(992,359,2,2,1230341251,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"359\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-25 05:43 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"32\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:48:\"House of Cards:  The Collapse of Demand Electric\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"house_of_cards_the_collapse_of_demand_electric\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:48:\"House of Cards:  The Collapse of Demand Electric\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:183:\"Fueled by a high octane credit line, Demand Electric was a bright, soaring star among St. Louis specialty contractors. But when the credit ran out, Demand came crashing back to earth.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:48:\"Demand Electric, The Business Bank, IBEW Local 1\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:6970:\"<p>Fueled by a high octane credit line, Demand Electric was a bright, soaring star among St. Louis specialty contractors. But when the credit ran out, Demand came crashing back to earth.</p>\n<p>Dennis Daugherty, formerly a project manager at Guarantee Electrical\nCompany, started Demand Electric in August 2003 with six employees. In\nan industry where it is rare for companies to more than double in size\nin five years, Demand Electric grew almost 20-fold in that time,\nreporting revenues of $22 million for 2007 and employing over 100\nworkers right before the company&rsquo;s sudden collapse in August 2008.&nbsp;\nIndustry watchers described the company&rsquo;s growth as &ldquo;astronomical&rdquo; or\n&ldquo;extraordinary.&rdquo; Demand&rsquo;s growth was so rapid that Demand made the St.\nLouis Business Journal&rsquo;s 2008 list of the 25 fastest growing private\ncompanies in St. Louis.<br /> <br /> <img alt=\\\"Demand Electric\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/demand-electric.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />CNR\nhas pieced together one version of Demand Electrics sudden ascent and\nsubsequent crash from sources familiar with the company, all of whom\ndemanded anonymity. The principals of the story &ndash; Dave Daugherty, his\nbank, and the leaders of Local 1 of the IBEW (International Brotherhood\nof Electrical Workers) &ndash; were unavailable for comment, as they had all\nagreed not to talk about the company.<br /> <br /> By all accounts Daugherty was a go-getter and a risk-taker. He had a\nnew vision of how to operate a commercial contracting business in St.\nLouis, a vision born of watching highly leveraged companies in other\nindustry sectors, and he worked hard to make it a reality. He also was\noutspokenly critical of what he saw as the timid or conservative\nbusiness practices of the local construction industry.<br /> <br /> What made Daugherty so outstanding, however, was not so much his\nattitude, as the confluence of his attitude with a credit bubble that\nallowed him to put his ideas into practice using other people&rsquo;s money.\nNew contractors typically have to put up everything they own in order\nto get a line of credit that isn&rsquo;t worth much more than their assets.\nContractors like to say, with just a bit of exaggeration, that banks\naren&rsquo;t lending them any money that the contractors don&rsquo;t already have.\nThe failure rate for new companies is quite high and lenders generally\nwant to make sure that there are sufficient physical assets pledged to\nthe loan that they can recover their money if a business fails.\nSimilarly, as contractors become established, they generally grow\nslowly because lenders still want to make sure there are sufficient\nassets pledged to cover the loan if the business fails. In effect,\nlenders are turning a contractor&rsquo;s fixed assets into cash so he can\noperate.<br /> <br /> Daugherty, however, found a banker during the inflationary period of\nthe credit bubble willing to lend him much more than he was worth so\nthat he could grow his business. That lender was The Business Bank of\nSt. Louis. The result was that Demand Electric was incredibly leveraged\nwith debt&nbsp;&mdash; observers say uniquely so.<br /> <br /> Daugherty used debt to fuel Demand&rsquo;s growth. His salesmanship convinced\nowners and general contractors to give him opportunities, but debt\nallowed him to take advantage of them. His growth was so rapid that\nincome from completed jobs was not enough to fund new work. He was\nrelying on his credit line to buy supplies and meet his ever expanding\npayroll.<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, Demand Electric reported that revenues in 2007\nreached $22 million. Times, however, were changing, and Demand Electric\nseemed unprepared for the backlash in the credit markets following the\ncollapse of speculative mortgage lending. Federal bank examiners began\ntelling banks to reduce their exposure in real estate and construction.\nWhether that is what prompted The Business Bank to take another look at\nDemand Electric&rsquo;s account, we don&rsquo;t know. In any event, the bank did\nlook again at Demand credit line and its collateral, and did not like\nwhat it saw.<br /> <br /> Some sources familiar with Demand Electric blame The Business Bank for\nDemand&rsquo;s sudden demise. They say the bank&rsquo;s decision in August 2008 to\ndeny Daugherty access to the remaining money in his line of credit is\nwhat did him in. <br /> <br /> But Demand was in trouble before that decision. A month before, Demand\nElectric&rsquo;s landlord had filed suit to evict the company from its\noffices at 1846 Craig Park Ct. for nonpayment of rent. The first vendor\nlawsuit against Demand Electric was filed in July, too.<br /> <br /> When The Business Bank told Daugherty that they were reducing his line\nof credit by one-third to the amount he had already borrowed, he\nreportedly told the bank that he needed the additional credit to meet\npayroll, and that he was relying on that line of credit exclusively for\nthe capital for the jobs he had undertaken, sources said. That is when\nthe bank became seriously concerned. They declined to give Daugherty\nany additional money. Daugherty reportedly shopped around for another\nloan, but could not find a willing lender. The following Monday The\nBusiness Bank took control of his office and all of his business\nrecords. In the meantime, he had laid-off all of his workers, because\nhe lacked any ability to pay them.<br /> <br /> &ldquo;It was one of the most disruptive closings the industry has ever\nexperienced,&rdquo; one source said. St. Louis Community College&rsquo;s\ndistrict-wide science lab renovation program was one of the building\nprograms affected by Demand&rsquo;s collapse. The construction manager, S.M.\nWilson &amp; Co., was able to get Aschinger Electric on board to\nreplace Demand in short order. Some of the other affected projects\ninvolved Peruque Station in St. Charles County, Duke Realty&rsquo;s Maryville\nCentre, Charter Development Group, and Christian Hospital Northeast.<br /> <br /> The bank&rsquo;s takeover set in motion an avalanche of work for lawyers.\nIBEW Local 1 and NECA-St. Louis filed suit in federal court against\nDemand Electric, The Business Bank of St. Louis, and Providence\nCounseling, for contributions Demand Electric owed to electrical\nindustry trust funds. The settlement of that case included a gag order\non the principals involved. French-Gerleman Electric filed a mechanic&rsquo;s\nlien; Graybar and Colorado Electric Supply each sued Demand for breach\nof contract. Liebert, Western Extralite, Rexel Electric Supply, Butler\nSupply Co., and Warren Sign Co. all followed with their own liens.</p>\n<p>Demand Electric&rsquo;s sudden collapse was met almost with glee in some quarters. &ldquo;A lot of people were jealous of Daugherty,&rdquo; one source said. &ldquo;The extraordinary think was that he pulled it off for as long as he did.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/demand-electric.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"32\";}'),(993,367,4,2,1230347435,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-26 04:03 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"5\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Three from EWR Lead AIA in Illinois\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"three_from_ewr_lead_aia_in_illinois\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"Three from EWR Lead AIA in Illinois\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:252:\"Timothy A. McMinn, director of fesign for EWR Associates, Inc., Architects, has been elected as president of the Illinois Council of the American Institute of Architects for 2009. He is currently concluding his term as vice president / president-elect.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:27:\"Southern Illinois, AIA, EWR\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1014:\"<p>Timothy A. McMinn, director of fesign for EWR Associates, Inc.,\nArchitects, has been elected as president of the Illinois Council of\nthe American Institute of Architects for 2009. He is currently\nconcluding his term as vice president / president-elect.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>AIA Illinois\nis the fourth largest council in the nation, serving over 4,000 member\narchitects in the state and 83,000 nationally.&nbsp; McMinn has\npreviously served on the state board of directors for several years.&nbsp; The year 2009 marks his\n25th year as a member of the AIA.</p>\n<p>Robert S. Anderson, AIA, of EWR Associates, Inc., Architects, was recently elected as treasurer of the Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), for 2009.&nbsp; Anderson previously served the chapter as the chairman of the Member Communications Committee.&nbsp; Steven M. Downen, AIA, also of EWR Associates, Inc., previously served as secretary and has been elected as vice president / president-elect .<br /><br /><br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";}'),(994,368,4,2,1230347624,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-26 04:11 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:25:\"Kwame Hire Timothy Marcum\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"kwame_hire_timothy_marcum\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Kwame Hires Timothy Marcum\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:232:\"Timothy Marcum of Farmington has joined Kwame Building Group  as a construction inspector.  Marcum currently reports construction activities and ensures code compliances for the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park redevelopment project.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"Kwame, Marcum\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:597:\"<p>Timothy Marcum of Farmington has joined <a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildingroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group</a>&nbsp; as a construction inspector.&nbsp; Marcum currently reports construction activities and ensures code compliances for the Johnson&rsquo;s Shut-Ins State Park redevelopment project.</p>\n<p>Marcum has 25 years of experience in the construction industry.&nbsp; He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree in Environmental Science and Technology from Front Range Community College in Westminister, CO.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(995,368,4,2,1230347682,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"368\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-26 04:11 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:25:\"Kwame Hire Timothy Marcum\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"kwame_hire_timothy_marcum\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Kwame Hires Timothy Marcum\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:231:\"Timothy Marcum of Farmington has joined Kwame Building Group  as a construction inspector.  Marcum currently reports construction activities and ensures code compliances for the Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins State Park redevelopment project.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"Kwame, Marcum\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:592:\"<p>Timothy Marcum of Farmington has joined <a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildingroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group</a>&nbsp; as a construction inspector.&nbsp; Marcum currently reports construction activities and ensures code compliances for the Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins State Park redevelopment project.</p>\n<p>Marcum has 25 years of experience in the construction industry.&nbsp; He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree in Environmental Science and Technology from Front Range Community College in Westminister, CO.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(996,369,4,2,1230368852,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-26 10:03 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:47:\"O’Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"ofallon_il_roundabout_wins_multiple_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:47:\"O’Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:145:\"The City of O’Fallon, Illinois’, new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner & Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"O\\\"Fallon, roundabout, Horner & Shifrin\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1403:\"<p>The City of O&rsquo;Fallon, Illinois&rsquo;, new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner &amp; Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards.&nbsp; The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois recognized the project with a Merit Award, which is given, &ldquo;for those projects worthy of recognition for the engineer and the owner/client.&rdquo;&nbsp; Also, the Illinois Department of Transportation has honored the project with its Small Construction Project Award.<br /><br />This roundabout addresses several key benefits to motorists and residents of O&rsquo;Fallon, Horner &amp; Shifrin said.&nbsp; First, it alleviates much of the congestion that has plagued the intersection for years, thereby shortening commute times and reducing the number of accidents.&nbsp; Second, it is safer than an intersection that is regulated by traffic signals or stop signs. Finally, it reduces air pollution since vehicles no longer sit idling as they wait to enter the intersection.&nbsp; <br /><br />Steve Donahue, Horner &amp; Shifrin Project Manager said, &ldquo;It is always our goal to design projects that not only enhance the safety and convenience of the traveling public, but benefit the environment as well.&nbsp; I am pleased by the fact that air emissions will be reduced as a result of the virtual elimination of vehicles idling at this intersection.&rdquo;<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(997,370,4,2,1230431630,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 03:31 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Hendricks & Partners Sells Four Multi-Family Properties\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"hendricks_partners_sells_four_multi_family_properties\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Hendricks & Partners Sells Four Multi-Family Properties\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:97:\"Hendricks & Partners announced the sale of four properties in Missouri for an undisclosed amount:\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:38:\"Hendricks & Partners, properties, sale\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:617:\"<p>Hendricks &amp; Partners announced the sale of four properties in Missouri for an undisclosed amount:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Willowbend (208 units), located at 14343 Willowbend Park in Town &amp; Country, MO</li>\n<li>Peachtree (156 units), located at 915 Peach Hill Lane in Chesterfield, MO</li>\n<li>Reflection Cove (194 units), located at 13992 Reflection Drive in Ballwin, MO</li>\n<li>Prospect Creek (244 units), located at 414 Point Return Drive in Ballwin, MO</li>\n</ul>\n<p>The transactions were negotiated by Ken Aston of the St. Louis office of Hendricks &amp; Partners on behalf of both the seller and the buyers.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";}'),(998,371,4,2,1230432580,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 03:45 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:34:\"MiTek Acquires Aegis Metal Framing\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"mitek_acquires_aegis_metal_framing\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:34:\"MiTek Acquires Aegis Metal Framing\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:227:\"MiTek Industries Inc. has announced that it will acquire full ownership of Aegis Metal Framing LLC, an industry leader in pre-fabricated cold-formed building components for the commercial, institutional and residential markets.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:23:\"MiTek, Acquires, Aegis \";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2275:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.mii.com\\\">MiTek Industries Inc.</a> has announced that it will acquire full ownership of<a href=\\\"http://www.aegismetalframing.com\\\"> Aegis Metal Framing LLC</a>, an industry leader in pre-fabricated cold-formed building components for the commercial, institutional and residential markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.<br />&nbsp;<br />Aegis was launched in 2002 as a joint venture of Dietrich Metal Framing and MiTek. When this transaction closes in early January 2009, Aegis will become a wholly owned division of MiTek. The entire Aegis team will remain in place to support continuing operations and capitalize on growth opportunities as the commercial construction market recovers.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We are delighted to solidify our relationship with Aegis even further as a part of the MiTek family of companies,&rdquo; stated Gene Toombs, chairman and CEO of MiTek. &ldquo;Our six-year relationship with Aegis has resulted in a thorough understanding of the company&rsquo;s products and services. We share many of the same customers and are confident this acquisition will benefit everyone involved.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;The integration into MiTek will bring tremendous downstream opportunities for Aegis customers,&rdquo; said Tom Valvo, Aegis&rsquo; president. &ldquo;We will be fully supported by the world&rsquo;s largest supplier of technology-enabled solutions for the building components industry. MiTek&rsquo;s software development resources are unrivaled in the industry, and Aegis will leverage these to further advance our own software offerings, including our next-generation software initiatives. Additionally, in these uncertain economic times, having Aegis as part of MiTek and Berkshire Hathaway will help ensure continuity of supply and financial backing that is second to none.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br /> MiTek, a subidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is a supplier of\nstate-of-the-art engineered connector products, equipment, software and\nservices for the residential building components industry.&nbsp;\nHeadquartered in Chesterfield, Mo., MiTek is a global operation serving\ncustomers in more than 90 countries. Aegis Metal Framing provides a complete line of cold-formed steel framing products.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";}'),(999,372,4,2,1230433908,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 03:51 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:60:\"Midwest Testing Builds Sustainable Headquarters in Overland \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:59:\"midwest_testing_builds_sustainable_headquarters_in_overland\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:59:\"Midwest Testing Builds Sustainable Headquarters in Overland\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:187:\"The leadership of Midwest Testing sought to make a statement about the firm\\\'s commitment to the earth with Midwest\\\'s new $4 millionheadquarters and labs at 8606 Page Avenue in Overland.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"Midwest Testing, LEED, headquarters\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:5072:\"<p>The leadership of Midwest Testing sought to make a statement about the firm\\\'s commitment to the earth with Midwest\\\'s new $4 millionheadquarters and labs at 8606 Page Avenue in Overland.</p>\n<p>Underscoring the point, the geotechnical and environmental services provider is pursuing LEED silver certification for the 25,000-square-foot facility.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Midwest Testing\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"280\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/midwest-testing.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"350\\\" />&ldquo;We outgrew our old building and needed more efficient space that not only promotes teamwork and productivity but that reflects our stewardship to the environment,&rdquo; said Richard Laughlin, president. &ldquo;Our new office and labs are sustainable to create a healthy work environment and expandable to meet growth needs.&rdquo; Founded in 1985, the firm currently employs about 40 people.</p>\n<h4>Exterior of Midwest Testing&rsquo;s new $4 Million headquarters in Overland.</h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The two-story structure combines 14,000 square feet of office space with 11,000 square feet of lab and support area. Lab space hosts equipment for testing soil, concrete, asphalt and other materials used in foundations, pavements and commercial buildings.&nbsp; The structure is expandable by 15,000 square feet to accommodate future growth.<br /><strong><br />Soils&nbsp; Foundation Testing Goes Green</strong><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Designed by Lawrence, KS-based Treanor Architects, the sand-colored building incorporates a number of innovative green design elements and practices. They include:<br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>A &ldquo;closed loop&rdquo; mist room for testing concrete strength that conserves water and the energy required for heating/cooling.</li>\n<li>Advanced mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that cut building operation costs by 30 percent. It includes low-flow plumbing, high-efficiency lighting and filtered HVAC for better air quality.</li>\n<li>A reflective, white roof and recycled crushed concrete aggregate pavement in the storage yard mitigates the &ldquo;heat island&rdquo; effect of a dark roof and asphalt pavement. The recycled aggregate pavement reduces stormwater runoff by allowing precipitation to percolate into the ground.</li>\n<li>A 5,000-gallon cistern to capture rainwater shed from the roof. The water helps irrigate the site, which is populated by plant species native to Missouri.</li>\n<li>A container for recycling tested concrete, asphalt and masonry materials, which are recycled through Eco-Recycling, located within three miles of Midwest&rsquo;s facility. </li>\n<li>An abundance of 10-foot-tall windows with three grades of glass to flood the interior with natural light, cooling the rays of the sun in summer and maximizing heat gain from the sun in winter.</li>\n<li>Bamboo floors, baseboards and doors, with carpet tiles made of recycled tires.</li>\n<li>Low VOC-emissive materials are found throughout the building.</li>\n<li>A bike rack, shower rooms and changing rooms to encourage alternatives to driving a car to work.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /><strong>Optimizing Work Space</strong></p>\n<p>The office component consists of private and semi-private offices, and cubicles. A conference room with retractable audio/visual equipment for presentations and ongoing education features a multi-part table that can be arranged in meeting or classroom configurations. The &ldquo;open plan&rdquo; design enables light to penetrate deep into the building and seeks to optimize productivity and spark collaboration. <br /><br />Each office is equipped with a U-shaped desk, designed to facilitate efficiency and organization. In-office seating is limited to a small cabinet on castors with a cushioned top. This arrangement serves a dual purpose: to help keep a quick conference on task and to encourage use of the conference room and its embedded technology for meetings requiring in-depth, detailed discussion. <br /><br />The office also has multiple &ldquo;strategic crossroads&rdquo; to advance collaboration. &ldquo;We believe e-mail is overused as a form of communication and that it tends to encourage people to work in isolation,&rdquo; said Laughlin. &ldquo;We wanted an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas face-to-face.&rdquo;<br /><br />An eat-in kitchen with a concrete countertop island in which the Midwest Testing logo is etched is one such crossroad. Another is an outdoor patio with barbeque.</p>\n<p>The lobby is topped by a &ldquo;cloud&rdquo; ceiling with icicle pendant lights that evoke images of falling rain. The reception desk is situated deep in the lobby to enable visitors to connect with business operations. It also has a large flat panel television and residential-style seating. <br /><br />G S&nbsp; S General Contractors, Inc. managed construction with Stock&nbsp; Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. serving as civil engineer, Solutions AEC as mechanical engineer and McNealy Engineering, Inc. as structural engineer.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1000,372,4,2,1230433983,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"372\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 03:51 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:59:\"Midwest Testing Builds Sustainable Headquarters in Overland\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:59:\"midwest_testing_builds_sustainable_headquarters_in_overland\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:59:\"Midwest Testing Builds Sustainable Headquarters in Overland\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:187:\"The leadership of Midwest Testing sought to make a statement about the firm\\\'s commitment to the earth with Midwest\\\'s new $4 millionheadquarters and labs at 8606 Page Avenue in Overland.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"Midwest Testing, LEED, headquarters\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:5058:\"<p>The leadership of Midwest Testing sought to make a statement about the firm\\\'s commitment to the earth with Midwest\\\'s new $4 millionheadquarters and labs at 8606 Page Avenue in Overland.</p>\n<p>Underscoring the point, the geotechnical and environmental services provider is pursuing LEED silver certification for the 25,000-square-foot facility.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Midwest Testing\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"280\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/midwest-testing.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"350\\\" />&ldquo;We outgrew our old building and needed more efficient space that not only promotes teamwork and productivity but that reflects our stewardship to the environment,&rdquo; said Richard Laughlin, president. &ldquo;Our new office and labs are sustainable to create a healthy work environment and expandable to meet growth needs.&rdquo; Founded in 1985, the firm currently employs about 40 people.</p>\n<h4>Exterior of Midwest Testing&rsquo;s new $4 Million headquarters in Overland.</h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The two-story structure combines 14,000 square feet of office space with 11,000 square feet of lab and support area. Lab space hosts equipment for testing soil, concrete, asphalt and other materials used in foundations, pavements and commercial buildings.&nbsp; The structure is expandable by 15,000 square feet to accommodate future growth.<br /><strong><br />Soils&nbsp; Foundation Testing Goes Green</strong><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Designed by Lawrence, KS-based Treanor Architects, the sand-colored building incorporates a number of innovative green design elements and practices. They include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>A &ldquo;closed loop&rdquo; mist room for testing concrete strength that conserves water and the energy required for heating/cooling.</li>\n<li>Advanced mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that cut building operation costs by 30 percent. It includes low-flow plumbing, high-efficiency lighting and filtered HVAC for better air quality.</li>\n<li>A reflective, white roof and recycled crushed concrete aggregate pavement in the storage yard mitigates the &ldquo;heat island&rdquo; effect of a dark roof and asphalt pavement. The recycled aggregate pavement reduces stormwater runoff by allowing precipitation to percolate into the ground.</li>\n<li>A 5,000-gallon cistern to capture rainwater shed from the roof. The water helps irrigate the site, which is populated by plant species native to Missouri.</li>\n<li>A container for recycling tested concrete, asphalt and masonry materials, which are recycled through Eco-Recycling, located within three miles of Midwest&rsquo;s facility. </li>\n<li>An abundance of 10-foot-tall windows with three grades of glass to flood the interior with natural light, cooling the rays of the sun in summer and maximizing heat gain from the sun in winter.</li>\n<li>Bamboo floors, baseboards and doors, with carpet tiles made of recycled tires.</li>\n<li>Low VOC-emissive materials are found throughout the building.</li>\n<li>A bike rack, shower rooms and changing rooms to encourage alternatives to driving a car to work.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /><strong>Optimizing Work Space</strong></p>\n<p>The office component consists of private and semi-private offices, and cubicles. A conference room with retractable audio/visual equipment for presentations and ongoing education features a multi-part table that can be arranged in meeting or classroom configurations. The &ldquo;open plan&rdquo; design enables light to penetrate deep into the building and seeks to optimize productivity and spark collaboration. <br /><br />Each office is equipped with a U-shaped desk, designed to facilitate efficiency and organization. In-office seating is limited to a small cabinet on castors with a cushioned top. This arrangement serves a dual purpose: to help keep a quick conference on task and to encourage use of the conference room and its embedded technology for meetings requiring in-depth, detailed discussion. <br /><br />The office also has multiple &ldquo;strategic crossroads&rdquo; to advance collaboration. &ldquo;We believe e-mail is overused as a form of communication and that it tends to encourage people to work in isolation,&rdquo; said Laughlin. &ldquo;We wanted an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas face-to-face.&rdquo;<br /><br />An eat-in kitchen with a concrete countertop island in which the Midwest Testing logo is etched is one such crossroad. Another is an outdoor patio with barbeque.</p>\n<p>The lobby is topped by a &ldquo;cloud&rdquo; ceiling with icicle pendant lights that evoke images of falling rain. The reception desk is situated deep in the lobby to enable visitors to connect with business operations. It also has a large flat panel television and residential-style seating. <br /><br />GSS General Contractors, Inc. managed construction with Stock&nbsp; Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. serving as civil engineer, Solutions AEC as mechanical engineer and McNealy Engineering, Inc. as structural engineer.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1001,373,4,2,1230434200,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 04:14 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:54:\"Control Technology and Solutions Opens Dallas Office  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:52:\"control_technology_and_solutions_opens_dallas_office\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Control Technology and Solutions Opens Dallas Office \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:255:\" Control Technology and Solutions (CTS), a St. Louis, Mo.-based company that provides design and construction services that dramatically improve the energy efficiency of educational, institutional and commercial buildings, has opened an office in Dallas. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:41:\" Control Technology and Solutions, Dallas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:803:\"<p>&nbsp;Control Technology and Solutions (CTS), a St. Louis, Mo.-based company that provides design and construction services that dramatically improve the energy efficiency of educational, institutional and commercial buildings, has opened an office in Dallas.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Heading the new office, the sixth operated by CTS nationally, is Dallas native Roger Thibodeau.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Indicative of its focus is a $20 million project under way at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill., in which CTS is harvesting geothermal, solar and wind energy to make Lake Land the first self-sustaining college in Illinois. When work is complete, the school will save about 850,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 70,000 therms of natural gas each year, reducing its carbon output by 556 metric tons.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";}'),(1002,373,4,2,1230434258,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"373\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 04:14 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:52:\"Control Technology and Solutions Opens Dallas Office\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:52:\"control_technology_and_solutions_opens_dallas_office\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Control Technology and Solutions Opens Dallas Office \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:240:\" Control Technology and Solutions (CTS), a St. Louis, Mo.-based company that provides design and construction services to improve the energy efficiency of educational, institutional and commercial buildings, has opened an office in Dallas. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:41:\" Control Technology and Solutions, Dallas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:803:\"<p>&nbsp;Control Technology and Solutions (CTS), a St. Louis, Mo.-based company that provides design and construction services that dramatically improve the energy efficiency of educational, institutional and commercial buildings, has opened an office in Dallas.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Heading the new office, the sixth operated by CTS nationally, is Dallas native Roger Thibodeau.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Indicative of its focus is a $20 million project under way at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill., in which CTS is harvesting geothermal, solar and wind energy to make Lake Land the first self-sustaining college in Illinois. When work is complete, the school will save about 850,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 70,000 therms of natural gas each year, reducing its carbon output by 556 metric tons.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";}'),(1003,369,4,2,1230457812,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"369\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-26 10:03 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"O\\\'Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"ofallon_il_roundabout_wins_multiple_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"O\\\'Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:145:\"The City of O’Fallon, Illinois’, new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner & Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"O\\\"Fallon, roundabout, Horner & Shifrin\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1397:\"<p>The City of O&rsquo;Fallon, Illinois&rsquo;, new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner &amp; Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards.&nbsp; The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois recognized the project with a Merit Award, which is given, &ldquo;for those projects worthy of recognition for the engineer and the owner/client.&rdquo;&nbsp; Also, the Illinois Department of Transportation has honored the project with its Small Construction Project Award.<br /><br />This roundabout addresses several key benefits to motorists and residents of O&rsquo;Fallon, Horner &amp; Shifrin said.&nbsp; First, it alleviates much of the congestion that has plagued the intersection for years, thereby shortening commute times and reducing the number of accidents.&nbsp; Second, it is safer than an intersection that is regulated by traffic signals or stop signs. Finally, it reduces air pollution since vehicles no longer sit idling as they wait to enter the intersection.&nbsp; <br /><br />Steve Donahue, Horner &amp; Shifrin Project Manager said, &ldquo;It is always our goal to design projects that not only enhance the safety and convenience of the traveling public, but benefit the environment as well.&nbsp; I am pleased by the fact that air emissions will be reduced as a result of the virtual elimination of vehicles idling at this intersection.&rdquo;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1004,369,4,2,1230887326,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"369\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-26 10:03 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"O\\\'Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"ofallon_il_roundabout_wins_multiple_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"O\\\'Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:143:\"The City of O\\\'Fallon, Illinois\\\', new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner & Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"O\\\"Fallon, roundabout, Horner & Shifrin\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1397:\"<p>The City of O&rsquo;Fallon, Illinois&rsquo;, new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner &amp; Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards.&nbsp; The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois recognized the project with a Merit Award, which is given, &ldquo;for those projects worthy of recognition for the engineer and the owner/client.&rdquo;&nbsp; Also, the Illinois Department of Transportation has honored the project with its Small Construction Project Award.<br /><br />This roundabout addresses several key benefits to motorists and residents of O&rsquo;Fallon, Horner &amp; Shifrin said.&nbsp; First, it alleviates much of the congestion that has plagued the intersection for years, thereby shortening commute times and reducing the number of accidents.&nbsp; Second, it is safer than an intersection that is regulated by traffic signals or stop signs. Finally, it reduces air pollution since vehicles no longer sit idling as they wait to enter the intersection.&nbsp; <br /><br />Steve Donahue, Horner &amp; Shifrin Project Manager said, &ldquo;It is always our goal to design projects that not only enhance the safety and convenience of the traveling public, but benefit the environment as well.&nbsp; I am pleased by the fact that air emissions will be reduced as a result of the virtual elimination of vehicles idling at this intersection.&rdquo;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1005,372,4,2,1230887430,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"372\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 03:51 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:59:\"Midwest Testing Builds Sustainable Headquarters in Overland\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:59:\"midwest_testing_builds_sustainable_headquarters_in_overland\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:59:\"Midwest Testing Builds Sustainable Headquarters in Overland\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:187:\"The leadership of Midwest Testing sought to make a statement about the firm\\\'s commitment to the earth with Midwest\\\'s new $4 millionheadquarters and labs at 8606 Page Avenue in Overland.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"Midwest Testing, LEED, headquarters\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:5058:\"<p>The leadership of Midwest Testing sought to make a statement about the firm\\\'s commitment to the earth with Midwest\\\'s new $4 millionheadquarters and labs at 8606 Page Avenue in Overland.</p>\n<p>Underscoring the point, the geotechnical and environmental services provider is pursuing LEED silver certification for the 25,000-square-foot facility.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Midwest Testing\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"280\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/midwest-testing.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"350\\\" />&ldquo;We outgrew our old building and needed more efficient space that not only promotes teamwork and productivity but that reflects our stewardship to the environment,&rdquo; said Richard Laughlin, president. &ldquo;Our new office and labs are sustainable to create a healthy work environment and expandable to meet growth needs.&rdquo; Founded in 1985, the firm currently employs about 40 people.</p>\n<h4>Exterior of Midwest Testing&rsquo;s new $4 Million headquarters in Overland.</h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The two-story structure combines 14,000 square feet of office space with 11,000 square feet of lab and support area. Lab space hosts equipment for testing soil, concrete, asphalt and other materials used in foundations, pavements and commercial buildings.&nbsp; The structure is expandable by 15,000 square feet to accommodate future growth.<br /><strong><br />Soils&nbsp; Foundation Testing Goes Green</strong><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Designed by Lawrence, KS-based Treanor Architects, the sand-colored building incorporates a number of innovative green design elements and practices. They include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>A &ldquo;closed loop&rdquo; mist room for testing concrete strength that conserves water and the energy required for heating/cooling.</li>\n<li>Advanced mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that cut building operation costs by 30 percent. It includes low-flow plumbing, high-efficiency lighting and filtered HVAC for better air quality.</li>\n<li>A reflective, white roof and recycled crushed concrete aggregate pavement in the storage yard mitigates the &ldquo;heat island&rdquo; effect of a dark roof and asphalt pavement. The recycled aggregate pavement reduces stormwater runoff by allowing precipitation to percolate into the ground.</li>\n<li>A 5,000-gallon cistern to capture rainwater shed from the roof. The water helps irrigate the site, which is populated by plant species native to Missouri.</li>\n<li>A container for recycling tested concrete, asphalt and masonry materials, which are recycled through Eco-Recycling, located within three miles of Midwest&rsquo;s facility. </li>\n<li>An abundance of 10-foot-tall windows with three grades of glass to flood the interior with natural light, cooling the rays of the sun in summer and maximizing heat gain from the sun in winter.</li>\n<li>Bamboo floors, baseboards and doors, with carpet tiles made of recycled tires.</li>\n<li>Low VOC-emissive materials are found throughout the building.</li>\n<li>A bike rack, shower rooms and changing rooms to encourage alternatives to driving a car to work.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /><strong>Optimizing Work Space</strong></p>\n<p>The office component consists of private and semi-private offices, and cubicles. A conference room with retractable audio/visual equipment for presentations and ongoing education features a multi-part table that can be arranged in meeting or classroom configurations. The &ldquo;open plan&rdquo; design enables light to penetrate deep into the building and seeks to optimize productivity and spark collaboration. <br /><br />Each office is equipped with a U-shaped desk, designed to facilitate efficiency and organization. In-office seating is limited to a small cabinet on castors with a cushioned top. This arrangement serves a dual purpose: to help keep a quick conference on task and to encourage use of the conference room and its embedded technology for meetings requiring in-depth, detailed discussion. <br /><br />The office also has multiple &ldquo;strategic crossroads&rdquo; to advance collaboration. &ldquo;We believe e-mail is overused as a form of communication and that it tends to encourage people to work in isolation,&rdquo; said Laughlin. &ldquo;We wanted an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas face-to-face.