On behalf of the Independent Manufacturers Reps in CISCA for contributions to the industry and in recognition of his retirement, Dave Vanosdall has received the prestigious G.O.A.T. award. Dave’s understanding and willingness to speak up for the industry from both the corporate world perspective and an independent manufacturers rep’s perspective have benefitted everyone. The time he’s spent in discussions with his peers as well as more recently imparting knowledge to those just starting in this industry is appreciated and truly a blessing. Thanks to Dave for sharing his passion, knowledge and friendship with us. We wish Dave and Sandie all the best in this next chapter of their lives.

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement recently in reaction to new guidance from the Treasury Department regarding Paycheck Protection Program loans: “The Treasury Department’s new Paycheck Protection Program directive offers the kind of guidance we have been seeking. It provides many employers with additional clarity on how to proceed with their loans. Importantly, the Department has opted to provide a safe harbor provision for firms that self-certified their need for loans that totaled less than $2 million. In addition, the new guidance provides a mechanism to allow firms that received loans of $2 million or more, and are later found to have not met the Department’s need-standard, to repay those loans, seemingly without penalty.” 

The coronavirus pandemic has shocked U.S. construction into needing to adopt new technologies to maintain social distancing and monitor jobsites remotely. Those adaptations, some construction leaders say, should have been adopted in the first place, before the pandemic forced contractors to implement them.

As news of the coronavirus impact continues to unfold, this page will serve as a way to track projects or cities that have halted construction due to the pandemic.

The world has changed and is adjusting to a new normal for a period of time. As the workforce watches the stock market continuously and wonders when it will be business as usual, there are lots of questions about how best to keep operations going. The volatility of the stock market coupled with the uncertainty raise many questions on how to keep things moving.

Construction employment declined by 975,000 jobs in April as a new survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and data from construction technology firm Procore show deteriorating demand for construction, officials with the association announced recently. The new economic data underscores the need for new federal measures to help the construction industry recover, including infrastructure funding, safe harbor provisions and fixes to the Paycheck Protection Program guidance, association officials added.

May is Mental Health Awareness month and a great opportunity to highlight the importance of taking care of the emotional and mental wellbeing to your employees. Mental health is a huge component of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s (CIASP’s) suicide prevention efforts and one really cannot be addressed without the other. Because of this, we feel that May is the perfect time to take the pledge to STAND up for Suicide Prevention. No matter what your role in the industry – CIASP has a pledge for you! Contractors, Unions, Associations, Service Providers like CPAs, Insurance Companies and Sureties, Partners in the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention space and also Project Owners. We all have a role to play in addressing mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. If you have pledged – please let others know – and encourage them to do the same. Post the actions you are taking on social media, tag theCIASP, and use the hashtag #STANDupforSuicidePrevention.

In this day and age, most construction firms are well aware that having a company website is a vital element of their business strategies. Many companies use their websites to post updates on current projects, company happenings and other relevant information their current and potential clients may find useful, ultimately with the goal of driving business. However, this valuable content may go unnoticed if you’re not carefully implementing search engine optimization (SEO).

Mobility and real-time access to information are changing the game when it comes to construction workforce management. While many companies have developed applications that field workers can access via mobile devices for data entry, they only solve part of the problem and still require workers to take time away from their job to access and record information.

Workplaces, schools and public spaces preparing to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to develop and implement plans to effectively clean and disinfect surfaces, under recently released joint guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A straightforward, simplified explanation that provides the connection between science and building. This 35 minute presentation will be followed by 20 minutes of question and answers. Registration required.

CISCA is the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings and acoustical treatment industry. Market your products/services to the multi-billion dollar interior systems industry today.

CISCA is the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings and acoustical treatment industry, fostering professional development and exchanges for and between association members and industry professionals. Be sure to visit our website often as new material is posted regularly.

Celebrate Memorial Day with friends, family and a new Lenovo PC! Take advantage of historical savings on legendary devices up to 55% off now through 5/31/2020. Lenovo’s award-winning service and hassle-free buying experience can help take your business to the next level. Remember, these special monthly deals are customized for you.  Our Lenovo Savings Program offers a new shopping experience specifically tailored to fit your needs. Whether for work, home or gifts, you’ll receive: FREE shipping on all web orders, personalized products and solutions, warranty service upgrades, and business financing. Plus, sign up for MyLenovo Rewards and earn rewards for future purchases from everything you purchase through our Lenovo Savings Program. Visit www.lenovo.com/us/en/lsp or call 1-800-426-7235, ext. 3569 (M-F: 9am-9pm ET, Sat: 9am-6pm ET). Be sure to check the website often – special offers change frequently.