Word on RealStreet!

 

For many in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, this is an exciting time of year. As the weather warms, projects begin and opportunities grow. It's the perfect time to start something new! Whether you're actively seeking new business opportunities or you're looking for the skilled talent your company needs to complete projects that are already in the queue, we can help you get started. Contact us  today to learn how we can enable your success!

Best wishes from everyone here at RealStreet! 

Sincerely,
  
Katy Cook, CSP
Marketing Coordinator
 

What's Happened at RealStreet?
March Madness!
Feeling lucky? Participate in RealStreet's March Madness bracket contest for a chance to win 3 awesome prizes!  

The RealStreet March Madness Bracket: 
  • URL: http://realstreet.mayhem.cbssports.com
  • Group password: realstreet
  • The bracket will become available on Sunday, March 11, 2018
  • Bracket Submission Deadline: 11:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 15, 2018
  • Prizes: tune in next week to find out!
Prize specifics and additional contest details will be provided early next week. Keep an eye on your inbox (or on our social media pages) to get in on the action!

Interesting Industry Information
How Does the Job Market Look?
For another look at the information, check out the BLS' interactive graphs.
The U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a "M onthly Jobs Report"  soon after the beginning of each month. Each report describes the previous month's employment situation, based on data such as the number of jobs that were added to the economy and the unemployment rate. According to t he  January Jobs Report,  t he US economy saw an increase of 148,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate remained at 4.1%. 
 
January's job market benefited from more than just an increase in hiring, it saw a drastic increase in earnings. At 2.9%, it was the greatest rate of growth in the past eight years! Many contribute the boost to the recently passed tax plan and how it has led many companies to increase employee pay. With such a tight labor market, it should be an ongoing trend. 

Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)  Industry 

The BLS showed an increase of 30,000 within the construction industry. As stated in a recent Architect Magazine article, which features the image to the right, the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry as a whole is trending upward. For example: 
  • Architectural and engineering services added 3,900 jobs  
  • Residential building construction increased by 5,100 jobs
  • Nonresidential building construction jobs decreased by 2,300
  • Heavy and civil engineering construction increased by 6,300 jobs
Ken Simonson, Associated General Contractors of America Chief Economist, stated  in a recent ENR article , that "t he outlook remains positive for further growth in the industry" but warned that "finding workers to complete all projects will be a challenge".

The Dodge Momentum Index tracks and measures the initial reporting of non-residential building projects. With the increase in non-residential construction projects, the Dodge Data & Analytics' Momentum Index dropped 5.1% in December to 143.7. Commercial building saw a decrease of 7.8% and the institutional building a drop of .9%. 

Kermit Baker, the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Chief Economist, said in a recent press release that "the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) and other major leading indicators for the industry also point to an upturn in construction activity over the coming year." The forecasts show a 4% increase in overall nonresidential building in 2018 and 3.9% in 2019.
RealStreet Recently Hired...
  • Project Coordinators
  • Writers / Estimators
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Public Assistance Trainer
  • Program Delivery Managers
  • Construction Managers
  • Estimators
  • Estimating Manager
  • Program Coordinator
  • Track Engineer
  • Field Superintendent / Quality Control Managers
  • Owner's Representative
  • Director of Facilities & Construction Management
Do you have an open position? Contact us to learn how we can help!
IT & Cyber Security
Tax Season Security Risks
This tax season comes in the wake of a multitude of data breaches, something that has many people more concerned than normal about the privacy and security of the process. Unfortunately, it is a process that must be completed fully, accurately and in a timely manner, no matter what. 

Companies, like individuals, are targets of tax-related fraud. Business owners should educate themselves and their employees of potential threats to reduce the risk of a data breach. According to the IRS, one such risk is the growing W-2 scam, which allows c riminals to gain access to sensitive, personally identifiable information that employers have regarding their employees. 

The IRS has provided the following five warning signs about the W-2 scam to help employers avoid becoming a victim:
  • Thieves poses as a company executive, school official or other leader in the organization.
  • Scam emails often start with a simple greeting, such as "Hey, you in today?"
  • The thieves use many different subject lines. The criminal might use words like "review," "manual review" or "request."
  • Scam emails target employees with payroll access. They will request specific information, such as a list of all employees and their Forms W-2, sometimes even stating the format in which they want the information.
  • In some cases, the thief may send a follow up email asking for a wire transfer.
  • The criminals usually try to use the information quickly, sometimes filing fraudulent tax returns within a day or two.
  • Since payroll officials believe they are corresponding with an executive, it may take weeks for someone to realize a data theft occurred. 
Businesses are potential victims as well. Employers and any employees involved in the filing process should be aware of potential red flags. The following scenarios indicate a potential problem and should not be ignored.
  • The IRS rejects an e-filed return saying it already has one with that identification number.
  • The IRS rejects an extension to file request saying it already has a return with that identification number.
  • The filer receives an unexpected tax transcript.
  • The filer receives an IRS notice that doesn't relate to anything they submitted.
  • The filer doesn't receive expected or routine mailings from the IRS.
The IRS urges companies to follow safe security practices and to establish protocols for the sharing of any tax-related information. Looking for up-to-date information on the ever-evolving tax-related scams? Visit the IRS website for alerts, tips and resources.
Featured News Post
Four Resources to Help  Boost and Maintain Motivation
Architecture, engineering and construction professionals, like those in any industry, struggle with motivation from time to time. Whether it's an ongoing issue, a periodic problem or simply a case of the Mondays, a lack of motivation impacts your performance and job satisfaction. Luckily, there are a wide variety of motivational podcasts that can help you pull yourself up by the bootstraps and keep moving forward. 

Looking for quality content? Consider the four online resources discussed in the full article.


Keep in Touch!
Feedback Wanted! 
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Would you mind taking a moment to  write a few sentences  about your experience working with RealStreet?
Thank you!
Who in your network is looking for a new opportunity? 

Check our  open positions to see if any are a match to the job seekers that you know. At RealStreet we value great candidates and when it comes down to it, we know you're the Real Deal! We have a great referral program that compensates you for every qualified referral you provide us.