Top Economic Concerns for 2009 Include Revenue and Capital Spending Projections
Apr 27, 2009,
A recent survey from Prime Advantage, a Chicago-based buying consortium for midsized industrial manufacturers, shows that industrial manufacturers are prepared for another tough year in 2009, but that they are counting on the conservative measures taken over the past few years to help carry them...
Corporate Downsizing Brings Bad News to Commercial Vacancy Rates
Apr 14, 2009,
A direct correlation exists between the U.S. unemployment rate and office vacancies. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this doesn’t bode well for the commercial sector....
February Foreclosure Rate Reaches Record High
Apr 1, 2009,
Completed foreclosures in February reached the highest monthly total since the mortgage crisis began, according to the latest U.S. Foreclosure Index released by ForeclosureS.com...
DOD Unveils Stimulus Spending Plans
Apr 1, 2009,
Department of Defense (DOD) releases expenditure plan for $2.3 billion worth of military construction projects to be funded with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009...
Whole-Home Control Concept Not Yet a Reality
Apr 1, 2009,
Connected Home Research Council study indicates electrical contractors should offer easy-to-understand products with discrete functionality that can be linked to a centralized network...
Selling Up Without Selling Out
Apr 1, 2009, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer
Tops tips for selling lighting upgrades to building owners and facilities managers...
PSE&G Proposes $888 Million in Infrastructure and Energy-Efficiency Investments to Stimulate New Jersey's Economy and Create Jobs
Mar 31, 2009,
In a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the state’s largest utility — Newark, N.J.-based Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) — is seeking approval to spend $698 million in accelerated investments...
Canada Implements Comprehensive Workplace Electrical Safety Standard
Mar 23, 2009,
Across Canada in 2007, 472 known injuries with electric current occurred on the job, and nine fatalities were recorded, according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Board of Canada....
Phony Electrical Products Rank 5th on U.S. Customs List of 2008 Counterfeit Seizures
Mar 16, 2009,
Years ago, the phrase “counterfeit goods” probably brought to mind images of fake Gucci handbags and Rolex watches. These days, however, it reflects a more dangerous trend: bogus electrical products....
New 300 North LaSalle Project in Chicago Sports Sustainable Design
Mar 1, 2009, By Stefanie Kure, Senior Associate Editor
Recognized as the birthplace of the modern-day skyscraper, Chicago's skyline features dozens of towering structures, including the John Hancock Center...
Barriers to BIM
Mar 1, 2009, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer
The philosophy behind Building Information Modeling (BIM) is more than the sum of its technological capabilities. Proponents of BIM claim that beyond...
Making the Transition from CAD to BIM
Mar 1, 2009, By James Bratton, Dynalectric — An EMCOR Co.
In today's fast-paced competitive construction market, it's no longer enough to execute a project in the real world of girders, sheet metal, pipe, and...
Electrical Design in the Virtual World
Mar 1, 2009, By Michael Eby, Editor-in-Chief
Looking at our cover image this month got me thinking about how fast our world has changed in such a relatively short time. Engineers can now design and...
Builder Confidence in Multifamily Market Remains Bleak
Mar 1, 2009,
The deepening recession and ongoing credit crunch continue to drag down builder confidence in many sectors of the construction industry. According to...
Associated General Contractors of America Urges Electrical Contractors to Oppose Card Check Legislation
Mar 1, 2009,
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Alexandria, Va., recently called on its 33,000 member companies to immediately make their voices...
Energy-Efficiency Programs Could Slow Electricity Consumption Growth by 22%
Feb 27, 2009,
Thanks to energy-efficiency programs, America’s insatiable appetite for electricity could be curbed by as much as 22% over the next two decades....
Understanding How Each State’s Interconnection Standards for Distributed Generation Installations Differ
Feb 1, 2009, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer
Until recently, a major barrier to the widespread adoption of grid-connected cogeneration and small power production, otherwise known as distributed generation...
Economic stimulus package signed into law
Feb 1, 2009, By Michael Eby, Editor-in-Chief
I don't know about you, but I'm having a hard time seeing the short-term value of this pending legislation. As I sit down to write this column, the House...
NECA Contractor Testifies on Building Construction, Green Energy Projects in Economic Stimulus Legislation at House Small Business Committee Hearing
Feb 1, 2009,
As an electrical contractor specializing in solar installations, Tim Ehmann believes without question that green energy is our nation's future. Testifying...
Increase in Renewable Energy Projects Expected in 2009
Feb 1, 2009,
From the campaign trail to national news reports to industry expert commentary, we've all heard plenty of hype surrounding renewable energy technologies...
