Blog & MediaCheck out the latest on merit shop contractors and ABC Western Michigan members!https://www.abcwmc.org/Blog-MediaABC Construction Backlog Indicator Rebounds in April, Driven by Infrastructure Category Strengthhttps://www.abcwmc.org/Blog-Media/PostId/23/abc-construction-backlog-indicator-rebounds-in-april-driven-by-infrastructure-category-strengthBlogTue, 16 May 2023 15:58:00 GMT<p>Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has reported a rebound in its Construction Backlog Indicator for April. The indicator increased from 8.7 months in March to 8.9 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted between April 20 to May 3. This reading is 0.1 months higher than in April 2022.</p> <p><a href="https://www.abc.org/Portals/1/CEU/Combo_graph_Apr.23.jpg?ver=qRJiBFSFZ8uhL7XTsN-6Zw%3d%3d&timestamp=1683659993495"><img alt="" src="https://www.abc.org/Portals/1/CEU/Combo_graph_Apr.23.jpg?ver=qRJiBFSFZ8uhL7XTsN-6Zw%3d%3d&timestamp=1683659993495" style="width: 600px; height: 360px; float: right;" /></a>The increase in backlog can be attributed to the strength in the infrastructure category, which helped offset the decline in March backlog to a seven-month low. Regionally, backlog increased in the Northeast and West but fell in the South and Middle states.</p> <p>ABC's Construction Confidence Index reading for sales and staffing moved higher in April, while the readings for profit margins inched lower. All three readings remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months.</p> <p>According to ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu, "Based on ABC member sentiment, one would not be able to discern that interest rates are high, the nation’s banking sector is in tumult, politicians are arguing over the nation’s debt limit, and recession fears remain pervasive. Despite many headwinds and an active news cycle, contractors continue to express confidence in the near term."</p> <p>However, Basu did mention that there is some evidence of a shift. With credit conditions tightening, expectations are that private construction is poised for weaker times ahead. Nonetheless, backlog expanded in April as infrastructure contractors began to take on more public works projects. Moreover, despite rapidly rising compensation costs, more ABC contractors expect profit margins to expand as opposed to recede over the next six months, evidence of sufficiently strong demand for construction services to support pricing power.</p> <p>Despite the various economic challenges faced by the industry, ABC members remain confident about the future growth of the construction sector. The strength in infrastructure projects and public works is a positive sign for the industry, even as private construction may face some setbacks due to tightening credit conditions.</p> <p><em>To view ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index tables for April and historic data series, please visit the ABC National <a href="https://www.abc.org/newsandmedia" target="_blank">website</a>.</em></p> 23Local Contractors Collaborate to Build New Facility for Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center - Senator Nesbitt Praises Community Impacthttps://www.abcwmc.org/Blog-Media/PostId/20/local-contractors-collaborate-to-build-new-facility-for-safe-harbor-childrens-advocacy-center-senator-nesbitt-praises-community-impactPress ReleasesMon, 03 Apr 2023 12:17:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">GRAND RAPIDS, MI, APRIL 3, 2023– The Associated Builders and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter (ABC/WMC), along with ABC member, Lakewood Construction, visited Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center with Senator Nesbitt to highlight the work of local contractors supporting the community. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">‘It was a privilege to tour Safe Harbor’s new facility in Allegan with Lakewood Construction,” said Senator Nesbitt. “I’m inspired by how merit shop contractors give back to West Michigan, and I am proud of the work they do to support their communities.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial=""><img alt="" src="/Portals/134/Images/2023/Safe Harbor/IMG_4025%20(1).JPG?ver=unSeDheAwmQuPep1ruB6GA%3d%3d" style="float: right; width: 500px; height: 375px; margin: 10px;" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Since 1983, Safe Harbor has been providing a lifeline to child victims of abuse. It is the only organization in the community able to provide all of these services under one roof at no cost to the victims or their families. Safe Harbor offers children the hope, help, and healing they deserve by partnering with law enforcement, child protective services, the prosecuting attorney’s office, and medical providers. </span></span></span></span><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial=""><span style="color:red"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial=""><span style="color:red"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">“Lakewood listened to our needs and provided a beautiful design that is functional and practical but also provides children a welcoming environment to share what happened to them and begin their healing journey after abuse.” Said Lori Antkoviak, Executive Director, Safe Harbor.</span></span></span></span><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="" style="font-family:"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times="">The design of the building incorporates many elements that provide security, safety and privacy while creating a healing environment. The facility includes two interview rooms where victims are interviewed by law enforcement and child protective services. It also features a family conference room to meet with prosecutors and social workers as well as a waiting area for family members. Additionally, there is an</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Creating a space where child victims can feel safe was critical and the number one priority for Safe Harbor as they designed and built their new facility in partnership with Lakewood Construction.</span></span></span></span><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial=""><span style="color:red"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">“‘Every element of what we do, from design to project completion, is done with intentionality,” said Nick Nykerk, President of Lakewood Construction. “Lakewood is a builder of teams, and we develop strong relationships with our clients. Our team worked side by side with Safe Harbor and was meticulous with every detail to ensure the children coming through the doors would feel safe and comforted.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial=""><img alt="" src="/Portals/134/Images/2023/Safe Harbor/IMG_4023%20(1).JPG?ver=QVSlxNzZUbYOhT0Z92xuUA%3d%3d" style="margin: 10px; float: right; width: 500px; height: 667px;" />Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center launched a capital campaign titled “Lighting the Way” to raise funds to enhance the facility that they provide essential services in. Throughout the campaign and construction process, the community became highly invested in the work and outcome of the facility.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Several ABC members were involved in the project in different capacities. ABC member, Ritsema Associates, donated the proceeds of their annual company golf outing to Safe Harbor’s capital campaign. The following ABC-member contractors were involved with the construction of the new facility:</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Century Flooring & Cleaning</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Distinctive Group Inc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Fence Consultants</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">H.L. Bolkema Decorating</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Intext Concepts, Inc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Landscape Design Services, Inc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Macatawa Plumbing Inc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Premier Caulking, Inc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">Quality Air Heating & Cooling</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">S.A. Morman & Co.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">“Organizations like Safe Harbor rely on community partners to succeed, and we are honored to have been a part of building a place of hope and healing,” said Nykerk.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">“The level of care for their clients and the collaboration with other ABC Members is what builds strong communities,” said Senator Nesbitt. “I am grateful to ABC for highlighting this story, and I am confident there are even more stories like this to be told.”</span></span><span style="line-height:150%"><span segoe="" ui=""><span style="color:#283c46"></span></span></span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><b><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial=""><span style="color:black">About ABC Western Michigan: </span></span></span></b><span style="line-height:150%"><span arial="">ABC Western Michigan is a non-profit construction trade association that fosters the principles of freedom of choice through the merit construction philosophy. ABC members build commercial buildings, industrial plants, municipal and public works projects, roads and highways, homes, and provide a wide array of construction services. The organization strengthens the construction industry by advocating on behalf of its members, offering educational and training opportunities, and providing cost-saving strategies in order to support and defend the merit shop philosophy and open shop contractors. The West Michigan Chapter has over 400 members and includes all of the Western Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @ABCWMC.</span></span></span></span></em></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><span style="line-height:150%"><span new="" roman="" times=""><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></em></span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em><em><span arial="">###</span></em></em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> 20