May 1, 2008

INDUSTRY ACCESS*

Allmar International Appoints Richard Hutchings CA to the Position of President

Edwin Redekopp, Chairman of Allmar International announced the appointment of Mr. Richard Hutchings CA to the position of President of the company. Mr Hutchings is responsible for the strategic direction and management of all of Allmar's 15 business units across Canada and the UK.

Richard joined Allmar in 2001 as Chief Financial Officer. He was appointed President of Allmar's steel door and frame manufacturing company, Greensteel Industries Ltd., in 2005.

Richard brings an entrepreneurial spirit and a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has previously been Managing Partner of a Chartered Accountancy firm, and President of an import housewares distribution company.

Click here for more Industry Access news including recent new hires, merger & acquisition activity and who's offering new products.

* DHI Members may submit news releases to be considered for inclusion in DHI's IndustryWatch. Send to: jmadden@dhi.org.

BUSINESS UPDATE

The AIA's Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped two points in March and fell to its lowest level since the survey’s inception in 1995. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The AIA reported the March ABI rating dropped to 39.7, following its steep 9-point decline in February (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 48.0, also the lowest mark for the survey. Full Story

A recent Building Design & Construction article discusses design criteria for windows and doors. Full Story

A general slowdown in commercial construction, predicted to continue through 2009, already has resulted in lower pricing from subcontractors and a willingness to work second and even third shifts, contractors say. While building owners always want construction completed faster, those in the industry say, when demand is high, contractors could charge premiums for after-hours work. In this buyer's market, all that has changed, reported Mlive.com. Full Story

Barry B. LePatner, founder of LePatner & Associates and author of Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets, talks to BD+C about the shortcomings of the U.S. construction industry. Full Story

Kentucky's largest home builders are launching a program to encourage construction of more houses that qualify under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program and meet other environmentally friendly standards. The effort, called Green Build Kentucky, follows a set of national guidelines from the National Association of Home Builders — ranging from low-flush toilets to conserve water to floors made from fast-growing, renewable bamboo, reported The Courier-Journal. Full Story

Every day a new school registers for the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification program for green schools, signaling their intent to build and operate schools that are more energy and water efficient, which will save taxpayers money. Green schools also have significantly improved indoor air quality, and that results in healthier kids. Full Story (PDF File)

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

New construction starts retreated 8% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $518.5 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. Nonresidential building in March plunged 23% to $206.8 billion (annual rate), after rising 36% in January and February combined. The first two months of this year were boosted by the start of a number of projects valued each in excess of $1 billion. The absence of such large projects in March contributed to the overall decline for nonresidential building. Full Story

The American Institute of Architects and its Committee on the Environment have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Full Story

SECURITY & SAFETY

Security Dealer & Integrator discusses electric locks & access control considerations. Full Story

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Los Angeles embarked on one of its most ambitious projects to combat global warming, becoming the biggest city in the nation to impose "green" building rules that would potentially cut millions of tons of pollution over the next decade. In a unanimous vote, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring builders of large commercial and residential developments to adopt such measures as planting drought-resistant landscaping and using recycled materials and energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting, reported The Los Angeles Times. Full Story

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Budget Resolution

Rumor has it a break-through is imminent. The Blue Dog Coalition (fiscally conservative House Democrats) have been unhappy about tax relief instructions that would not be offset by revenue increases or spending reductions. They may not get exactly what they want but a deal may be close.

Equal Pay

The Senate has rejected an effort to secure cloture on H.R.2831. The vote was 56-42. The proponents actually fell three votes short. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) switched his vote to preserve his reconsideration option. This legislation would allow employees to restart the clock for filing a compensation discrimination claim on the basis of each subsequent paycheck, even though the original alleged discriminatory compensation decision had occurred long ago. The legislation was drafted to overturn a 2007 Supreme Court decision favorable to employers.

DHI's Jerry Heppes sits on the board of the Small Business Legislative Council. If you'd like more information on these or other issues affecting small businesses, feel free to contact him at jheppes@dhi.org.

This material is protected under copyright law and contains confidential information. It is for the sole personal, informational use of DHI members. It cannot be distributed, reprinted, referenced as a source for attribution, or otherwise made public.

DHI NEWS

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR UPCOMING DHI NATIONAL EDUCATION!
May 11 – 18, 2008 in Lansdowne, VA

Class sizes are LIMITED and FILLING FAST!
MAKE SURE YOU SECURE YOUR SPOT –
The next National education session WON’T BE UNTIL NOVEMBER 2008 IN BOSTON!

With a WIDE variety of courses INCLUDING the Fire Door Assembly Inspection class (DAI 600), this education session is designed to maximize your time and effort.

Come EXPAND your knowledge, HONE your skills and NETWORK with your peers!

Go online to www.dhi.org/education for the complete course listings and to register online! Questions? Not sure which courses to take? Contact our Member Services team directly at 703-222-2010 and we can help you select the best courses for you!

MAY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL

Could someone on your staff benefit from a DHI membership?

DHI is currently offering NEW members the opportunity to join DHI by May 31st to receive 13 FULL months of membership for the price of 12!!! This is an excellent way for new members to discover what DHI has to offer and what we can do for their career!

Sign-up today to take advantage of this membership special! Go online to www.dhi.org/membership or contact our Member Services team directly at 703-222-2010.