&rdquo;<br /><br />An eat-in kitchen with a concrete countertop island in which the Midwest Testing logo is etched is one such crossroad. Another is an outdoor patio with barbeque.</p>\n<p>The lobby is topped by a &ldquo;cloud&rdquo; ceiling with icicle pendant lights that evoke images of falling rain. The reception desk is situated deep in the lobby to enable visitors to connect with business operations. It also has a large flat panel television and residential-style seating. <br /><br />GSS General Contractors, Inc. managed construction with Stock&nbsp; Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. serving as civil engineer, Solutions AEC as mechanical engineer and McNealy Engineering, Inc. as structural engineer.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1006,373,4,2,1230887483,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"373\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-27 04:14 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:52:\"Control Technology and Solutions Opens Dallas Office\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:52:\"control_technology_and_solutions_opens_dallas_office\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Control Technology and Solutions Opens Dallas Office \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:240:\" Control Technology and Solutions (CTS), a St. Louis, Mo.-based company that provides design and construction services to improve the energy efficiency of educational, institutional and commercial buildings, has opened an office in Dallas. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:41:\" Control Technology and Solutions, Dallas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:803:\"<p>&nbsp;Control Technology and Solutions (CTS), a St. Louis, Mo.-based company that provides design and construction services that dramatically improve the energy efficiency of educational, institutional and commercial buildings, has opened an office in Dallas.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Heading the new office, the sixth operated by CTS nationally, is Dallas native Roger Thibodeau.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Indicative of its focus is a $20 million project under way at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill., in which CTS is harvesting geothermal, solar and wind energy to make Lake Land the first self-sustaining college in Illinois. When work is complete, the school will save about 850,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 70,000 therms of natural gas each year, reducing its carbon output by 556 metric tons.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1008,374,10,2,1230888548,'a:32:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 10:12 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Where Are the Growth Opportunities?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"where_are_the_growth_opportunities\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:35:\"Where Are the Growth Opportunities?\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:186:\"The Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois fields its triennial panel of industry representatives to discuss where the construction growth will come from in the upcoming three years. \";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:31:\"Electrical Board, panel, growth\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:41:\"Ameren UE Auditorium, 1901 Chouteau Ave. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-01-22  8:00 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:41:\"Breakfast 8-8:30 AM, Panel 8:30 AM - Noon\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1166:\"<p>The Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois fields its triennial panel of industry representatives to discuss where the construction growth will come from in the upcoming three years.</p>\n<p>Panelists will provide insights designed to help you formulate busuiness plans for the next few years. Panelists are</p>\n<p><strong>Richard Mark</strong>, Ameren (industry growth opportunities through Power On, Pure, Power, and Energy Efficiency initiatives);</p>\n<p><strong>Jim Lucy</strong>, <em>Electrical Wholesaling </em>(growth areas for distributors and industry)</p>\n<p><strong>Tom Finan</strong>, <em>CNR</em> (regional growth)</p>\n<p><strong>Scott Wilson</strong>, SM Wilson (construction&nbsp; segments such as sustainability/LEED offering growth potential)</p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Tom Garrett</strong>, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (impact of the current financial/economic situation)</p>\n<p>Cost of the program is $50 per person for EBMI member firms and $75 for nonmembers. For more information or registration call or email Annie Reagan at EBMI at 636.305.6434; <a href=\\\"mailto:annie@electricalboard.org\\\">annie@electricalboard.org</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1009,375,3,2,1230890035,'a:22:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"3\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 10:51 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:16:\"Dr. John S. Gaal\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:14:\"dr_john_s_gaal\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_10\";s:4:\"Gaal\";s:11:\"field_ft_10\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_11\";s:11:\"Dr. John S.\";s:11:\"field_ft_11\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_41\";s:88:\"Director of Training and Workforce Development, Carpenters District Council of St. Louis\";s:11:\"field_ft_41\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_12\";s:157:\"<p>Dr. John Gaal was recognized by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers as the 2008 Diversity Champion in the St. Louis construction industry.</p>\";}'),(1010,375,3,2,1230890136,'a:22:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"3\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"375\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 10:51 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:16:\"Dr. John S. Gaal\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:14:\"dr_john_s_gaal\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_10\";s:4:\"Gaal\";s:11:\"field_ft_10\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_11\";s:11:\"Dr. John S.\";s:11:\"field_ft_11\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_41\";s:88:\"Director of Training and Workforce Development, Carpenters District Council of St. Louis\";s:11:\"field_ft_41\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_12\";s:157:\"<p>Dr. John Gaal was recognized by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers as the 2008 Diversity Champion in the St. Louis construction industry.</p>\";}'),(1011,376,5,2,1230890478,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 10:55 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:22:\"The 3Rs: I  Am \\\"We\\\"!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:15:\"the_3rs_i_am_we\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:22:\"The 3Rs: I  Am \\\"We\\\"!\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:3:\"375\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:518:\"On December 18, 2008, I had the esteemed honor and pleasure of being recognized by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers as the 2008 Diversity Champion in the St. Louis construction industry. Below you will find excerpts from my acceptance speech which focused on the 3Rs. No, not the 3Rs we remember from our days in the 20th century K-12 school system model known as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Rather the 3Rs Dr. Willard Daggett refers to as rigor, relevance, and relationships in the 21st century.\n\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:20:\"Gaal, diversity, 3Rs\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6679:\"<p><em>On December 18, 2008, I had the esteemed honor and pleasure of being recognized by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers as the 2008 Diversity Champion in the St. Louis construction industry. Below you will find excerpts from my acceptance speech which focused on the 3Rs. No, not the 3Rs we remember from our days in the 20th century K-12 school system model known as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Rather the 3Rs Dr. Willard Daggett refers to as rigor, relevance, and relationships in the 21st century.</em><br /><br /><strong>Rigor</strong><br />In today&rsquo;s world hardly a day goes by when we are not exposed to the matter of accountability. In the construction industry, a number of organizations are dedicated to ensuring that the topic of diversity is something more than words on paper. As a matter of fact, and to the dismay of a few present here today, Program Evaluation Methods was the final course in my quest towards a doctoral degree&hellip;a subject I found to be applicable to my world of work. To this end, ACCESS is an organization that is made-up of many stakeholders in the construction industry: owners, contractors, labor, CBOs, etc.</p>\n<p>One of ACCESS&rsquo; main functions is to provide program evaluation services in a standardized manner. Consequently, this allows the general public to gauge the effectiveness of the 11-plus pre-apprenticeship programs in this region. It is these pre-apprenticeship programs that purport to provide a pathway for non-traditional members of our society into the construction industry and, thusly, living wage jobs. And, since many of these programs cannot survive without federal funding, it is high-time that we &mdash; as taxpayers &mdash; insist that these pre-apprenticeship programs deliver measurable results! In this age of accountability, we can no longer be satisfied with merely the grass being greener and the sky being bluer.&nbsp; To this end, I commend MoDOT for taking steps to achieve this goal by implementing an outcomes-based pay-for-performance training model on the I-64 project.<br /><br /><strong>Relevance</strong><br />The construction industry I have dealt with for the past 30 years is certainly a demand-driven sector of our economy. Portable, industry recognized credentials are in-place because owners and/or contractors insisted that construction workers exhibit safe and productive work habits. Not to mention, labor unions have supported efforts to create safer and more productive environments for their members as evidenced through the OSHA 10 training, drug testing, and various journey-level upgrade courses offered.</p>\n<p>Additionally, some aspects of our industry have chosen to take matters one step further by placing emphasis on functional literacy skills (i.e., reading for information, applied math, and locating information). As students, apprentices, journeyworkers, teachers, trainers, or managers, it is incumbent upon us to speak a common language of learning. Unlike high school transcripts where an &ldquo;A&rdquo; in geometry in St. Louis may differ from the &ldquo;A&rdquo; in geometry in Chicago, ACT&rsquo;s WorkKeys provides a tool to accomplish this goal. Let it be known that these efforts have had such a positive impact on our industry that most of the pre-apprenticeship programs mentioned above &mdash;serving as feeders to the 15-plus joint apprenticeship programs&mdash;have redesigned their curricula to address these industry-relevant, portable credentials.</p>\n<p><strong>Relationships</strong><br />This award bestowed upon me today is the result of input from the many groups and individuals who have touched my life. As follows:</p>\n<p>Labor: Believe me, I could not do what I do without the support and inspiration from Terry Nelson, the CDC&rsquo;s Executive Board, and our 22,000 union members.<br />Management- I have deep respect for John Mulligan and Angelo Lancia from the AGC, Bob Behlman and Dave Marxkors from the HBA, Tim Wies and Dan Wienstroer from the WCCA, and Tony Prince and Mike Grigaitis from the FIC. (There is no doubt in my mind that the St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program is the largest federally-approved apprenticeship program in Missouri because of the true partnership between labor and management. As noted, the operative word &ldquo;joint&rdquo; does not refer to the item one may smoke but rather the importance of potentially opposing forces working together towards a common goal and what is best for our industry!)</p>\n<p>Owners: I appreciate people like Sandra Marks representing Washington University and the SLCCC&rsquo;s Dennis LaValle&hellip;their open minds allowed a non-owner (me) to sit at their diversity table and discuss matters of common interest. Additionally, I would be remiss in not thanking the MoDOT crew: Peter Rahn, Ed Hassinger, and Leslie Hofarth. If we are committed to diversifying this industry, their pre-apprenticeship training model must be considered beyond the public works sector.</p>\n<p>CBOs/FBOs: Groups such as Operation Excel&rsquo;s YouthBuild, Metropolitan Congregations United, local and state Workforce Investment Boards are vital organizations in keeping construction&rsquo;s stakeholders engaged in doing the right thing.</p>\n<p>Schools: Dr. Randy Dillon from the Special School District, Lori Sommer and Gwen Crimm from the Construction Careers Center, and Dr. Deborah Henry from St. Louis Community College all assist this industry by supporting various efforts at the youth and adult levels. I am also grateful to Jim Duane at UMSL for spearheading the WorkKeys profiles and assessments mentioned above.</p>\n<p>Government: The US-DOL&rsquo;s Office of Apprenticeship establishes nationally-recognized standards that ensure our industry&rsquo;s training programs competitively meet the demand-driven needs of a global marketplace.</p>\n<p>Friends: Thanks to Jim Ebeling and Tom Rhodenbaugh for their ongoing fatherly-advice and to my co-workers: Mark Fuchs, Craig Hood, Marvin Sanders, Debbie Augustine, Ginger Fearheiley and others not present. In addition, Alan Richter&rsquo;s progressive business mind has brought a breath of fresh air into addressing small contractors&rsquo; needs.</p>\n<p>Family: To my mother, father, children, and wonderful wife&hellip;Thank You!</p>\n<p>As I reflect on leadership clich&eacute;s, the one that comes to mind here is that there is no &ldquo;I&rdquo; in team. However, upon further review, there is a &ldquo;me&rdquo; in team. Therefore, since this award would not be possible without the relationships just cited, I propose the following: I am not me&hellip;I am &ldquo;we&rdquo;!<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1012,376,5,2,1230890528,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"376\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 10:55 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"9\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:22:\"The 3Rs: I  Am \\\"We\\\"!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:15:\"the_3rs_i_am_we\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:22:\"The 3Rs: I  Am \\\"We\\\"!\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:3:\"375\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:518:\"On December 18, 2008, I had the esteemed honor and pleasure of being recognized by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers as the 2008 Diversity Champion in the St. Louis construction industry. Below you will find excerpts from my acceptance speech which focused on the 3Rs. No, not the 3Rs we remember from our days in the 20th century K-12 school system model known as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Rather the 3Rs Dr. Willard Daggett refers to as rigor, relevance, and relationships in the 21st century.\n\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:20:\"Gaal, diversity, 3Rs\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6673:\"<p><em>On December 18, 2008, I had the esteemed honor and pleasure of being recognized by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers as the 2008 Diversity Champion in the St. Louis construction industry. Below you will find excerpts from my acceptance speech which focused on the 3Rs. No, not the 3Rs we remember from our days in the 20th century K-12 school system model known as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Rather the 3Rs Dr. Willard Daggett refers to as rigor, relevance, and relationships in the 21st century.</em><br /><br /><strong>Rigor</strong><br />In today&rsquo;s world hardly a day goes by when we are not exposed to the matter of accountability. In the construction industry, a number of organizations are dedicated to ensuring that the topic of diversity is something more than words on paper. As a matter of fact, and to the dismay of a few present here today, Program Evaluation Methods was the final course in my quest towards a doctoral degree&hellip;a subject I found to be applicable to my world of work. To this end, ACCESS is an organization that is made-up of many stakeholders in the construction industry: owners, contractors, labor, CBOs, etc.</p>\n<p>One of ACCESS&rsquo; main functions is to provide program evaluation services in a standardized manner. Consequently, this allows the general public to gauge the effectiveness of the 11-plus pre-apprenticeship programs in this region. It is these pre-apprenticeship programs that purport to provide a pathway for non-traditional members of our society into the construction industry and, thusly, living wage jobs. And, since many of these programs cannot survive without federal funding, it is high-time that we &mdash; as taxpayers &mdash; insist that these pre-apprenticeship programs deliver measurable results! In this age of accountability, we can no longer be satisfied with merely the grass being greener and the sky being bluer.&nbsp; To this end, I commend MoDOT for taking steps to achieve this goal by implementing an outcomes-based pay-for-performance training model on the I-64 project.<br /><br /><strong>Relevance</strong><br />The construction industry I have dealt with for the past 30 years is certainly a demand-driven sector of our economy. Portable, industry recognized credentials are in-place because owners and/or contractors insisted that construction workers exhibit safe and productive work habits. Not to mention, labor unions have supported efforts to create safer and more productive environments for their members as evidenced through the OSHA 10 training, drug testing, and various journey-level upgrade courses offered.</p>\n<p>Additionally, some aspects of our industry have chosen to take matters one step further by placing emphasis on functional literacy skills (i.e., reading for information, applied math, and locating information). As students, apprentices, journeyworkers, teachers, trainers, or managers, it is incumbent upon us to speak a common language of learning. Unlike high school transcripts where an &ldquo;A&rdquo; in geometry in St. Louis may differ from the &ldquo;A&rdquo; in geometry in Chicago, ACT&rsquo;s WorkKeys provides a tool to accomplish this goal. Let it be known that these efforts have had such a positive impact on our industry that most of the pre-apprenticeship programs mentioned above &mdash;serving as feeders to the 15-plus joint apprenticeship programs&mdash;have redesigned their curricula to address these industry-relevant, portable credentials.</p>\n<p><strong>Relationships</strong><br />This award bestowed upon me today is the result of input from the many groups and individuals who have touched my life. As follows:</p>\n<p>Labor: Believe me, I could not do what I do without the support and inspiration from Terry Nelson, the CDC&rsquo;s Executive Board, and our 22,000 union members.<br />Management- I have deep respect for John Mulligan and Angelo Lancia from the AGC, Bob Behlman and Dave Marxkors from the HBA, Tim Wies and Dan Wienstroer from the WCCA, and Tony Prince and Mike Grigaitis from the FIC. (There is no doubt in my mind that the St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program is the largest federally-approved apprenticeship program in Missouri because of the true partnership between labor and management. As noted, the operative word &ldquo;joint&rdquo; does not refer to the item one may smoke but rather the importance of potentially opposing forces working together towards a common goal and what is best for our industry!)</p>\n<p>Owners: I appreciate people like Sandra Marks representing Washington University and the SLCCC&rsquo;s Dennis LaValle&hellip;their open minds allowed a non-owner (me) to sit at their diversity table and discuss matters of common interest. Additionally, I would be remiss in not thanking the MoDOT crew: Peter Rahn, Ed Hassinger, and Leslie Hofarth. If we are committed to diversifying this industry, their pre-apprenticeship training model must be considered beyond the public works sector.</p>\n<p>CBOs/FBOs: Groups such as Operation Excel&rsquo;s YouthBuild, Metropolitan Congregations United, local and state Workforce Investment Boards are vital organizations in keeping construction&rsquo;s stakeholders engaged in doing the right thing.</p>\n<p>Schools: Dr. Randy Dillon from the Special School District, Lori Sommer and Gwen Crimm from the Construction Careers Center, and Dr. Deborah Henry from St. Louis Community College all assist this industry by supporting various efforts at the youth and adult levels. I am also grateful to Jim Duane at UMSL for spearheading the WorkKeys profiles and assessments mentioned above.</p>\n<p>Government: The US-DOL&rsquo;s Office of Apprenticeship establishes nationally-recognized standards that ensure our industry&rsquo;s training programs competitively meet the demand-driven needs of a global marketplace.</p>\n<p>Friends: Thanks to Jim Ebeling and Tom Rhodenbaugh for their ongoing fatherly-advice and to my co-workers: Mark Fuchs, Craig Hood, Marvin Sanders, Debbie Augustine, Ginger Fearheiley and others not present. In addition, Alan Richter&rsquo;s progressive business mind has brought a breath of fresh air into addressing small contractors&rsquo; needs.</p>\n<p>Family: To my mother, father, children, and wonderful wife&hellip;Thank You!</p>\n<p>As I reflect on leadership clich&eacute;s, the one that comes to mind here is that there is no &ldquo;I&rdquo; in team. However, upon further review, there is a &ldquo;me&rdquo; in team. Therefore, since this award would not be possible without the relationships just cited, I propose the following: I am not me&hellip;I am &ldquo;we&rdquo;!</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1013,369,4,2,1230890637,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"369\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-26 10:03 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"O\\\'Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"ofallon_il_roundabout_wins_multiple_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"O\\\'Fallon, IL, Roundabout Wins Multiple Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:143:\"The City of O\\\'Fallon, Illinois\\\', new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner & Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"O\\\"Fallon, roundabout, Horner & Shifrin\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1397:\"<p>The City of O&rsquo;Fallon, Illinois&rsquo;, new State and Obernuefemann roundabout, designed by Horner &amp; Shifrin, recently received two prominent awards.&nbsp; The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois recognized the project with a Merit Award, which is given, &ldquo;for those projects worthy of recognition for the engineer and the owner/client.&rdquo;&nbsp; Also, the Illinois Department of Transportation has honored the project with its Small Construction Project Award.<br /><br />This roundabout addresses several key benefits to motorists and residents of O&rsquo;Fallon, Horner &amp; Shifrin said.&nbsp; First, it alleviates much of the congestion that has plagued the intersection for years, thereby shortening commute times and reducing the number of accidents.&nbsp; Second, it is safer than an intersection that is regulated by traffic signals or stop signs. Finally, it reduces air pollution since vehicles no longer sit idling as they wait to enter the intersection.&nbsp; <br /><br />Steve Donahue, Horner &amp; Shifrin Project Manager said, &ldquo;It is always our goal to design projects that not only enhance the safety and convenience of the traveling public, but benefit the environment as well.&nbsp; I am pleased by the fact that air emissions will be reduced as a result of the virtual elimination of vehicles idling at this intersection.&rdquo;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1014,377,2,2,1230891633,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 11:05 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Blu Sky? Finance Mysteries Continue\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"blu_sky_finance_mysteries_continue\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Blu Sky? Finance Mysteries Continue\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:301:\"In the category of \\\"Haven\\\'t we been here before?\\\", Chicago-based Silverstone Development - Midwest sent out a news release on Dec. 31 stating that, \\\"Blu CitySpaces Condominiums at 210 N. 17th Street in downtown St. Louis announces an exceptional 100% financing program for first time homebuyers.\\\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:14:\"Blu CitiSpaces\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2193:\"<p>In the category of \\\"Haven\\\'t we been here before?\\\", Chicago-based Silverstone Development - Midwest sent out a news release on Dec. 31 stating that, \\\"<a href=\\\"http://www.blucityspaces.com\\\">Blu CitySpaces Condominiums </a>at 210 N. 17th Street in downtown St. Louis announces an exceptional 100% financing program for first time homebuyers.\\\"</p>\n<p>The program includes 100% financing with no down payment, $5,000 grants that build instant equity and $7,500 tax credits for qualified buyers.&nbsp; Blu CitySpaces has partnered with Gorman &amp; Gorman Home Loans to provide the financing, the release stated.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Blucityspaces\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"232\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/blucityspaces-1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />\\\"Offering an unprecedented range of options to make homeownership a reality in the current economic market, Blu CitySpaces continues to be a leader in downtown revitalization,\\\" the release stated.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>According a statement by Steve Anrod, developer of Blu CitySpaces, &ldquo;The ability to provide a catalyst to continue residential growth in the area is an amazing opportunity. Potential buyers will find that the exceptional financing options offered at Blu CitySpaces make homeownership within reach right now.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Silverstone Development-Midwest opened Blu CitySpaces, a 144 unit condominium development,&nbsp; in early 2007. Price points begin in the $70&rsquo;s for studios, $90&rsquo;s for one bedrooms and $130&rsquo;s for two bedrooms. Blu CitySpaces offers homes that range in size from 430 square feet to over 800 square feet with luxury finishes and amenities.&nbsp; European-style kitchens, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops are standard elements at Blu CitySpaces.&nbsp; Approximately half of all available homes have private balconies. Upgrades also include custom organizational and closet systems from St. Louis Closet Company and washer and dryers in the homes. Blu CitySpaces has approximately 4300 square feet of retail and office space and 3600 square feet of restaurant space available.&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1015,378,4,2,1230892402,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 11:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"5\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"Painting and Decorating Foundation Board Takes Office\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"painting_and_decorating_foundation_board_takes_office\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Painting and Decorating Foundation Board Takes Office\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:99:\"The Painting and Decorating Foundation of St. Louis has announced its board of directors for 2009. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:46:\"PDF, board, Painting and Decorating Foundation\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:4887:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.stlouispdf.org\\\" title=\\\"Painting and Decorating Foundation\\\">The Painting and Decorating Foundation</a> of St. Louis has announced its board of directors for 2009. <br /><br />Chairman is Dave Behlman, Chesterfield Drywall. Directors are Don Thomas, Thomas Industrial, Inc.; Mark Borgmann, Leach Painting Co.; Perry Schneider, West Park Painting Co.; Jim Runge, Runge Painting Co.;&nbsp; and Jake Whittle, Niehaus Construction.</p>\n<p>The Painting and Decorating Foundation was founded as a\nnonprofit,&nbsp; tax-exempt organization in 1974 to contribute to the\nadvancement of the painting, drywall and wallcovering industry in the\nSt. Louis area. PDF serves as an industry resources in the areas of technical expertise, safety/training, and labor/management relations.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1016,379,2,2,1230893380,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 11:39 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:23:\"BIMming With Enthusiasm\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:23:\"bimming_with_enthusiasm\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:23:\"BIMming With Enthusiasm\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:280:\"If you think building information modeling (BIM) is just an over-hyped fad, you haven’t been talking to people who use it. A recent report from McGraw-Hill Construction documents that architects, engineers, contractors and owners who use BIM tools are enthusiastic about them.\n\n\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"BIM, Jones, Reim, Gayer, Manuel\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10048:\"<p>If you think building information modeling (BIM) is just an over-hyped fad, you haven&rsquo;t been talking to people who use it. A recent report from McGraw-Hill Construction documents that architects, engineers, contractors and owners who use BIM tools are enthusiastic about them.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;BIM is quickly becoming the gold standard by which firms do work,&rdquo; said Steve Jones, senior director of business development, McGraw-Hill Construction, and one of the co-authors of the &ldquo;Building Information Modeling (BIM) SmartMarket Report.&rdquo;</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"BIM\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"301\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/BIM.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />According to Jones, 62 percent of BIM users next year will use it on more than 30 percent of their project, and 45 percent of users will use it on at least 60 percent of their projects.<br />&ldquo;It is a notable differentiator among competitors, a time-saver and a cost-reducer. BIM dramatically shifts businesses&rsquo; productivity and ROI,&rdquo; he said. Companies that track value metrics are reporting returns on investment (ROI) in of 300 to 500 percent through improved project outcomes, better communication and enhanced productivity. &ldquo;This is why<br />we are seeing such rapid growth,&rdquo; Jones said.</p>\n<p>Jones defined BIM as &ldquo;the process of creating and using digital models for design, construction or operations of projects.&rdquo; BIM involves digital content such as structural elements, mechanical equipment and building envelope and windows; and software tools for architectural, structural and mechanical modeling, often integrated with energy analysis, scheduling, estimating, and other vital functions.</p>\n<p><br /><strong>It Counts</strong><br />Ron Reim, executive vice president of Occulus, Inc., a St. Louis-based architecture firm, has been enthusiastic about BIM for years. Occulus was one of the first adopters of Revit in the Midwest, and one of the company&rsquo;s first 30 customers anywhere, he said. &ldquo;I accidentally stumbled into an introduction to Revit seminar at a design conference in Portland about eight years ago. It was not well attended,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They did some demos, which were pretty impressive even then, and handed out free disks. When I came back to the office and someone loaded it up, we realized it had extraordinary potential,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Occulus was doing a lot of facility work for major companies at the time, and Revit gave them a way to manage the data, as Reim explained in the following anecdote: &ldquo;Anheuser-Busch called and asked if we could have a facility report in two weeks for them because they wanted to see if they could abandon all their leased office space and move everyone to their corporate campus. We spend a day trying to figure out how to get answers for them. We couldn&rsquo;t with Autocad, but we found that Revit counted automatically and measured square footage automatically, so we called Anheuser-Busch back and said that we thought we had a way to do it, but not in Autocad, which is what everyone was using. In a week and a half we had space plans for most of the buildings down there, counted and measured all the furniture, and identified the linchpin: they had enough room in the buildings, but not enough parking. They figured the cost of building more parking and decided to stay put.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>That power to manage data was extraordinary. &ldquo;This tool gave us the ability to move beyond drawings,&rdquo; Reim said. The thought of spending time counting all the folks in two million square feet of office space was staggering, so Revit was the only way to do it,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>The other advantage of Revit was that it worked more like a designer thinks, said Reim. &ldquo;Designers didn&rsquo;t like CAD,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We were doing drawings on paper and having interns convert them to CAD, and we always lost a lot of information in the translation. The BIM interface was more like we were taught to think in architecture school, so it let our designers leap into the digital format sooner and we captured more information earlier in the process. That&rsquo;s how we moved into it.&rdquo;</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Clash Checking</strong><br />Adam Lega, BIM coordinator at KAI Design and Build, worked for Revit when Reim and Occulus were adopting it. He said KAI also is an early adopter of BIM, and the company is now doing all of its projects with BIM.</p>\n<p>BIM, he said, has fundamentally changed the design process at KAI. &ldquo;Instead of drawing buildings by line, we construct virtual buildings,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The people who use BIM have to know how to actually put a building together. They have to know how to design. So the client is getting the best effort from start of project.&rdquo;<br />In the old process, &ldquo;the designer came up with the design and an intern translated it into construction documents,&rdquo; said Lega. &ldquo;With BIM the designer still comes up with the idea, and then the designer builds it virtually. In BIM, you have to think about all dimensions, so interns can&rsquo;t detail it correctly.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>The biggest advantage of the new process is not the pretty pictures, he said, but rather the ability to see if there are conflicts. &ldquo;The real power is the ability to do interference checking, the ability to check your pipe and duct everywhere, for example, and see if they are crossing and if you have to move one,&rdquo; Lega said.<br />While most of the contractors that Occulus works with &ldquo;are not technologically capable or attitudinally willing&rdquo; to work in BIM, said Reim; Lega said that most of the contractors with whom KAI works &ldquo;are driving the BIM effort within their industry.&rdquo; If they do not have the capability to use BIM, KAI will give them construction documents in the form they want and also &ldquo;offer to teach them how to use BIM,&rdquo; Lega said.</p>\n<p>Andrew Gayer, vice president and structural engineering principal of HOK, said the largest design firm calling St. Louis home is using BIM on all of its projects worldwideand for many of the same reasons mentioned by Reim and Lega.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;It is about useful data, about quantities of doors, about furniture placing, glare on computer monitors, etc.,&rdquo; he said. HOK releases its BIM model on each project to contractors so they can get quantities out of the model for estimating purposes and use the BIM model as the basis for their construction model. &ldquo;Now there is no question of how many doors are in the project. We know exactly how many and that makes estimates more accurate,&rdquo; he said.<br />BIM also lets HOK do more upfront energy analyses, he said. &ldquo;We can pull out the windows and look at reflectivity, for example, and with the push of a button we can get an energy analysis based on geography and see what happens if we change the reflectivity of the glass or if we change lights. We can give the owner a range of options and tell which option is cheaper,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>As at KAI, BIM &ldquo;front loads&rdquo; the work at HOK, shifting more effort into schematic design and design development, Gayer said. &ldquo;When you put a line on a CAD drawing, you didn&rsquo;t necessarily have to know everything about that line,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Now, when you put a beam or a column or a window or a door into a BIM model, you have to know what it is, so the work flow is more forward loaded,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;The actual building is really version two and the BIM model is version one,&rdquo; Gayer said. &ldquo;You have to know what you are putting into version one or you will get garbage,&rdquo; he said.<br />&ldquo;It makes designing fun again,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re not drawing lines, we&rsquo;re building a building.&rdquo;</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Still Working Out How to Share</strong><br />What has attracted the most attention to BIM is not any of the benefits that accrue internally to a company that uses a digital model for design or construction or operations, however, but the potential benefits of sharing information among the designers, contractors, and building owner.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;The concept is that designers, constructors, and operators will all add their information to the model,&rdquo; said Andrew Manuel, shareholder, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, PC. And that new concept brings with it a new set of potential liability issues that have to be worked out. If multiple parties are going to be sharing information that goes into a building model, and putting information into the model, they have to think up front about how they are going to do that, he said. In other words, they should agree on protocols that &ldquo;are very specific about the hardware that is used, the software, the protocols for transmitting information, who is going to put information in and what type of information, etc., so that everyone has a common understanding,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Manuel said that of the various standard form construction documents available today, &ldquo;ConsensusDOCS do the best job of setting up protocols.&rdquo; The essential point, he said, &ldquo;is to have a clear expression of what you intend to do in your contract at the beginning of the contract, including not just your scope of work but also the intended uses of the BIM model and how you are going to build the model&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Or, as Gayer phrased it, &ldquo;The ability to rely on information in the BIM is very important, as is the ability to know what is in or is not in the BIM.&rdquo;<br />Gayer added that HOK does not like any the way any of the standard form construction documents treat BIM, not AIA, AGC, or ConsensusDOCS; so HOK is developing its own documents.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;The AIA says design documents just express the intent of the design. We are now saying that our BIM document is good enough to build by,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1017,378,4,2,1230894283,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"378\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 11:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"5\";i:1;s:2:\"33\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"Painting and Decorating Foundation Board Takes Office\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"painting_and_decorating_foundation_board_takes_office\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Painting and Decorating Foundation Board Takes Office\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:105:\"The Painting and Decorating Foundation (PDF) of St. Louis has announced its board of directors for 2009. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:46:\"PDF, board, Painting and Decorating Foundation\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:4893:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.stlouispdf.org\\\" title=\\\"Painting and Decorating Foundation\\\">The Painting and Decorating Foundation</a> (PDF) of St. Louis has announced its board of directors for 2009. <br /><br />Chairman is Dave Behlman, Chesterfield Drywall. Directors are Don Thomas, Thomas Industrial, Inc.; Mark Borgmann, Leach Painting Co.; Perry Schneider, West Park Painting Co.; Jim Runge, Runge Painting Co.;&nbsp; and Jake Whittle, Niehaus Construction.</p>\n<p>The Painting and Decorating Foundation was founded as a\nnonprofit,&nbsp; tax-exempt organization in 1974 to contribute to the\nadvancement of the painting, drywall and wallcovering industry in the\nSt. Louis area. PDF serves as an industry resources in the areas of technical expertise, safety/training, and labor/management relations.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"33\";}'),(1018,380,2,2,1230934051,'a:28:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-02 10:53 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"modot_announces_top_10_st_louis_projects_for_2009\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:253:\"With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department ofTransportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:23:\"MoDOT, projects, Top 10\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:4949:\"<p>With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department ofTransportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.<br /><br />MoDOT has more than 80 construction projects scheduled for 2009 throughoutthe area, which includes St. Louis City and County, as well as St. Charles,Franklin and Jefferson County.&nbsp; The top 10 list includes work in everycounty.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Hanley Bridge Demolition\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The Top 10 St. Louis region construction projects are:<br /><br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 64 from Kingshighway to I-170.</strong> All lanes of I-64 and several interchanges are closed for I-64 reconstruction work. Work will bearound the clock, and includes work on interchanges and overpasses. Work runs from December 2008 to late 2009. Drivers are encouraged to use I-70 andI-44 as alternate routes. Construction which significantly impacts cross traffic include the Hampton Bridge and ramps closed from September 2008 toJuly 2009 and the Hanley Bridge and I-64 ramps closed December 2008 until late 2009. This project is estimated to impact more than 150,000 driversdaily.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55 from 4500 South Broadway to Lindbergh</strong>. This project will replace the Union Bridges, rehabilitate the Holly Hills and Delor<br />bridges and upgrade the Bowen pedestrian bridge to be compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA requirements). Construction work begins in fall 2009 and will impact more than 139,000 drivers daily. Union Bridges will be closed in spring 2010.<br /><br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Arsenal</strong>. Project will replace the bridge deck. Drivers can expect lane closures and restrictions between summer 2009 to winter 2010. This work should impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Meramec River and Lewis Rd.