Enter that project or projects you are proud of today! the new deadline to submit an entry is February 19. Winners will be recognized at the dinner on Monday, April 12, 2021, during the CISCA Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Get started on your application today. For complete details on the 2021 Awards, view the awards flyer.

CISCA is partnering with manufacturers to host virtual Lunch & Learn Sessions starting February 10 at 12:30 p.m. CT. This is a great opportunity to explore and learn more about cutting-edge products and ask any questions. Lunch is provided. Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.

Construction employment decreased from December 2019 to December 2020 in more than half of the nation’s metro areas despite a surge in homebuilding and remodeling, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said large numbers of contractors are having to lay off workers once they complete projects that began before the pandemic because private owners and public agencies are hesitant to commit to new construction.

In its annual release on union membership, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of wage and salary construction workers with union membership declined from a little more than 1 million in 2019 to 993,000 in 2020, but the percentage increased slightly from 12.6% to 12.7%. The number of those represented by unions, including those under project labor agreements, was about 1.1 million in 2019 (13.6% of total workers) but decreased to just over 1 million in 2020.

Construction spending in December exhibited sharply varied trends, with downturns from a year earlier in every private category, mixed results for public construction, and double-digit increases in residential construction, according to an analysis of new federal construction spending data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new figures demonstrate how the pandemic is boosting demand for new housing while undermining demand for most other types of construction projects.

According to an agency press release, the time frame to submit the data has begun. Electronic submission of Form 300A, a yearly summary of injury and illnesses data, is required for establishments with 250 or more employees and those with 20 to 249 employees in certain high-hazard industries.

Adaptive reuse projects can be tricky. It is a great way to keep an existing (often unused or abandoned) structure and give it a new life. But these projects don’t come without their own unique set of challenges.

It would be hard to deny the increased interest in green building or sustainability in the design and construction industry over the last decade or so. From barely 100 projects in 2001 to over 69,000 projects in 2019, the growth in LEED certified buildings is reflected not only in the expanded skillsets across the construction industry, but more importantly, the importance of the issue to owners and operators.

Cybersecurity is a hot topic these days. On one hand, there's a rise in hackers stealing data across the globe. On the other hand, there are employees stuck working from home and using often unprotected wi-fi networks to access employer information. And when it comes to construction, there's high turnover, which creates a host of cybersecurity threats, from lack of training to misuse of confidential information. It's really no surprise, then, that businesses are spending more on cybersecurity in 2021.

The construction industry saw an unprecedented amount of disruption throughout 2020. The year kicked off with news of a deadly virus gaining momentum overseas and it wasn’t long before countries were moving into lockdown to try to stop the spread. The disruption caused by the coronavirus has left many contractors wondering what 2021 holds in store for their businesses.

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.

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.

Please join Doug Shantz, North America sales director, LAMVIN, for this quick and informative webinar overview of all things acoustic.

With the introduction of its new ProjectWorks™ service, Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions is revolutionizing the way contractors estimate ceiling system costs, taking the guesswork out of the process and providing everything needed to bid a project with confidence in 48 hours or less.

AD is reporting total 2020 member sales were $45.1 billion, a 3% decrease from 2019, with purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners at $12 billion, down 1%. Despite the clear impacts of the pandemic, AD achieved a 1% increase in net distributions to its members and was able to offer innovative services and support to help members navigate the rapidly changing environment.