Check Out BXWI Wisconsin’s Construction  Beat Inaugural Issue 2017
Click Here for pdf format.

Builders Exchange of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Office has been relocated to our main office in Appleton WI. Our Milwaukee Phone number 414-763-1520 and email Milwaukee@bxwi.com will remain the same. We are sad to say that Sandi has elected not to transfer with her position and relocate to Appleton and we completely understand as her family and friends are in Milwaukee. It has been a great pleasure working with Sandi for the past 10 years and we wish her the very best of luck in wherever the future may bring her way.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me in the Appleton Office.

Amy Harper

BXWI – Appleton 920-687-8782

Dear Builders Exchange of Wisconsin member,

The Builders Exchange of Wisconsin is gearing up to publish an annual magazine with the impor-
tance of broadcasting the local construction industry. As industry has been growing steadily over
the years, the main focus of this magazine will be to publicize and highlight the projects going on
in the state, as well as any issues construction firms may have state-wide.

The anticipated articles will include a complete overview of the industry; from key projects of in-
terest and magnitude to current initiatives and programs, to even product and technology updates.
The magazine will prove beneficial time and time again in promoting and publicizing our valu- able
contribution to the construction community, while building our state.

It will be sent out by direct-mail free-of-charge to all members, as well as suppliers, architects,
engineers, major contractors, developers, municipal planners, and government officials alike.

Throughout the next few months, representatives from DEL Communications Inc. will be con- tacting
all members for purposes of participating in the publication with advertising. Please consider
allocating a portion of your marketing budget toward our exciting new endeavor – our official
magazine; our official voice!

If there are any questions please don’t hesitate to contact myself.
Cheers,

Amy Harper
Executive manager
Builders Exchange of Wisconsin

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Construction employment increased by 36,000 jobs in January to the highest level since November 2008 as employers increased pay in an effort to address a chronic worker shortage, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association urged public officials to strengthen training and education programs to prepare more workers for careers in the high-paying construction field.
“This report aligns with what contractors have been telling the association—that the construction industry is still eager to add workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The employment gains would be even larger if there were enough workers with the right skills available to hire.”

Construction employment totaled 6,809,000 in January, an increase of 36,000 from the upwardly revised December total and an increase of 170,000 or 2.6 percent from a year ago. Average hourly earnings in construction increased 3.2 percent over the past year to $28.52 per hour. Hourly earnings in construction are rising faster than the 2.5 percent increase for all private sector workers and are now nearly 10 percent higher than the private sector average of $26.00 per hour, Simonson noted.

In a survey that the association released in January, 73 percent of the 1,281 participating contractors said they planned to add to their headcount in 2017. But an equally high percentage said they were having trouble filling hourly or salaried positions. End-of-month openings in construction have been at 17-year highs, according to recent government data, Simonson added.

Residential construction—comprising residential building and specialty trade contractors—added 20,300 jobs in January and 128,200, or 5.0 percent, compared to a year ago. Nonresidential construction (building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering construction) employment increased by 14,900 employees in January and 41,600 employees, or 1.0 percent, over 12 months.

Association officials noted that both their survey and government data released in February point to continued growth in construction activity and an eagerness by contractors to hire—if they can find qualified workers. The association urged lawmakers and government officials to expand and fund employment and training programs to equip students and workers with the skills needed to become productive construction employees.

“Contractors have the ‘help wanted’ signs out and are offering good pay and benefits,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “We need government at all levels to revitalize and better fund programs to educate and train the next generation of construction craft workers.” Read more here.