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June 21 COAA Webinar Co-hosted by the �۽�ֱ�� Lean Construction Forum Many owners struggle to effectively manage the design of their projects.  The process can be complex and unruly; budgets and programs may be loosely defined or tend to creep; and the technical details may exceed the owner's knowledge.  But what if the "lean” principles used in construction were applied to the design process? 

The General Services Administration was assigned $5.5 billion worth of construction projects under the Recovery Act – of that, more than a half billion dollars has been saved and is set to be redistributed to other very necessary federal projects.

Financial pressures on contractors grew worse in February as prices for key construction materials rose sharply even as prices construction firms charge for completed projects remained stagnant, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released Wednesday by �۽�ֱ��.

The American Institute of Architects announced that U.S. nonresidential construction spending will most likely decline in 2011, but is poised to recover in 2012. Originally predicted to begin in 2011, industry recovery in early 2012 will be led by hotel and retail sectors.

The leading indicator of nonresidential construction activity, the U.S. architecture billings released by the American Institute of Architects, was up more than 2 points in December, taking the reading from 52.0 to 54.2. Any reading over 50 is said to indicate expansion 9 to 12 months in the future.

A recent survey conducted by �۽�ֱ�� and Navigant found that more construction firms are planning to hire workers this year than are planning to make layoffs.

Join us March 21-25, 2011 in Las Vegas for �۽�ֱ�� of America's 92nd Annual Convention. �۽�ֱ��’s Annual Convention delivers the working knowledge contractors need to improve operations, expand into new markets and build their business. 

Throughout 2010, �۽�ֱ��’s Tax and Fiscal Affairs Committee diligently monitored four major proposed accounting standards updates put forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) that would have a significant impact on the construction industry: loss contingency, revenue recognition, multiemployer pension disclosure, and leases. 

The American Institute of Architects reported in December that the U.S. architecture billings index reached 52 points in November – the highest it has been since December 2007.  Any reading over 50 is said to indicate expansion 9 to 12 months into the future. 

�۽�ֱ�� released a statement Thursday in response to the Obama Administration’s new “Better Buildings Initiative,” intended to encourage private sector energy upgrades.