Industry

NICET Certification

Program Development and Maintenance Process The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) develops certification programs that recognize individuals who meet industry-established standards of job knowledge and work experience. The success of these programs is based on the expertise of the industry professionals who work together to define the …

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Construction Starts to Recover in 2021

Dodge Data & Analytics Predicts a Slow and Uneven Recovery Throughout the Year Dodge Data & Analytics has released its 2021 Dodge Construction Outlook, a mainstay in construction industry forecasting and business planning. The report predicts that total U.S. construction starts will increase 4 percent in 2021, to $771 billion. …

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Top Tech of 2020

Sprinkler Age Highlights New Innovative Products Innovation, resilience, creativity—among other things—are just some of the things 2020 has taught us. It hasn’t been easy for everyone, but among all the challenges, there have also been many things worth celebrating. In an industry like fire protection, which is laser-focused on saving …

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Contractor Performance

2020 Data Study Since March 2020, the fire protection contracting industry has been reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. In the early days of the pandemic, when cities and states issued closure orders, the uncertainty was terrifying. The fear made us all question the future of our business—how should we …

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Spotlight on Sprinkler System Freeze Protection

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), a Dallas-based international trade association representing the fire sprinkler industry, empathizes with the people affected and the hardships presented by this unprecedented winter storm and freeze.The majority of fire sprinkler systems are installed with water-filled pipes, which must be protected from freezing and are …

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M/S Council Elects 2021 Members

Representatives Work on Behalf of Associates The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council elected its 2021 officers in August 2020 and were proud to announce them during their annual meeting in September 2020, which was held via Zoom. Chris Stason of Victaulic Company in Temecula, California, will continue …

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ABC Forecasts Recession Threats, Bright Spots

Recovery Shape Forms a “W” 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. …

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Cautious Optimism for 2021

Industry Members Share Predictions for the New Year The year 2020 was one of ups and downs: COVID-19 landed on U.S. soil, and a pending recession hovering was countered by stimulus packages and vaccines. With most businesses shutting down in the early stages of the pandemic, it was a welcome …

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Flashpoint

As we start the New Year, my thoughts turn to addressing one of our membership’s largest needs: representation on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees. Our average contractor member typically does not have the time or resources to participate in the NFPA process actively. I know this firsthand. Working …

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