CBI Hits Post-Recession High
Nonresidential construction to be among nation’s stronger segments.

WASHINGTON (Feb. 25, 2014) – Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) hit a post-recession high in the fourth quarter of 2013, growing from 8.2 months to 8.3 months (1.3 percent). Compared to a year ago, CBI is 3.9 percent higher—up from 8 months at the end of 2012.

Exports of U.S.-made Construction Equipment Decline 25 Percent in 2013 to $20 Billion

(Feb. 26, 2014) - Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment dropped 25 percent in 2013 compared to the previous year for a total $20 billion shipped to global markets, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), citing U.S. Commerce Department data it uses in trend reports for members. All world regions recorded declines.

Boh Bros. Construction Co. to Pay $125,000 for Same Sex Harassment in EEOC Lawsuit

NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 27, 2014) — Boh Bros. Construction Co. has agreed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to a consent judgment which requires the company to pay $125,000 in compensatory damages to a former employee in a sex discrimination/same sex harassment case. The consent judgment cannot be appealed and effectively brings the litigation to a close.

Groups Oppose Special Interest Effort to Subvert Energy Efficiency Bill
Nearly 1,000 businesses send letter urging rejection of proposal repealing Section 433 of Energy Independence and Security Act.

WASHINGTON (Feb. 27, 2014) – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and nearly 1,000 businesses from across the country today urged Congress to reject special interest efforts to repeal the law setting goals for reducing fossil fuel use in federal buildings by 2030.

The letter comes in response to reports that the oil and gas lobby pushed to include a repeal of Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act in the bipartisan Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill.