Architecture firms are undoubtedly facing many challenges and decisions as they deal with the impact of COVID-19. Most architecture firms are working remotely, either by their own choice or at the direction of local authorities. However, many construction projects are continuing. Architects and their firms that need to provide contract administration services or other contractual…
For the second year in a row, Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport has earned the title of “Best Large Airport,” among North American airports serving more than 40 million passengers each year, according to Airports Council International (ACI). “This is the third time in four years that DFW has earned the distinction of Best Large Airport…
The federal government is rewarding METRO and the Houston region with up to $18.5 million in grant money for construction of a new transit center. The money was originally part of the financing for the METRORail Northline extension. When that project was completed early and significantly under budget, METRO sought to utilize those savings for…
Construction Firms Are Already Taking Steps to Protect Employees, Most of Whom Already Wear Protective Equipment, While Halting Work Will Undermine Efforts to Add Hospital Capacity The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to steps being taken to put in place arbitrary…
Last week, the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH), which makes construction regulation recommendations to OSHA, held two public teleconference meetings to address how the agency could increase awareness and potentially update its standards for hazards that pose a great risk to industry workers — falls, excavation and trenches, opioids and suicide. For falls, committee members…
Grant Program Provides More Than 300 Women with Harnesses that are Better Designed to Fit & Recruit More Women into Industry Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America are awarding grants to 21 construction firms to provide more than 300 fall protection safety harnesses designed for women, the two groups announced today. The grants…
Here’s what we have learned over the years in expediting building permits across the state of Texas and areas in the United States: Regardless if the economy is hot, warm or cold, obtaining a building permit fast is crucial for starting a project on time and in opening new businesses, roadways, etc. for use. This…
HOUSTON – ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) announced today that its board of directors has elected Mr. David T. Seaton and Mr. Al Walker to serve as board members. Mr. Seaton served as chief executive officer of Fluor Corporation from 2011 to 2019, and as chairman from 2012 to 2019. Mr. Seaton joined Fluor in 1985 and held…
Common issues that small businesses may encounter • Capital access. Incidents can strain a small business’s financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both sudden drops and surges in demand). Businesses should prepare by exploring and testing their capital access options so they have what they need when they need…
The exponential growth of big data has had a profound effect on the heavy building materials industry. Per Techjury, every person this year will generate 1.7 megabytes of data in just a second. In 2019, internet users generate about 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. In addition: Large infrastructure projects are voluminous — requiring an…
In an effort to help working families experiencing financial hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Entergy Charitable Foundation has established the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. “The health and safety of our customers, employees and communities is Entergy’s top priority,” said Leo Denault, chairman and CEO of Entergy Corporation. “For more than 100…
Projections that the global middle class will increase by 1.7 billion people over the next two decades means a lot more energy will be needed in the years ahead to move planes, trains and automobiles. Specifically, the energy demand of global transport, which includes deliveries of goods and services, should increase by about 25% by…
Construction companies that don’t make trust a high priority within their organizations could be leaving millions of dollars on the table every year, according to a study released by Autodesk and management consultancy FMI Corp. this week. Authors of the “Trust Matters: The High Cost of Low Trust” found that construction organizations with very high levels of trust…
At some point in their careers, most design professionals have either heard of claims on projects with which they’ve been involved or have been directly or indirectly involved with a claim. Disputes with the owner during a project are not uncommon. When those disputes may potentially result in a claim, architects are often well-served to…
Automatic Deferment on Existing SBA Disaster Loans Through End of 2020 The U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced changes to help borrowers still paying back SBA loans from previous disasters. By making this change, deferments through December 31, 2020, will be automatic. Now, borrowers of home and business disaster loans do not have…
In the midst of Women’s History Month, what better person to recognize than a woman who is making history of her own by breaking down all the barriers and blazing a trail through a notoriously male-dominated industry? Chyna “The Roofing Lady” Gragg is the founder and owner of Roofing Designs by JR, LLC, a…
By Cliff Robbins, MSBDC Senior Business Advisor NOW what do I do?” This is the question on every small business persons’ mind. Well, this is the time to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus world: Especially because you have probably been forced to shutter or otherwise change your business approach. CFIMITYM – Cash Flow Is More Important…
METRO is making several significant service modifications to allow for continued safe operations of critical public transportation services amid the coronavirus COVID-19 response. Local Bus Starting Monday, March 23, to support social distancing, passengers must use the rear door when boarding and exiting a local bus. Only passengers with mobility issues will be able to request the…
These are challenging times for businesses all over the nation. The Texas Comptroller’s office knows that during periods of economic hardship, paying or remitting taxes and fees on time can feel like an extra burden when there’s so much uncertainty. We’re thankful to those businesses that were able to remit state and local sales taxes…
