Industry

Chairman’s Message

I enjoy reading annual economic forecasts and from all indications, we are looking forward to a very good 2019. I personally am also very interested in the old-fashioned way of economic forecasting. That is plain old talking to people around the country. How are you doing? Where do you see …

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Made in America

Why Should You Care? “Made in America,” “Buy America,” “Buy America,” American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Made in the USA, Assembled in the USA…why should you care? Are these all the same? What do all of these mean and what is the difference? It can all be very confusing. Some …

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PCA Forecasts Less Growth in 2019 and 2020

Rising Interest Rates, Deficits Factor Into Trend The Portland Cement Association (PCA) Market Intelligence Group forecast for cement consumption over the next two years, shows less growth compared with 2018. This year’s rate of change is 2.9 percent. Growth ebbs to 2.6 percent in 2019 and to 1.6 percent in …

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Construction Employment Rises by 280,000 in 2018

Associated General Contractors of America Surveys Contractors for 2019 Construction employment increased by 38,000 jobs in December and by 280,000 jobs, or 4.0 percent, over the past year, while the industry’s average pay accelerated and unemployment decreased to a historic low, according to an analysis of new government data by …

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2019 Construction Economic Forecast

ABC Reports Momentum Will Persist for Several More Quarters U.S. economic performance has been brilliant of late. Sure, a considerable volume of negativity has surrounded issues such as the propriety of tariffs and shifting immigration policy, but the headline statistics make it clear that domestic economic performance is solid. Nowhere …

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Slow but Steady Growth

Review and Forecast for the Fire Sprinkler Industry As everyone is settling into the New Year, professionals in the fire sprinkler industry are reflecting on 2018 and looking for predictions on 2019. With overall construction growth slowing down over the last few years, 2019 looks to follow the same pattern. …

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Making a Difference in the Community

AFSA Virginia Chapter HelpsBurn Survivors Fire is one of the most devastating tragedies a family can endure. The loss of one’s home, property, and treasured memories is shattering, but losing a loved one or having a loved one sustain injuries changes everyone’s life forever. According to the American Burn Association …

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Grow Your Business With ITM

AFSA Offers Two Inspector Development Program Classes in 2019 Start 2019 off right and register your students in the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program. Professionalize the role of your inspection team with this comprehensive 20-month program that provides a blended learning environment …

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