Workforce Woes

Gulf Coast crisis forces cohesive plan to recruit, train
Construction was already experiencing a national workforce crisis when hurricanes Katrina and Rita walloped the Gulf Coast region with a one-two punch in 2005 and left an unprecedented amount of work in their wake.

Not just a coastal problem

South Central region looks for long-term workforce solution
The hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast region continues to drain the workforce from other parts of the country, and it's also calling attention to a need for a more comprehensive approach to workforce development.

Tennessee Report

Hot spots keep state's economy rolling
Even though economic forecasts say construction job growth in Tennessee is expected to slow to 1.1 percent this year, there continues to be high levels of building, particularly in Nashville and its suburbs, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville and Gallatin.

Southwest La. Report

Casino, petrochemical, Rita work propel construction
Despite some question marks in the petrochemical field, the economic outlook for the southwest region of the state is positive thanks to ongoing recovery from Hurricane Rita, the construction of several new LNG terminals, a new casino and turnaround work at local refineries.

Fluid schedule

Contractors combat shortages to build OSB complex in Oakdale, La.
Martco Limited Partnership is taking a hands-on approach during construction of its new $200 million oriented strand board plant in Oakdale, La.

Unique fuel source

Alabama brick facility taps into landfill
When the owners of Montgomery, Ala.-based Jenkins Brick began looking for a site for their third production facility, they needed a location that would be large enough to accommodate multiple structures and a storage yard.