On May 11, ConstructConnect, AIA and AGC chief economists will discuss if expansion is ahead for 2017 construction economy

May 10, 2017

CINCINNATI – ConstructConnect, a leading provider of construction information and technology solutions in North America, announced its annual spring economic webcast: Bump or Slump? 2017 Prospects for Design and Construction. The complimentary webcast — featuring industry-leading chief economists Kermit Baker of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Ken Simonson of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Alex Carrick of ConstructConnect — will take place at 2 p.m. EST on May 11.

With construction and design indicators creating anticipation, policy initiatives have made the outlook much more uncertain — in both directions. The webcast will reveal what economists in the construction industry expect in the months ahead. All three economists will take questions in the last half hour of the session.

“With the economy experiencing an eighth year of growth and the improvement in the labor market finally yielding an exceptionally low unemployment rate, it’s time for CapEx to begin to shine,” said Alex Carrick, U.S. chief economist for ConstructConnect.  “Stock markets are delighted with the White House’s goals to lower personal and corporate taxes, commit to massive infrastructure spending and roll back regulations. The three economists in the spotlight will address two key questions. What progress has been made so far and is there a danger that great potential will become sidetracked?

The webcast will cover numerous topics relevant to the construction industry including:

• Labor availability
• Is a recovery underway in commodity prices
• Where are material costs headed
• The interest rate policy to be pursued by the Federal Reserve
• The value of the U.S. dollar and its import/export impacts
• Type-of-structure categories with the best prospects
• Regional construction highlights

To take part in the webcast, register here. AIA members who attend the live broadcast will receive AIA CEU credit, and all registered participants can download the presentation slides and view the webcast archive.

About ConstructConnect

ConstructConnect is a leading provider of construction information and technology solutions in North America.  Through the combination of its four legacy brands (iSqFt, Construction Market Data, BidClerk and Construction Data), ConstructConnect brings project participants together with the most complete, accurate and actionable construction data and tools to drive success in national, regional and local markets.  Its collaborative network empowers the construction industry to be more successful with access to relevant information through easy to use technology. For more information, visit www.constructconnect.com.

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nations and world.

About The Associated General Contractors of America
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is a national trade association, dedicated to furthering the ever-changing agenda of commercial construction contractors, improving job site safety, expanding the use of cutting-edge technologies and techniques, and strengthening the dialogue between contractors and owners. Founded in 1918, the AGC today represents more than 33,500 member firms, including 7,500 of America’s leading general contractors and over 13,000 specialty-contracting firms. Visit the AGC website at www.agc.org.