The American Institute Of Architects (AIA) Billing
Index
Update market research and analysis report providing a
six-month forecast of non-residential construction trends.
Derived from a monthly survey and produced by the AIA
Economics & Market Research Group. Features indexes
compiled from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA
member-owned firms. The panel is polled on whether their
billings increased, decreased or stayed the same in the
month that just ended. From those answers, the research
group generates a score, which represents the index value
for that month.
Resource information:
Reports for the last six months available online to download
FEMA Information Resource Library
Searchable Web-based collection of all public access FEMA
resources: CDs, DVDs, videos, audio tapes, disability
resources, posters and display items, brochures,
publications, guidance and policy papers, program
regulations and guidelines and forms. Topics include:
building design, risk management, sustainable construction,
codes and ordinances and insurance.
BNi COSTBOOKS 2008
Books provide cost coverage for all aspects of construction
industry. Data is divided into labor cost and materials
categories for easier estimating. Designed to help industry
professionals prepare estimates and bids, stay informed
when checking prices, and understand the financial impact
of change orders.
Costbooks available for:
- General construction
- Public works
- Mechanical/electrical
- Electrical
- Home builders
- Remodelers
- Home remodelers
- Facilities managers
Order information:
Can be purchased at www.bnibooks.com
Phone: (888) BNI-BOOK
Construction Industry Resource Training
Network
Association of industry training directors representing
mid-sized to large contractors and companies in the U.S.
and Canada. Aims to share ideas and resources to improve
workers' skills and proficiency.
Member resources:
Network for posting questions and sharing ideas
Bi-annual meetings to discuss training and development
information
National contact information:
Phone: (602) 262-5291
E-mail: info@cirtn.org
The Safety Library
Online collection of risk management articles for the
construction industry.
Resource information includes:
- Best practices for owner-controlled insurance programs
- Construction defects
- Contingent liability of the multi-employer work site
- Case studies of environmental claims
- Builders risk insurance claim management
National Diversity Committee Programs
Developed for members of Associated Builders and
Contractors (ABC). ABC's Web site sponsors links to the
Diversity Manual and the Assessment of Diversity Activities
& Practices to guide construction and member companies.
National contact information:
Phone: (703) 812-2000
E-mail: gotquestions@abc.org
OSHA Online Assistance
Links to tools, topics and publications relating to
Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
Online resources include:
- Compliance and standards information
- E-tools (interactive Web-based training guides)
- "Job Safety and Health Quarterly" magazine articles and public documents
- Information on partnerships, programs and associations
National contact information:
Phone (for safety and health questions): (800)
321-OSHA (6742)
Grants and Loans Ideal For Construction Companies
-
Basic 7(a) Loan Guaranty program
For businesses unable to obtain loans through standard bank loan programs Funds can be used for general business purposes, including: working capital, fixtures, leasehold improvements and debt refinancing. The loan maturity is up to ten years for working capital and up to 25 years for fixed assets. Loans are still delivered through commercial lending institutions, but the Small Business Association and the lending financial institution share the risk if the borrower cannot repay.More information and eligibility requirements:
-
Certified Development Company (CDC) 504 loan
program
For small businesses needing financing for fixed assets, such as the purchase of real estate, buildings and machinery or improvements, such as landscaping, parking lots and construction. Generally, assets that are being financed can be used as collateral. The maximum loan size is $4 million; maturity terms of ten and 20 years are available.More information and eligibility requirements:
www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/cdc504.htm
Locate a CDC location in your area:
www.sba.gov/gopher/Local-Information/Certif ied-Development-Companies/.
-
Microloan 7(m) loan program
Provides short-term loans up to $35,000 to small businesses for working capital or the purchase of fixtures and supplies. The average loan size is approximately $10,500. Funds cannot be used to pay debts or purchase real estate. Loans are funded by intermediaries selected by the Small Business Administration and usually require some kind of collateral. Loans are not guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.More information and eligibility requirements:
-
U.S. Green Building Council Platinum
Certifications
Full rebates for certification fees on any project that earns LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. Platinum buildings are: energy- and resource-efficient; provide top-quality indoor comfort; and dramatically reduce CO2 emissions.More information and eligibility requirements:
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Stock Market
| Index | Last | Change | ||
| Dow | 15387.58 | 52.30 | ||
| Nasdaq | 3498.97 | 33.72 | ||
| S&P 500 | 1669.16 | 2.87 | ||
| NYSE | 9598.27 | 10.73 | ||
| AMEX | 2435.34 | -9.65 | ||