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NEWS
STEEL TARIFFS: AT WHAT COST?
President Donald Trump wants to rebuild the nation’s transportation infrastructure. He also wants to strengthen the U.S. steel industry through tariffs on imports. But that second goal could make it more costly to accomplish the first. Since Trump announced the tariffs in March, prices have been rising for the American steel used to build bridges, reinforce concrete highways and lay the rails for mass transit systems. Though many of this summer’s big construction projects had locked in pre-tariff prices, concerns are mounting among contractors and some transportation officials that the tariffs could raise costs and delay work that is still in the planning stages. Read More...
NOT YOUR AVERAGE 'SNOWFLAKE': WHY CONSTRUCTION EDUCATORS ARE EXCITED ABOUT MILLENNIALS
It’s common knowledge that construction involves tough work, whether that’s physically demanding tasks on the jobsite or fast-paced adjustments from the office to meet tight project budgets and timelines. But millennials — part of what’s been derogatively labeled by some as the “snowflake generation,” supposedly composed of individuals that inflate their own uniqueness or have an unwarranted sense of entitlement — are coming into the industry eager about the opportunities construction careers present. Read More...
NEW DOWNTOWN WHEELING DEVELOPMENT COMING TO 950 MAIN ST.
The increase in state historic tax credits has spurred another development in downtown Wheeling, as work is set to begin on the upper floors of 950 Main Street. 
The building, home to The Bridge Tavern, will soon have offices and apartments on its three upper floors. The Bridge Tavern will remain open.
Brothers, Dave, Mike and Doug Carl have purchased the property with plans to renovate the second, third and fourth floors, all of which are currently vacant. Read More...
BID OPENING FOR OHIO COUNTY PORTION OF I-70 REHAB IN JULY
The bid for the $170 million rehabilitation of bridges along Interstate 70 in Ohio County will be awarded in mid-July, with work and traffic headaches expected to last two years, according to an official with the West Virginia Division of Highways. Read More...
BIDS FOR I-70 WORK COMING
Mid-July will see two-year rehab project awarded
The bid for the $170 million rehabilitation of bridges along Interstate 70 in Ohio County will be awarded in mid-July, with work and traffic headaches expected to last two years, according to an official with the West Virginia Division of Highways. Read More...
HOW ROOFING CONTRACTORS CAN COMPETE ON VALUE RATHER THAN PRICE
There’s never a shortage of companies willing to undercut their competitors, but that doesn’t make it a good idea. 
Competing mostly on price is a poor marketing decision because it discourages customer loyalty, makes it difficult to differentiate a company from other industry players, and forces a race to the bottom in terms of pricing and profits. The lower revenue and profit margins that result from this decision leave a company more vulnerable to market fluctuations and business mistakes. Rather than making a low price the sole priority, it’s critical to focus on value because that’s what creates a long-term return on Read More...
CREATE A HABIT OF PROACTIVE DECISION-MAKING

Andy is a senior leader for the service arm of a well-known north Texas construction firm. Andy does his best to get out in front of the “firefights” that are so common in the construction world. In fact, he leads his team through annual business planning to define goals for the next year. But even with this effort, Andy always used to find himself in a reactive mode. Though he created a business plan, he was always behind and his team was always off track.
Up to this point, Andy didn’t realize that business plans are only as good as the daily decisions that are required to carry them out. The best plans are made with the best intentions. But the contractor’s everyday decision-making habits often short-circuit their best plans. Andy hadn’t yet been introduced to the simple solution of making one proactive decision per day. Read More...
Safety and Education
OSHA Postpones Enforcement of Certain Provisions of Beryllium Standard to August 9
OSHA is postponing enforcement of certain requirements of the final rule on occupational exposure to beryllium in general industry. Requirements originally scheduled for enforcement on June 25 will not be enforced until Aug. 9. The requirements include beryllium work areas, regulated work areas, methods of compliance, personal protective clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, housekeeping, communication of hazards, and recordkeeping. For more information, read the  memorandum
OSHA Focuses on Worker Heat Hazards
With the official start of summer, OSHA is urging employers across the country to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and hazards. While workers in construction, agriculture, and landscaping are often exposed to excessive heat, so are workers in kitchens, foundries, warehouses, and other indoor settings. OSHA offers guidance on how to keep workers cool and healthy whether they are exposed to  indoor  or  outdoor  heat hazards.
Safe + Sound Week 2018: Show Your Commitment to Safety
J oin the more than 350 organizations worldwide that have signed up to participate in  Safe + Sound Week August 13-19. If your business is looking for ways to get started, OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week for Any Schedule guide outlines activities your organization can do if you have a day, half day, or just an hour to engage your workers.  Register now  to get your organization on the map.
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