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge deck.&nbsp; It requires lane closures on westbound I-44 and on Lewis Road and a ramp closure from Lewis Road to westbound I-44. Construction runs spring 2009-winter 2010. This work will impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 70, Poplar Street Bridge to I-44/55. </strong>Crews will install median barrier, signs, guardrail and curbs between winter and summer 2010.This area will get extremely congested, especially during morning and evening peak traffic periods. This work is expected to impact 105,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; Interstate 64, Taylor to Vandeventer.</strong> This project will overlay pavement and install guardrail. A separate project will perform structural repairs on Vandeventer. Drivers can expect lane closures and permanent restrictions from summer 2009 to winter 2010. This project will impact an estimated 90,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 55 at Route M. </strong>This project will modify the interchange of Route M and southbound I-55. Crews will also relocate the weigh station during this project. This project starts in winter 2009 and is expected to impact an estimated 67,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55, Route M to St. Genevieve county line.</strong> In this project, crews will resurface the interstate.&nbsp; Drivers can expect temporary<br />lane closures on the interstate, starting in summer 2009. This project will impact about 59,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Route 364 east and west of Harvester Road.</strong> During this project, an additional mile of Route 94 will be upgraded to a limited access roadway,<br />with an overpass for Harvester Road and one-way outer roads.&nbsp; Permanent lane restrictions and some non-peak lane closures. Includes weekend and day work. The project continues until fall 2009 and will impact about 44,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />10.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 44 over Bourbeuse River.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge over the Bourbeuse River. Drivers can expect lane restrictions between spring and winter 2009. This project will impact approximately 42,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />Additionally, the top currently programmed construction projects for each area and county are listed under \\\"Major Projects\\\" by county on the St. Louis<br />website at <a href=\\\"http://www.modot.org/stlouis. \\\">www.modot.org/stlouis</a>. Information on these projects will beupdated as it becomes available.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:44:\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";}'),(1019,380,2,2,1230934124,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"380\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-02 10:53 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"modot_announces_top_10_st_louis_projects_for_2009\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:253:\"With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department ofTransportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:23:\"MoDOT, projects, Top 10\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:4949:\"<p>With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department ofTransportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.<br /><br />MoDOT has more than 80 construction projects scheduled for 2009 throughoutthe area, which includes St. Louis City and County, as well as St. Charles,Franklin and Jefferson County.&nbsp; The top 10 list includes work in everycounty.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Hanley Bridge Demolition\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The Top 10 St. Louis region construction projects are:<br /><br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 64 from Kingshighway to I-170.</strong> All lanes of I-64 and several interchanges are closed for I-64 reconstruction work. Work will bearound the clock, and includes work on interchanges and overpasses. Work runs from December 2008 to late 2009. Drivers are encouraged to use I-70 andI-44 as alternate routes. Construction which significantly impacts cross traffic include the Hampton Bridge and ramps closed from September 2008 toJuly 2009 and the Hanley Bridge and I-64 ramps closed December 2008 until late 2009. This project is estimated to impact more than 150,000 driversdaily.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55 from 4500 South Broadway to Lindbergh</strong>. This project will replace the Union Bridges, rehabilitate the Holly Hills and Delor<br />bridges and upgrade the Bowen pedestrian bridge to be compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA requirements). Construction work begins in fall 2009 and will impact more than 139,000 drivers daily. Union Bridges will be closed in spring 2010.<br /><br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Arsenal</strong>. Project will replace the bridge deck. Drivers can expect lane closures and restrictions between summer 2009 to winter 2010. This work should impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Meramec River and Lewis Rd.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge deck.&nbsp; It requires lane closures on westbound I-44 and on Lewis Road and a ramp closure from Lewis Road to westbound I-44. Construction runs spring 2009-winter 2010. This work will impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 70, Poplar Street Bridge to I-44/55. </strong>Crews will install median barrier, signs, guardrail and curbs between winter and summer 2010.This area will get extremely congested, especially during morning and evening peak traffic periods. This work is expected to impact 105,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; Interstate 64, Taylor to Vandeventer.</strong> This project will overlay pavement and install guardrail. A separate project will perform structural repairs on Vandeventer. Drivers can expect lane closures and permanent restrictions from summer 2009 to winter 2010. This project will impact an estimated 90,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 55 at Route M. </strong>This project will modify the interchange of Route M and southbound I-55. Crews will also relocate the weigh station during this project. This project starts in winter 2009 and is expected to impact an estimated 67,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55, Route M to St. Genevieve county line.</strong> In this project, crews will resurface the interstate.&nbsp; Drivers can expect temporary<br />lane closures on the interstate, starting in summer 2009. This project will impact about 59,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Route 364 east and west of Harvester Road.</strong> During this project, an additional mile of Route 94 will be upgraded to a limited access roadway,<br />with an overpass for Harvester Road and one-way outer roads.&nbsp; Permanent lane restrictions and some non-peak lane closures. Includes weekend and day work. The project continues until fall 2009 and will impact about 44,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />10.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 44 over Bourbeuse River.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge over the Bourbeuse River. Drivers can expect lane restrictions between spring and winter 2009. This project will impact approximately 42,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />Additionally, the top currently programmed construction projects for each area and county are listed under \\\"Major Projects\\\" by county on the St. Louis<br />website at <a href=\\\"http://www.modot.org/stlouis. \\\">www.modot.org/stlouis</a>. Information on these projects will beupdated as it becomes available.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:44:\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1020,359,2,2,1230934150,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"359\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-25 05:43 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:48:\"House of Cards:  The Collapse of Demand Electric\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"house_of_cards_the_collapse_of_demand_electric\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:48:\"House of Cards:  The Collapse of Demand Electric\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:183:\"Fueled by a high octane credit line, Demand Electric was a bright, soaring star among St. Louis specialty contractors. But when the credit ran out, Demand came crashing back to earth.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:48:\"Demand Electric, The Business Bank, IBEW Local 1\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:6970:\"<p>Fueled by a high octane credit line, Demand Electric was a bright, soaring star among St. Louis specialty contractors. But when the credit ran out, Demand came crashing back to earth.</p>\n<p>Dennis Daugherty, formerly a project manager at Guarantee Electrical\nCompany, started Demand Electric in August 2003 with six employees. In\nan industry where it is rare for companies to more than double in size\nin five years, Demand Electric grew almost 20-fold in that time,\nreporting revenues of $22 million for 2007 and employing over 100\nworkers right before the company&rsquo;s sudden collapse in August 2008.&nbsp;\nIndustry watchers described the company&rsquo;s growth as &ldquo;astronomical&rdquo; or\n&ldquo;extraordinary.&rdquo; Demand&rsquo;s growth was so rapid that Demand made the St.\nLouis Business Journal&rsquo;s 2008 list of the 25 fastest growing private\ncompanies in St. Louis.<br /> <br /> <img alt=\\\"Demand Electric\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/demand-electric.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />CNR\nhas pieced together one version of Demand Electrics sudden ascent and\nsubsequent crash from sources familiar with the company, all of whom\ndemanded anonymity. The principals of the story &ndash; Dave Daugherty, his\nbank, and the leaders of Local 1 of the IBEW (International Brotherhood\nof Electrical Workers) &ndash; were unavailable for comment, as they had all\nagreed not to talk about the company.<br /> <br /> By all accounts Daugherty was a go-getter and a risk-taker. He had a\nnew vision of how to operate a commercial contracting business in St.\nLouis, a vision born of watching highly leveraged companies in other\nindustry sectors, and he worked hard to make it a reality. He also was\noutspokenly critical of what he saw as the timid or conservative\nbusiness practices of the local construction industry.<br /> <br /> What made Daugherty so outstanding, however, was not so much his\nattitude, as the confluence of his attitude with a credit bubble that\nallowed him to put his ideas into practice using other people&rsquo;s money.\nNew contractors typically have to put up everything they own in order\nto get a line of credit that isn&rsquo;t worth much more than their assets.\nContractors like to say, with just a bit of exaggeration, that banks\naren&rsquo;t lending them any money that the contractors don&rsquo;t already have.\nThe failure rate for new companies is quite high and lenders generally\nwant to make sure that there are sufficient physical assets pledged to\nthe loan that they can recover their money if a business fails.\nSimilarly, as contractors become established, they generally grow\nslowly because lenders still want to make sure there are sufficient\nassets pledged to cover the loan if the business fails. In effect,\nlenders are turning a contractor&rsquo;s fixed assets into cash so he can\noperate.<br /> <br /> Daugherty, however, found a banker during the inflationary period of\nthe credit bubble willing to lend him much more than he was worth so\nthat he could grow his business. That lender was The Business Bank of\nSt. Louis. The result was that Demand Electric was incredibly leveraged\nwith debt&nbsp;&mdash; observers say uniquely so.<br /> <br /> Daugherty used debt to fuel Demand&rsquo;s growth. His salesmanship convinced\nowners and general contractors to give him opportunities, but debt\nallowed him to take advantage of them. His growth was so rapid that\nincome from completed jobs was not enough to fund new work. He was\nrelying on his credit line to buy supplies and meet his ever expanding\npayroll.<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, Demand Electric reported that revenues in 2007\nreached $22 million. Times, however, were changing, and Demand Electric\nseemed unprepared for the backlash in the credit markets following the\ncollapse of speculative mortgage lending. Federal bank examiners began\ntelling banks to reduce their exposure in real estate and construction.\nWhether that is what prompted The Business Bank to take another look at\nDemand Electric&rsquo;s account, we don&rsquo;t know. In any event, the bank did\nlook again at Demand credit line and its collateral, and did not like\nwhat it saw.<br /> <br /> Some sources familiar with Demand Electric blame The Business Bank for\nDemand&rsquo;s sudden demise. They say the bank&rsquo;s decision in August 2008 to\ndeny Daugherty access to the remaining money in his line of credit is\nwhat did him in. <br /> <br /> But Demand was in trouble before that decision. A month before, Demand\nElectric&rsquo;s landlord had filed suit to evict the company from its\noffices at 1846 Craig Park Ct. for nonpayment of rent. The first vendor\nlawsuit against Demand Electric was filed in July, too.<br /> <br /> When The Business Bank told Daugherty that they were reducing his line\nof credit by one-third to the amount he had already borrowed, he\nreportedly told the bank that he needed the additional credit to meet\npayroll, and that he was relying on that line of credit exclusively for\nthe capital for the jobs he had undertaken, sources said. That is when\nthe bank became seriously concerned. They declined to give Daugherty\nany additional money. Daugherty reportedly shopped around for another\nloan, but could not find a willing lender. The following Monday The\nBusiness Bank took control of his office and all of his business\nrecords. In the meantime, he had laid-off all of his workers, because\nhe lacked any ability to pay them.<br /> <br /> &ldquo;It was one of the most disruptive closings the industry has ever\nexperienced,&rdquo; one source said. St. Louis Community College&rsquo;s\ndistrict-wide science lab renovation program was one of the building\nprograms affected by Demand&rsquo;s collapse. The construction manager, S.M.\nWilson &amp; Co., was able to get Aschinger Electric on board to\nreplace Demand in short order. Some of the other affected projects\ninvolved Peruque Station in St. Charles County, Duke Realty&rsquo;s Maryville\nCentre, Charter Development Group, and Christian Hospital Northeast.<br /> <br /> The bank&rsquo;s takeover set in motion an avalanche of work for lawyers.\nIBEW Local 1 and NECA-St. Louis filed suit in federal court against\nDemand Electric, The Business Bank of St. Louis, and Providence\nCounseling, for contributions Demand Electric owed to electrical\nindustry trust funds. The settlement of that case included a gag order\non the principals involved. French-Gerleman Electric filed a mechanic&rsquo;s\nlien; Graybar and Colorado Electric Supply each sued Demand for breach\nof contract. Liebert, Western Extralite, Rexel Electric Supply, Butler\nSupply Co., and Warren Sign Co. all followed with their own liens.</p>\n<p>Demand Electric&rsquo;s sudden collapse was met almost with glee in some quarters. &ldquo;A lot of people were jealous of Daugherty,&rdquo; one source said. &ldquo;The extraordinary think was that he pulled it off for as long as he did.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/demand-electric.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1021,380,2,2,1230934442,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"380\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-02 10:53 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"modot_announces_top_10_st_louis_projects_for_2009\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:254:\"With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:23:\"MoDOT, projects, Top 10\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5100:\"<p>With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.<br /><br />MoDOT has more than 80 construction projects scheduled for 2009 throughoutthe area, which includes St. Louis City and County, as well as St. Charles,Franklin and Jefferson County.&nbsp; The top 10 list includes work in everycounty.<br /></p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"Hanley Bridge Demolition\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></h4>\n<h4>A tangled mass of rebar was all that was left of the Hanley I-64 overpass following demolition. (Photo courtesy of MoDOT).<br /></h4>\n<p>The Top 10 St. Louis region construction projects are:<br /><br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 64 from Kingshighway to I-170.</strong> All lanes of I-64 and several interchanges are closed for I-64 reconstruction work. Work will bearound the clock, and includes work on interchanges and overpasses. Work runs from December 2008 to late 2009. Drivers are encouraged to use I-70 andI-44 as alternate routes. Construction which significantly impacts cross traffic include the Hampton Bridge and ramps closed from September 2008 toJuly 2009 and the Hanley Bridge and I-64 ramps closed December 2008 until late 2009. This project is estimated to impact more than 150,000 driversdaily.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55 from 4500 South Broadway to Lindbergh</strong>. This project will replace the Union Bridges, rehabilitate the Holly Hills and Delor<br />bridges and upgrade the Bowen pedestrian bridge to be compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA requirements). Construction work begins in fall 2009 and will impact more than 139,000 drivers daily. Union Bridges will be closed in spring 2010.<br /><br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Arsenal</strong>. Project will replace the bridge deck. Drivers can expect lane closures and restrictions between summer 2009 to winter 2010. This work should impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Meramec River and Lewis Rd.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge deck.&nbsp; It requires lane closures on westbound I-44 and on Lewis Road and a ramp closure from Lewis Road to westbound I-44. Construction runs spring 2009-winter 2010. This work will impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 70, Poplar Street Bridge to I-44/55. </strong>Crews will install median barrier, signs, guardrail and curbs between winter and summer 2010.This area will get extremely congested, especially during morning and evening peak traffic periods. This work is expected to impact 105,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; Interstate 64, Taylor to Vandeventer.</strong> This project will overlay pavement and install guardrail. A separate project will perform structural repairs on Vandeventer. Drivers can expect lane closures and permanent restrictions from summer 2009 to winter 2010. This project will impact an estimated 90,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 55 at Route M. </strong>This project will modify the interchange of Route M and southbound I-55. Crews will also relocate the weigh station during this project. This project starts in winter 2009 and is expected to impact an estimated 67,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55, Route M to St. Genevieve county line.</strong> In this project, crews will resurface the interstate.&nbsp; Drivers can expect temporary<br />lane closures on the interstate, starting in summer 2009. This project will impact about 59,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Route 364 east and west of Harvester Road.</strong> During this project, an additional mile of Route 94 will be upgraded to a limited access roadway,<br />with an overpass for Harvester Road and one-way outer roads.&nbsp; Permanent lane restrictions and some non-peak lane closures. Includes weekend and day work. The project continues until fall 2009 and will impact about 44,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />10.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 44 over Bourbeuse River.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge over the Bourbeuse River. Drivers can expect lane restrictions between spring and winter 2009. This project will impact approximately 42,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />Additionally, the top currently programmed construction projects for each area and county are listed under \\\"Major Projects\\\" by county on the St. Louis<br />website at <a href=\\\"http://www.modot.org/stlouis. \\\">www.modot.org/stlouis</a>. Information on these projects will beupdated as it becomes available.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:44:\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1022,380,2,2,1230934472,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"380\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-02 10:53 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"modot_announces_top_10_st_louis_projects_for_2009\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:254:\"With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:23:\"MoDOT, projects, Top 10\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5108:\"<p>With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.<br /><br />MoDOT has more than 80 construction projects scheduled for 2009 throughoutthe area, which includes St. Louis City and County, as well as St. Charles,Franklin and Jefferson County.&nbsp; The top 10 list includes work in everycounty.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"Hanley Bridge Demolition\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></h4>\n<h4>A tangled mass of rebar was all that was left of the Hanley I-64 overpass following demolition. (Photo courtesy of MoDOT).<br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The Top 10 St. Louis region construction projects are:<br /><br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 64 from Kingshighway to I-170.</strong> All lanes of I-64 and several interchanges are closed for I-64 reconstruction work. Work will bearound the clock, and includes work on interchanges and overpasses. Work runs from December 2008 to late 2009. Drivers are encouraged to use I-70 andI-44 as alternate routes. Construction which significantly impacts cross traffic include the Hampton Bridge and ramps closed from September 2008 toJuly 2009 and the Hanley Bridge and I-64 ramps closed December 2008 until late 2009. This project is estimated to impact more than 150,000 driversdaily.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55 from 4500 South Broadway to Lindbergh</strong>. This project will replace the Union Bridges, rehabilitate the Holly Hills and Delor<br />bridges and upgrade the Bowen pedestrian bridge to be compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA requirements). Construction work begins in fall 2009 and will impact more than 139,000 drivers daily. Union Bridges will be closed in spring 2010.<br /><br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Arsenal</strong>. Project will replace the bridge deck. Drivers can expect lane closures and restrictions between summer 2009 to winter 2010. This work should impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Meramec River and Lewis Rd.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge deck.&nbsp; It requires lane closures on westbound I-44 and on Lewis Road and a ramp closure from Lewis Road to westbound I-44. Construction runs spring 2009-winter 2010. This work will impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 70, Poplar Street Bridge to I-44/55. </strong>Crews will install median barrier, signs, guardrail and curbs between winter and summer 2010.This area will get extremely congested, especially during morning and evening peak traffic periods. This work is expected to impact 105,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; Interstate 64, Taylor to Vandeventer.</strong> This project will overlay pavement and install guardrail. A separate project will perform structural repairs on Vandeventer. Drivers can expect lane closures and permanent restrictions from summer 2009 to winter 2010. This project will impact an estimated 90,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 55 at Route M. </strong>This project will modify the interchange of Route M and southbound I-55. Crews will also relocate the weigh station during this project. This project starts in winter 2009 and is expected to impact an estimated 67,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55, Route M to St. Genevieve county line.</strong> In this project, crews will resurface the interstate.&nbsp; Drivers can expect temporary<br />lane closures on the interstate, starting in summer 2009. This project will impact about 59,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Route 364 east and west of Harvester Road.</strong> During this project, an additional mile of Route 94 will be upgraded to a limited access roadway,<br />with an overpass for Harvester Road and one-way outer roads.&nbsp; Permanent lane restrictions and some non-peak lane closures. Includes weekend and day work. The project continues until fall 2009 and will impact about 44,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />10.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 44 over Bourbeuse River.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge over the Bourbeuse River. Drivers can expect lane restrictions between spring and winter 2009. This project will impact approximately 42,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />Additionally, the top currently programmed construction projects for each area and county are listed under \\\"Major Projects\\\" by county on the St. Louis<br />website at <a href=\\\"http://www.modot.org/stlouis. \\\">www.modot.org/stlouis</a>. Information on these projects will beupdated as it becomes available.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:44:\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1023,35,1,1,1231210974,'a:21:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:2:\"35\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-04-15 10:01 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:9:\"pages_uri\";s:19:\"/example/pages/uri/\";s:17:\"pages_template_id\";s:2:\"22\";s:5:\"title\";s:7:\"Contact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:7:\"contact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_4\";s:11:\"Contact CNR\";s:10:\"field_ft_4\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_2\";s:482:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate magazine contacts:<br /><br /><strong>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</strong><br />303 North Broadway<br />St. Louis, MO 63102<br />Phone: 314/584-4790<br />Fax: 314/241-0241<br /><br /><strong>Tom Finan (tom@stlcnr.com), Publisher</strong><br />Cell: 314/517-2466<br /><br /><strong>Peter Downs (pdowns@stlcnr.com), Editor</strong><br /><br /><strong>Penny Finan (pfinan@stlouiscnr.com)</strong><br />314/750-7017</p>\";s:10:\"field_id_1\";s:82:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate magazine contact information.</p>\";}'),(1024,381,2,2,1231490297,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 09:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:51:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"two_thirds_of_construction_companies_plan_layoffs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:242:\"An estimated two-thirds of the nation’s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:17:\"unemployment, AGC\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3949:\"<p>An estimated two-thirds of the nation&rsquo;s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.&nbsp; All told, those layoffs are forecast to result in a 30 percent decline in the number of people working on construction projects.<br /><br />Those layoffs come on top of a 35 percent drop in contractor employment in the last year, according to the survey. Seventy-two percent of contractors said they have laid off worker in the last 12 months.<br />&nbsp;<br /><img alt=\\\"Unemployment\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />&ldquo;Unless the business climate changes significantly and soon, the construction sector will continue to experience the kind of devastating job losses and crippling declines in business activity that will undermine efforts to end the recession,&rdquo; Stephen Sandherr, the association&rsquo;s chief executive officer said.<br /><br />&ldquo;After a strong start in 2008, we&rsquo;ve seen a significant slowdown in commercial construction in recent months,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The last few months have been devastating for the construction industry, but without a stimulus package, 2009 will make 2008 look good by comparison,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The forecast results, which are based on a representative survey conducted by the construction association late in 2008, found no relief in sight for construction companies that already have been among the hardest hit by the economic slowdown. According to the forecast figures, the association&rsquo;s member companies have seen or are planning for declining activity in every type of construction market.Ninety-two percent of building contractors and 93 percent of road builders are expecting or experiencing declining activity.&nbsp; Over 83 percent of utility contractors are bracing for declines while 77 percent of water resource contractors are expecting a decline in business building levees or locks.<br /><br />Tracy Hart, president of St. Louis-based Tarlton Corp., said some projects her company had been awarded have been put on hold, and &ldquo;competitor friends have seen projects cancelled because of financing.&rdquo; She said Tarlton is taking this opportunity to invest in training, particularly in green construction, &ldquo;because when construction comes back it will be green.&rdquo; She admitted, however, that training is only a short-term solution, and but hopefully it will last until Congress and the President adopt an economic stimulus package and more money starts flowing into construction. <br />&nbsp;<br />The AGC found that planned investments in infrastructure projects as part of the national economic stimulus package would dramatically improve the employment and business outlook for contractors for the year.&nbsp; Eighty-five percent of non-residential construction companies said they would either cancel layoffs or add new employees if states embarked on stimulus-funded infrastructure projects. <br />&nbsp;<br />According to the forecast, construction companies would increase their payrolls by 25 percent if the stimulus included new infrastructure investments.&nbsp; And construction companies predict they would invest an average of $500,000 this year in new equipment if they received new work as part of the stimulus package.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;With a stimulus, construction companies can get more people to work and more money into the economy in a way that will immediately boost our economy,&rdquo; Sandherr said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Without a stimulus, construction companies will cut jobs, slash spending and continue to be among the hardest hit sectors within our economy.<br />&nbsp;<br />For survey results, go to http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/survey_results.pdf.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:32:\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1025,381,2,2,1231490346,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"381\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 09:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"two_thirds_of_construction_companies_plan_layoffs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:242:\"An estimated two-thirds of the nation’s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:17:\"unemployment, AGC\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3949:\"<p>An estimated two-thirds of the nation&rsquo;s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.&nbsp; All told, those layoffs are forecast to result in a 30 percent decline in the number of people working on construction projects.<br /><br />Those layoffs come on top of a 35 percent drop in contractor employment in the last year, according to the survey. Seventy-two percent of contractors said they have laid off worker in the last 12 months.<br />&nbsp;<br /><img alt=\\\"Unemployment\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />&ldquo;Unless the business climate changes significantly and soon, the construction sector will continue to experience the kind of devastating job losses and crippling declines in business activity that will undermine efforts to end the recession,&rdquo; Stephen Sandherr, the association&rsquo;s chief executive officer said.<br /><br />&ldquo;After a strong start in 2008, we&rsquo;ve seen a significant slowdown in commercial construction in recent months,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The last few months have been devastating for the construction industry, but without a stimulus package, 2009 will make 2008 look good by comparison,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The forecast results, which are based on a representative survey conducted by the construction association late in 2008, found no relief in sight for construction companies that already have been among the hardest hit by the economic slowdown. According to the forecast figures, the association&rsquo;s member companies have seen or are planning for declining activity in every type of construction market.Ninety-two percent of building contractors and 93 percent of road builders are expecting or experiencing declining activity.&nbsp; Over 83 percent of utility contractors are bracing for declines while 77 percent of water resource contractors are expecting a decline in business building levees or locks.<br /><br />Tracy Hart, president of St. Louis-based Tarlton Corp., said some projects her company had been awarded have been put on hold, and &ldquo;competitor friends have seen projects cancelled because of financing.&rdquo; She said Tarlton is taking this opportunity to invest in training, particularly in green construction, &ldquo;because when construction comes back it will be green.&rdquo; She admitted, however, that training is only a short-term solution, and but hopefully it will last until Congress and the President adopt an economic stimulus package and more money starts flowing into construction. <br />&nbsp;<br />The AGC found that planned investments in infrastructure projects as part of the national economic stimulus package would dramatically improve the employment and business outlook for contractors for the year.&nbsp; Eighty-five percent of non-residential construction companies said they would either cancel layoffs or add new employees if states embarked on stimulus-funded infrastructure projects. <br />&nbsp;<br />According to the forecast, construction companies would increase their payrolls by 25 percent if the stimulus included new infrastructure investments.&nbsp; And construction companies predict they would invest an average of $500,000 this year in new equipment if they received new work as part of the stimulus package.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;With a stimulus, construction companies can get more people to work and more money into the economy in a way that will immediately boost our economy,&rdquo; Sandherr said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Without a stimulus, construction companies will cut jobs, slash spending and continue to be among the hardest hit sectors within our economy.<br />&nbsp;<br />For survey results, go to http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/survey_results.pdf.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:32:\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1026,381,2,2,1231490390,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"381\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 09:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"two_thirds_of_construction_companies_plan_layoffs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:241:\"An estimated two-thirds of the nation\\\'s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:17:\"unemployment, AGC\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3944:\"<p>An estimated two-thirds of the nation\\\'s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.&nbsp; All told, those layoffs are forecast to result in a 30 percent decline in the number of people working on construction projects.<br /><br />Those layoffs come on top of a 35 percent drop in contractor employment in the last year, according to the survey. Seventy-two percent of contractors said they have laid off worker in the last 12 months.<br />&nbsp;<br /><img alt=\\\"Unemployment\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />&ldquo;Unless the business climate changes significantly and soon, the construction sector will continue to experience the kind of devastating job losses and crippling declines in business activity that will undermine efforts to end the recession,&rdquo; Stephen Sandherr, the association&rsquo;s chief executive officer said.<br /><br />&ldquo;After a strong start in 2008, we&rsquo;ve seen a significant slowdown in commercial construction in recent months,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The last few months have been devastating for the construction industry, but without a stimulus package, 2009 will make 2008 look good by comparison,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The forecast results, which are based on a representative survey conducted by the construction association late in 2008, found no relief in sight for construction companies that already have been among the hardest hit by the economic slowdown. According to the forecast figures, the association&rsquo;s member companies have seen or are planning for declining activity in every type of construction market.Ninety-two percent of building contractors and 93 percent of road builders are expecting or experiencing declining activity.&nbsp; Over 83 percent of utility contractors are bracing for declines while 77 percent of water resource contractors are expecting a decline in business building levees or locks.<br /><br />Tracy Hart, president of St. Louis-based Tarlton Corp., said some projects her company had been awarded have been put on hold, and &ldquo;competitor friends have seen projects cancelled because of financing.&rdquo; She said Tarlton is taking this opportunity to invest in training, particularly in green construction, &ldquo;because when construction comes back it will be green.&rdquo; She admitted, however, that training is only a short-term solution, and but hopefully it will last until Congress and the President adopt an economic stimulus package and more money starts flowing into construction. <br />&nbsp;<br />The AGC found that planned investments in infrastructure projects as part of the national economic stimulus package would dramatically improve the employment and business outlook for contractors for the year.&nbsp; Eighty-five percent of non-residential construction companies said they would either cancel layoffs or add new employees if states embarked on stimulus-funded infrastructure projects. <br />&nbsp;<br />According to the forecast, construction companies would increase their payrolls by 25 percent if the stimulus included new infrastructure investments.&nbsp; And construction companies predict they would invest an average of $500,000 this year in new equipment if they received new work as part of the stimulus package.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;With a stimulus, construction companies can get more people to work and more money into the economy in a way that will immediately boost our economy,&rdquo; Sandherr said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Without a stimulus, construction companies will cut jobs, slash spending and continue to be among the hardest hit sectors within our economy.<br />&nbsp;<br />For survey results, go to http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/survey_results.pdf.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:32:\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1027,380,2,2,1231490501,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"380\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-02 10:53 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"modot_announces_top_10_st_louis_projects_for_2009\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:254:\"With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:23:\"MoDOT, projects, Top 10\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5108:\"<p>With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmedconstruction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.<br /><br />MoDOT has more than 80 construction projects scheduled for 2009 throughoutthe area, which includes St. Louis City and County, as well as St. Charles,Franklin and Jefferson County.&nbsp; The top 10 list includes work in everycounty.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"Hanley Bridge Demolition\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></h4>\n<h4>A tangled mass of rebar was all that was left of the Hanley I-64 overpass following demolition. (Photo courtesy of MoDOT).<br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The Top 10 St. Louis region construction projects are:<br /><br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 64 from Kingshighway to I-170.</strong> All lanes of I-64 and several interchanges are closed for I-64 reconstruction work. Work will bearound the clock, and includes work on interchanges and overpasses. Work runs from December 2008 to late 2009. Drivers are encouraged to use I-70 andI-44 as alternate routes. Construction which significantly impacts cross traffic include the Hampton Bridge and ramps closed from September 2008 toJuly 2009 and the Hanley Bridge and I-64 ramps closed December 2008 until late 2009. This project is estimated to impact more than 150,000 driversdaily.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55 from 4500 South Broadway to Lindbergh</strong>. This project will replace the Union Bridges, rehabilitate the Holly Hills and Delor<br />bridges and upgrade the Bowen pedestrian bridge to be compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA requirements). Construction work begins in fall 2009 and will impact more than 139,000 drivers daily. Union Bridges will be closed in spring 2010.<br /><br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Arsenal</strong>. Project will replace the bridge deck. Drivers can expect lane closures and restrictions between summer 2009 to winter 2010. This work should impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Meramec River and Lewis Rd.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge deck.&nbsp; It requires lane closures on westbound I-44 and on Lewis Road and a ramp closure from Lewis Road to westbound I-44. Construction runs spring 2009-winter 2010. This work will impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 70, Poplar Street Bridge to I-44/55. </strong>Crews will install median barrier, signs, guardrail and curbs between winter and summer 2010.This area will get extremely congested, especially during morning and evening peak traffic periods. This work is expected to impact 105,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; Interstate 64, Taylor to Vandeventer.</strong> This project will overlay pavement and install guardrail. A separate project will perform structural repairs on Vandeventer. Drivers can expect lane closures and permanent restrictions from summer 2009 to winter 2010. This project will impact an estimated 90,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 55 at Route M. </strong>This project will modify the interchange of Route M and southbound I-55. Crews will also relocate the weigh station during this project. This project starts in winter 2009 and is expected to impact an estimated 67,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55, Route M to St. Genevieve county line.</strong> In this project, crews will resurface the interstate.&nbsp; Drivers can expect temporary<br />lane closures on the interstate, starting in summer 2009. This project will impact about 59,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Route 364 east and west of Harvester Road.</strong> During this project, an additional mile of Route 94 will be upgraded to a limited access roadway,<br />with an overpass for Harvester Road and one-way outer roads.