October, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis, spending totaled $792.4 billion for the month.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18―Associated Builders and Contractors’ Board of Directors elected Steve Klessig, vice president of architecture and engineering, Keller Inc., to serve as the 2020 ABC national chair during a meeting at the association’s annual Leadership Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13—Construction input prices remained virtually unchanged in October compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices also remained unchanged for the month.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10— Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator rebounded to 7.7 months in October, an increase of 0.2 months from September’s reading, according to an ABC member survey conducted from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5. Backlog is 1.2 months lower than in October 2019.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6—The construction industry added 84,000 net new jobs in October, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the last six months, the industry has added 789,000 jobs, recovering 73% of the jobs lost during earlier stages of the pandemic.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8—Apprenticeships are a key part of Associated Builders and Contractors’ commitment to an all-of-the-above approach for developing a safe, skilled and productive workforce that meets the current and future needs of the construction industry. During the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 8-14, ABC celebrates the value of earn-while-you-learn opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, students, non-graduates and people laid off during the pandemic or seeking new careers, re-entry to the workforce or a second chance.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2—National nonresidential construction spending fell 1.6% in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, monthly spending totaled $794.3 billion. 

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29—The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 33.1% during the third quarter of 2020, helping to offset a significant share of the economic loss sustained during the second quarter, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Increases in personal consumption expenditures, private inventory investment and exports drove the partial rebound.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21—Associated Builders and Contractors’ Free Enterprise Alliance, which educates elected officials and the public about the importance of fair and open competition, today announced it has made a million dollar issue advocacy ad buy in 25 states nationwide. The advocacy campaign, which includes digital ads and mailers, will educate constituents on the dangers of the PRO Act, highlight benefits of the Paycheck Protection Program and encourage voting in the upcoming election.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14—Construction input prices increased 1.6% in September compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of Producer Price Index data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonresidential construction input prices rose 1.4% for the month.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 7.5 months in September, a decline of 0.5 months from August’s reading, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 20-Oct. 6. Backlog is 1.5 months lower than in September 2019.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8—More than 85% of contractors have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, according to the results of an August reader survey conducted by Construction Executive magazine, which is published by Associated Builders and Contractors. Supply chain disruptions, prolonged municipal permitting processes and delayed inspections due to office closures are all factors contributing to the increased rate of postponement and/or cancellation of construction projects.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2—The construction industry added 26,000 jobs on net in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the last five months, the industry has added 689,000 jobs, recovering approximately 64% of the jobs lost since the start of the pandemic.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1—National nonresidential construction spending fell 0.1% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, spending totaled $814.3 billion for the month.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23—Associated Builders and Contractors is honored to announce it has received the Pledge to America’s Workers Presidential Award, which will be presented today at a White House event. Among nine recipients, ABC was selected based on its achievements in workforce education and fulfilling its 2018 pledge to recruit and upskill at least 500,000 workers by 2023.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4—Construction industry employment expanded by 16,000 jobs on net in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the last four months, the industry added 658,000 jobs, recovering approximately 61% of the jobs lost during March and April.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1—National nonresidential construction spending fell 1.2% in July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, spending totaled $809.1 billion for the month.

 WASHINGTON, Aug. 28—Associated Builders and Contractors is proud to announce its endorsement of President Donald J. Trump for reelection. In a letter to the president, ABC President and CEO Michael D. Bellaman and ABC 2020 National Chair Tim Keating, owner and president of R. C. Stevens Construction Co., Winter Garden, Florida, said:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25—Associated Builders and Contractors today announced the launch of its inaugural Tech Alliance—a consortium of firms that create construction technology and innovative digital solutions for ABC contractor members, the majority of which are classified as small businesses and primarily perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors. Consisting of 13 companies, the Tech Alliance will leverage technology solutions to help ABC members develop people, win work and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.