Arizona leads, California and Illinois lag ABC Merit Shop state ranking

Source: Associated Builders and Contractors, Washington, D.C. The Associated Builders and Contractors 2020 Merit Shop Scorecard weighs state policies and programs that encourage workforce development, strengthen career and technical education, grow careers in construction, and promote fair and open competition for taxpayer-funded construction projects. Arizona tops the rankings for the first time based on its promotion of free enterprise and…

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Pandemic effects slightly skew 2020 union membership rates

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; CP staff Wage and salary workers who were members of unions represented 10.8 percent of the 2020 workforce, a 0.5 percent year-over-year gain, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. In construction, the union membership rate rose 0.1 point, to 12.8 percent or 1.05 million workers, over the same period. 

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United Materials veteran earns NRMCA Driver of the Year Award

Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va.; CP staff William J. Youngers, based at VCNA United Materials’ Lancaster, N.Y. plant, is the NRMCA Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional Driver of the Year. The award recognizes professionalism, driving competency, customer service skills, and a safety record with no at-fault-accidents nor on-the-job-accidents over a 23-year career. Younger has had no at-fault…

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AI-wise software developer probes “CO2 Reduction in Cement Logistics”

Source: Inform Software Corp., Atlanta Inform Software, a provider of artificial intelligence-based optimization programs facilitating improved decision making, processes and resource management across diverse industries, will present a 20-minute webinar, “CO2 Reduction in Cement Logistics,” on February 23, 9 a.m. EST. Participants will learn the true footprint of their cement logistics, the latest truck technology trends and their limitations, how…

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Concrete pavement contractors begin search for new association chief

Sources: American Concrete Pavement Association, Rosemont, Ill.; CP staff The American Concrete Pavement Association is seeking a successor to retiring President & CEO Gerald Voigt, P.E., who will move to a non-executive role once a new staff leader is appointed. During his nearly 33-year tenure—more than half at the helm— the association has chartered the widely known and respected National…

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Block producers reach new consumer, developer engagement threshold

Sources: Florida Concrete & Products Association, Orlando; CP staff A Florida Concrete & Products Association and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Inc. campaign has achieved a milestone in building awareness of the benefits of concrete block construction in single family home and multiunit dwellings: Its centerpiece, the consumer- and professional-geared site, www.BlockStrong.com, has surpassed the 1 million annual visitor mark.…

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