&nbsp; Permanent lane restrictions and some non-peak lane closures. Includes weekend and day work. The project continues until fall 2009 and will impact about 44,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />10.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 44 over Bourbeuse River.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge over the Bourbeuse River. Drivers can expect lane restrictions between spring and winter 2009. This project will impact approximately 42,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />Additionally, the top currently programmed construction projects for each area and county are listed under \\\"Major Projects\\\" by county on the St. Louis<br />website at <a href=\\\"http://www.modot.org/stlouis. \\\">www.modot.org/stlouis</a>. Information on these projects will beupdated as it becomes available.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:44:\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1028,380,2,2,1231490557,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"380\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-02 10:53 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"modot_announces_top_10_st_louis_projects_for_2009\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"MoDot Announces Top 10 St. Louis Projects for 2009\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:255:\"With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmed construction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:23:\"MoDOT, projects, Top 10\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5109:\"<p>With the start of 2009, the Missouri Department of Transportation has released the list of the 10 currently programmed construction projects in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area that willhave the greatest impact on traffic flow in the upcoming year.<br /><br />MoDOT has more than 80 construction projects scheduled for 2009 throughoutthe area, which includes St. Louis City and County, as well as St. Charles,Franklin and Jefferson County.&nbsp; The top 10 list includes work in everycounty.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"Hanley Bridge Demolition\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></h4>\n<h4>A tangled mass of rebar was all that was left of the Hanley I-64 overpass following demolition. (Photo courtesy of MoDOT).<br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The Top 10 St. Louis region construction projects are:<br /><br />1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 64 from Kingshighway to I-170.</strong> All lanes of I-64 and several interchanges are closed for I-64 reconstruction work. Work will bearound the clock, and includes work on interchanges and overpasses. Work runs from December 2008 to late 2009. Drivers are encouraged to use I-70 andI-44 as alternate routes. Construction which significantly impacts cross traffic include the Hampton Bridge and ramps closed from September 2008 toJuly 2009 and the Hanley Bridge and I-64 ramps closed December 2008 until late 2009. This project is estimated to impact more than 150,000 driversdaily.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55 from 4500 South Broadway to Lindbergh</strong>. This project will replace the Union Bridges, rehabilitate the Holly Hills and Delor<br />bridges and upgrade the Bowen pedestrian bridge to be compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA requirements). Construction work begins in fall 2009 and will impact more than 139,000 drivers daily. Union Bridges will be closed in spring 2010.<br /><br />3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Arsenal</strong>. Project will replace the bridge deck. Drivers can expect lane closures and restrictions between summer 2009 to winter 2010. This work should impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 44 at Meramec River and Lewis Rd.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge deck.&nbsp; It requires lane closures on westbound I-44 and on Lewis Road and a ramp closure from Lewis Road to westbound I-44. Construction runs spring 2009-winter 2010. This work will impact more than 107,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 70, Poplar Street Bridge to I-44/55. </strong>Crews will install median barrier, signs, guardrail and curbs between winter and summer 2010.This area will get extremely congested, especially during morning and evening peak traffic periods. This work is expected to impact 105,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; Interstate 64, Taylor to Vandeventer.</strong> This project will overlay pavement and install guardrail. A separate project will perform structural repairs on Vandeventer. Drivers can expect lane closures and permanent restrictions from summer 2009 to winter 2010. This project will impact an estimated 90,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Interstate 55 at Route M. </strong>This project will modify the interchange of Route M and southbound I-55. Crews will also relocate the weigh station during this project. This project starts in winter 2009 and is expected to impact an estimated 67,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 55, Route M to St. Genevieve county line.</strong> In this project, crews will resurface the interstate.&nbsp; Drivers can expect temporary<br />lane closures on the interstate, starting in summer 2009. This project will impact about 59,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Route 364 east and west of Harvester Road.</strong> During this project, an additional mile of Route 94 will be upgraded to a limited access roadway,<br />with an overpass for Harvester Road and one-way outer roads.&nbsp; Permanent lane restrictions and some non-peak lane closures. Includes weekend and day work. The project continues until fall 2009 and will impact about 44,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />10.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Interstate 44 over Bourbeuse River.</strong> This project will rehabilitate the bridge over the Bourbeuse River. Drivers can expect lane restrictions between spring and winter 2009. This project will impact approximately 42,000 drivers daily.<br /><br />Additionally, the top currently programmed construction projects for each area and county are listed under \\\"Major Projects\\\" by county on the St. Louis<br />website at <a href=\\\"http://www.modot.org/stlouis. \\\">www.modot.org/stlouis</a>. Information on these projects will beupdated as it becomes available.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:44:\"/images/uploads/hanley-bridge-demolition.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1029,382,4,2,1231490861,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 09:45 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:56:\"Environmental Operations Acquires Shively Geotechnical  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"environmental_operations_acquires_shively_geotechnical\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Environmental Operations Acquires Shively Geotechnical \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:140:\"Environmental Operations, Inc., has acquired Shively Geotechnical, Inc., with offices in Florissant and in Fairview Heights and Peoria, IL. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:33:\"Environmental Operations, Shively\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3354:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.EnvironmentalOps.com.\\\">Environmental Operations, Inc.</a>, has acquired Shively Geotechnical, Inc., with offices in Florissant and in Fairview Heights and Peoria, IL.&nbsp; Shively&rsquo;s expertise in the geotechnical area will complete Environmental Operations&rsquo; environmental services arsenal. <br /><br />Environmental Operations, the largest environmental services firm in the St. Louis region, already offers a full range of environmental services -- everything except geotechnical engineering, according to Stacy Hastie, Environmental Operations CEO.<br /><br />&nbsp; Shively Geotechnical will be operated as a division of Environmental Operations, with John Shively serving as vice president of geotechnical services.&nbsp; Both Illinois offices will remain open.&nbsp; The Florissant office will be moved into Environmental Operations&rsquo; offices in Downtown St. Louis.<br /><br />&ldquo;The Shively team provides Environmental Operations with a greater presence in Illinois,&rdquo; said Hastie.&nbsp; &ldquo;This is another goal with the acquisition. We see a lot of opportunity for the growth of the combined business in Illinois.&rdquo;<br /><br />Hastie said this acquisition is expected to generate an additional $4 million to $5 million in annual revenues for the combined firm, much of that in the first year to 18 months.<br /><br />Hastie first considered building his own geotechnical division from the ground up, concerned that he wouldn&rsquo;t find an existing firm with the same culture.&nbsp; The search took three years, but he feels he has found that same spirit in John Shively, owner and president of Shively Geotechnical.<br /><br />&ldquo;Our goal at Environmental Operations is to keep it simple for our clients.&nbsp; We wanted to find a firm that shared our culture and our commitment to service.&nbsp; We found that in John and his company.&nbsp; Both John and I believe in hiring people who are both experts in their field and also true problem solvers.&nbsp; By combining our extensive environmental expertise, we will streamline complicated environmental challenges for our clients,&rdquo; said Hastie. <br /><br />Shively, similar to Environmental Operations, currently serves a wide variety of clients including architects, engineers, contractors, business owners, industry and government.<br /><br />Shively Geotechnical has been providing geotechnical engineering, construction observation, materials testing and laboratory services for clients and projects in the Midwest since 1994, when Shively established the firm.&nbsp; The organization originally concentrated on soil and foundation studies for buildings, bridges, retaining walls and other structures.&nbsp; <br /><br />Janet May joined Shively as a partner in late 1994, developing the company&rsquo;s geotechnical and materials testing laboratory.&nbsp; The company quickly grew to add construction observation, construction materials testing and laboratory testing services.&nbsp; John Kottemann, P.E., joined Shively in 1996 and became a Principal soon after the company incorporated in January 1997.&nbsp; <br /><br />Environmental Operations identifies and resolves environmental issues and facilitates deals with integrated environmental expertise, Brownfield incentives and risk assumption tools.&nbsp; <br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1030,374,10,2,1231490949,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"374\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-01 10:12 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Where Are the Growth Opportunities?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"where_are_the_growth_opportunities\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:35:\"Where Are the Growth Opportunities?\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:186:\"The Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois fields its triennial panel of industry representatives to discuss where the construction growth will come from in the upcoming three years. \";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:31:\"Electrical Board, panel, growth\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:41:\"Ameren UE Auditorium, 1901 Chouteau Ave. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 08:00 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:41:\"Breakfast 8-8:30 AM, Panel 8:30 AM - Noon\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1166:\"<p>The Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois fields its triennial panel of industry representatives to discuss where the construction growth will come from in the upcoming three years.</p>\n<p>Panelists will provide insights designed to help you formulate busuiness plans for the next few years. Panelists are</p>\n<p><strong>Richard Mark</strong>, Ameren (industry growth opportunities through Power On, Pure, Power, and Energy Efficiency initiatives);</p>\n<p><strong>Jim Lucy</strong>, <em>Electrical Wholesaling </em>(growth areas for distributors and industry)</p>\n<p><strong>Tom Finan</strong>, <em>CNR</em> (regional growth)</p>\n<p><strong>Scott Wilson</strong>, SM Wilson (construction&nbsp; segments such as sustainability/LEED offering growth potential)</p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Tom Garrett</strong>, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (impact of the current financial/economic situation)</p>\n<p>Cost of the program is $50 per person for EBMI member firms and $75 for nonmembers. For more information or registration call or email Annie Reagan at EBMI at 636.305.6434; <a href=\\\"mailto:annie@electricalboard.org\\\">annie@electricalboard.org</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1032,383,4,2,1231491615,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 09:58 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:52:\"Advertised Job Openings Dropped Sharply in December \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:51:\"advertised_job_openings_dropped_sharply_in_december\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:51:\"Advertised Job Openings Dropped Sharply in December\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:1:\"9\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:174:\"Online advertised job vacancies declined 507,000 to 3,861,000 in December, according to The Conference Board’s Help-Wanted Online Data Series (HWOL) released on Wednesday. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Conference Board, jobs\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3002:\"<p>Online advertised job vacancies declined 507,000 to 3,861,000 in December, according to The Conference Board&rsquo;s Help-Wanted Online Data Series (HWOL) released on Wednesday.&nbsp; The December loss brought the monthly total of online advertised vacancies below 4 million for the first time since July 2006, two and one-half years ago. In 2008, there were on average170,000 fewer ads each month than in 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&ldquo;The sharp December drop in online advertised vacancies is another indication that the economy has not reached bottom,&rdquo; said Gad Levanon, senior economist at The Conference Board. &ldquo;The widespread nature of the decline in employers&rsquo; demand for workers &ndash; both across geographies and across occupations &ndash; does not bode well for an employment upturn in the first half of 2009.&rdquo;<br /><br />The effect of lower employer demand combined with increasing unemployment makes it more difficult for the unemployed to find jobs, and The Conference Board estimates that unemployed construction workers face the greatest scarcity of jobs.<br /><br />In Missouri, there were 8,100 fewer advertised job vacancies than a year earlier, while there were 17,400 fewer openings in Illinois. Using an unemployment rate of 6.7 percent for Missouri and 7.3 percent for Illinois, The Conference Board estimates there are 2.44 unemployed workers for every vacant job in Missouri and 3.08 unemployed workers for every vacant job in Illinois. Both rates are above the national rate of 2.36 unemployed workers per job vacancy. In both Illinois and Missouri the number of advertised job openings tracked by The Conference Board has been trending downward since August 2008.<br /><br />Metropolitan St. Louis fared worse than Missouri as a whole. The Conference Board reported 9,000 fewer advertised job vacancies in St. Louis than a year earlier. Using an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent, they calculated that there are 2.61 unemployed people in St. Louis for every vacant job.<br /><br />Construction, architecture and engineering were among the categories showing a more than 20 percent decline in advertised job openings nationwide since December 2007. The Conference Board estimates that construction is the occupation with the highest discrepancy between supply and demand with 21 unemployed construction workers for every vacant construction job. And even though job openings in architecture and engineering fell 32 percent over the last year, The Conference Board estimates that there still are more job openings than there are unemployed architects and engineers with only 0.63 unemployed architects and engineers for every job opening in those fields. <br /><br />The Conference Board&rsquo;s supply/demand rates are meant only to provide a measure of the relative tightness of labor markets. They are not meant to suggest that the occupations of the unemployed directly align with the occupations of the advertised vacancies.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1033,384,4,2,1231491928,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 10:01 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"MSD Selects Kwame  for CM on Missouri River Plant\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"msd_selects_kwame_for_cm_on_missouri_river_plant\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"MSD Selects Kwame  for CM on Missouri River Plant\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:222:\"The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) has named Kwame Building Group, Inc.  as construction manager for a rehabilitation and expansion program at the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Maryland Heights.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Kwame, MSD, Missouri River\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1774:\"<p>The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) has named<a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildinggroup.com\\\"> Kwame Building Group, Inc.</a>&nbsp; as construction manager for a rehabilitation and expansion program at the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Maryland Heights. Construction on the first project is expected to begin in the summer of 2009 and the program will be complete by the end of 2012.</p>\n<p>Kwame&rsquo;s primary subconsultant partner is HDR, an architectural, engineering and consulting firm based in Omaha, NE. The project designer is Black &amp; Veatch Corporation, a global engineering, consulting and construction company based in Overland Park, KS.</p>\n<p>The digester rehabilitation project will replace existing digester covers, gas mixing systems, boilers, digested sludge pumps, digested piping and appurtenances.</p>\n<p>The secondary expansion of the Missouri River treatment plant, designed to treat up to 80 million gallons a day, will be constructed adjacent to the existing plant. The expanded facility will provide a new activated sludge process, new final clarifiers, UV disinfection, a sludge pump station, meter vault structures, a low-lift pump station, a blower building, a WAS thickening building, solids dewatering process building, locker room expansion and appurtenances.</p>\n<p>Kwame will provide constructability/biddability reviews during the design phase to confirm feasibility, completeness, consistency and construction cost estimates of the plans. Kwame also will review all final documents before advertisement for construction bids and serve as the MSD representative during construction to ensure that the Contractor meets all performance, quality and safety obligations. <br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1034,385,4,2,1231492897,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 10:08 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"New Leadership at HOK’s St. Louis Office \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"new_leadership_at_hoks_st_louis_office\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:42:\"New Leadership at HOK’s St. Louis Office\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:98:\"St. Louis-based HOK is ushering in the new year with a change in leadership in its downtown office\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:29:\"HOK, Leadership, Davis, Nolan\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:7876:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.hok.com\\\">St. Louis-based HOK</a> is ushering in the new year with a change in leadership in its downtown office. Rebecca Nolan, Associate AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, has been named senior vice president and managing principal for the St. Louis office, succeeding Clark Davis, FAIA, LEED AP, who is taking on an expanded firm-wide leadership role for HOK&rsquo;s worldwide practice.&nbsp; Davis will continue to be based in St. Louis where he is an active community leader serving several organizations.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Since 2007, we have been engaged in a national search for a new managing principal for the St. Louis office,&rdquo; said Davis. &ldquo;Rebecca brings a sterling national reputation with the right mix of personal leadership skills and experience in a large firm.&nbsp; She not only knows the market place and the architectural/engineering industry quite well, but also knows St. Louis having raised her family here for seven years.&rdquo; <br /><br />Nolan will team with Steve Evans, Ripley Rasmus and Kyle St. Peter in leading the St. Louis office and will also be part of the North Central Region management committee, which manages HOK&rsquo;s practice in 17 states. She will also join the HOK Management Board, one of four &ldquo;core boards&rdquo; of leaders in the firm&rsquo;s worldwide practice.<br /><br />&ldquo;Rebecca&rsquo;s new leadership role will free me up to focus on firm wide leadership to advance HOK&rsquo;s practices and practice leaders worldwide and nurture relationships with key global clients.&rdquo; said Davis, who is a member of HOK&rsquo;s six-person global executive committee.&nbsp; Davis said HOK has just completed its best year ever with revenue totaling more than $700 million in 2008.&nbsp; It has 26 offices worldwide and employs more than 2,300, including 260 in St. Louis.&nbsp; <br /><br />A one-time St. Louis resident, Nolan previously served as senior vice president and managing director of the Minneapolis office of SmithGroup &ndash; a national architecture, engineering, interiors and planning firm.&nbsp; She launched the Minneapolis office in 2004 where her clients included CB Richard Ellis, CBREI and Hines, two real estate firms; Microsoft; the transportation engineering and planning firm Parsons Brinckerhoff; law firm Bowman and Brooke, LLP; insurer UCare Minnesota; and the University of Minnesota.<br /><br />During her tenure at SmithGroup, Nolan also led its California practice, sat on its board of directors and executive committee, was a leader in its national workplace practice and led the formation of the firm-wide Leadership Development Program and Diversity initiatives.&nbsp; From 1986-1993, she was a principal and studio leader in the St. Louis office of Stone Marraccini Patterson (SMP), which merged with SmithGroup in 1998. <br /><br />&ldquo;I&rsquo;m delighted to be returning to St. Louis to join the incredible collaborative culture that defines HOK,&rdquo; said Nolan. &ldquo;There is a seamless transfer of knowledge, leveraging HOK&rsquo;s expertise and talents worldwide and its broad experience in design that benefits projects large and small.&nbsp; I love building and nurturing client relationships.&nbsp;&nbsp; At HOK, it is practiced with a passion.&rdquo; <br /><br />Nolan is a native of Minneapolis and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in interior design.&nbsp; She remains active in multiple organizations including the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), where she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by its Northland Chapter, CoreNet, and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). She is also an associate member of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) and recently served as a member of the editorial advisory board of Contract, a national interior design trade journal. <br /><br />Nolan&rsquo;s husband, Michael, a former SmithGroup workplace studio leader, will also join HOK in a senior role with the firm&rsquo;s Interiors Group. <br /><br />A fourth-generation St. Louisan, Clark Davis has led HOK&rsquo;s 250-employee North Central Region since 1998, serving as its managing principal and vice chairman of the entire firm. He joined HOK in 1988, was named to the St. Louis office management committee in 1993, became chief administrative officer in 1998 and joined its board of directors in 1999.&nbsp; Davis was named a 2008 &ldquo;Entrepreneur of the Year&rdquo; in the Central Midwest Region by Ernst and Young.&nbsp; <br /><br /><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"293\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Clark_Davis_environmental.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Under Davis&rsquo; leadership, HOK grew its St. Louis office and developed a regional practice that now includes a 100-person Chicago office and a newly opened Denver location. Working with the firm&rsquo;s six-person global executive team, he has played an instrumental leadership role in strengthening HOK&rsquo;s operations and financial performance, contributing to HOK&rsquo;s back to back record years of revenue, topping $637 million 2007 and eclipsing that mark with more than $700 million in 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></p>\n<h4>Clark Davis is taking on an expanded firm-wide leadership role for HOK</h4>\n<p>Through Davis&rsquo; leadership, HOK also expanded into emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East and India, created new specialty practices such as Construction Services, and strengthened its industry-leadership in sustainable design and Building Information Modeling.&nbsp; <br /><br />Davis will remain active in the St. Louis community through his leadership efforts with a number of organizations.&nbsp; He is currently board chair of Partnership for Downtown St. Louis and Edgewood Children&rsquo;s Center.&nbsp; He is also an active leader in the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), the Whitaker Foundation, the St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC). He has also served Confluence St. Louis, the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Focus St. Louis, Junior Achievement (JA) of Mississippi Valley and the Saint Louis Art Museum. <br /><br />Davis has also been a leader in the architectural profession.&nbsp; He represents HOK in the AIA Large Firm Roundtable, which brings together leaders of large architectural/engineering firms in the U.S. to discuss trends and advance best practices.&nbsp; He was named to the AIA College of Fellows in 2000 and was president of AIA\\\'s St. Louis Chapter in 1988 and president of AIA Missouri in 1998.&nbsp; <br /><br />A licensed architect in several states, Davis has led such region-shaping projects as the Boeing Leadership Center and Washington University School of Medicine&rsquo;s Farrell Learning &amp; Teaching Center in St. Louis. Outside St. Louis, his projects have included facilities for Eli Lilly in Indianapolis; Sun Microsystems in Broomfield, Col.; and the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis.<br /><br />Davis received his bachelor&rsquo;s degree in environmental design from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Design where he later earned the Distinguished Alumnus Award.&nbsp; He earned a master of architecture from the University of Michigan. <br /><br />HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 26 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments.&nbsp; Founded in 1955, the firm&rsquo;s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, plan ning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.&nbsp; .</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1035,386,5,2,1231493181,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 10:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"13\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:51:\"Making Effective Decisions in a Challenging Market \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:50:\"making_effective_decisions_in_a_challenging_market\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:50:\"Making Effective Decisions in a Challenging Market\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:310:\"As the national economy’s tailspin and the associated credit crunch begin to slow down the St. Louis commercial real estate market, it’s important to remember that the last thing you want to do as a lending institution, property owner or tenant is to assume that you will be immune from the forces at hand.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:27:\"Hardin, CBRE, restructuring\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:2573:\"<p><em>By Tripp Hardin, SIOR<br />Senior Vice President, CB Richard Ellis</em><br /></p>\n<p>As the national economy&rsquo;s tailspin and the associated credit crunch begin to slow down the St. Louis commercial real estate market, it&rsquo;s important to remember that the last thing you want to do as a lending institution, property owner or tenant is to assume that you will be immune from the forces at hand.<br /><br />In these times, more than ever, it&rsquo;s important to discuss your options with a real estate professional. Down economic times can present great opportunities, whether it&rsquo;s taking advantage of lower prices to buy your own building or revisiting your lease to see what changes can be made to save you and your company money.<br /><br />If you&rsquo;re a tenant, ask your broker to take a look at your existing lease. Often, in a slowing economy, building owners will be willing to offer an early renewal or a short-term lease extension at competitive rates in order to keep their building as full as possible. With fewer companies expanding or moving into the market, building owners need to be proactive, which can result in more aggressive lease terms and conditions. Renegotiating your lease now could lead to significant cost savings in the future.<br /><br />If you own real estate, a challenging market is a good time to evaluate your assets, including your loan terms, operating expenses and your tenants&rsquo; credit profiles. If you&rsquo;re a user/owner, will an economic turnaround bring expansion and a need for more space? If so, perhaps it&rsquo;s the right time to look at expansion options or even a larger building while prices are competitive. If you own investment properties, aggressive measures like cost segregation and lease restructuring may help stabilize your properties and keep your cash flow positive.<br /><br />For banks and commercial lenders who are really feeling the effects of a stressed out market, some real estate firms have well-established programs specifically designed to help you. CB Richard Ellis&rsquo; Restructuring Services Group, for example, offers help with recapitalization, distressed loan sales, asset and portfolio valuation, asset enhancement and repositioning, along with appraisal and valuation services.<br /><br />We all hope the commercial real estate industry and the economy will turn around sooner rather than later. But even in a slow market, it&rsquo;s important to keep a close eye on your real estate needs and be in constant communication with your real estate advisor.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"13\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1036,385,4,2,1231493934,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"385\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 10:08 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"34\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"New Leadership at HOK\\\'s St. Louis Office\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"new_leadership_at_hoks_st_louis_office\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:41:\"New Leadership at HOK\\\'s St. Louis Office\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:98:\"St. Louis-based HOK is ushering in the new year with a change in leadership in its downtown office\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:29:\"HOK, Leadership, Davis, Nolan\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:7869:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.hok.com\\\">St. Louis-based HOK</a> is ushering in the new year with a change in leadership in its downtown office. Rebecca Nolan, Associate AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, has been named senior vice president and managing principal for the St. Louis office, succeeding Clark Davis, FAIA, LEED AP, who is taking on an expanded firm-wide leadership role for HOK&rsquo;s worldwide practice.&nbsp; Davis will continue to be based in St. Louis where he is an active community leader serving several organizations.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Since 2007, we have been engaged in a national search for a new managing principal for the St. Louis office,&rdquo; said Davis. &ldquo;Rebecca brings a sterling national reputation with the right mix of personal leadership skills and experience in a large firm.&nbsp; She not only knows the market place and the architectural/engineering industry quite well, but also knows St. Louis having raised her family here for seven years.&rdquo; <br /><br />Nolan will team with Steve Evans, Ripley Rasmus and Kyle St. Peter in leading the St. Louis office and will also be part of the North Central Region management committee, which manages HOK&rsquo;s practice in 17 states. She will also join the HOK Management Board, one of four &ldquo;core boards&rdquo; of leaders in the firm&rsquo;s worldwide practice.<br /><br />&ldquo;Rebecca&rsquo;s new leadership role will free me up to focus on firm wide leadership to advance HOK&rsquo;s practices and practice leaders worldwide and nurture relationships with key global clients.&rdquo; said Davis, who is a member of HOK&rsquo;s six-person global executive committee.&nbsp; Davis said HOK has just completed its best year ever with revenue totaling more than $700 million in 2008.&nbsp; It has 26 offices worldwide and employs more than 2,300, including 260 in St. Louis.&nbsp; <br /><br />A one-time St. Louis resident, Nolan previously served as senior vice president and managing director of the Minneapolis office of SmithGroup &ndash; a national architecture, engineering, interiors and planning firm.&nbsp; She launched the Minneapolis office in 2004 where her clients included CB Richard Ellis, CBREI and Hines, two real estate firms; Microsoft; the transportation engineering and planning firm Parsons Brinckerhoff; law firm Bowman and Brooke, LLP; insurer UCare Minnesota; and the University of Minnesota.<br /><br />During her tenure at SmithGroup, Nolan also led its California practice, sat on its board of directors and executive committee, was a leader in its national workplace practice and led the formation of the firm-wide Leadership Development Program and Diversity initiatives.&nbsp; From 1986-1993, she was a principal and studio leader in the St. Louis office of Stone Marraccini Patterson (SMP), which merged with SmithGroup in 1998. <br /><br />&ldquo;I&rsquo;m delighted to be returning to St. Louis to join the incredible collaborative culture that defines HOK,&rdquo; said Nolan. &ldquo;There is a seamless transfer of knowledge, leveraging HOK&rsquo;s expertise and talents worldwide and its broad experience in design that benefits projects large and small.&nbsp; I love building and nurturing client relationships.&nbsp;&nbsp; At HOK, it is practiced with a passion.&rdquo; <br /><br />Nolan is a native of Minneapolis and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in interior design.&nbsp; She remains active in multiple organizations including the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), where she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by its Northland Chapter, CoreNet, and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). She is also an associate member of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) and recently served as a member of the editorial advisory board of Contract, a national interior design trade journal. <br /><br />Nolan&rsquo;s husband, Michael, a former SmithGroup workplace studio leader, will also join HOK in a senior role with the firm&rsquo;s Interiors Group. <br /><br />A fourth-generation St. Louisan, Clark Davis has led HOK&rsquo;s 250-employee North Central Region since 1998, serving as its managing principal and vice chairman of the entire firm. He joined HOK in 1988, was named to the St. Louis office management committee in 1993, became chief administrative officer in 1998 and joined its board of directors in 1999.&nbsp; Davis was named a 2008 &ldquo;Entrepreneur of the Year&rdquo; in the Central Midwest Region by Ernst and Young.&nbsp; <br /><br /><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"293\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Clark_Davis_environmental.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Under Davis&rsquo; leadership, HOK grew its St. Louis office and developed a regional practice that now includes a 100-person Chicago office and a newly opened Denver location. Working with the firm&rsquo;s six-person global executive team, he has played an instrumental leadership role in strengthening HOK&rsquo;s operations and financial performance, contributing to HOK&rsquo;s back to back record years of revenue, topping $637 million 2007 and eclipsing that mark with more than $700 million in 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<h4>Clark Davis is taking on an expanded firm-wide leadership role for HOK</h4>\n<p>Through Davis&rsquo; leadership, HOK also expanded into emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East and India, created new specialty practices such as Construction Services, and strengthened its industry-leadership in sustainable design and Building Information Modeling.&nbsp; <br /><br />Davis will remain active in the St. Louis community through his leadership efforts with a number of organizations.&nbsp; He is currently board chair of Partnership for Downtown St. Louis and Edgewood Children&rsquo;s Center.&nbsp; He is also an active leader in the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), the Whitaker Foundation, the St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC). He has also served Confluence St. Louis, the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Focus St. Louis, Junior Achievement (JA) of Mississippi Valley and the Saint Louis Art Museum. <br /><br />Davis has also been a leader in the architectural profession.&nbsp; He represents HOK in the AIA Large Firm Roundtable, which brings together leaders of large architectural/engineering firms in the U.S. to discuss trends and advance best practices.&nbsp; He was named to the AIA College of Fellows in 2000 and was president of AIA\\\'s St. Louis Chapter in 1988 and president of AIA Missouri in 1998.&nbsp; <br /><br />A licensed architect in several states, Davis has led such region-shaping projects as the Boeing Leadership Center and Washington University School of Medicine&rsquo;s Farrell Learning &amp; Teaching Center in St. Louis. Outside St. Louis, his projects have included facilities for Eli Lilly in Indianapolis; Sun Microsystems in Broomfield, Col.; and the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis.<br /><br />Davis received his bachelor&rsquo;s degree in environmental design from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Design where he later earned the Distinguished Alumnus Award.&nbsp; He earned a master of architecture from the University of Michigan. <br /><br />HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 26 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments.&nbsp; Founded in 1955, the firm&rsquo;s expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, plan ning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.&nbsp; .</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"34\";}'),(1037,387,10,2,1232014593,'a:32:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-14 11:09 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"on_the_riverfront_st_louis_and_the_gateway_arch\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:50:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:221:\"From Jan. 30 to March 9 the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium titled On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:45:\"Gateway Arch, Washington University, Saarinen\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:74:\" Steinberg Hall, near the intersection of Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:20:\"2009-01-30  10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:20:\"2009-01-09  10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:122:\"Opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; on view through March 9.  Symposium:  9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:9849:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: medium;\\\"><span class=\\\"black\\\"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </span><em><span class=\\\"black\\\">Exhibition and symposium presented by Sam Fox School in conjunction with Eero Saarinen retrospective</span></em> <br /> <img height=\\\"4\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/images/spacer.gif\\\" width=\\\"5\\\" /><br /></span><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial &mdash; popularly known as the St.\nLouis Gateway Arch &mdash; is the tallest monument in the United States and\nan icon of modern architecture, its great stainless steel arc embodying\nstrength, elegance and simplicity. Yet creation of the Arch was\nanything but simple. Indeed, it is a story of frequent uncertainty and\nsometime bitter controversy, as planning, design and construction\nstretched across more than three decades. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">From Jan. 30 to March 9\nthe Sam Fox School of Design &amp; Visual Arts at Washington University\nin St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium\ntitled <em><strong>On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch. </strong></em>Curated by <strong>Peter MacKeith</strong>, associate dean of the Sam Fox School and associate professor of architecture; and by<strong> Eric Mumford</strong>, associate professor of architecture,<em> On the Riverfront</em> will profile the people, events and conditions that culminated in the\n1947-48 competition from which Eero Saarinen\\\'s design was chosen, as\nwell as the monument\\\'s subsequent construction and its place in\nAmerican architecture. </span></p>\n<table align=\\\"left\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"margin: 0px 10px 5px 0px;\\\" width=\\\"250\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\"><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"><img align=\\\"left\\\" alt=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" height=\\\"153\\\" hspace=\\\"0\\\" id=\\\"Saarinen 11\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/pub/libs/images/usr/7830.jpg\\\" title=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" vspace=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"250\\\" /></a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\\\"photoCaption\\\">\n<h4><span class=\\\"photocaption\\\">Eero Saarinen, with\nJ. Henderson Barr (renderer), Dan Kiley (landscape architect),\nAlexander Hayden Girard, and Lilly Swann Saarinen. Detail from\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial, First Stage Competition entry,\n1947. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Archives, National Park\nService.</span></h4>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"right\\\" class=\\\"photoDownload\\\"><a class=\\\"photodownload\\\" href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"> </a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"The significance of the\nGateway Arch in Saarinen\\\'s career, as well as in the development of St.\nLouis\\\' post-war identity, is unquestionable,\\\" says MacKeith, who also\nserves as St. Louis coordinator for <em><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/12971.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.\\\">Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.</span></a></em> (That exhibition &mdash; the first major museum retrospective dedicated to\nthe architect &mdash; will be on view at the university\\\'s Mildred Lane Kemper\nArt Museum Jan. 30 to April 27.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"There is a degree of\nattention given to the Arch within the retrospective,\\\" MacKeith\nexplains. \\\"But the Arch is such an icon of St. Louis, condensing\nhistories of place and purpose and civic pride, that we felt this would\nbe a good opportunity to explore the broad civic vision that ultimately\nbrought the Arch into being. It is a not a story of which people are\nreally aware.