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November 12, 2014 • Vol. XXVI • No. 23 • 470 Maryland Drive • Ft. Washington, PA 19034 • 215-885-2900 • Toll Free 800-523-2200 • Fax 215-885-2910
Inside
AGC Reports…
Bow Creek Rec Center Industry Adds Jobs Makes a Come Back in 236 Metro Areas Between Sept ’13, ’14
RIPA at Work on Starkey Ranch…8
Construction employment expanded in 236 metro areas, declined in 53 and was stagnant in 50 between September 2013 and September 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released Oct. 29 by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that as firms expand their payrolls, many are finding a limited supply of available qualified workers. “It is good news that construction employment gains have spread to more than two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist of the association. “But there is a growing risk that contractors in many of these regions will have trouble finding qualified workers to complete the rising volume of projects.” Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas, added the largest
Kubota Begins ‘A New Era’…12
see AGC page 78
Virginia Beach photo
Decades after its original construction, Bow Creek Recreation Center in Virginia Beach, Va., is poised to make a triumphant return. ASC, Air Equipment Rental Partner…24
Table of Contents ................4 Truck & Trailer Section ........ ......................................44-48 Recycling Section ........53-65 Attachment & Parts Section ......................................67-74 Business Calendar ............76 Auction Section ............90-97 Advertisers Index ..............98
Decades after its original construction, Bow Creek Recreation Center in Virginia Beach, Va., is poised to make a triumphant return. A new, $28 million, 68,000 sq. ft. (6,317.4 sq m) building is set to open in early 2015, along with a community park that will debut in the spring. “Bow Creek Community Recreation Center has a rich history in Virginia Beach,” said Barbara Duke, planner, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation. “The original building was constructed in the 1960s as a club house for a private country club and golf course. The Bow Creek Golf Course was acquired by the city of Virginia Beach in 1975, at which time the golf course opened to the public. In 1979, the clubhouse was converted into a community recreation center. Bow Creek Community Recreation Center opened to the public in October that same year.” At 36,782 sq. ft. (3,417.2 sq m), it was one of the smallest recreation centers in the city. Improvements were made in 1991, when the outdoor pool was converted into an indoor swim facility, and a gym and locker room were added. But the outdated building was deteriorating and needed to be replaced. “For example, while the golf course pro shop was connected to the recreation center, those who wanted to visit the pro shop had to walk around the back of the facility,” said Duke. “The golf carts were stored in the basement of the facility, which was prone to flooding.”
By Cindy Riley
CEG CORRESPONDENT
see BOW page 49
Most Firms Report Trouble Finding Qualified Workers Most construction firms report they are having trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots as the industry recovers from its years-long downturn, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released Oct. 22 by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for new career and technical school programs, as well as other workforce measures to offset the labor shortages. “As the survey results make clear, many construction firms across the country are having a hard time filling available positions,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors. “Considering how much the nation’s educational focus has moved away from teaching students career and technical skills during the past few see EMPLOYMENT page 78