New dynamics for construction economic forecasting

“This is not your father’s economy.” That’s the message you will hear from Dennis K. Winters, chief economist with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Winters presented the latest economic numbers at the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin’s SuperCon and emphasized how we are in the second-longest sustained growth period we’ve ever experienced. Read the rest of entry »

The hard truths about soft skills

The construction industry relies on the strength of its workers -- not the physical strength -- but strength of character.  Employers need engaged employees who put in an honest day’s effort every day. 

ABC of Wisconsin’s online training partner, Penn Foster, recently conducted a survey of employers in the hospitality, retail, and restaurant industries.  Although, the survey did not cover construction, the results are universal, regardless of the industry. Read the rest of entry »

Worker's Compensation - It's all the same!

As agents that specialize in Worker's Comp and risk management, our biggest wish would be to get $1 for every time we heard a prospect say, "Worker's Comp, it's all the same, right?" In their defense, it's what they have been told by almost everyone in our profession. So, why would they think any different? Let us say it clearly, "Worker's Comp is NOT all the same!"  Read the rest of entry »

Foxconn announcement expected soon

"It could be as early as tomorrow, or it could be three weeks from now, but It's coming." This is the message from Matt Maroney, Director of Strategic Economic Development, with the Wisconsin Department of Administration regarding the official announcement of the Foxconn project commencing in southeast Wisconsin.
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Sink or swim -- a better choice

When I was a kid, my grandfather told me when he was a little boy, his father took a rowboat with my grandfather in it to the middle a of lake. Once there, he threw my grandfather overboard and pointed to the shore, telling him that he would meet, if he learned to swim. This practice was fairly common, and it brings to mind the phrase, “Sink or Swim.” I always felt fortunate I had swimming lessons in a swimming pool with a swimming instructor ...
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Tax reform provisions for contractors

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and it offers substantial changes in the U.S. tax law for both businesses and individuals.  Provisions for C-Corporations are generally permanent in nature, whereas provisions for individuals, estates, and pass-through entities (e.g. partnerships and S-Corporations) typically “sunset” after 2025. There are several changes to the tax law that will be of particular interest to the construction industry.  Read the rest of entry »

Silica dust standard likely here to stay

Since the new Respirable Silica Dust standard went into effect on September 23, 2017, an industry coalition (including ABC National) had already been developed with the intent to challenge OSHA and the new standard. Their efforts were focused on several topics – challenging that OSHA lacked enough evidence to prove that that there was a significant risk of silica disease at 50 μg/m3, and that the standard was technologically and economically infeasible. On Friday ...
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Revenue Recognition: Why Should I Care?

“Why should I waste my time reading an article about financial statements? Shouldn’t we be putting a shovel in the ground instead to get some work done?”

Your financial statements matter, and you need to understand them. They are the prism through which your surety, financial institution and investors see your company. There is no better time to get that understanding than in the calm before the storm.
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The five most dangerous jobs in construction

As one can imagine, the construction industry has some of the riskiest jobs in America. Construction workers face a wide range of hazards at work everyday from falling debris to machinery mishaps and everything in between. Below, is a countdown of the top five most dangerous construction practices.
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Safety cliché or safety culture?

I’m sure you’ve heard or used the clichés, “safety is no accident” or “safety first.” There are hundreds of safety adages like it. While they may be used with well intentions, Psychologist and Trainer, Rob Long, PhD., says the use of safety language like this is meaningless. It dumbs down our safety culture and distracts us from taking safety seriously ... 
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