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><em>On the Riverfront</em> begins with a condensed history of the St. Louis region, from the time\nof the Cahokia Indians, though Spanish settlement, the Louisiana\nPurchase and the Lewis &amp; Clark expedition, to statehood and\nindustrialization. Yet by the early 20th century much of the riverfront\nhad fallen into disrepair and local leaders were beginning to explore\nstrategies for revitalization. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Chief among these was\nLuther Ely Smith, a St. Louis lawyer now known as \\\"the father of the\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial.\\\" Smith first conceived the idea\nof constructing a memorial on the banks of the Mississippi in 1933 and\nthe following year, with the help of Mayor Bernard Dickmann, co-founded\nthe nonprofit Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (JNEM) Association\nto enlist Federal support. In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt designated the\nproposed 90-acre site as a national park and the city, having passed a\nbond proposal and armed with the power of eminent domain, began\nleveling 40 blocks in preparation for a national architecture\ncompetition. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The site was cleared by\n1942 but the JNEM Competition was delayed by the onset of World War II.\nYet when it did begin, in 1947, the competition proved a massive\nsuccess, drawing 176 entries &mdash; many of which will be on view &mdash; by\nimportant St. Louis figures such as Harris Armstrong, Charles Eames and\nGyo Obata, as well as by international modernists such as Louis Kahn,\nIsamu Noguchi and Eliel Saarinen, Eero\\\'s father. (Famously, when jurors\nannounced the five finalists, a telegram was sent to \\\"E. Saarinen,\\\" and\nfor a few hours the family mistakenly assumed that Eliel had advanced.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"These are all visions of\nwhat the riverfront could have looked like if any other entry had been\nchosen,\\\" MacKeith points out. \\\"In many ways they provide a snapshot of\npost-war architectural concerns. The issue of the day was what we now\ncall the \\\'new monumentality.\\\' How do you make architecture after the\nSecond World War? How does one memorialize anything after the\nholocaust, or in the shadow of nuclear warfare?\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The final section\nhighlights Eero Saarinen\\\'s winning design, a gracefully inverted\ncatenary arch &mdash; calculated with the help of structural engineer\nHannskarl Bandel &mdash; that bears little resemblance to pre-war memorials.\nAlso on view are a number of Saarinen\\\'s subsequent drawings and models,\nwhich chart subtle changes and modifications in the years leading up to\nconstruction (which, delayed by the Korean War, did not begin until\n1963.) For example, while the original proposal called for a structure\n590 feet tall and located on the banks of the Mississippi, the final\nplan was lengthened to 630 feet and moved to slightly higher ground. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"This is a city of great\nbeauty, which approached its riverfront with great purpose and\ndeliberation,\\\" MacKeith concludes. \\\"Yes, there are tangled and\ndifficult histories prior to 1947, and subsequent to the Arch\\\'s\ncompletion. But there was also this astonishing moment of the\ncompetition. It\\\'s a moment that seemed to encapsulate St. Louis\\\' past\nand present, and one that remains intertwined with our civic future.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><strong>INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM</strong> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">In conjunction with the exhibition <em>On the Riverfront</em>,\nthe Sam Fox School will host a daylong symposium of the same title\nbeginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Topics of discussion will\ninclude \\\"The River and St. Louis,\\\" \\\"The JNEM Competition and the Design\nof the Gateway Arch,\\\" \\\"The Era of the Arch\\\" and \\\"The Riverfront and the\nArch.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Participants will include <strong>Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen</strong>, chief researcher and co-editor of the exhibition catalog for <em>Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future</em>; architect <strong>Robert Burley</strong>, who led the Arch design team for Eero Saarinen and Associates; and <strong>Charles Birnbaum</strong>,\nfounder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation and former coordinator of\nthe National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative. Also\nparticipating will be landscape architect <strong>Susan Saarinen </strong>(Eero\\\'s daughter) and former Finnish ambassador <strong>Matti H&auml;kk&auml;nen</strong> (Eero\\\'s second cousin), as well as architects, historians, critics and scholars from St. Louis and abroad. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Formal proceedings will be\npublished and distributed following the symposium. For participant bios\nand a complete schedule of events,<a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/web/page/normal/13223.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to click here\\\"> click here</span></a>. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">On the Riverfront: The Gateway Arch and St. Louis <em>will\nopen from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 30 and will remain on view through March 9\nin the Sam Fox School\\\'s Steinberg Hall, located near the intersection\nof Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. The gallery is open during regular\nbusiness hours Monday through Friday. For more information, call (314)\n935-9300 or <a href=\\\"http://www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu\\\">www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu.</a></em> </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<table align=\\\"center\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"height: 10px;\\\" width=\\\"174\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#dddddd\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1040,388,4,2,1232015411,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-14 11:25 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"Highway Commission Awards St. Louis Area Projects\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"highway_commission_awards_st_louis_area_projects\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Highway Commission Awards St. Louis Area Projects\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:118:\"The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) awarded several  St. Louis projects at its January meeting.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:56:\"Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, projects\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2083:\"<p>The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) awarded several&nbsp; St. Louis projects at its January meeting. Approximately $7.45 million was awarded to contractors forvarious roadway improvement projects. All contracts were awarded to the lowest bidder. The projects<br />include:</p>\n<p>&bull;Route 30 from the Franklin County line, Route B, Route Y and from the Jefferson County line to Route K in Franklin County- These projects section west of Route B, adding a left turn lane at Route Y and adding centerline and edge line rumble strips from the Jefferson County line to Route K in Franklin County. These projects were awarded to Pace Construction<br />Company (St. Louis) for $3,100,000. These projects are expected to begin in March 2009 and should be completed by November 2009.<br /><br />&bull;Interstate 70 from east of Lake St. Louis Boulevard to Route K and Route 61 at Route P-These projects includes removal and replacement of the pavement from east of Lake St. Louis Boulevard to Route K, and resurfacing the outer roads, commuter parking lot improvements, intersection lighting and turn lanes on Route 61 at Route P. This project was awarded to Krupp Construction Inc. (Ellisville) for $2,065,692.91. This project is<br />expected to begin in February 2009 and should be complete by September 2009.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&bull;Route N from Thomas Street to Donnelly Street- This project consists of resurfacing from Route 21 to Thomas Street and pavement repair. This project was awarded to Dura-Seal Paving Contractor (Barnhart) for $417,538.98. This project is expected to begin in February 2009 and shouldbe complete by May 2009.<br /><br />&bull;Route 110 from Route 21 to Route CC- This project consists of resurfacing and upgrading shoulders from Route 21 to Route CC and adding turn lanes at Athena School Road, East Upper Plattin Road and Upper PlattinRoad. This project was awarded to N.B. West Contracting (St. Louis, MO) for $1,875,000.&nbsp; This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be<br />complete by July 2009.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1041,389,2,2,1232090449,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Leading Forecasters Agree\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"steep_nonresidential_decline_leading_forecasters_agree\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:55:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Leading Forecasters Agree\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:538:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:14:\"AIA, Consensus\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10775:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"273\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"240\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong><br /> <br /></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:29:\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";}'),(1042,389,2,2,1232090506,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:58:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Leading Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"steep_nonresidential_decline_leading_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:58:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Leading Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:538:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10768:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"273\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"240\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong><br /></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:29:\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";}'),(1043,389,2,2,1232090542,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:58:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Leading Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"steep_nonresidential_decline_leading_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:58:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Leading Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:538:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10762:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"273\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"240\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:29:\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1044,381,2,2,1232090590,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"381\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-08 09:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"two_thirds_of_construction_companies_plan_layoffs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Two-Thirds of  Construction Companies Plan Layoffs\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:241:\"An estimated two-thirds of the nation\\\'s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:17:\"unemployment, AGC\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3944:\"<p>An estimated two-thirds of the nation\\\'s non-residential construction companies are planning to cut their payrolls, according to new employment and business forecast figures released Thursday by the Associated General Contractors of America.&nbsp; All told, those layoffs are forecast to result in a 30 percent decline in the number of people working on construction projects.<br /><br />Those layoffs come on top of a 35 percent drop in contractor employment in the last year, according to the survey. Seventy-two percent of contractors said they have laid off worker in the last 12 months.<br />&nbsp;<br /><img alt=\\\"Unemployment\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />&ldquo;Unless the business climate changes significantly and soon, the construction sector will continue to experience the kind of devastating job losses and crippling declines in business activity that will undermine efforts to end the recession,&rdquo; Stephen Sandherr, the association&rsquo;s chief executive officer said.<br /><br />&ldquo;After a strong start in 2008, we&rsquo;ve seen a significant slowdown in commercial construction in recent months,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The last few months have been devastating for the construction industry, but without a stimulus package, 2009 will make 2008 look good by comparison,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The forecast results, which are based on a representative survey conducted by the construction association late in 2008, found no relief in sight for construction companies that already have been among the hardest hit by the economic slowdown. According to the forecast figures, the association&rsquo;s member companies have seen or are planning for declining activity in every type of construction market.Ninety-two percent of building contractors and 93 percent of road builders are expecting or experiencing declining activity.&nbsp; Over 83 percent of utility contractors are bracing for declines while 77 percent of water resource contractors are expecting a decline in business building levees or locks.<br /><br />Tracy Hart, president of St. Louis-based Tarlton Corp., said some projects her company had been awarded have been put on hold, and &ldquo;competitor friends have seen projects cancelled because of financing.&rdquo; She said Tarlton is taking this opportunity to invest in training, particularly in green construction, &ldquo;because when construction comes back it will be green.&rdquo; She admitted, however, that training is only a short-term solution, and but hopefully it will last until Congress and the President adopt an economic stimulus package and more money starts flowing into construction. <br />&nbsp;<br />The AGC found that planned investments in infrastructure projects as part of the national economic stimulus package would dramatically improve the employment and business outlook for contractors for the year.&nbsp; Eighty-five percent of non-residential construction companies said they would either cancel layoffs or add new employees if states embarked on stimulus-funded infrastructure projects. <br />&nbsp;<br />According to the forecast, construction companies would increase their payrolls by 25 percent if the stimulus included new infrastructure investments.&nbsp; And construction companies predict they would invest an average of $500,000 this year in new equipment if they received new work as part of the stimulus package.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;With a stimulus, construction companies can get more people to work and more money into the economy in a way that will immediately boost our economy,&rdquo; Sandherr said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Without a stimulus, construction companies will cut jobs, slash spending and continue to be among the hardest hit sectors within our economy.<br />&nbsp;<br />For survey results, go to http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/survey_results.pdf.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:32:\"/images/uploads/unemployment.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1045,390,4,2,1232091079,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 08:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:58:\"Congressional Leaders Release Details of Stimulus Package \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"congressional_leaders_release_details_of_stimulus_package\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:57:\"Congressional Leaders Release Details of Stimulus Package\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:520:\"On January 15, the House Democratic Leadership announced details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Details of the $825 billion package were released by the House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees. The total package consists of $275 billion in economic recovery tax cuts and $550 billion in targeted investments, coupled with several unprecedented accountability measures. AGC estimates that approximately $150 billion of the spending proposed in this bill would benefit the construction industry.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:66:\"stimulus, House, package, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. \";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3257:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #275c71;\\\"></span><span style=\\\"line-height: 8px;\\\"></span>On January 15, the House Democratic Leadership announced details of\nthe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Details of the $825 billion\npackage were released by the House Appropriations and Ways and Means\nCommittees. The total package consists of $275 billion in economic\nrecovery tax cuts and $550 billion in targeted investments, coupled\nwith several unprecedented accountability measures. AGC estimates that\napproximately $150 billion of the spending proposed in this bill would\nbenefit the construction industry.</p>\n<p>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), said today that she hoped\nCongressional Committees would take up the bill late next week, with\nthe goal of sending a final product to the White House by mid-February.\nAccording to House Appropriations Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wis.), this\npackage would create and save 3 to 4 million jobs and jumpstart our\neconomy.</p>\n<p>In many instances, funds would be distributed through existing\nformulas. How funds are spent, all announcements of contract and grant\ncompetitions and awards, and formula grant allocations must be posted\non an open government web site. Governors, mayors or others making\nfunding decisions must personally certify that the investment has been\nfully vetted and is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. A Recovery\nAct Accountability and Transparency Board would also be created to\nreview management of recovery dollars and provide early warning of\nproblems. Federal and state whistleblowers who report fraud and abuse\nare protected. Finally, there are no earmarks in this package.</p>\n<p>The House Ways and Means Committee&rsquo;s $275 billion tax package would\nprovide tax, health and other benefits to American families, as well as\nincentives for businesses to grow and create jobs.&nbsp; Highlights in the\npackage benefiting the construction industry include:</p>\n<p>&bull;&nbsp;One-year deferral of the 3 percent withholding law from 2011 to 2012<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Bonus depreciation<br /> &bull;&nbsp;5-year carry-back of net operating losses<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Extension of increased small business expensing<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Repeal AMT limits on new private activity bonds<br /> &bull;&nbsp;School construction bonds<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Remove repayment requirement on $7,500 first-time homebuyer credit<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Tax exempt and tax credit bonds to &ldquo;recovery zones&rdquo; (i.e., areas of high unemployment, foreclosures or poverty)<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Various energy efficiency tax incentives and bonds</p>\n<p>To view a copy of the House Appropriations Committee Plan, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/House%20Approps%20Stimulus%2001-15-09.pdf\\\">click here</a>.</p>\n<p>To view a copy of the House Ways and Means Committee Plan, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/15taxstimulus.pdf\\\">click here</a>.</p>\n<p>To view an analysis of the bill prepared by the Associated Genearl Contarctors, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/House%20Stimulus%20Overview%20-%20AGC%20Chart.pdf\\\">click here</a>.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1046,391,4,2,1232091657,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 08:35 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:66:\"Clayco Inc. Hires Kristopher Marwin,CHE as Director of Healthcare \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:63:\"clayco_inc_hires_kristopher_marwinche_as_director_of_healthcare\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:65:\"Clayco Inc. Hires Kristopher Marwin,CHE as Director of Healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:94:\"Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin,CHE as Director of Healthcare. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Clayco, Marwin, healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1295:\"<p>Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin,CHE as Director of Healthcare.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"372\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Marwin_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />In his new position, Marwin will assist healthcare providers; hospitals, physician groups and senior living facilities with capital improvement solutions including planning, finance, design and construction. His responsibilities entail developing service solutions that strengthen and promote overall community benefit, including master site and facility planning, team building, functional space programming, finance sourcing, reimbursement impact analysis, community education and philanthropy support.<br />&nbsp;<br />Marwin brings to the company more than 20 years of healthcare development experience. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Olivet Nazarene University, in Kankakee Ill.; a Master of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University, in Mount Pleasant, MI.; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Systems Management from Ferris State University, in Big Rapids, MI. Kris is also an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).<br />&nbsp;<br />Clayco Inc. is a full-service real estate dev</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1047,391,4,2,1232091694,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"391\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 08:35 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:66:\"Clayco Inc. Hires Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:64:\"clayco_inc_hires_kristopher_marwin che_as_director_of_healthcare\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:66:\"Clayco Inc. Hires Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:95:\"Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Clayco, Marwin, healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1295:\"<p>Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin,CHE as Director of Healthcare.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"372\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Marwin_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />In his new position, Marwin will assist healthcare providers; hospitals, physician groups and senior living facilities with capital improvement solutions including planning, finance, design and construction. His responsibilities entail developing service solutions that strengthen and promote overall community benefit, including master site and facility planning, team building, functional space programming, finance sourcing, reimbursement impact analysis, community education and philanthropy support.<br />&nbsp;<br />Marwin brings to the company more than 20 years of healthcare development experience. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Olivet Nazarene University, in Kankakee Ill.; a Master of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University, in Mount Pleasant, MI.; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Systems Management from Ferris State University, in Big Rapids, MI. Kris is also an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).<br />&nbsp;<br />Clayco Inc. is a full-service real estate dev</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1048,391,4,2,1232091717,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"391\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 08:35 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:66:\"Clayco Inc. Hires Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:64:\"clayco_inc_hires_kristopher_marwin_che_as_director_of_healthcare\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:66:\"Clayco Inc. Hires Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:95:\"Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Clayco, Marwin, healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1296:\"<p>Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"372\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Marwin_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />In his new position, Marwin will assist healthcare providers; hospitals, physician groups and senior living facilities with capital improvement solutions including planning, finance, design and construction. His responsibilities entail developing service solutions that strengthen and promote overall community benefit, including master site and facility planning, team building, functional space programming, finance sourcing, reimbursement impact analysis, community education and philanthropy support.<br />&nbsp;<br />Marwin brings to the company more than 20 years of healthcare development experience. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Olivet Nazarene University, in Kankakee Ill.; a Master of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University, in Mount Pleasant, MI.; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Systems Management from Ferris State University, in Big Rapids, MI. Kris is also an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).<br />&nbsp;<br />Clayco Inc. is a full-service real estate dev</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1049,389,2,2,1232091806,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Steep Decline,  Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"steep_decline_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Steep Decline, Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:538:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10762:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"273\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"240\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:29:\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1050,389,2,2,1232091852,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Steep Decline,  Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"steep_decline_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Steep Decline, Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:538:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10762:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"273\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"240\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:29:\"/images/uploads/recession.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1051,391,4,2,1232091990,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"391\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 08:35 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:39:\"Clayco Hires  Marwin to Lead Healthcare\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"clayco_hires_marwin_to_lead_healthcare\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Clayco Hires Marwin to Head  Healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:95:\"Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Clayco, Marwin, healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1296:\"<p>Clayco Inc. has announced the appointment of Kristopher Marwin, CHE as Director of Healthcare.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"372\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Marwin_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />In his new position, Marwin will assist healthcare providers; hospitals, physician groups and senior living facilities with capital improvement solutions including planning, finance, design and construction. His responsibilities entail developing service solutions that strengthen and promote overall community benefit, including master site and facility planning, team building, functional space programming, finance sourcing, reimbursement impact analysis, community education and philanthropy support.<br />&nbsp;<br />Marwin brings to the company more than 20 years of healthcare development experience. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Olivet Nazarene University, in Kankakee Ill.; a Master of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University, in Mount Pleasant, MI.; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Systems Management from Ferris State University, in Big Rapids, MI. Kris is also an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).<br />&nbsp;<br />Clayco Inc. is a full-service real estate dev</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1052,390,4,2,1232092114,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"390\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 08:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Congress Reveals Stimulus Details\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:33:\"congress_reveals_stimulus_details\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Congressional Reveals Stimulus Details \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:520:\"On January 15, the House Democratic Leadership announced details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Details of the $825 billion package were released by the House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees. The total package consists of $275 billion in economic recovery tax cuts and $550 billion in targeted investments, coupled with several unprecedented accountability measures. AGC estimates that approximately $150 billion of the spending proposed in this bill would benefit the construction industry.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:66:\"stimulus, House, package, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. \";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3257:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; color: #275c71;\\\"></span><span style=\\\"line-height: 8px;\\\"></span>On January 15, the House Democratic Leadership announced details of\nthe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Details of the $825 billion\npackage were released by the House Appropriations and Ways and Means\nCommittees. The total package consists of $275 billion in economic\nrecovery tax cuts and $550 billion in targeted investments, coupled\nwith several unprecedented accountability measures. AGC estimates that\napproximately $150 billion of the spending proposed in this bill would\nbenefit the construction industry.</p>\n<p>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), said today that she hoped\nCongressional Committees would take up the bill late next week, with\nthe goal of sending a final product to the White House by mid-February.\nAccording to House Appropriations Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wis.), this\npackage would create and save 3 to 4 million jobs and jumpstart our\neconomy.</p>\n<p>In many instances, funds would be distributed through existing\nformulas. How funds are spent, all announcements of contract and grant\ncompetitions and awards, and formula grant allocations must be posted\non an open government web site. Governors, mayors or others making\nfunding decisions must personally certify that the investment has been\nfully vetted and is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. A Recovery\nAct Accountability and Transparency Board would also be created to\nreview management of recovery dollars and provide early warning of\nproblems. Federal and state whistleblowers who report fraud and abuse\nare protected. Finally, there are no earmarks in this package.</p>\n<p>The House Ways and Means Committee&rsquo;s $275 billion tax package would\nprovide tax, health and other benefits to American families, as well as\nincentives for businesses to grow and create jobs.&nbsp; Highlights in the\npackage benefiting the construction industry include:</p>\n<p>&bull;&nbsp;One-year deferral of the 3 percent withholding law from 2011 to 2012<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Bonus depreciation<br /> &bull;&nbsp;5-year carry-back of net operating losses<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Extension of increased small business expensing<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Repeal AMT limits on new private activity bonds<br /> &bull;&nbsp;School construction bonds<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Remove repayment requirement on $7,500 first-time homebuyer credit<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Tax exempt and tax credit bonds to &ldquo;recovery zones&rdquo; (i.e., areas of high unemployment, foreclosures or poverty)<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Various energy efficiency tax incentives and bonds</p>\n<p>To view a copy of the House Appropriations Committee Plan, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/House%20Approps%20Stimulus%2001-15-09.pdf\\\">click here</a>.</p>\n<p>To view a copy of the House Ways and Means Committee Plan, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/15taxstimulus.pdf\\\">click here</a>.</p>\n<p>To view an analysis of the bill prepared by the Associated Genearl Contarctors, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/House%20Stimulus%20Overview%20-%20AGC%20Chart.pdf\\\">click here</a>.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1053,392,4,2,1232093354,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 09:06 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Microtunneling Project Receives ACEC-MO Award\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"microtunneling_project_receives_acec_mo_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Microtunneling Project Receives ACEC-MO Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:279:\"The first major project in the St. Louis metropolitan area using the pilot tube microtunneling method for trenchless underground pipe installation, designed by Horner & Shifrin, has received an Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri (ACEC-MO).\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:41:\"microtunneling, Horner & Shifrin, ACEC-MO\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1681:\"<p>The first major project in the St. Louis metropolitan area using the pilot tube microtunneling method for trenchless underground pipe installation, designed by Horner &amp; Shifrin, has received an Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri (ACEC-MO).&nbsp; The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District&rsquo;s Black Creek Sewer pilot tube microtunneling (PTMT) project, involving the Black Creek Sanitary Relief Sewer, is located under the Saint Louis Galleria, one of the busiest shopping malls in the St. Louis metropolitan area.<br /><br />Horner &amp; Shifrin managed the entire project, developed the overall design concept and performed detailed civil, structural and hydraulic modeling design services.&nbsp; Ed Sewing, Horner &amp; Shifrin&rsquo;s project manager, stated, &ldquo;A project involving the installation of approximately 2,000 feet of 18-inch diameter sanitary relief sewer at depths of up to 23 feet often causes major disruptions in a heavily trafficked area like this.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>\\\"We employed design solutions to minimize such impacts, resulting in several benefits to the property owner and patrons of the Galleria during construction. These benefits included safe and unrestricted access for mall patrons between the parking areas and the mall entrances, and fewer parking spaces lost during construction. The construction method was also safer and more cost-effective than open-cut trenching for this type of project. Finally, the project minimized disturbance of site improvements to trees, landscaping, sidewalks and signage while protecting and maintaining uninterrupted use of the underground utilities.&rdquo;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1054,393,4,2,1232094106,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 09:15 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:37:\"Taylorsville Coal Plant Clears Hurdle\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"taylorsville_coal_plant_clears_hurdle\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"Taylorsville Coal Plant Clears Hurdle\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:255:\"A proposed $3.5 billion coal-fired plant in Taylorsville, IL., which proponents say could help cut greenhouse gas emissions as well as create 1,500 construction jobs and other permanent mining and power plant jobs, cleared a significant hurdle this week. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:31:\"Taylorsville, coal, legislation\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:5625:\"<p>A proposed $3.5 billion coal-fired plant in Taylorsville, IL., which proponents say could help cut greenhouse gas emissions as well as create 1,500 construction jobs and other permanent mining and power plant jobs, cleared a significant hurdle this week.&nbsp; Legislation signed by impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich establishes a framework for the Taylorville Energy Center (TEC) and other coal-gasification projects. The project still needs final approval from the state\\\'s General Assembly, which will consider it after design and cost reports are completed</p>\n<p>The\nsigning into law of SB 1987, the Clean Coal Portfolio Standard Act creates a framework for developing coal gasification projects with carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>)\ncapture and storage, requiring emissions from these electric generation\nfacilities, including Tenaska&rsquo;s proposed Taylorville Energy Center\n(TEC), to be as clean as natural gas generators. Like renewable\nelectric generation sources, TEC reduces emissions by displacing and\nreducing the operation of generation facilities that have higher\nemissions. TEC has the added advantage of 24/7 operation, providing a\nbenefit to air quality day in and day out.<br /> <br /> In\norder to qualify as a clean coal facility under this legislation, a\nplant must not only capture at least 50 percent of the total CO<sub>2</sub> emissions but must also incorporate power generating equipment that\nlimits regulated pollutants (such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides,\ncarbon monoxide, particulates and mercury) from combustion of the\nsynthetically-produced feedstock to levels that are no higher than\ncombined cycle, natural gas fired plants. <br /> <br /> In\naddition, the law requires electric utilities and other electric retail\nsuppliers in Illinois to purchase up to 5 percent of their electricity\nfrom clean coal facilities. SB 1987 entitles one initial clean coal\nfacility with a final air permit to 30-year purchase agreements for the\nsale of its output. TEC has a final air permit from the Illinois\nEnvironmental Protection Agency, allowing it to become the &ldquo;initial\nclean coal facility&rdquo; under the legislation. Because power from TEC will\nbe required continuously, it will consistently be replacing power from\nhigher emitting generators and providing significant reductions in\ngreenhouse gases as well as regulated pollutants. <br /> <br /> John Thompson, director of the Coal Transition Project for the national\nClean Air Task Force, added, &ldquo;The Illinois legislation requires\nemissions from coal-fueled facilities to be at least as low as clean\nburning natural gas power plants. This very tough standard should\nbecome the national model.&rdquo; <br /> <br /> Ford noted that the act increases the required CO<sub>2</sub> capture-level to 70 percent for facilities not scheduled to enter\ncommercial operation until after 2015 and to 90 percent for facilities\nnot scheduled until after 2017. He said that the CO<sub>2</sub> capture rate from TEC is expected to be in the 55 to 60 percent range.  &ldquo;Basically, we will be capturing almost all of the CO<sub>2</sub> and capturing or eliminating almost all of the other pollutants that\nare produced in the process necessary to turn coal into methane. This\nmethane is identical to natural gas, and so when it fuels TEC&rsquo;s\nefficient, combined-cycle block it produces no more CO<sub>2</sub> or\nother pollutants than a normal, highly efficient natural gas plant.\nTEC&rsquo;s emission levels are expected to be much lower than any other type\nof fossil fuel plant, including coal plants, oil plants, older natural\ngas plants and peaking natural gas plants.&rdquo; <br /> <br /> Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan led the effort, along with\nTenaska, to develop legislation that would be good for the economy,\ncreate thousands of new jobs, and provide significant protections to\nelectric customers. These protections include rate reviews by the\nFederal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Illinois Commerce\nCommission, as well as the need for final approval by the Illinois\nGeneral Assembly after preparation of a detailed facility cost report.\nThe legislation also contains a benchmark of 2.015 percent as the\nmaximum potential rate impact on electric utility customers, which\ncould only occur after the plant begins operations.<br /> <br /> &ldquo;This groundbreaking legislation will create jobs at Illinois clean\ncoal and renewable energy facilities, as well as in the coal industry,&rdquo;\nsaid Madigan. &ldquo;It provides a unique opportunity for Illinois to become\nthe national leader in the effort to build the kind of green economy\nchampioned by President-elect Obama. To pass this bill, we brought\ntogether a remarkable coalition and worked hard to produce legislation\nthat will benefit all Illinoisans,&rdquo; Madigan said. <br /> <br /> The next step for the TEC project is the preparation of a detailed\nFront End Engineering and Design (FEED) study and facility cost report.\nThen, in its spring 2010 session, the Illinois General Assembly will\nreview the FEED study and, if accepted, grant final approval of power\npurchase agreements for TEC as mandated by law.<br /> <br /> Current estimates of construction costs are approximately $2.5 billion.\nThe Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and other\ncosts that will accrue during the four-year construction period bring\nthe total estimated capital cost to $3.5 billion. No payments will be\ndue under the power purchase agreement until the plant is completed.\nCompletion is scheduled for 2014. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1055,394,4,2,1232096170,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-12 09:51 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"5\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"Scott Wilson Named AGC-St. louis Chair\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"scott_wilson_named_agc_st_louis_chair\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Scott Wilson Named AGC St. Louis Chair\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:145:\"Scott J. Wilson, President of S. M. Wilson & Co. has been elected Chairman of the Board of the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis (AGC).\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:27:\"Scott Wilson, AGC, chairman\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1507:\"<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"292\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/SCOTT-WILSON.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />Scott J. Wilson, President of S. M. Wilson &amp; Co. has been elected Chairman of the Board of the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis (AGC).&nbsp; He succeeds Tracy E. Hart of Tarlton Corporation who remains on the AGC Board of Directors.