NEWS FLASH: MAY 24, 2022

Report: Union Projects More Likely to Finish on Time

A new report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign shows that if you want a construction project finished on time without worker shortages, hire union.

Frank Manzo IV, Executive Director of ILEPI, and co-author of the report says “the data reveal that if you want to increase the chances that a project will be completed on time and safely, you should look to the union contractors who have access to this readily available pool of highly trained, skilled workers.”  Read more

Dodge Data & Analytics

Total Construction Starts Inch Higher in April by 3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $945.8 billion, after declining 12% in March to $903.8 billion. Total construction was 6% higher in the first four months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, and 12% above the 12 months ending April 2022 compared to the 12 months ending April 2021. “The construction sector is seemingly shrugging off the fear of higher interest rates and a potential recession,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network.

Dodge Momentum Index Rises in April 6% to 164.8, up from the revised March reading of 155.0. The April gain left the Dodge Momentum Index only 5% short of the all-time high set in fall 2021. Year to year comparison, the Momentum Index was 17% higher than April 2021.  A total of 25 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in April. Construction activity looks to remain solid in the coming months since the nonresidential building planning backlog continues to grow.

Architectural Billings Index (ABI)

Architecture firm billings continue to expand at a steady pace.  The April ABI Billings score decreased to 56.5 from the March score 58.0, which was up from 51.3 in February. The pace of growth has slowed slightly for April but still indicates strong business conditions at most architecture firms (any score over 50 indicates billings growth), and March was one of the highest scores seen in over a year since the economic recovery began.  The value of new Design Contracts decreased to 55.4 in April from 60.5 in March, which was up from 55.2 in February.

New Jersey's Unemployment Rate Decline Continues

The employment gains in New Jersey continued in April for the 17th consecutive month with a total nonfarm wage and salary increase of 14,800 jobs, after an increase in March of 17,800 jobs. The unemployment rate fell in April to 4.1%, down another 0.1% from the March rate of 4.2%. 

New Jersey has now recovered 695,700 jobs or 95% of those lost in March and April of 2020. 8 out of 9 major private sectors saw employment increase in April 2022, with construction showing a job loss of 2,600 after an increase of 300 in March.

LEGISLATION

On May 10, 2022, HR 7701, the “Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act” was introduced in the House. HR 7701 is an Act to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947 to prevent wage theft and assist in the recovery of stolen wages, to authorize the Secretary of Labor to administer grants to prevent wage and hour violations.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CPWR - Working in Hot Weather

Handouts, Planning Tools, and Training Programs

CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training provides a host of resources to improve construction worker safety and health – free handouts, research results, training materials, workplace guidance, and more.

For “Working in Hot Weather” tools; Toolbox Talks, Hazard Alerts, Recordings, and more visit the CPWR website. 

6-inch CMU: Masonry’s Weight Loss Plan

In the May 2022 issue of STRUCTURE Magazine, Phil Ledent, P.E., S.E., Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of Michigan, discusses how 6-inch wide CMU can be economical, and schedule friendly, in addition to other advantages, for interior and exterior wall construction depending on wall heights and design loads. Read more  

Earn LU/HSWs

5/26: Large Format Tile and Stone Installation

6/7: Designing Efficient and Aesthetic Single Wythe Masonry Wall Systems

6/15: Not Just A Finish: Structural Clay Masonry Design

6/21: Architectural Terra Cotta In-Situ Repairs

Visit IMI's website for more AIA Accredited Programs.

Contractors



IMI offers a Contractor Education Webinar Series exclusively to BAC signatory contractors.

6/16: What Size is Your Carbon Footprint

Visit Resources for BAC Signatory Contractors for upcoming and on demand webinars. Feel free to contact the Association Office for your password.

The International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF) also supports contractors by providing training for your employees, including on specific skills of certifications needed for a job you're bidding or have won. View IMI and IMTEF’s full suite of services. 

RECENT EVENTS

CPR Classes

The Association held a CPR, AED & Standard First Aid class, conducted by SAVE A LIFE, INC., in Bordentown, NJ on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. 

Classes are an exclusive benefit for Contractor Members and their employees, free of charge. Our next class will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 5-7pm at the IMI/BAC Fairfield Training Center.

Please contact the Association Office for more information.

 Cinco de Mayo Cocktails & Clubs

The Association’s Cinco de Mayo Cocktails & Clubs event at Topgolf in Edison, NJ was filled with good food & drinks, good times, and most importantly good company.

Thank you to everyone who attended and sponsored. The generosity and camaraderie of our Members and Colleagues makes these events successful!

Congratulations to the Highest Score Winner, Daniel Bagnell of Belden Tri-State, and the Lowest Score Winner, Jennifer Abrams of Susanin, Widman and Brennan, both won a $100 Topgolf gift card.

NJ BAC ADC Statewide Apprentice Contest

The BAC ADC of NJ Locals 4 & 5 Statewide Apprentice Contest was held Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the IMI/BAC Fairfield Training Center.  

The contest highlighted the training program and tested the Apprentices’ mental and physical abilities, skills, and proficiency for their level of Apprenticeship, plus showed firsthand the capabilities of the up-and-coming workforce.  Congratulations to all winners! 

A special shout out to those working for our Contractor Members:

First year  1^st place: Robert Fugel - Force Concrete & Masonry; 2^nd place: Aaron Swift - LaConti Masonry, Inc.   

Second year  2^nd place: Conner Clark - American Masonry Corp.

Third year  1^st place: Brian Tighe - Force Concrete & Masonry; 2^nd place: Alex Penna - Back Brook Masonry

Fourth year  1^st place: Darren Darby - Lester Bailey & Associates, Inc. 

Other Winners:

First year  3^rd place: Reuben Pressley - not currently working

Second year  1^st place: Edward Guerreiro - Circle 3, LLC; 3^rd place: Douglas Bruckler - Dan Lepore & Sons Co.

Third year  3^rd place: Quamir Miller - Pullman

Fourth year  2^nd place: Shawn Haring - not currently working; 3^rd place: Dale Coleman - Mara Restoration

View more photos from all events in the Gallery on our website