Lawmakers, NLRB witness stiff resistance to proposed changes
Read MoreDay: August 17, 2011
Industry to Labor Board: Narrow election window fails employers, employees
Representative John Kline’s “Rushing Union Elections” hearing was followed by a July 19-20 open meeting at the National Labor Relations Board’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, where Members invited perspective from industry, organized labor, and labor law interests on the Representation—Case Procedures Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Portions of presentations from Robert Garbini, President of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, and Steve Jones, Director of Human Resources for Chandler Concrete Co. in Burlington, N.C., are provided here.
Read MoreEnvironmental Impact—“There Can Be Value”
Whether you, as a producer, are charging a fee or not, there are environmental costs associated with the ready mixed business and they are affecting every load. Some producers choose to attempt to capture the costs within the price of the concrete, while others have established set load fees to cover the impact. In this issue, we discuss and identify the reality of those costs, as well as look at what producers can do or are doing to cover them. As in previous issues, we will also look into areas to potentially find savings and add value.
Read MoreTwin-shaft mixing
Fast cycles plus high powder and power economy
Read MoreBachmann campaign bus tour stop: Cemen Tech
A tradition of hosting Republican or Democrat candidates on the campaign trail continued last month at Cemen Tech Inc., Indianola, Iowa. Flanked by stationary and truck-mounted Mobile Concrete Dispensers in the company’s volumetric and continuous mixer assembly area, 2012 GOP presidential primary candidate Michele Bachmann told management and staff, “It’s not government that creates lasting jobs, it’s small businesses, like [yours], that are the job creation engine of America. We have to do everything we can to strengthen small business.”
Read MoreR.E. Pierson Materials recognizes satellite’s heritage bargaining unit
Following a National Labor Relations Board Region Four (Philadelphia) order to honor a Teamsters Local 331 petition for election to represent approximately 12 drivers at a Pleasantville, N.J., ready mixed plant, Williamstown, N.J.-based Richard E. Pierson Materials Corp. opened contract negotiations with the union — waiving a representation ballot.
Read MoreStudy: Demand for landscaping products up; hardscapes sees fastest growth
According to Landscaping Products, a new study from Cleveland-based market researcher Freedonia Group, U.S. demand for landscaping products is projected to increase 7.6 percent/year to $5.9 billion in 2015. The demand will be promoted by a recovery in U.S. housing activity, including new construction and existing single-family home sales. Landscaping products sales will post a strong improvement through 2015 from a reduced 2010 base. Among markets, residential sales account for the largest share of landscaping products with 55 percent in 2010.
Read MoreCountertop group helps contractors stoke interest in fire pit construction
Throughout the U.S. and Canada, homeowners are seeking outdoor kitchens and living spaces to enhance the ambience as well as the resale value of their homes. As a result, one of the hottest trends in outdoor living is fire pits.
Read MoreCentral Florida builder providing functional safe rooms
No stranger to violent storms, Central Florida is seeing an increase in safe room construction, thanks in part to third-generation home builder Kristin Beall, vice-president, Charlie Johnson Builder Inc. The reinforced concrete masonry rooms are being offered in many of the company’s affordable, modest-sized homes to protect homeowners from the threat of hurricanes and tornadoes.
Read MoreACIA, University of Alabama’s safe room displayed at summit
In the wake of the devastating April tornado outbreaks, Alabamians have teamed up to prepare for future natural disasters. The staff of the Alabama Concrete Industries Association and Major Ogilvie of Block USA partnered with University of Alabama professor Jim Richardson, during two weeks in June, to design and construct a concrete block safe room. On June 13, the collaborated structure was displayed at the Safer Alabama Summit in Tuscaloosa.
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