The federal government shutdown is having a significant impact on the economy, and the construction industry is not exempt from the effects. With nine federal departments functioning at minimum capacity and many government construction projects on hold, small contractors are some of the most heavily impacted businesses.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is launching a new initiative aimed at increasing diversity in the construction industry. The program will focus on vocational training targeted at women and minority high school students.

Identifying the right customers and projects to take on and keeping multiple healthy revenue streams flowing are keys to remain profitable in today's environment. Focusing on both contract work and ongoing accounts and developing a target customer list are great steps to take.

While bankruptcy offers important protection for companies in distress, there's no doubt that filing damages the reputation and prospects of a business. Several big names in construction were involved in bankruptcy cases in 2018, and there are important things to learn from these instances.

A recent Associated Builders and Contractors analysis found that the construction industry expanded by 38,000 net new jobs in December. That capped off a year that saw the sector increase by 280,000 jobs total, a 4 percent increase from the beginning of 2018.

According to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's January 2019 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry, leadership confidence in the sector is down to an index of 53.4, falling from December's figure of 55.5. Respondents indicated that uncertainty with regards to the federal government is among the reasons for the decrease.

The 2019 CISCA Construction Excellence Awards Website is now open for entries. The final day to enter your project is January 31, 2019. You may start an application and save it to finish at a later time. Enter as many projects as you wish!

Deloitte's most recent Digital Disruption Index, which polls executives on their perceptions of new job candidates, indicates that recent entrants in the workforce are better equipped with digital and technological skills. The percentage of respondents who asserted this opinion was up to 18, from 12 percent at 2018's halfway mark.

Various measures can help your business communicate better with migrant workers and those who know limited or no English. From avoiding contractions and slang to providing free English classes, these tips will allow companies to improve interactions and clarity with employees.