&nbsp; Mr. Wilson has served in a variety of capacities within the AGC as a member of the Board of Directors since 1998, executive committee since 2000, as well as chairing the AGC&rsquo;s Education Foundation.&nbsp; Wilson is an active participant in the Construction Careers Center charter high school where he serves as a mentor in the Career Coaching Program and actively supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.<br /><br />Other officers of the AGC for 2009 are:&nbsp; Chair Elect of the Board &ndash; Robert Fritz, Clayco; Vice Chair of the Board &ndash; Paul Hartwig, McCarthy Building Companies; Treasurer &ndash; Michael J. Perry, H.B.D. Contracting, Inc.; Secretary &ndash;Todd Korte, The Korte Company.<br /><br />Serving on the Board representing contractor members are:&nbsp; Steve Biederman, Walton Construction Company, LLC; Matt Grieshaber, Alberici Constructors, Inc.; Tom Huster, KCI Construction Company; Joseph M. Kaiser, BSI Constructors, Inc.; Kelly Kenter, Sitelines, Inc.; Thomas E. Kuhn, Millstone Bangert, Inc.; Ken Lovelace, Legacy Building Group; and P. Joseph McKee, III, Paric Corporation.<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1056,389,2,2,1232096670,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Steep Decline,  Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"steep_decline_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Steep Decline, Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:538:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10792:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Toppling bricks\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1057,390,4,2,1232096761,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"390\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 08:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Congress Reveals Stimulus Details\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:33:\"congress_reveals_stimulus_details\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:34:\"Congress Reveals Stimulus Details \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:520:\"On January 15, the House Democratic Leadership announced details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Details of the $825 billion package were released by the House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees. The total package consists of $275 billion in economic recovery tax cuts and $550 billion in targeted investments, coupled with several unprecedented accountability measures. AGC estimates that approximately $150 billion of the spending proposed in this bill would benefit the construction industry.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:66:\"stimulus, House, package, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. \";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3257:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; color: #275c71;\\\"></span><span style=\\\"line-height: 8px;\\\"></span>On January 15, the House Democratic Leadership announced details of\nthe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Details of the $825 billion\npackage were released by the House Appropriations and Ways and Means\nCommittees. The total package consists of $275 billion in economic\nrecovery tax cuts and $550 billion in targeted investments, coupled\nwith several unprecedented accountability measures. AGC estimates that\napproximately $150 billion of the spending proposed in this bill would\nbenefit the construction industry.</p>\n<p>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), said today that she hoped\nCongressional Committees would take up the bill late next week, with\nthe goal of sending a final product to the White House by mid-February.\nAccording to House Appropriations Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wis.), this\npackage would create and save 3 to 4 million jobs and jumpstart our\neconomy.</p>\n<p>In many instances, funds would be distributed through existing\nformulas. How funds are spent, all announcements of contract and grant\ncompetitions and awards, and formula grant allocations must be posted\non an open government web site. Governors, mayors or others making\nfunding decisions must personally certify that the investment has been\nfully vetted and is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. A Recovery\nAct Accountability and Transparency Board would also be created to\nreview management of recovery dollars and provide early warning of\nproblems. Federal and state whistleblowers who report fraud and abuse\nare protected. Finally, there are no earmarks in this package.</p>\n<p>The House Ways and Means Committee&rsquo;s $275 billion tax package would\nprovide tax, health and other benefits to American families, as well as\nincentives for businesses to grow and create jobs.&nbsp; Highlights in the\npackage benefiting the construction industry include:</p>\n<p>&bull;&nbsp;One-year deferral of the 3 percent withholding law from 2011 to 2012<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Bonus depreciation<br /> &bull;&nbsp;5-year carry-back of net operating losses<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Extension of increased small business expensing<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Repeal AMT limits on new private activity bonds<br /> &bull;&nbsp;School construction bonds<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Remove repayment requirement on $7,500 first-time homebuyer credit<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Tax exempt and tax credit bonds to &ldquo;recovery zones&rdquo; (i.e., areas of high unemployment, foreclosures or poverty)<br /> &bull;&nbsp;Various energy efficiency tax incentives and bonds</p>\n<p>To view a copy of the House Appropriations Committee Plan, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/House%20Approps%20Stimulus%2001-15-09.pdf\\\">click here</a>.</p>\n<p>To view a copy of the House Ways and Means Committee Plan, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/15taxstimulus.pdf\\\">click here</a>.</p>\n<p>To view an analysis of the bill prepared by the Associated Genearl Contarctors, <a href=\\\"http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agcnvws/downloads/House%20Stimulus%20Overview%20-%20AGC%20Chart.pdf\\\">click here</a>.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1058,395,5,2,1232097831,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 10:19 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"10\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:39:\"Music Promoter Hears Sour Note on Claim\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:39:\"music_promoter_hears_sour_note_on_claim\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:39:\"Music Promoter Hears Sour Note on Claim\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"6\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:173:\"A music promoter can recover consequential damages but not additional lost profits in a lawsuit against its contractor when a metal concert stage and roof failed to perform.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:56:\"music promoter, claim, Metal Building, Wolf Construction\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:5892:\"<p>A music promoter can recover consequential damages but not additional lost profits in a lawsuit against its contractor when a metal concert stage and roof failed to perform. The case is Catroppa v. Metal Building Supply, Inc., 2008 WL 4705605 (Mo. App. S.D.), decided October 28. <br /><br />Metal Building, a manufacturer of metal building components, agreed with Backyard Concerts, a music promoter of 35 years, to the construction of a metal stage and corrugated metal roof over it.&nbsp; Metal Building subcontracted with Wolf Construction to build the stage. Metal Building supplied the building materials. The total cost was about $12,000.<br /><br />Before approaching Metal Building about building the stage, Backyard Concerts had scheduled a concert with heavy-metal bands Skid Row and Slowvein. The music promoter informed Metal Building that the stage had to be completed before the concert, which did in fact happen. However, the ridges on the stage&rsquo;s roof ran horizontally instead of vertically as specified.<br /><br />Of course, it rained on concert day. The water built up in the ridges and began leaking through the seams onto the stage. This shorted out the bands&rsquo; electrical equipment. Both bands would not perform and Backyard Concerts had to cancel the concert.<br /><br />Backyard Concerts&rsquo; problems continued. Metal Building acknowledged that the stage was built improperly. It placed a second corrugated metal roof over the original with the ridges this time running vertically. Metal Building did not, however, connect the two roofs, thereby causing the new one to be lifted up and off in high winds. Backyard Concerts claimed this to be a design defect in that the purloins&mdash;to which the roof was attached&mdash;ran vertically instead of horizontally to the roof&rsquo;s pitch.<br /><br />Backyard Concerts sued Metal Building for breach of contract seeking $181,380 in total damages. This included $36,380 for lost profits from the rained-out concert and $10,000 for costs to repair the stage. <br />Backyard Concerts also sought consequential damages, future lost profits and a refund of the $12,000 initially spent for the stage given its present, unusable condition. These costs included $6,000 for the Skid Row band, $700 for the Slowvein band, advertising in the Joplin newspaper of $1,300, ticket printing for $900, Johnny on the Spots for $300, ice for $300, and BBQ for cooked meat and buns for $2,000. There were other costs as well. <br /><br />For labor, Backyard Concerts asked for compensation of $1,800 for security, plus additional money for cooks, bartenders, ticket takers, stage loaders, cancellation explainer and JT Huff Sound for a total of $18,820.<br />Then there were projected sales for advanced tickets and door tickets and liquor and food sales for an additional amount of $18,000. In total, Backyard Concerts asked for an additional $36,380 for projected sales minus cost and some repairs.<br />From all this, the trial court awarded $26,620 plus court costs as total damages. <br /><br />The appellate court stated that Backyard Concerts in its breach of contract lawsuit can pursue three types of damages: actual, consequential and benefit-of-the-bargain. Also, these three damages are not necessarily inconsistent with each other. The plaintiff, however&mdash;in this case Backyard Concerts&mdash;cannot recover more than one hundred percent for its damages.<br /><br />Actual damages are compensatory and involve the loss or injury sustained. Consequential damages are those damages naturally and proximately caused by the commission of the breach and those damages that reasonably could have been contemplated by the defendant at the time of the agreement. Benefit-of-the-bargain damages&mdash;also known as lost profits damages&mdash;are the net profits a plaintiff would have realized had the contract not been breached.<br /><br />Regarding lost profits, the Southern District noted that the parties focused in their appellate arguments in one case &ldquo;extensively&rdquo; and in the other case &ldquo;exclusively&rdquo; on entitlement to lost profits. Lost profit damages must be shown with &ldquo;reasonable certainty&rdquo; and cannot be based on speculation. <br /><br />Lost profits damages can be based on an estimate of lost revenue minus overhead expenses. Lost profits may be imprecise as long as they are based on established facts and reasonable extrapolations from those facts. <br />In this case, while Backyard Concerts sufficiently showed lost liquor sales of $12,000, it could not support the costs for the liquor. There were other examples of losses where the costs were not shown. Thus, Backyard Concerts could not show in total more than $18,680 in lost profits and since this was less than the consequential damages of $19,120, the appellate court decided that Backyard Concerts was not entitled to any damages for lost profits. <br /><br />As for actual damages of $12,000, the court described them to be the reasonable cost of building the roof to the actual specifications. The court concluded that the testimony of $12,000 paid for the stage and roof, alleged to be &ldquo;useless,&rdquo; was not sufficient to establish the &ldquo;reasonable cost of conforming the stage roof to the contract specifications.&rdquo; Backyard Concerts received nothing for this. <br /><br />As for consequential damages of $19,120 for cancelled band concerts, advertising costs, and other items, Backyard Concerts testified that Metal Building knew the concert was to go forward &ldquo;rain or shine.&rdquo; Thus, the losses were foreseeable and Backyard Concerts could recover for them.<br /><br />James R. Keller is a partner at Herzog Crebs LLP where he concentrates his practice on construction law, complex business disputes, real estate and ADR. He also is an arbitrator and a mediator</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"10\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1059,387,10,2,1232098107,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"387\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-14 11:09 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"on_the_riverfront_st_louis_and_the_gateway_arch\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:50:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:221:\"From Jan. 30 to March 9 the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium titled On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:45:\"Gateway Arch, Washington University, Saarinen\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:74:\" Steinberg Hall, near the intersection of Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-01-30 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:19:\"2009-03-09 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:122:\"Opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; on view through March 9.  Symposium:  9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:9849:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: medium;\\\"><span class=\\\"black\\\"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </span><em><span class=\\\"black\\\">Exhibition and symposium presented by Sam Fox School in conjunction with Eero Saarinen retrospective</span></em> <br /> <img height=\\\"4\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/images/spacer.gif\\\" width=\\\"5\\\" /><br /></span><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial &mdash; popularly known as the St.\nLouis Gateway Arch &mdash; is the tallest monument in the United States and\nan icon of modern architecture, its great stainless steel arc embodying\nstrength, elegance and simplicity. Yet creation of the Arch was\nanything but simple. Indeed, it is a story of frequent uncertainty and\nsometime bitter controversy, as planning, design and construction\nstretched across more than three decades. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">From Jan. 30 to March 9\nthe Sam Fox School of Design &amp; Visual Arts at Washington University\nin St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium\ntitled <em><strong>On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch. </strong></em>Curated by <strong>Peter MacKeith</strong>, associate dean of the Sam Fox School and associate professor of architecture; and by<strong> Eric Mumford</strong>, associate professor of architecture,<em> On the Riverfront</em> will profile the people, events and conditions that culminated in the\n1947-48 competition from which Eero Saarinen\\\'s design was chosen, as\nwell as the monument\\\'s subsequent construction and its place in\nAmerican architecture. </span></p>\n<table align=\\\"left\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"margin: 0px 10px 5px 0px;\\\" width=\\\"250\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\"><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"><img align=\\\"left\\\" alt=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" height=\\\"153\\\" hspace=\\\"0\\\" id=\\\"Saarinen 11\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/pub/libs/images/usr/7830.jpg\\\" title=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" vspace=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"250\\\" /></a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\\\"photoCaption\\\">\n<h4><span class=\\\"photocaption\\\">Eero Saarinen, with\nJ. Henderson Barr (renderer), Dan Kiley (landscape architect),\nAlexander Hayden Girard, and Lilly Swann Saarinen. Detail from\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial, First Stage Competition entry,\n1947. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Archives, National Park\nService.</span></h4>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"right\\\" class=\\\"photoDownload\\\"><a class=\\\"photodownload\\\" href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"> </a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"The significance of the\nGateway Arch in Saarinen\\\'s career, as well as in the development of St.\nLouis\\\' post-war identity, is unquestionable,\\\" says MacKeith, who also\nserves as St. Louis coordinator for <em><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/12971.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.\\\">Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.</span></a></em> (That exhibition &mdash; the first major museum retrospective dedicated to\nthe architect &mdash; will be on view at the university\\\'s Mildred Lane Kemper\nArt Museum Jan. 30 to April 27.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"There is a degree of\nattention given to the Arch within the retrospective,\\\" MacKeith\nexplains. \\\"But the Arch is such an icon of St. Louis, condensing\nhistories of place and purpose and civic pride, that we felt this would\nbe a good opportunity to explore the broad civic vision that ultimately\nbrought the Arch into being. It is a not a story of which people are\nreally aware.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><em>On the Riverfront</em> begins with a condensed history of the St. Louis region, from the time\nof the Cahokia Indians, though Spanish settlement, the Louisiana\nPurchase and the Lewis &amp; Clark expedition, to statehood and\nindustrialization. Yet by the early 20th century much of the riverfront\nhad fallen into disrepair and local leaders were beginning to explore\nstrategies for revitalization. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Chief among these was\nLuther Ely Smith, a St. Louis lawyer now known as \\\"the father of the\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial.\\\" Smith first conceived the idea\nof constructing a memorial on the banks of the Mississippi in 1933 and\nthe following year, with the help of Mayor Bernard Dickmann, co-founded\nthe nonprofit Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (JNEM) Association\nto enlist Federal support. In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt designated the\nproposed 90-acre site as a national park and the city, having passed a\nbond proposal and armed with the power of eminent domain, began\nleveling 40 blocks in preparation for a national architecture\ncompetition. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The site was cleared by\n1942 but the JNEM Competition was delayed by the onset of World War II.\nYet when it did begin, in 1947, the competition proved a massive\nsuccess, drawing 176 entries &mdash; many of which will be on view &mdash; by\nimportant St. Louis figures such as Harris Armstrong, Charles Eames and\nGyo Obata, as well as by international modernists such as Louis Kahn,\nIsamu Noguchi and Eliel Saarinen, Eero\\\'s father. (Famously, when jurors\nannounced the five finalists, a telegram was sent to \\\"E. Saarinen,\\\" and\nfor a few hours the family mistakenly assumed that Eliel had advanced.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"These are all visions of\nwhat the riverfront could have looked like if any other entry had been\nchosen,\\\" MacKeith points out. \\\"In many ways they provide a snapshot of\npost-war architectural concerns. The issue of the day was what we now\ncall the \\\'new monumentality.\\\' How do you make architecture after the\nSecond World War? How does one memorialize anything after the\nholocaust, or in the shadow of nuclear warfare?\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The final section\nhighlights Eero Saarinen\\\'s winning design, a gracefully inverted\ncatenary arch &mdash; calculated with the help of structural engineer\nHannskarl Bandel &mdash; that bears little resemblance to pre-war memorials.\nAlso on view are a number of Saarinen\\\'s subsequent drawings and models,\nwhich chart subtle changes and modifications in the years leading up to\nconstruction (which, delayed by the Korean War, did not begin until\n1963.) For example, while the original proposal called for a structure\n590 feet tall and located on the banks of the Mississippi, the final\nplan was lengthened to 630 feet and moved to slightly higher ground. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"This is a city of great\nbeauty, which approached its riverfront with great purpose and\ndeliberation,\\\" MacKeith concludes. \\\"Yes, there are tangled and\ndifficult histories prior to 1947, and subsequent to the Arch\\\'s\ncompletion. But there was also this astonishing moment of the\ncompetition. It\\\'s a moment that seemed to encapsulate St. Louis\\\' past\nand present, and one that remains intertwined with our civic future.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><strong>INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM</strong> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">In conjunction with the exhibition <em>On the Riverfront</em>,\nthe Sam Fox School will host a daylong symposium of the same title\nbeginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Topics of discussion will\ninclude \\\"The River and St. Louis,\\\" \\\"The JNEM Competition and the Design\nof the Gateway Arch,\\\" \\\"The Era of the Arch\\\" and \\\"The Riverfront and the\nArch.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Participants will include <strong>Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen</strong>, chief researcher and co-editor of the exhibition catalog for <em>Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future</em>; architect <strong>Robert Burley</strong>, who led the Arch design team for Eero Saarinen and Associates; and <strong>Charles Birnbaum</strong>,\nfounder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation and former coordinator of\nthe National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative. Also\nparticipating will be landscape architect <strong>Susan Saarinen </strong>(Eero\\\'s daughter) and former Finnish ambassador <strong>Matti H&auml;kk&auml;nen</strong> (Eero\\\'s second cousin), as well as architects, historians, critics and scholars from St. Louis and abroad. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Formal proceedings will be\npublished and distributed following the symposium. For participant bios\nand a complete schedule of events,<a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/web/page/normal/13223.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to click here\\\"> click here</span></a>. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">On the Riverfront: The Gateway Arch and St. Louis <em>will\nopen from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 30 and will remain on view through March 9\nin the Sam Fox School\\\'s Steinberg Hall, located near the intersection\nof Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. The gallery is open during regular\nbusiness hours Monday through Friday. For more information, call (314)\n935-9300 or <a href=\\\"http://www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu\\\">www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu.</a></em> </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<table align=\\\"center\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"height: 10px;\\\" width=\\\"174\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#dddddd\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1060,389,2,2,1232127287,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:51:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline,  Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"steep_decline_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:538:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10792:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Toppling bricks\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1061,389,2,2,1232127367,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:51:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline,  Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"steep_decline_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:537:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation\\\'s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:11360:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation\\\'s leading construction forecasters.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Toppling bricks\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1062,389,2,2,1232127440,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:51:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline,  Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"steep_decline_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:537:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation\\\'s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:11423:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation\\\'s leading construction forecasters.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Toppling bricks\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.<strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"></span></strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1063,396,4,2,1232164743,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 04:55 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Clayco Inc.American Concrete Institute Award \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"clayco_incamerican_concrete_institute_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Clayco Inc.American Concrete Institute Awar\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:294:\"Clayco Inc. was recently awarded with a Best Concrete Project Award from the American Concrete Institute, Louisiana Chapter, for their work on the Chevron NorthPark Office Building in Covington, LA. Concrete Strategies Inc., a Clayco partner, performed the tilt-up construction for the project.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"Clayco, concrete,  award\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1798:\"<p>Clayco Inc. was recently awarded with a Best Concrete Project Award from the American Concrete Institute, Louisiana Chapter, for their work on the Chevron NorthPark Office Building in Covington, LA. Concrete Strategies Inc., a Clayco partner, performed the tilt-up construction for the project.<br /><br />The 11th annual awards competition recognizes and honors creative, innovative and aesthetic uses of concrete and concrete masonry products in new construction projects completed in Louisiana during 2008.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We are pleased to have our work on the Chevron NorthPark Office Building honored with such a prestigious award by the American Concrete Institute,&rdquo; said Joe Vitale, president of Concrete Strategies. <br />&nbsp;<br />The goal of the project was to utilize concrete construction innovations to create a facility which would minimize the risk of weather-related business disruptions while also creating an aesthetically pleasing office environment.<br />&nbsp;<br />Built via tilt-up construction methods, the 300,000-square-foot headquarters consists of multi-story office wings and central amenity space with a large meeting space, full-service kitchen and fitness center. The project included a geological laboratory and a five-level parking structure attached to the office building. The headquarters was also built to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;The overall size and depth of the project, not only in square footage and panels, but in the fact that the company moved its offices from New Orleans to Covington to be outside of the hurricane area, showcases the accomplishment and achievement of the project,&rdquo; said Vitale.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";}'),(1064,396,4,2,1232164876,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"396\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 04:55 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Clayco Wins American Concrete Institute Award\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"clayco_wins_american_concrete_institute_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Clayco Wins American Concrete Institute Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:294:\"Clayco Inc. was recently awarded with a Best Concrete Project Award from the American Concrete Institute, Louisiana Chapter, for their work on the Chevron NorthPark Office Building in Covington, LA. Concrete Strategies Inc., a Clayco partner, performed the tilt-up construction for the project.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"Clayco, concrete,  award\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1798:\"<p>Clayco Inc. was recently awarded with a Best Concrete Project Award from the American Concrete Institute, Louisiana Chapter, for their work on the Chevron NorthPark Office Building in Covington, LA. Concrete Strategies Inc., a Clayco partner, performed the tilt-up construction for the project.<br /><br />The 11th annual awards competition recognizes and honors creative, innovative and aesthetic uses of concrete and concrete masonry products in new construction projects completed in Louisiana during 2008.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We are pleased to have our work on the Chevron NorthPark Office Building honored with such a prestigious award by the American Concrete Institute,&rdquo; said Joe Vitale, president of Concrete Strategies. <br />&nbsp;<br />The goal of the project was to utilize concrete construction innovations to create a facility which would minimize the risk of weather-related business disruptions while also creating an aesthetically pleasing office environment.<br />&nbsp;<br />Built via tilt-up construction methods, the 300,000-square-foot headquarters consists of multi-story office wings and central amenity space with a large meeting space, full-service kitchen and fitness center. The project included a geological laboratory and a five-level parking structure attached to the office building. The headquarters was also built to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;The overall size and depth of the project, not only in square footage and panels, but in the fact that the company moved its offices from New Orleans to Covington to be outside of the hurricane area, showcases the accomplishment and achievement of the project,&rdquo; said Vitale.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";}'),(1065,397,4,2,1232166715,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 05:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:56:\"Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Elects Officers\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:56:\"leadership_council_southwestern_illinois_elects_officers\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:56:\"Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Elects Officers\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:158:\"The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, an economic development organization for the St. Louis Metro East submarket, has chosen new leadership for 2009.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:41:\" Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2117:\"<p>The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, an economic development organization for the St. Louis Metro East submarket, has chosen new leadership for 2009. Members unanimously approved five new officers to serve one-year terms, including Vaughn Vandegrift as the president of the organization. Vandegrift, Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been a member of the Leadership Council&rsquo;s executive committee since 2004 and most recently served as the organization&rsquo;s vice president. The additional officers chosen include:<br />&nbsp; <br />Chairman &ndash; Suzanne Butler, vice president of Johnson Properties<br />Vice President &ndash; Mark Tade, manager of employee relations, U.S. Steel, Granite City Works<br />Secretary &ndash; Dale Stewart, executive secretary/treasurer, Southwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council<br />Treasurer &ndash; Gerry Schuetzenhofer, president, Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors <br /><br />The Leadership Council president is the key officer presiding over organizational meetings and operations. <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;2009 will be a critical year for our region,&rdquo; noted Vandegrift. &ldquo;While our development pipeline is currently strong with billions of dollars in projects under construction, the current state of the economy makes it imperative that regional leaders come together and work collaboratively to chart the course for our region&rsquo;s long-term future. I look forward to working with our membership, other regional development agencies, civic leaders and elected officials to continue to shape a bright future for Southwestern Illinois.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is a member-based, economic development corporation representing Madison and St. Clair counties. The Council works to attract/retain jobs and stimulate capital investment through its coalition of leaders in business, industry, labor, education and government. These effective partnerships serve as a driving force behind successful economic development efforts throughout the Metro East region.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1066,398,4,2,1232167036,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 05:33 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"NAI Desco Announces Staff Additions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"nai_desco_announces_staff_additions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"NAI Desco Announces Staff Additions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:319:\"NAI Desco has announced additions to its staff.\n\nMark Schnuck, President of NAI DESCO, says the new additions provide a valuable role for the company. “With the new brokers, we are able to better serve the medical\noffice sector in St. Louis, a sector which should continue to see steady growth in the coming years.â€\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:9:\"NAI Desci\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1322:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.naidesco.com\\\">NAI Desco</a> has announced additions to its staff. <br /><br />Mark Schnuck, President of NAI DESCO, says the new additions provide a valuable role for the company. &ldquo;With the new brokers, we are able to better serve the medical<br />office sector in St. Louis, a sector which should continue to see steady growth in the coming years.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Matt Hirsch and Barry Iken, the newest brokers to the team, come to NAI DESCO with a combined 18 years of experience in commercial real estate with an emphasis<br />in the medical related field. Hirsch and Iken, who have worked with a diverse range of healthcare providers from the single physician office to national healthcare corporations, believe that their move to NAI DESCO will help facilitate significant transactions in the months to come.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;I believe with our proven track record, the support of NAI DESCO and the NAI Network, we will not only continue to deliver high quality real estate brokerage to a<br />wide range of clients, but this will open significant opportunities to reach more<br />clients,&rdquo; says Iken.</p>\n<p>Major projects for the duo include the Laboratory Corporation of America assignment where Hirsch and Iken were charged with procuring and leasing over 40 medical buildings.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";}'),(1067,398,4,2,1232167445,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"398\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 05:33 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"NAI Desco Announces Staff Additions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"nai_desco_announces_staff_additions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"NAI Desco Announces Staff Additions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:317:\"NAI Desco has announced additions to its staff.\n\nMark Schnuck, President of NAI DESCO, says the new additions provide a valuable role for the company. \\\"With the new brokers, we are able to better serve the medical\noffice sector in St. Louis, a sector which should continue to see steady growth in the coming years.\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:9:\"NAI Desci\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1322:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.naidesco.com\\\">NAI Desco</a> has announced additions to its staff. <br /><br />Mark Schnuck, President of NAI DESCO, says the new additions provide a valuable role for the company. &ldquo;With the new brokers, we are able to better serve the medical<br />office sector in St. Louis, a sector which should continue to see steady growth in the coming years.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Matt Hirsch and Barry Iken, the newest brokers to the team, come to NAI DESCO with a combined 18 years of experience in commercial real estate with an emphasis<br />in the medical related field. Hirsch and Iken, who have worked with a diverse range of healthcare providers from the single physician office to national healthcare corporations, believe that their move to NAI DESCO will help facilitate significant transactions in the months to come.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;I believe with our proven track record, the support of NAI DESCO and the NAI Network, we will not only continue to deliver high quality real estate brokerage to a<br />wide range of clients, but this will open significant opportunities to reach more<br />clients,&rdquo; says Iken.</p>\n<p>Major projects for the duo include the Laboratory Corporation of America assignment where Hirsch and Iken were charged with procuring and leasing over 40 medical buildings.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";}'),(1068,399,4,2,1232169486,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 05:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:52:\"Midwest Testing\\\'s Laughlin Receives Honorary Degree\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:50:\"midwest_testings_laughlin_receives_honorary_degree\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:52:\"Midwest Testing\\\'s Laughlin Receives Honorary Degree\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:332:\"Richard D. Laughlin, founder of St. Louis-based environmental and geotechnical services firm Midwest Testing, has been awarded an honorary professional degree by the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) in Rolla,  Mo. Laughlin earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from MST in 1976 and 1977.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:25:\"Laughlin, Midwest Testing\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1178:\"<p>Richard D. Laughlin, founder of St. Louis-based environmental and geotechnical services firm Midwest Testing, has been awarded an honorary professional degree by the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) in Rolla,&nbsp; Mo. Laughlin earned bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s degrees in civil engineering from MST in 1976 and 1977. <br /><br />The university awards professional degrees to individuals who make a significant impact on their profession. Since founding Midwest Testing in 1985, Laughlin has grown the business into one of the area&rsquo;s leading providers of phase one and two site studies; wetlands delineation; asbestos evaluations; remediation planning; cultural studies of land; and permitting. <br /><br />The firm has participated in numerous high-profile projects including the region&rsquo;s largest shopping center, the 380-acre Chesterfield Commons in Chesterfield; Gateway Commerce Center in Madison County, IL; Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center and Business Park in Fenton; The Boulevard-St. Louis&nbsp; in Richmond Heights, Mo.; The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis; Manchester Highlands; Town and Country Crossing; and, Arnold Commons.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1069,400,4,2,1232169825,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 06:20 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:68:\"McCormack Baron Salazar, KAI Begin Work on New Orleans Neighborhood \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:66:\"mccormack_baron_salazar_kai_begin_work_on_new_orleans_neighborhood\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:68:\"McCormack Baron Salazar, KAI Begin Work on New Orleans Neighborhood \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:583:\"Construction has begun on the $172 million project to redevelop the C.J. Peete public housing site in New Orleans, LA. The C.J. Peete HOPE VI Housing Redevelopment project is being developed by Central City Partners (a team made up of St. Louis-based companies McCormack Baron Salazar and KAI Design & Build), in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the availability of quality affordable housing in New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"  McCormack Baron Salazar, KAI, New Orleans\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:7004:\"<p>Construction has begun on the $172 million project to redevelop the C.J. Peete public housing site in New Orleans, LA. The C.J. Peete HOPE VI Housing Redevelopment project is being developed by Central City Partners (a team made up of St. Louis-based companies McCormack Baron Salazar and KAI Design &amp; Build), in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the availability of quality affordable housing in New Orleans&rsquo; Central City neighborhood. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on January 7 to mark the start of construction.<br />&nbsp;<br />McCormack Baron Salazar Executive Vice President Vince Bennett said, &ldquo;Realizing the transformation of the C.J. Peete site in a troubled financial time demonstrates the significance of public private partnerships. The ability of our team to bring in nationally recognized financial partners such as Goldman Sachs and negotiate a complicated leveraged transaction with HANO, state and local funders and navigate numerous tax and regulatory requirements in 60 days was incredible. Moreover, this development will serve as a catalytic spark in the revitalization of the neighborhood and will support families who were displaced by Katrina.&nbsp; The importance of this development goes beyond bricks and mortar to transform the lives of community and public housing residents.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />McCormack Baron Salazar is a nationally recognized urban developer of affordable housing with extensive experience in the creation and management of large-scale, mixed-income communities.&nbsp; The firm has developed 131 developments for total development costs in excess of $1.9 billion.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We see this as a tremendous opportunity to revitalize a community and to provide much needed mixed-income housing in the heart of New Orleans&rsquo; Central City neighborhood,&rdquo; said KAI Design &amp; Build President Michael Kennedy, Jr.<br />&nbsp;<br />KAI Design &amp; Build, a minority-owned firm, has a broad range of experience in design, construction and development services and has worked on multiple mixed-finance HUD HOPE VI development programs around the country.&nbsp; KAI is providing architectural, interior, mechanical, electrical and plumbing/fire protection design on the project, in addition to providing overall direction, coordination and management of the engineering consultant team. <br />&nbsp;<br />C.J. Peete is located in Central City New Orleans and is bordered by Louisiana Avenue, South Claiborne Avenue, La Salle Street and Washington Avenue.