Construction industry employment reached a five-year high in August as the sector added 20,000 jobs and its unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent, the lowest rate for August in seven years, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that the latest figures reinforce survey results the association recently released showing many contractors are having a tough time finding enough qualified workers.

"Construction employment growth has been accelerating and is broad-based," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "The increase in the past 12 months was the largest since 2006 and was spread among residential, nonresidential building and heavy construction."

Read the full release here.

This new construction leadership training program is designed to introduce attendees to several facets of the commercial construction industry, while providing them with a wealth of valuable information and priceless resources. A solid understanding of the topics included in this program are vital to the success of every commercial construction company. This is an excellent opportunity to see a detailed overview of many important aspects of the commercial construction industry, as well as receiving fundamental information.

The format of Cornerstone Academy has been taken from the popular MB EYE on the Future leadership class.  Participants of the Cornerstone Academy will meet once a month for five months in locations across the state, meeting on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, with a networking dinner on Thursday night.  The Cornerstone Academy begins on November 13-14th in Davenport and continues once a month through March 2015.

To view the brochure, CLICK HERE.

To register, CLICK HERE.

We would like to invite you and members of your firm to attend the local area MBI Member Appreciation Luncheon, coming to a location near you in November!  The luncheon program is scheduled from 12:00 - 1:00 pm in each location and will include a presentation on a new member-only exclusive insurance program that was developed to reward members for safe construction.  The 2nd half of the program will be an overview of election results and an announcement of a new public affairs strategy designed to enhance MBI's message at the Capitol.

CLICK HERE to register and see the list of dates and locations.

The 19th Annual ConE Reunion will be held on Thursday, October 9th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Exile Brewing Company in downtown Des Moines.  If you are a graduate of the ISU ConE program, you don't want to miss this great annual event!  If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Jeff Stone at stone@whitfieldlaw.com or (515) 288-6041.