The topic this month covers tax planning for 2019. Not 2018, mind you, but 2019, even though we are nearly 11 months away from year end. But since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is so complicated, and can have both positive and negative outcomes depending on decisions you make, a brief discussion is in order to help you deal with this issue in a prudent manner.

During this worker shortage, the great need to relieve pressure for enhanced operations, improve profitability and customer satisfaction requires innovation. One simple solution is turning to automation. However, the available technology is not nearly as simple as the decision to adopt it.

I hope you are all enjoying the winter season. As you look forward to what is ahead in 2019, I hope you have marked your calendars to attend the CISCA Convention in National Harbor, Maryland, April 22-26. Today, I want to share with you several great opportunities available to CISCA members during the upcoming convention. Please take a minute to read all the opportunities and commit to those you can.

The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), also known as the Labor Commissioner’s Office, has cited specialty contractor RDV Construction, based in City of Industry, California, for allegedly committing $12 million of wage theft violations against more than 1,000 employees. 

It’s no surprise that recruiters can become frustrated when they’re constantly being ignored via email or LinkedIn InMail messages. While these communication methods can work for some candidates, they definitely aren’t the way of the future or the best way to reach Gen Z—the next wave of new hires for construction companies across the country.

The leading U.S. metropolitan areas for commercial and multifamily construction starts registered a varied performance during 2018 compared to the previous year, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Of the top 10 markets, ranked by the dollar amount of construction starts, four reported greater activity in 2018 while six showed declines.

Businesses are looking for partnerships to help guide them through a period of digital transformation, according to a report from Information Services Group (ISG). Areas of focus include lean project management, agile software development and customer journey mapping, among others.

Reserve your spot for this year's Convention and INTEX Expo, to be held in National Harbor, Maryland, from April 22 to April 26, 2019! We'll see you then for a full week of education, networking and relationship-building!

AD, the member-owned buying/marketing group, announced today the merger with IDI Independent Distributors Inc., effective April 1, 2019. IDI brings 107 independent industrial Canadian distributors with over 364 locations into the AD family.

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions has unveiled new methods for installing its InvisAcoustics™ Basics and Tectum® Direct-Attach panels onto trusses and I-beams. Because the panels virtually disappear into these structural elements, the “hidden” acoustical solutions maintain the aesthetics of exposed structure designs while still providing noise absorption. 

Great leaders often have several traits in common. We tend to see characteristics like strong communication, a positive attitude and a sense of integrity on the short list. But where does self-awareness come into play?

Engagement, happiness and a retained workforce. Sounds great, right? But did you know companies with happy employees outperform their competitors by 20 percent? Find out how you can implement this into your company culture with these simple tips.