&nbsp; C.J. Peete, named after Cleveland Joseph Peete, a graduate of Xavier University who managed the development from 1952 to 1978, was constructed in 1941 and expanded to 1,403 total units in 1955. The Housing Authority of New Orleans demolished more than half of the site, approximately 723 units, in 1997 with plans for revitalization. Only 146 families were still living at the site when Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005.&nbsp; These families were all displaced by the Hurricane Katrina emergency, many of them to out of state locations. The vacant buildings that remained following the Katrina disaster were demolished in the spring of 2008.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Plans for the $172 million, 550,000-square-foot redevelopment, designed to replicate the traditional Central City neighborhood, include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Construction of 410 garden and townhouse low-income, affordable and market rate units.</li>\n<li>Construction of a 40-unit, three-story apartment building.</li>\n<li>Renovation of an existing administration building and three-story, residential apartment building with 10 units.</li>\n<li>Renovation of an existing community center to house supportive services programs.</li>\n<li>New streets that tie into existing streets.</li>\n<li>A new park at the southern end of the site that preserves several old oak trees.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Richard Baron, chairman and CEO of McCormack Baron Salazar, explained, &ldquo;We want to create a stable, safe and sustainable mixed-income community which will increase economic and educational opportunities for all of its residents.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Construction on the project has been put on the fast track and is expected to be completed in January 2011. The general contractor on the project is Woodward Design &amp; Build of New Orleans, LA. <br />&nbsp;<br />In addition to the physical development of the site, the development team joined with Urban Strategies, its non-profit partner, to provide and coordinate essential services and programs for former and new residents of the C.J. Peete community. These programs are designed to assist residents in achieving self-sufficiency, and include intensive case management, job training and placement, technology programs, quality child care and schools, access to physical and mental health services, senior programs, and enrichment activities for children and youth.<br />&nbsp;<br />Urban Strategies is also working with the Recovery School District to rebuild and reopen Woodson Middle School as a K-8 school to serve the children of the revitalized community.<br /><br />&ldquo;The success of the revitalization effort at C.J. Peete rests on whether life is stable and filled with opportunity for the most vulnerable families. With many partners, Urban Strategies is focused on making stability and opportunity happen,&rdquo; said Urban Strategies President Sandy Moore.<br />&nbsp;<br />In October 2006, the Housing Authority of New Orleans issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to revitalize the C.J. Peete site. Central City Partners was selected as the development partner through this competitive national application process. The team combines the deep local experience of NONDC with the nation&rsquo;s leading for-profit developer of economically integrated urban neighborhoods. The experience of this team in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Orleans and support from local, state and federal agencies has been instrumental in bringing the project together.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The C.J. Peete development represents a financial investment of over $170 million. The permanent sources of funds are from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, the Louisiana Office of Community Development, the Louisiana Industrial Development Board, and Goldman Sachs, the purchaser of tax credits awarded by the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency. Additional funding for pre-development and community supportive services and activities was provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Living Cities, and the Ford Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1070,359,2,2,1232229272,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"359\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-25 05:43 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:48:\"House of Cards:  The Collapse of Demand Electric\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"house_of_cards_the_collapse_of_demand_electric\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:48:\"House of Cards:  The Collapse of Demand Electric\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:183:\"Fueled by a high octane credit line, Demand Electric was a bright, soaring star among St. Louis specialty contractors. But when the credit ran out, Demand came crashing back to earth.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:48:\"Demand Electric, The Business Bank, IBEW Local 1\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:6899:\"<p>Fueled by a high octane credit line, Demand Electric was a bright, soaring star among St. Louis specialty contractors. But when the credit ran out, Demand came crashing back to earth.</p>\n<p>Dennis Daugherty, formerly a project manager at Guarantee Electrical\nCompany, started Demand Electric in August 2003 with six employees. In\nan industry where it is rare for companies to more than double in size\nin five years, Demand Electric grew almost 20-fold in that time,\nreporting revenues of $22 million for 2007 and employing over 100\nworkers right before the company&rsquo;s sudden collapse in August 2008.&nbsp;\nIndustry watchers described the company&rsquo;s growth as &ldquo;astronomical&rdquo; or\n&ldquo;extraordinary.&rdquo; Demand&rsquo;s growth was so rapid that Demand made the St.\nLouis Business Journal&rsquo;s 2008 list of the 25 fastest growing private\ncompanies in St. Louis.<br /> <br /> <img alt=\\\"Demand Electric\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/demand-electric.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />CNR\nhas pieced together one version of Demand Electrics sudden ascent and\nsubsequent crash from sources familiar with the company, all of whom\ndemanded anonymity. The principals of the story &ndash; Dave Daugherty, his\nbank, and the leaders of Local 1 of the IBEW (International Brotherhood\nof Electrical Workers) &ndash; were unavailable for comment, as they had all\nagreed not to talk about the company.<br /> <br /> By all accounts Daugherty was a go-getter and a risk-taker. He had a\nnew vision of how to operate a commercial contracting business in St.\nLouis, a vision born of watching highly leveraged companies in other\nindustry sectors, and he worked hard to make it a reality. He also was\noutspokenly critical of what he saw as the timid or conservative\nbusiness practices of the local construction industry.<br /> <br /> What made Daugherty so outstanding, however, was not so much his\nattitude, as the confluence of his attitude with a credit bubble that\nallowed him to put his ideas into practice using other people&rsquo;s money.\nNew contractors typically have to put up everything they own in order\nto get a line of credit that isn&rsquo;t worth much more than their assets.\nContractors like to say, with just a bit of exaggeration, that banks\naren&rsquo;t lending them any money that the contractors don&rsquo;t already have.\nThe failure rate for new companies is quite high and lenders generally\nwant to make sure that there are sufficient physical assets pledged to\nthe loan that they can recover their money if a business fails.\nSimilarly, as contractors become established, they generally grow\nslowly because lenders still want to make sure there are sufficient\nassets pledged to cover the loan if the business fails. In effect,\nlenders are turning a contractor&rsquo;s fixed assets into cash so he can\noperate.<br /> <br /> Daugherty, however, found a banker during the inflationary period of\nthe credit bubble willing to lend him much more than he was worth so\nthat he could grow his business. That lender was The Business Bank of\nSt. Louis. The result was that Demand Electric was incredibly leveraged\nwith debt&nbsp;&mdash; observers say uniquely so.<br /> <br /> Daugherty used debt to fuel Demand&rsquo;s growth. His salesmanship convinced\nowners and general contractors to give him opportunities, but debt\nallowed him to take advantage of them. His growth was so rapid that\nincome from completed jobs was not enough to fund new work. He was\nrelying on his credit line to buy supplies and meet his ever expanding\npayroll.<br /> <br /> Earlier this year, Demand Electric reported that revenues in 2007\nreached $22 million. Times, however, were changing, and Demand Electric\nseemed unprepared for the backlash in the credit markets following the\ncollapse of speculative mortgage lending. Federal bank examiners began\ntelling banks to reduce their exposure in real estate and construction.\nWhether that is what prompted The Business Bank to take another look at\nDemand Electric&rsquo;s account, we don&rsquo;t know. In any event, the bank did\nlook again at Demand credit line and its collateral, and did not like\nwhat it saw.<br /> <br /> Some sources familiar with Demand Electric blame The Business Bank for\nDemand&rsquo;s sudden demise. They say the bank&rsquo;s decision in August 2008 to\ndeny Daugherty access to the remaining money in his line of credit is\nwhat did him in. <br /> <br /> But Demand was in trouble before that decision. A month before, Demand\nElectric&rsquo;s landlord had filed suit to evict the company from its\noffices at 1846 Craig Park Ct. for nonpayment of rent. The first vendor\nlawsuit against Demand Electric was filed in July, too.<br /> <br /> When The Business Bank told Daugherty that they were reducing his line\nof credit by one-third to the amount he had already borrowed, he\nreportedly told the bank that he needed the additional credit to meet\npayroll, and that he was relying on that line of credit exclusively for\nthe capital for the jobs he had undertaken, sources said. That is when\nthe bank became seriously concerned. They declined to give Daugherty\nany additional money. Daugherty reportedly shopped around for another\nloan, but could not find a willing lender. The following Monday The\nBusiness Bank took control of his office and all of his business\nrecords. In the meantime, he had laid-off all of his workers, because\nhe lacked any ability to pay them.<br /> <br /> &ldquo;It was one of the most disruptive closings the industry has ever\nexperienced,&rdquo; one source said. St. Louis Community College&rsquo;s\ndistrict-wide science lab renovation program was one of the building\nprograms affected by Demand&rsquo;s collapse. The construction manager, S.M.\nWilson &amp; Co., was able to get Aschinger Electric on board to\nreplace Demand in short order. Some of the other affected projects\ninvolved Peruque Station in St. Charles County, Duke Realty&rsquo;s Maryville\nCentre, Charter Development Group, and Christian Hospital Northeast.<br /> <br /> The bank&rsquo;s takeover set in motion an avalanche of work for lawyers.\nIBEW Local 1 and NECA-St. Louis filed suit in federal court against\nDemand Electric, The Business Bank of St. Louis, and Providence\nCounseling, for contributions Demand Electric owed to electrical\nindustry trust funds.&nbsp; French-Gerleman Electric filed a mechanic&rsquo;s\nlien; Graybar and Colorado Electric Supply each sued Demand for breach\nof contract. Liebert, Western Extralite, Rexel Electric Supply, Butler\nSupply Co., and Warren Sign Co. all followed with their own liens.</p>\n<p>Demand Electric&rsquo;s sudden collapse was met almost with glee in some quarters. &ldquo;A lot of people were jealous of Daugherty,&rdquo; one source said. &ldquo;The extraordinary think was that he pulled it off for as long as he did.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/demand-electric.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1071,401,2,2,1232705867,'a:28:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 10:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:40:\"CB Richard Ellis Relases Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"cb_richard_ellis_relases_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:40:\"CB Richard Ellis Relases Market Forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:275:\"There were no major surprises  in a generally glum report released this week by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country, CBRE reported. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis, report,  real estate, trends\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2026:\"<p>There were no major surprises&nbsp; in a generally glum report released this week summarizing 2008-2009 trends by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, CBRE reported that the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country.<br /><img alt=\\\"CBRE Report\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br />The following are some of the major points for 2009 from the CBRE report:</p>\n<p><strong>Office</strong><br />&bull; Vacancy rates likely to rise<br />&bull; South County faces influx of available Anheuser-Busch space<br />&bull; Renewing tenants will be critical for landlords<br />&bull; Concessions, including free rent, will be prevalent<br />&bull; Ability of projects such as Ballpark Village to get financing will impact the market in 2009 and beyond</p>\n<p><strong>Industrial</strong><br />&bull; Most activity is from users looking for between 30,000 square feet and 60,000 square feet<br />&bull; Speculative construction has slowed considerably<br />&bull; South County&rsquo;s exposure to Chrysler and its suppliers makes it vulnerable, now that the car company has shut down one plant and slowed production at the other<br />&bull; A tenant&rsquo;s market has emerged, with some &ldquo;oncein-a-lifetime&rdquo; deals featuring lease rates as low as $1 per square foot</p>\n<p><strong>Retail</strong><br />&bull; Rate of development expected to slow significantly<br />&bull; Projects seeking financing will have to have significant pre-leasing committments<br />&bull; &ldquo;Power Centers&rdquo; with name-brand anchors such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target will continue to do well as retail destinations<br />&bull; Smaller, neighborhood centers located in areas that receive less traffic are likely to struggle</p>\n<p>To download the complete report, go to <a href=\\\"http://www.cbre.com/USA/US/MO/St+Louis/misc/stlmarketoutlook\\\">this link</a>.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:26:\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";}'),(1072,401,2,2,1232705893,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"401\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 10:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:40:\"CB Richard Ellis Relases Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"cb_richard_ellis_relases_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:40:\"CB Richard Ellis Relases Market Forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:275:\"There were no major surprises  in a generally glum report released this week by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country, CBRE reported. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis, report,  real estate, trends\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2026:\"<p>There were no major surprises&nbsp; in a generally glum report released this week summarizing 2008-2009 trends by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, CBRE reported that the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country.<br /><img alt=\\\"CBRE Report\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br />The following are some of the major points for 2009 from the CBRE report:</p>\n<p><strong>Office</strong><br />&bull; Vacancy rates likely to rise<br />&bull; South County faces influx of available Anheuser-Busch space<br />&bull; Renewing tenants will be critical for landlords<br />&bull; Concessions, including free rent, will be prevalent<br />&bull; Ability of projects such as Ballpark Village to get financing will impact the market in 2009 and beyond</p>\n<p><strong>Industrial</strong><br />&bull; Most activity is from users looking for between 30,000 square feet and 60,000 square feet<br />&bull; Speculative construction has slowed considerably<br />&bull; South County&rsquo;s exposure to Chrysler and its suppliers makes it vulnerable, now that the car company has shut down one plant and slowed production at the other<br />&bull; A tenant&rsquo;s market has emerged, with some &ldquo;oncein-a-lifetime&rdquo; deals featuring lease rates as low as $1 per square foot</p>\n<p><strong>Retail</strong><br />&bull; Rate of development expected to slow significantly<br />&bull; Projects seeking financing will have to have significant pre-leasing committments<br />&bull; &ldquo;Power Centers&rdquo; with name-brand anchors such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target will continue to do well as retail destinations<br />&bull; Smaller, neighborhood centers located in areas that receive less traffic are likely to struggle</p>\n<p>To download the complete report, go to <a href=\\\"http://www.cbre.com/USA/US/MO/St+Louis/misc/stlmarketoutlook\\\">this link</a>.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:26:\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1073,389,2,2,1232705954,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"389\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-15 07:50 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:51:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline,  Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"steep_decline_forecasters_tell_aia\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:50:\"Steep Nonresidential Decline, Forecasters Tell AIA\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:537:\"As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation\\\'s leading construction forecasters.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:11423:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">As the overall U.S. economy continues to struggle, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 11 percent in 2009 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects including office buildings and retail establishments will see the most significant decrease in activity. On the positive side, prices have dropped for key construction commodities. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation\\\'s leading construction forecasters.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">The\ndownturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the\nnonresidential construction industry over the coming years.\nConstruction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed\nby an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial\nsectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to\ntotal between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities,\nand hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity&mdash;manufacturing and\nrelated distribution facilities&mdash;is slated to slow almost as much, with\na 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should\nfare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent,\nand less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsummary\\\">These\nforecasts were compiled recently from the AIA Consensus Nonresidential\nConstruction Forecast Panel, comprising the leading national\nnonresidential construction forecasters. As the U.S. economy has\ndeteriorated in recent months, their projections for construction\nactivity have been revised down sharply. Economic stimulus proposals to\nrevive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and\nother facility modernization programs. However, until the broader\neconomy recovers, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely\nto see any reversal in activity levels.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Toppling bricks\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The AIA&rsquo;s\nArchitectural Billings Index (ABI) has been signaling a downturn in\nnonresidential construction activity since the beginning of 2008. At\nthat point, though, the construction pipeline was full, so\nnonresidential construction spending increased an estimated 8 percent\nto 9 percent in 2008. Weakness in the overall economy has now caught up\nwith nonresidential construction, and few sectors are likely to avoid a\ndownturn this year.</p>\n<p>Particularly hard hit will be\nthe commercial and industrial categories. With many businesses seeing\nfalling profits and difficulties in obtaining credit, expansion plans\nhave been put on hold until the economic outlook improves.\nInstitutional construction should fare better than its\ncommercial/industrial counterpart as the health-care and education\nsectors are expected to continue to expand through much of this\ndownturn.<strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"></span></strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Economic outlook has improved prospects for a federal stimulus program</span></strong><br /> The pessimism in the nonresidential construction outlook is the direct\nresult of the weak economic outlook. A recession in our economy began\nin December 2007, according to a recent announcement by the National\nBureau of Economic Research, but in all likelihood the steepest part of\nthis downturn is still ahead of us. The first reading on fourth quarter\neconomic activity will be released at the end of January, and most\neconomists expect the decline will be at a 3 percent to 5 percent pace.\nThe last time our economy dropped by 3 percent for any single quarter\nwas 1981. The first quarter of 2009 will probably be almost as bad, and\nour economy is unlikely to begin its recovery until later this year.</p>\n<p class=\\\"STORYsub\\\"><strong>Construction Consensus Forecast&mdash;2010</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td rowspan=\\\"3\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\" width=\\\"10\\\"><!--DWLayoutEmptyCell-->&nbsp;</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#ffffff\\\" class=\\\"STORY\\\" colspan=\\\"2\\\" height=\\\"65\\\" valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<p>The\nmost obvious sign of the weak economy is payroll job losses. Payrolls\ndeclined by 2.6 million in 2008, the worst year for job losses over the\npast 60 years. Job losses pushed the national unemployment rate up to\n7.2 percent in December, and have undermined consumer confidence. Even\nwith a modest rebound in December, in the fourth quarter of last year,\nthe University of Michigan&rsquo;s Consumer Sentiment Index produced its\nlowest quarterly reading since 1980.</p>\n<p>Although minor\ncompared to the magnitude of the downturn, some benefits have resulted\nfrom the recent economic weakness. The drop in oil prices has helped\ncontain energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, for\nthe construction industry, there has been a reversal in prices for key\nconstruction commodities. Prices for steel and other metals, gypsum\nproducts, lumber, and cement have all weakened recently, which will\nhelp to stabilize construction costs and make more projects feasible.</p>\n<p>The\nObama Administration is crafting an economic stimulus package to\ncushion the economic downturn. While still under discussion, it appears\nthat this package will be large and broad-reaching in terms of areas\ncovered. Current estimates are that the total package will run at least\n$750 billion over two years, and that it could rise to $1 trillion as\nit works its way through Congress. Given that our economy generates\nabout $14 trillion a year in activity, this package would account for\nabout 3 percent of activity in our economy over this two-year period.</p>\n<p>Most\nelements of the evolving stimulus proposal generally fall in one of\nfive areas, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages to\nstimulate our economy:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Tax cuts and direct rebates.</strong> These components can take effect quickly, while also providing ongoing\nrelief. A disadvantage is that they tend not to have as positive an\neffect on long-term economic growth as other proposed components, in\npart because households use some of these savings to pay down debt, and\nsome spending is for imported goods that do little to help our domestic\neconomy.</li>\n<li><strong>Unemployment, health-care benefits, foods stamps, and other temporary programs.</strong> These &ldquo;safety net&rdquo; programs tend to help households in the most dire\neconomic conditions and that have been the most severely impacted by\nthe downturn. A downside is that they only provide temporary relief and\ndo little to help create longer-term economic growth.</li>\n<li><strong>State fiscal relief.</strong> Most states are unable to deficit spend to help during a downturn\nbecause of balanced budget provisions. Federal government grants can\nhelp prevent counter-productive increases in state and local taxes.\nAlso, state and local governments could use these funds to provide\nhousing assistance to at-risk households from the subprime lending\ncrisis. To date, federal assistance has been provided only to banks and\nWall Street firms and not to households of people who have had their\nhomes foreclosed due to unscrupulous lending practices.</li>\n<li><strong>Business investment incentives.</strong> For new jobs to be created, businesses will need to invest in new\nplants and equipment. The credit crisis is making borrowing difficult\nfor many businesses. New investment incentives for businesses, however,\nare unlikely to produce immediate job growth.</li>\n<li><strong>Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and energy.</strong> In addition to technology investments and creating more incentives for\ngreen investments, the construction and manufacturing industries are\ntargeted under current proposals. Construction accounts for about 10\npercent of economic activity, but has borne more than 25 percent of job\nlosses in 2008. Jobs created in construction are domestic jobs, since\nvery few are outsourced. They also produce longer-term benefits and\nhelp generate additional jobs through spin-off activity. Again, though,\ntiming is an issue, since many of these projects take time to launch.</li>\n</ol>\n<p><strong><span class=\\\"STORYsub\\\">Previous recessions point to significant downturn</span></strong></p>\n<p>Architecture billings began to decline in early 2008 according to the\nAIA, and construction contract awards for nonresidential buildings\nbegan their descent about 4-5 months later, according to information on\nconstruction starts from McGraw-Hill Construction. There have been\nthree major nonresidential construction recessions since 1980 as\ndefined by the value of construction starts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> The early 1980s recession began in the first quarter of 1980 and lasted through the fourth quarter of 1982</li>\n<li>The early 1990s recession began in the third quarter of 1989 and ended in the first quarter of 1993</li>\n<li>The early 2000s recession began in the first quarter of 2000 and lasted through the first quarter of 2004.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>By\nthe end of 2008, nonresidential construction starts declined 7 percent\nin inflation-adjusted dollars according to McGraw-Hill Construction\nestimates. At this stage of the construction cycle, this decline is\ncomparable to previous major construction downturns. In the early 1980s\nrecession, activity had declined 8.6 percent three quarters into the\ndownturn, while the early 1990s recession generated an 18 percent loss\nover a comparable period. However, the early 2000s recession generated\nonly a 4.5 percent drop at this point.</p>\n<p>If this\nrecession plays out like previous ones, there still are significant\ndeclines ahead. In the early 1980s recession, nonresidential\nconstruction activity fell by almost 28 percent before growth resumed,\na figure exceeded in the early 1990s recession (31 percent) and almost\nmatched in the early 2000s downturn (25 percent).</p>\n<p>However,\nthe composition of these losses was quite different in these cycles. In\nthe early 1980s recession, commercial/industrial activity dropped 34\npercent while institutional facilities declined only 12 percent. The\nearly 1990s recession saw a more significant 48 percent decline in\ncommercial/industrial activity, but a milder downturn on the\ninstitutional side with only a 7 percent drop. The early 2000s\nrecession was relatively mild for commercial and industrial activity,\nwhich declined 29 percent, while quite severe for institutional\nconstruction with a fall of 21 percent.</p>\n<p>According to\nthe AIA Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, this downturn will\nbe structured more like the early 1990s recession, although hopefully\nnot as severe. This group is calling for declines of approximately 25\npercent in 2009 to 2010 in commercial construction, almost 20 percent\nfor industrial activity, while only 7 percent for institutional\nbuildings. These projections predate the passage of any federal\nstimulus program, and the ultimate implementation of such a program,\nand the scope of activities covered if such a program is put into\naction, will no doubt affect both near-term and longer-term trends in\nconstruction activity.</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:35:\"/images/uploads/toppling-bricks.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1074,401,2,2,1232706018,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"401\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 10:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:41:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases Market Forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:275:\"There were no major surprises  in a generally glum report released this week by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country, CBRE reported. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis, report,  real estate, trends\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2026:\"<p>There were no major surprises&nbsp; in a generally glum report released this week summarizing 2008-2009 trends by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, CBRE reported that the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country.<br /><img alt=\\\"CBRE Report\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br />The following are some of the major points for 2009 from the CBRE report:</p>\n<p><strong>Office</strong><br />&bull; Vacancy rates likely to rise<br />&bull; South County faces influx of available Anheuser-Busch space<br />&bull; Renewing tenants will be critical for landlords<br />&bull; Concessions, including free rent, will be prevalent<br />&bull; Ability of projects such as Ballpark Village to get financing will impact the market in 2009 and beyond</p>\n<p><strong>Industrial</strong><br />&bull; Most activity is from users looking for between 30,000 square feet and 60,000 square feet<br />&bull; Speculative construction has slowed considerably<br />&bull; South County&rsquo;s exposure to Chrysler and its suppliers makes it vulnerable, now that the car company has shut down one plant and slowed production at the other<br />&bull; A tenant&rsquo;s market has emerged, with some &ldquo;oncein-a-lifetime&rdquo; deals featuring lease rates as low as $1 per square foot</p>\n<p><strong>Retail</strong><br />&bull; Rate of development expected to slow significantly<br />&bull; Projects seeking financing will have to have significant pre-leasing committments<br />&bull; &ldquo;Power Centers&rdquo; with name-brand anchors such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target will continue to do well as retail destinations<br />&bull; Smaller, neighborhood centers located in areas that receive less traffic are likely to struggle</p>\n<p>To download the complete report, go to <a href=\\\"http://www.cbre.com/USA/US/MO/St+Louis/misc/stlmarketoutlook\\\">this link</a>.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:26:\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1077,402,2,2,1232707410,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"402\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-21 11:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:42:\"St. Louis County Shovel-Ready for Stimulus\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"st_louis_county_shovel_ready_for_stimulus\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:42:\"St. Louis County Shovel-Ready for Stimulus\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:372:\"St. Louis County has submitted a package that asks for funding for 95 projects totaling $1.8 billion, David Leezer, vice president of the  Economic Development Collaborative and interim vice president for business development of the St. Louis County Economic Council told members of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association (ASA) at their January meeting. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"St. Louis County, stimulus, ASA\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:1469:\"<p>St. Louis County has submitted a package that asks for funding for 95 projects totaling $1.8 billion, David Leezer, vice president of the&nbsp; Economic Development Collaborative and interim vice president for business development of the St. Louis County Economic Council told members of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association (ASA) at their January meeting.</p>\n<p>Leezer said that the Obama transition team asked for submission of the first round of shovel-ready projects in December and requested two more submissions in January and February, with a goal of being underway with work with 120 days of the inauguration. The 199-page St. Louis submission asks for funding for an extension of Highway 141 from Page to I-64, schools, and municipal centers among other projects.</p>\n<p>\\\"They told us they wanted the submission in electronic form and that if we submitted it on paper we could expect to have it recycled,\\\" Leezer said. \\\"We had to send it from servers outside of the county offices because of the sheer size of it.\\\"</p>\n<p>Leezer said that other bright spots in an otherwise dim County construction picture include various projects for Edward Jones, Covidien, and the North Park Development near UMSL and Pinnacle\\\'s River City casino project in Lemay.</p>\n<p>To download a copy of the St. Louis County\\\'s stimulus project submisison, go to <a href=\\\"http://www.stlouisco.com/index.cfm?ViewMe=12235\\\">this link</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1078,403,4,2,1232707668,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 11:45 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:34:\"Haberger Reaches 60-Year Milestone\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"haberger_reaches_60_year_milestone\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:34:\"Haberger Reaches 60-Year Milestone\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:100:\" Affton-based Haberberger, Inc. recently celebrated its 60th anniversary as a family-owned business.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1562:\"<p>&nbsp;Affton-based Haberberger, Inc. recently celebrated its 60th anniversary as a family-owned business.<br /><br />The third generation-owned business, which opened its doors as a small home repair and refrigeration company in 1948 and employed just a handful of people in its early days, has flourished over the years. The company, which had become a $6 million enterprise by 1987, saw its growth accelerate over the past 20 years and now employs more than 200 and has reached $56 million in annual revenues. <br /><br />&ldquo;The company&rsquo;s growth has accelerated over the past 20 years because we have excellent union workers supported by a great team at the office, and everyone shares the commitment to the customer,&rdquo; said Joe Haberberger, who represents the company&rsquo;s second generation and worked at Haberberger for 38 years before retiring from his position as president in 1997. <br /><br />Haberberger has evolved over its 60 years of existence, expanding from its small home repair and refrigeration roots into a commercial refrigeration provider and then an air conditioning service provider, before adding industrial and commercial piping work and becoming the company it is today. However, Haberberger has always remained a family business. Today, the company functions under the leadership of President Neil Haberberger, Vice President of Service Mark Haberberger and Vice President of Operations Steve Haberberger. Both Steve and Mark have sons working for Haberberger, representing the fourth generation in the company.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1079,404,4,2,1232708051,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 11:49 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:48:\"Steve Giacin Named President of Kaiser Electric \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"steve_giacin_named_president_of_kaiser_electric\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:47:\"Steve Giacin Named President of Kaiser Electric\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:108:\"Kaiser Electric Executive Vice-President of Operations Steve Giacin has been named president of the company.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:25:\"Kaiser, Giacin, president\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2653:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.kaiserelectric.com\\\">Kaiser Electric, Inc.</a> Executive Vice-President of Operations Steve Giacin has been named president of the company.&nbsp; Giacin, 46, has been with the company for more than 10 years and has served as project manager, service department manager, manpower coordinator, and most recently as executive vice-president of operations.</p>\n<p>In January 2008, the company&rsquo;s three owners, brothers Robert, James and John Kaiser, sold 70 percent of their stock in the company to five long-time Kaiser employees. Giacin purchased the majority of the stock at 30 percent, with the remaining four employees, Mike Lundry, Mike Murphy, Ken Naumann, and Jerry Dorhauer, each purchasing 10 percent. <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;My primary focus will be continuing Kaiser&rsquo;s commitment to its existing clients and to develop new relationships with customers looking for value and stability through performance and professionalism,&rdquo; said Giacin. &ldquo;Another goal for 2009 is to keep the positive momentum and success going at our newly opened Illinois office.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;<br />Kaiser Electric has complete design-build capabilities, two professional engineers on staff, a communications department and a strong presence in the health-care and industrial markets. Kaiser has annual revenues of $30-$35 million. Notable projects have included lighting of the Gateway Arch, Cardinal Glennon Children&rsquo;s Hospital addition/renovation, Metropolitan Sewer District&rsquo;s Lower Meramec Lift Station in St. Louis County, St. Lukes Hospital OSB project, SSM St. Joseph&rsquo;s Hospital expansion in Lake St. Louis, and BJC Progress West Hospital. <br />&nbsp;<br />Robert Kaiser said last year&rsquo;s stock deal allowed Kaiser to keep the good employees that it had, while giving them an incentive to improve the company. He praised Giacin&rsquo;s leadership skills and performance and looked forward to a positive succession of the company. <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;Steve has great skills in this industry and has done a fabulous job for Kaiser so far,&rdquo; Kaiser said. &ldquo;I am confident that our new leadership will continue to promote company growth, while carrying on our reputation for quality, honest service.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;<br />Kaiser based in Fenton, MO, has been providing electrical contracting and engineering services to the St. Louis metro area for more than 56 years. The company focuses primarily on industrial, commercial, healthcare and communications projects and employs on average 150 field electricians.Kaiser has a branch office in Granite City, IL. <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1080,405,4,2,1232708509,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 11:56 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"S.M. Wilson Continues Work at Ft. Leonard Wood\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"sm_wilson_continues_work_at_ft_leonard_wood\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"S.M. Wilson Continues Work at Ft. Leonard Wood\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:221:\"S. M. Wilson & Co. has completed construction of the $13.6 million Phase II of a new residential style barracks community for the U. S Army Corps of Engineers at the Ft. Leonard Wood military base in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:34:\"Wilson, barracks, Ft. Leonard Wood\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1814:\"<p>S. M. Wilson &amp; Co. has completed construction of the $13.6 million Phase II of a new residential style barracks community for the U. S Army Corps of Engineers at the Ft. Leonard Wood military base in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.&nbsp; In January 2008, the company completed the $12.9 million Phase I of the program.&nbsp; Based on the company&rsquo;s comprehensive proposal coupled with the success of the first two phases, S. M. Wilson has been selected to provide design/build services for the $22 million third phase of the program.</p>\n<p>Phase II of the Permanent Party Barracks project involved the design and construction of 19 multi-level apartment buildings that house 190 soldiers. Each 3,660 square foot building consists of five apartment units, totaling 69,540 square feet for the entire project.&nbsp; Each unit features a&nbsp; one-plus-one bedroom configuration with a shared kitchen and dining area.&nbsp; Additionally, each building features a shared central exterior walkway and covered porches for each unit.&nbsp; The 10-acre site also includes parking lots, a basketball court and a sand volleyball court.&nbsp; Construction began in July 2007.</p>\n<p>Phase III services will include the design and construction of 27 barracks units, capable of housing 270 soldiers. Each 3,660 square foot building will consist of five apartment units, totaling 98,820 square feet for the entire project.&nbsp; These buildings will include features similar to those built in Phase II.&nbsp; The 11.5-acre site will also include parking lots, two basketball courts, two sand volleyball courts and 14 picnic pavilions.&nbsp; Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2010.</p>\n<p>Rosemann &amp; Associates will be providing the architectural services for this phase as they did on the previous two.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1081,406,4,2,1232708985,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-23 12:05 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:56:\"Navy Awards Walton $25 Million LEED DB Barracks Project \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"navy_awards_walton_25_million_leed_db_barracks_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Navy Awards Walton $25 Million LEED DB Barracks Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:216:\"The Department of the Navy-Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast has selected Walton Construction St. Louis as general contractor on the new $25.3 million Parris Island Barracks Complex in Parris Island, SC.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:18:\"Walton, Navy, LEED\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1462:\"<p>The Department of the Navy-Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast has selected Walton Construction St. Louis as general contractor on the new $25.3 million Parris Island Barracks Complex in Parris Island, SC. Working with Walton Construction New Orleans and architect VOA Associates Inc., Walton St. Louis is scheduled to begin construction this month, with completion targeted for November 2010.</p>\n<p>Walton will work to achieve Silver LEED certification on the South Carolina barracks complex as part of a concerted effort by the Navy to cut energy use and decrease consumption of oil and other fossil fuels.</p>\n<p>Walton will incorporate environmentally friendly design, recyclable materials and energy efficient products into the construction of the Parris Island Barracks Complex. The project includes a three-story barracks, a headquarters training complex and a central mechanical plant. The Parris Island Barracks Complex will provide living quarters and a training facility for all Marine recruits east of the Mississippi River.