2017 3rd Quarter Economic Indicators

mmcrebuildstg on November 10, 2017

The Associated Builders & Contractors reported a slight decline in nonresidential construction employment. Determining why this happened is proving difficult because of the following possible reasons: stalled construction projects, impact from the recent storms, or lack of skilled laborers to take over for the skilled laborers that retired. In our case, the lack of qualified labor to replace/fill positions hurts us the most. We’re curious, have the other two reasons affected your productivity?

The Importance of Team in Achieving Technical Excellence

mmcrebuildstg on November 2, 2017

Believe it or not, the ability to work collaboratively as a team is a learned skill. The longer your project team has worked together, the more skilled they are at problem-solving. Through their shared experiences, team members become proficient in applying their intuition and offer creative problem-solving solutions. A few characteristics of an integrated project team are:

  • Team members knowing their role in the project’s success – Each professional understands how their role impacts the project and focuses on the subtle details of their position, confirming they are done accurately and thoroughly.
  • Hold each other to high standards – While the team makes an agreement with their owner, they make a promise to each other. As an owner, you may not see the accountability they hold to each other, but the effect is seen in the quality of your project.
  • Confidence in solutions – They all know how each other operate, how they break down issues and analyze the best path forward, and they know how to work together to develop creative solutions.
  • Connecting to people, not just your project – All team members are informed of the status of the project at all times. They maintain appreciation and comradery as you work together as partners, leading you to success.

“Collaborative problem solving refers to an open process for generating multiple alternatives, fostering the exchange of ideas and producing a validated solution.” (Garvin & Roberto, 2001)

Miles-McClellan Construction Named Accredited Quality Contractor by ABC

mmcrebuildstg on August 29, 2017

“Associated Builders and Contractors is pleased to honor Miles-McClellan Construction with Accredited Quality Contractor status for its commitment to excellence in construction, its workforce and the communities it helps build,” said 2017 ABC National Chair Chuck Goodrich, president of Gaylor Electric, Indianapolis. “Miles-McClellan Constructionearned this recognition for world-class safety performance, a strong record of investment in a talented and well-trained workforce, diversity leadership and community service.”

Launched in 1993, ABC’s AQC program provides recognition to world-class construction firms that have documented their commitment in five areas of corporate responsibility:

•    Quality
•    Safety (ABC Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) Gold, Platinum or Diamond level required)
•    Employee benefits
•    Training
•    Community relations and diversity

In achieving AQC status, each member company takes the following pledge:

As an Accredited Quality Contractor, our company is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality construction services and we care deeply about our employees and the communities in which we build. We are proud to be part of the construction industry and are dedicated to the principle of free enterprise. We commit ourselves to serve our communities and to provide our employees with the skills they need to work safely and productively in order to meet the needs of our clients.

AQC is recognized by Construction Users Roundtable (CURT®), an organization founded by leading construction project owners.

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Founded in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.

Technical Excellence – It’s the Small Details

mmcrebuildstg on August 4, 2017

In the orchestra of construction, progress is systematic and purposeful, but with the many moving parts sometimes the little details are overlooked. But it’s the small details that demonstrate the professionalism and passion your project team has for their trade. Here are three fine details not to miss.

  • Fit & finish to be as flawless as possible – Demonstrates knowledge of how pieces fit together and the watchful eye of your construction partner. Are the corners straight and true? Are the trim and details clean? Are the paint lines crisp? Is everything installed to the standards? All these little items measure how meticulous the construction team paid attention to the easily overlooked details during crunch time at the end of the project. Interiors take only a couple of weeks to complete yet this is what you and clients will see every day. There is no perfect job which makes it even more important never to lose sight of quality. Have you looked lately at your building’s fine details?
  • Clean job site & trailer – A clean job site and trailer improve efficiency and safety. Organization means no lost time looking for tools and materials. A clean job site mitigates accidents that not only injury a worker but possibly one of your staff members. An injury might also cause lost time affecting your project schedule. A clean job site and trailer leaves an impression of organization, better quality, and safety – is your contractor leaving you with a good impression?
  • Consistency in customer service & communication – No matter if your project is $10,000 or $10 million you should be treated as if you are their only client. Consistency in customer service and communication is every team member knowing exactly what is going on with the project at all times, showing respect not only to you as the client but the subcontractors and suppliers, and professional daily interactions in addressing challenges and working toward a solution. Do you have an active relationship, appreciation, and camaraderie with your construction partner?

“Technical excellence can only be achieved through a full-team effort —everyone paying attention to details while keeping their clients’ best interests at the top of their mind.”– David McIntosh, Vice President

2016 4th Quarter Economic Indicators

mmcrebuildstg on February 6, 2017

A Return to Normalcy

by: Salim Furth, Ph.D.

As of the end of 2016, economic growth has been normal for at least a year. With a few exceptions, data indicate an economy
operating at or near its “natural” or “potential” level.

The unemployment rate reached a nine-year low of 4.6 percent in November and has not exceeded 5 percent since September 2015. Experience from previous periods of sustained growth indicates that little further improvement can be expected.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is growing at a steady but unimpressive rate. Adjusted for population growth and inflation, GDP grew 0.8 percent from the third quarter of 2015 to the third quarter of 2016.

Private domestic investment grew rapidly from its recession trough but peaked at 17 percent of GDP in early 2015 and has not grown since then. The lack of further growth is both an indicator and a cause of the end of the recovery: Strong growth in wages and GDP depends on investment. At just 16 percent to 17 percent of GDP, investment is treading water.

Like investment, labor force participation has not reached prerecession levels. Part of that change is due to the retirement of the baby boomers: People born in 1951 turned 65 in 2016. However, prime-age workers are also less likely to be working or
looking for work now than in 2007. Persistently low participation is one of the main challenges facing policymakers in 2017.

Monetary policy is an exception to the prevailing normalcy. Inflation has remained below the Federal Reserve Board’s 2 percent target for years. Consequently, the Fed has left its policy levers in positions that are typical of a recovery and is likely to remain accommodative until inflation reaches 2 percent.

Furth, Ph.D., S. (2017, January 13). Economic Outlook for 2017. Retrieved from heritage.org: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2017/01/economic-outlook-for-2017