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We are excited to be selected as the design build contractor on this project for the NAVFAC,&rdquo; said Tom Kaiman, vice president of operations for Walton St. Louis.&nbsp; &ldquo;Integrating sustainable energy systems and materials into the barracks and training facility will create a healthier and more energy efficient environment for our nation&rsquo;s armed forces.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1082,407,5,2,1232709666,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-23 12:18 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"9\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Start Now on Green Jobs and Energy Efficiency\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"start_now_on_green_jobs_and_energy_efficiency\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:45:\"Start Now on Green Jobs and Energy Efficiency\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:108:\"There\\\'s no better time than now to start educating our municipal leaders about the benefits of going green.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:24:\"green, education, reilly\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3509:\"<p><em>By Richard Reilly</em></p>\n<p>There\\\'s no better time than now to start educating our municipal leaders about the benefits of going green.<br /> <br /> President-elect Barack Obama\\\'s inauguration will mean changes in the\ndistribution of federal funds to states, metropolitan regions and\ncities. The state of the economy requires new initiatives for job\ncreation amid reduced tax revenue for all government agencies. The\nanswers are green jobs and energy savings.<br /> <br /> Our regional political leadership must be prepared to make educated\ndecisions that will bring green jobs to the entire spectrum of the work\nforce, as well as ensuring that government buildings operate at the\nhighest possible levels of energy efficiency.</p>\n<p>These opportunities and responsibilities are both bottom-up and\ntop-down. To make real progress and be accountable, all levels of the\ncommunity must be involved.\n<br /> Grass-roots groups such as Missouri Votes Conservation are\nworking in a nonpartisan way as advocates for pro-environmental\nlegislation on a statewide basis. The St. Louis chapter of Architecture\nfor Humanity is beginning to work with North &amp; South County Tech to\ndesign and build a green curriculum.<br /> <br /> The St. Louis Regional Chamber &amp; Growth Association is in the draft\nstages of \\\"The St Louis Climate Prosperity Project,\\\" which includes its\nsupport for businesses, organizations and cities to become more energy\nefficient and for the cultivation of a green-minded work force to make\nsure the St. Louis area is nationally recognized as a \\\"Top Ten Green\nRegion.\\\" <br /> <br /> This can happen only with broad support at the municipal, regional and\nstate levels for higher energy performance standards for all buildings,\nincluding new and renovated government facilities. If we do not begin\nto take these initiatives now, we will be following the herd again,\ninstead of leading it.<br /> <br /> We also should pay close attention to the \\\"voice on the street,\\\" where\nour existing, wasteful energy practices hit families, individuals and\nbusinesses hard in the form of higher utility bills. <br /> <br /> It doesn\\\'t have to be this way. People living in Habitat for Humanity\nSt. Louis 2008 homes &mdash; homes built with careful attention to energy\nefficiency &mdash; are spending 40 percent to 60 percent less on their\nutility bills than people in comparable housing units that lack\nimproved energy efficiency.<br /> <br /> The St. Louis chapter of the United States Green Building Council is\ngoing to begin working with the East-West Gateway Council of\nGovernments to organize and present a series of seminars for mayors,\ncity managers and county executives on the basics of energy efficiency\nprograms and retrofits, including Leadership in Energy and\nEnvironmental Design programs for schools, neighborhood development and\nexisting buildings.<br /> <br /> Let\\\'s encourage these organizations to provide an excellent and\nflexible program that will allow as many political decision-makers as\npossible to attend. And let\\\'s encourage our municipal leaders to attend\nas many sessions as possible so they will be prepared to make informed\ndecisions in the very near future on the environment, the bottom line\nof their municipal budgets and the long-term health of our region.<br /> <em><br />Richard Reilly is the chief operating officer\nof Boa Construction Company in St. Louis County and has been in the\nconstruction industry for more than 25 years.</em> <br /> <br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1083,408,10,2,1232710367,'a:32:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-23 12:26 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Concrete Council Municipal Pavement Seminar\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"concrete_council_municipal_pavement_seminar\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:43:\"Concrete Council Municipal Pavement Seminar\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:83:\"The Concrete Council of St. Louis is hosting its annual Municipal Pavement Seminar.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:37:\"Concrete Council, municipal, pavement\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:47:\" Holiday Inn Southwest Viking Conference Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-02-11  7:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:9:\"7:30 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1415:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\" class=\\\"body_light\\\">\n<p><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">The Concrete Council of St. Louis is hosting its annual Municipal Pavement Seminar.</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Roller Compacted Concrete</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Paving Technologies: New Developments and New Equipment</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Field Testing: New Developments in Inspection</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Pre-Bid/Pre-Construction Checklist for Successful Pre-Job Meetings</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Continuing Update of I-64 Project</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Actual Solutions to Differences Between Design and Construction</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> <br /> Satisy 6 PDH, CEU or AIA requirements by attending this seminar. <br /> <br /> For additional information or a registration form, please call Jackie\nat (314) 862- 0324 or send an email to jackie@concretecouncil.com<br /> <br /> All reservations must be made by Friday, February 6, 2009. </span></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\" class=\\\"body_light\\\"><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.concretecouncil.com/site/regformview.php?id=WZgi0Yr\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\"><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Click here to view registration form</span></a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1084,408,10,2,1232710539,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"408\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-23 12:26 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Concrete Council Municipal Pavement Seminar\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"concrete_council_municipal_pavement_seminar\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:43:\"Concrete Council Municipal Pavement Seminar\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:83:\"The Concrete Council of St. Louis is hosting its annual Municipal Pavement Seminar.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:37:\"Concrete Council, municipal, pavement\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:47:\" Holiday Inn Southwest Viking Conference Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 07:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:9:\"7:30 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1560:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\" class=\\\"body_light\\\">\n<p><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">The Concrete Council of St. Louis is hosting its annual Municipal Pavement Seminar.</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Roller Compacted Concrete</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Paving Technologies: New Developments and New Equipment</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Field Testing: New Developments in Inspection</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Pre-Bid/Pre-Construction Checklist for Successful Pre-Job Meetings</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Continuing Update of I-64 Project</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> Actual Solutions to Differences Between Design and Construction</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"> <br /> Satisy 6 PDH, CEU or AIA requirements by attending this seminar. <br /> <br /> For additional information or a registration form, please call Jackie\nat (314) 862- 0324 or send an email to jackie@concretecouncil.com<br /> <br /> All reservations must be made by Friday, February 6, 2009. </span></p>\n<p><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.concretecouncil.com/site/regformview.php?id=WZgi0Yr\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\"><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Click here to view registration form</span></a></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\" class=\\\"body_light\\\"><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.concretecouncil.com/site/regformview.php?id=WZgi0Yr\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\"><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"></span></a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1085,403,4,2,1232761805,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"403\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 11:45 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:37:\"Haberberger Reaches 60-Year Milestone\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"haberberger_reaches_60_year_milestone\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"Haberberger Reaches 60-Year Milestone\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:100:\" Affton-based Haberberger, Inc. recently celebrated its 60th anniversary as a family-owned business.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:30:\"Haberberger, 60th, anniversary\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1556:\"<p>Affton-based Haberberger, Inc. recently celebrated its 60th anniversary as a family-owned business.<br /><br />The third generation-owned business, which opened its doors as a small home repair and refrigeration company in 1948 and employed just a handful of people in its early days, has flourished over the years. The company, which had become a $6 million enterprise by 1987, saw its growth accelerate over the past 20 years and now employs more than 200 and has reached $56 million in annual revenues. <br /><br />&ldquo;The company&rsquo;s growth has accelerated over the past 20 years because we have excellent union workers supported by a great team at the office, and everyone shares the commitment to the customer,&rdquo; said Joe Haberberger, who represents the company&rsquo;s second generation and worked at Haberberger for 38 years before retiring from his position as president in 1997. <br /><br />Haberberger has evolved over its 60 years of existence, expanding from its small home repair and refrigeration roots into a commercial refrigeration provider and then an air conditioning service provider, before adding industrial and commercial piping work and becoming the company it is today. However, Haberberger has always remained a family business. Today, the company functions under the leadership of President Neil Haberberger, Vice President of Service Mark Haberberger and Vice President of Operations Steve Haberberger. Both Steve and Mark have sons working for Haberberger, representing the fourth generation in the company.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1086,408,10,2,1233258171,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"408\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-23 12:26 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Concrete Council Municipal Pavement Seminar\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"concrete_council_municipal_pavement_seminar\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:43:\"Concrete Council Municipal Pavement Seminar\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:83:\"The Concrete Council of St. Louis is hosting its annual Municipal Pavement Seminar.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:37:\"Concrete Council, municipal, pavement\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:47:\" Holiday Inn Southwest Viking Conference Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 07:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:9:\"7:30 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1548:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"100%\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\" class=\\\"body_light\\\">\n<p><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">The Concrete Council of St. Louis is hosting its annual Municipal Pavement Seminar.</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Roller Compacted Concrete</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Paving Technologies: New Developments and New Equipment</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Field Testing: New Developments in Inspection</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Pre-Bid/Pre-Construction Checklist for Successful Pre-Job Meetings</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Continuing Update of I-64 Project</span></li>\n<li><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Actual Solutions to Differences Between Design and Construction</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"><br />Satisy 6 PDH, CEU or AIA requirements by attending this seminar. <br /><br />For additional information or a registration form, please call Jackie at (314) 862- 0324 or send an email to jackie@concretecouncil.com<br /><br />All reservations must be made by Friday, February 6, 2009. </span></p>\n<p><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.concretecouncil.com/site/regformview.php?id=WZgi0Yr\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\"><span class=\\\"small_type\\\">Click here to view registration form</span></a></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\" class=\\\"body_light\\\"><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.concretecouncil.com/site/regformview.php?id=WZgi0Yr\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\"><span class=\\\"small_type\\\"></span></a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1087,406,4,2,1233258283,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"406\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-23 12:05 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Navy Awards Walton $25 Million LEED DB Barracks Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"navy_awards_walton_25_million_leed_db_barracks_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Navy Awards Walton $25 Million LEED DB Barracks Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:216:\"The Department of the Navy-Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast has selected Walton Construction St. Louis as general contractor on the new $25.3 million Parris Island Barracks Complex in Parris Island, SC.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:18:\"Walton, Navy, LEED\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1462:\"<p>The Department of the Navy-Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast has selected Walton Construction St. Louis as general contractor on the new $25.3 million Parris Island Barracks Complex in Parris Island, SC. Working with Walton Construction New Orleans and architect VOA Associates Inc., Walton St. Louis is scheduled to begin construction this month, with completion targeted for November 2010.</p>\n<p>Walton will work to achieve Silver LEED certification on the South Carolina barracks complex as part of a concerted effort by the Navy to cut energy use and decrease consumption of oil and other fossil fuels.</p>\n<p>Walton will incorporate environmentally friendly design, recyclable materials and energy efficient products into the construction of the Parris Island Barracks Complex. The project includes a three-story barracks, a headquarters training complex and a central mechanical plant. The Parris Island Barracks Complex will provide living quarters and a training facility for all Marine recruits east of the Mississippi River.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We are excited to be selected as the design build contractor on this project for the NAVFAC,&rdquo; said Tom Kaiman, vice president of operations for Walton St. Louis.&nbsp; &ldquo;Integrating sustainable energy systems and materials into the barracks and training facility will create a healthier and more energy efficient environment for our nation&rsquo;s armed forces.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1088,35,1,2,1233262831,'a:21:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:2:\"35\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-04-15 10:01 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:9:\"pages_uri\";s:19:\"/example/pages/uri/\";s:17:\"pages_template_id\";s:2:\"22\";s:5:\"title\";s:7:\"Contact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:7:\"contact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_4\";s:11:\"Contact CNR\";s:10:\"field_ft_4\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_2\";s:516:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate magazine contacts:<br /><br /><strong>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</strong><br />303 North Broadway<br />St. Louis, MO 63102<br />Phone: 314/584-4790<br />Fax: 314/241-0241<br /><br /><strong>Tom Finan (tom@stlcnr.com), Publisher</strong><br />Cell: 314/517-2466<br /><br /><strong>Peter Downs (pdowns@stlcnr.com), Editor</strong><br /><br /><strong>Penny Finan (pfinan@stlouiscnr.com) Co-owner and Advertising Director</strong><br />314/750-7017</p>\";s:10:\"field_id_1\";s:82:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate magazine contact information.</p>\";}'),(1089,35,1,2,1233262905,'a:21:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:2:\"35\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-04-15 10:01 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:9:\"pages_uri\";s:19:\"/example/pages/uri/\";s:17:\"pages_template_id\";s:2:\"22\";s:5:\"title\";s:7:\"Contact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:7:\"contact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_4\";s:11:\"Contact CNR\";s:10:\"field_ft_4\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_2\";s:524:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate magazine contacts:<br /><br /><strong>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</strong><br />303 North Broadway<br />St. Louis, MO 63102<br />Phone: 314/584-4790<br />Fax: 314/241-0241<br /><br /><strong>Tom Finan (tom@stlouiscnr.com), Publisher</strong><br />Cell: 314/517-2466<br /><br /><strong>Peter Downs (pdowns@stlouiscnr.com), Editor</strong><br /><br /><strong>Penny Finan (pfinan@stlouiscnr.com) Co-owner and Advertising Director</strong><br />314/750-7017</p>\";s:10:\"field_id_1\";s:82:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate magazine contact information.</p>\";}'),(1090,409,2,2,1233303615,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:21:\"Where\\\'s the Growth? \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:17:\"wheres_the_growth\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:19:\"Where\\\'s the Growth\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:270:\"The title of a panel presentation: “2009-2012: Where Is the Growthâ€ was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But presenters challenged the audience to take risks in new markets,  and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"Growth, Electrical Board, panel\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3861:\"<p>The title of a panel presentation: &ldquo;2009-2012: Where Is the Growth&rdquo; was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But presenters challenged the audience to take risks in new markets, and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. <br /><br />Those attending the triennial Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois&nbsp; economic forecast panel, held this year on Jan. 22 at Ameren UE headquarters, heard a decidedly different story from that presented by panelists three years ago.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Where\\\'s the Growth? \\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />New markets and ways of doing business offer a path of out of the current downturn, a the panelists told St. Louis construction management executives. But there are even more pitfalls than usual in a market filled with inexperienced competitors, bad credit, and a desire to find work at any price, they were told. <br /><br />Thomas A. Garrett, assistant vice president, of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis quoted from the December edition of the Fed&rsquo;s &ldquo;Burgundy Book&rdquo;:<br /><br />&ldquo;Economic activity in the St. Louis zone remains weak,&rdquo; Garret said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Retail activity has been down across the board, and retailers are mostly pessimistic about the near future. Declines in manufacturing and services have continued, as firms in many sectors report plans to reduce employment and/or output. Residential real estate remains weak, although commercial real estate markets have been more stable. Bank lending has fallen as lenders report tighter standards. The agricultural sector remains a bright spot, with generally higher yields and good crop conditions.&rdquo;<br /><br />Garret told those in attendance that the revised St. Louis employment numbers for the current period may reveal a worse employment situation. On the national level, he said, flattening home prices, rising equity prices, better credit conditions, and low energy prices all suggest a rebound in mid-2009 followed by above-trend growth in 2010.<br /><br />Jim Lucy, chief editor of Electrical Wholesaling&nbsp; magazine suggested that the educational and sustainability markets are two bright spots in an another wise grim picture. Demographics are the driver behind the continuing growth in education, particularly in K-12, Lucy said. <br /><br />A variety of factors &ndash; from energy costs, to social consciousness, to incentives offered by utilities &ndash; point in the direction of opportunities in the green/sustainability market, Lucy said. <br /><br />Tom Finan, publisher of St. Louis CNR and director of business development for Paradowski Creative, also touched on the growth opportunities in the sustainability market, as well as the Obama stimulus programs, and the education market. But he urged those in the audience to pay more attention than ever to working within their strengths and to not succumbing to working with companies whose poor business practices and relationships would make them a no-go during good times. He urged them to research potential projects and customers and encouraged them to confirm customers&rsquo; ability to pay. <br /><br />&ldquo;There is no good business with bad people,&rdquo; Finan said.<br /><br />He told the audience that by identifying areas within the growth niches that align with their companies capabilities,&nbsp; and by marketing through the recession, they would come out of the downturn stronger and faster. <br /><br />Other speakers on the panel were George Biderman account manager &ndash; St. Louis for McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, who presented the McGraw Hill forecast, and Richard Mark of Ameren, who shared Ameren&rsquo;s green power initiatives. <br /><br /><br /></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1091,406,4,2,1233303660,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"406\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-23 12:05 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"36\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Navy Awards Walton $25 Million LEED DB Barracks Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"navy_awards_walton_25_million_leed_db_barracks_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Navy Awards Walton $25 Million LEED DB Barracks Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:216:\"The Department of the Navy-Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast has selected Walton Construction St. Louis as general contractor on the new $25.3 million Parris Island Barracks Complex in Parris Island, SC.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:18:\"Walton, Navy, LEED\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1462:\"<p>The Department of the Navy-Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast has selected Walton Construction St. Louis as general contractor on the new $25.3 million Parris Island Barracks Complex in Parris Island, SC. Working with Walton Construction New Orleans and architect VOA Associates Inc., Walton St. Louis is scheduled to begin construction this month, with completion targeted for November 2010.</p>\n<p>Walton will work to achieve Silver LEED certification on the South Carolina barracks complex as part of a concerted effort by the Navy to cut energy use and decrease consumption of oil and other fossil fuels.</p>\n<p>Walton will incorporate environmentally friendly design, recyclable materials and energy efficient products into the construction of the Parris Island Barracks Complex. The project includes a three-story barracks, a headquarters training complex and a central mechanical plant. The Parris Island Barracks Complex will provide living quarters and a training facility for all Marine recruits east of the Mississippi River.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We are excited to be selected as the design build contractor on this project for the NAVFAC,&rdquo; said Tom Kaiman, vice president of operations for Walton St. Louis.&nbsp; &ldquo;Integrating sustainable energy systems and materials into the barracks and training facility will create a healthier and more energy efficient environment for our nation&rsquo;s armed forces.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"36\";}'),(1094,410,4,2,1233304005,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:23 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"NAHB Says Housing Hits All-Time Low\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"nahb_says_housing_hits_all_time_low\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"NAHB Says Housing Hits All-Time Low\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:240:\"In the latest clear evidence of worsening distress in the housing market, the U.S. Commerce Department today reported that sales\nof newly built single-family homes slid 14.7 percent to the lowest monthly pace on record in December of 2008. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:21:\"housing, all-time low\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3308:\"<p>In the latest clear evidence of worsening distress in the housing market, the U.S. Commerce Department today reported that sales<br />of newly built single-family homes slid 14.7 percent to the lowest monthly pace on record in December of 2008. This double-digit decline, on top of substantial downward revisions to home sales data for the previous three months, brought the seasonally adjusted annual rate of new home sales to just 331,000 units for December, representing a 76 percent decline from the<br />market peak in 2005.<br /><br />\\\"What more proof do you need that the housing downturn is accelerating -- bringing the economy with it -- and that the government must take<br />substantive action to get qualified buyers back in the market?\\\" said Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. and newly elected 2009 Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).<br /><br />\\\"We need a significant stimulus on the demand side, because otherwise, home sales will only continue downward, dragging down home values, consumer confidence and consumer spending, which in turn creates further downward pressure on sales,\\\" Robson continued. \\\"Because this vicious, self-perpetuating cycle can only be curtailed by offering a real incentive to those on the sidelines, NAHB is urging Congress to substantially enhance and extend the $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit as part of the economic stimulus package that it plans to send to the President\\\'s desk within the next two weeks. Doing so would go a long way toward putting a floor under declining home values that are at the core of the current economic crisis.\\\"<br /><br />\\\"Clearly the housing downswing is worsening, and even historically low mortgage rates have not provided sufficient support to the marketplace,\\\"<br />noted NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.&nbsp; \\\"Even the recent uptick in existing home sales is no source of comfort, since this movement is driven by distressed and foreclosed homes that continue to flood the market at fire sale prices, resulting in further deterioration in home values.<br /><br />\\\"The only positive note in today\\\'s report is that, due to prudent home builder action to restrain production, the number of new homes for sale<br />continues to decline,\\\" said Crowe. \\\"But even as this happens, the months\\\' supply of homes on the market continues to rise, due to further slowing of sales activity. Basically every number in this report further bolsters theargument that substantive government action must be taken to stimulate housing demand, restore home values and revive the U.S. economy and job market.\\\"<br /><br />The inventory of new homes for sale declined for the 20th consecutive month in December to 357,000, while the months\\\' supply at the current sales pace increased for a third consecutive month to 12.9.<br /><br />New-home sales were down across every region in December, with a 28.2 percent decline registered in the Northeast, a 5.6 percent decline in the Midwest, a 12.1 percent decline in the South and a 20.2 percent decline in<br />the West.<br /><br />For the year as a whole, sales were down 38 percent across the United States in 2008, falling 50 percent in the Northeast, 31 percent in the Midwest, 46 percent in the South and 47.4 percent in the West.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1095,411,5,2,1233304395,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:29 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"38\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:24:\"Tax Tips for Contractors\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:24:\"tax_tips_for_contractors\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Tax Tips for Contractors\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:417:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has developed 10 tax tips for contractors.  Now more than ever, contractors face complex tax issues that can strain resources and drain what may be already-shrinking profits. Especially during a recessionary period, contractors need to do what they can to minimize spending by effectively managing their tax burden and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:37:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, tax tips\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3869:\"<p>The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has developed 10 tax tips for contractors.&nbsp; Now more than ever, contractors face complex tax issues that can strain resources and drain what may be already-shrinking profits. Especially during a recessionary period, contractors need to do what they can to minimize spending by effectively managing their tax burden and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2009 ushering in new tax changes and the economic situation worsening, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips:<br />&nbsp;<br />Nail down &ldquo;bonus&rdquo; depreciation deductions. All contractors should be aware by now that bonus depreciation deductions were revived for investments made in calendar year 2008. As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2008 qualifying property in the first year of use, and then depreciate the remaining half of the asset over its normal useful life. For five year equipment, this results in a deduction of 60 percent of the asset&rsquo;s cost. If you invested in this property in 2008, make sure to take this bonus depreciation. And keep your eye on Congress in 2009. Legislators are already talking about extending this provision for calendar year 2009. <br /><br />Maximize capital asset expensing deductions. Rules originally intended for small businesses were significantly expanded in 2008 to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of fixed asset cost, provided less than $800,000 of assets are placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. Look for this provision again in 2009. Congress is expected to extend it. <br /><br />Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases. Under current law, capital gains and qualified dividends are taxed at a favorable 15 percent federal income tax rate. This preferential treatment is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, however, the presidential election may significantly change the taxation landscape. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions will want to work with tax advisers to determine if the tax positions of the new president and Congress merit acceleration of these items into 2009. <br /><br />Revisit the tax rebate. Most taxpayers who qualified for an Economic Stimulus rebate have already received a check, however there are situations where taxpayers may claim an additional credit, even though they have already received a check. The tax stimulus rebate actually is an advance rebate on 2008 tax liabilities, so if income or dependency changes from 2007 to 2008, taxpayers may be able to claim additional credits when they file their 2008 income tax returns this filing season. <br /><br />Look out for the expanded &ldquo;Kiddie tax.&rdquo; Most contractors are family-owned businesses and many have used a variety of tax planning techniques to shift income from one family member to another. The kiddie tax has been expanded to require excess unearned income of full-time students under age 24 to be taxed at their parents&rsquo; marginal rate, unless the student&rsquo;s earned income equals one-half of his or her support. Thoroughly review estate planning and gifting strategies to avoid higher income taxes on dependent children over age 18. <br /><br />&ldquo;To learn how these tax tips may apply to your contracting business, please contact your tax advisor,&rdquo; said Todd Taggart, Tax partner and practice leader of Grant Thornton&rsquo;s Construction practice. <br />&nbsp;<br />Grant Thornton&rsquo;s Construction Real Estate and Hospitality Industry Group has developed 10 tax tips for contractors. To read all of the tax tips, go to www.GrantThornton.com/CRHtaxtips &lt;http://www.grantthornton.com/crhtaxtips&gt;&nbsp; or email CRH@gt.com.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1096,409,2,2,1233304509,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"409\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:20:\"Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:17:\"wheres_the_growth\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:20:\"Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:334:\"The title of an Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois (EBMI)  panel presentation: “2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?â€ was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets,  and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"Growth, Electrical Board, panel\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3872:\"<p>The title of an Electrical Board Missouri and Illinois (EBMI) panel presentation: &ldquo;2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?&rdquo; was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets, and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. <br /><br />Those attending the triennial EBMI&nbsp; economic forecast panel, held this year on Jan. 22 at Ameren UE headquarters, heard a decidedly different story from that presented by panelists three years ago.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Where\\\'s the Growth? \\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />New markets and ways of doing business offer a path of out of the current downturn, a the panelists told St. Louis construction management executives. But there are even more pitfalls than usual in a market filled with inexperienced competitors, bad credit, and a desire to find work at any price, they were told. <br /><br />Thomas A. Garrett, assistant vice president, of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis quoted from the December edition of the Fed&rsquo;s &ldquo;Burgundy Book&rdquo;:<br /><br />&ldquo;Economic activity in the St. Louis zone remains weak,&rdquo; Garret said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Retail activity has been down across the board, and retailers are mostly pessimistic about the near future. Declines in manufacturing and services have continued, as firms in many sectors report plans to reduce employment and/or output. Residential real estate remains weak, although commercial real estate markets have been more stable. Bank lending has fallen as lenders report tighter standards. The agricultural sector remains a bright spot, with generally higher yields and good crop conditions.&rdquo;<br /><br />Garret told those in attendance that the revised St. Louis employment numbers for the current period may reveal a worse employment situation. On the national level, he said, flattening home prices, rising equity prices, better credit conditions, and low energy prices all suggest a rebound in mid-2009 followed by above-trend growth in 2010.<br /><br />Jim Lucy, chief editor of Electrical Wholesaling&nbsp; magazine suggested that the educational and sustainability markets are two bright spots in an another wise grim picture. Demographics are the driver behind the continuing growth in education, particularly in K-12, Lucy said. <br /><br />A variety of factors &ndash; from energy costs, to social consciousness, to incentives offered by utilities &ndash; point in the direction of opportunities in the green/sustainability market, Lucy said. <br /><br />Tom Finan, publisher of St. Louis CNR and director of business development for Paradowski Creative, also touched on the growth opportunities in the sustainability market, as well as the Obama stimulus programs, and the education market. But he urged those in the audience to pay more attention than ever to working within their strengths and to not succumbing to working with companies whose poor business practices and relationships would make them a no-go during good times. He urged them to research potential projects and customers and encouraged them to confirm customers&rsquo; ability to pay. <br /><br />&ldquo;There is no good business with bad people,&rdquo; Finan said.<br /><br />He told the audience that by identifying areas within the growth niches that align with their companies capabilities,&nbsp; and by marketing through the recession, they would come out of the downturn stronger and faster. <br /><br />Other speakers on the panel were George Biderman account manager &ndash; St. Louis for McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, who presented the McGraw Hill forecast, and Richard Mark of Ameren, who shared Ameren&rsquo;s green power initiatives. <br /></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1097,409,2,2,1233304598,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"409\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"EBMI Asks:Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:17:\"wheres_the_growth\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:31:\"EBMI Asks: Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:332:\"The title of an Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois (EBMI)  panel presentation: \\\"2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?\\\" was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets,  and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"Growth, Electrical Board, panel\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3865:\"<p>The title of an Electrical Board Missouri and Illinois (EBMI) panel presentation: &ldquo;2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?&rdquo; was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets, and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. <br /><br />Those attending the triennial EBMI&nbsp; economic forecast panel, held this year on Jan. 22 at Ameren UE headquarters, heard a decidedly different story from that presented by panelists three years ago.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Where\\\'s the Growth? \\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />New markets and ways of doing business offer a path of out of the current downturn, a the panelists told St. Louis construction management executives. But there are even more pitfalls than usual in a market filled with inexperienced competitors, bad credit, and a desire to find work at any price, they were told. <br /><br />Thomas A. Garrett, assistant vice president, of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis quoted from the December edition of the Fed&rsquo;s &ldquo;Burgundy Book&rdquo;:<br /><br />&ldquo;Economic activity in the St. Louis zone remains weak,&rdquo; Garret said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Retail activity has been down across the board, and retailers are mostly pessimistic about the near future. Declines in manufacturing and services have continued, as firms in many sectors report plans to reduce employment and/or output. Residential real estate remains weak, although commercial real estate markets have been more stable. Bank lending has fallen as lenders report tighter standards. The agricultural sector remains a bright spot, with generally higher yields and good crop conditions.&rdquo;<br /><br />Garret told those in attendance that the revised St. Louis employment numbers for the current period may reveal a worse employment situation. On the national level, he said, flattening home prices, rising equity prices, better credit conditions, and low energy prices all suggest a rebound in mid-2009 followed by above-trend growth in 2010.<br /><br />Jim Lucy, chief editor of Electrical Wholesaling&nbsp; magazine suggested that the educational and sustainability markets are two bright spots in an another wise grim picture. Demographics are the driver behind the continuing growth in education, particularly in K-12, Lucy said. <br /><br />A variety of factors &ndash; from energy costs, to social consciousness, to incentives offered by utilities &ndash; point in the direction of opportunities in the green/sustainability market, Lucy said. <br /><br />Tom Finan, publisher of St. Louis CNR and director of business development for Paradowski Creative, also touched on the growth opportunities in the sustainability market, as well as the Obama stimulus programs, and the education market. But he urged those in the audience to pay more attention than ever to working within their strengths and to not succumbing to working with companies whose poor business practices and relationships would make them a no-go during good times. He urged them to research potential projects and customers and encouraged them to confirm customers&rsquo; ability to pay. <br /><br />&ldquo;There is no good business with bad people,&rdquo; Finan said.<br /><br />He told the audience that by identifying areas within the growth niches that align with their companies capabilities,&nbsp; and by marketing through the recession, they would come out of the downturn stronger and faster. <br /><br />Other speakers on the panel were George Biderman account manager &ndash; St. Louis for McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, who presented the McGraw Hill forecast, and Richard Mark of Ameren, who shared Ameren&rsquo;s green power initiatives.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),