| Dear Reader,
Residential construction has taken a hit
and we do not see much change for some time
to come. LetŐs call it a correction, but it
is a very painful one that might take a
year or so to normalize. Since it is coinciding
with our draught it might be somewhat fortuitous
as demand for more water might have abated
somewhat as well. Still the draught might
cause some potential business opportunities
to sidestep Atlanta as their new hope and
headquarters potential.
This is just a glitch and Atlanta will
return to its boisterous self and grow.
Luckily commercial construction has shown
no sign of weakness and continues on a solid
growth path. The combination of weakness
in one sector in our industry might have
a salutary effect on prices which have
been rising rather rapidly. We have some
statistical analysis from our traditional
source at the AGC in Washington that you
might want to have a look at.
In the area of transportation and infrastructure
in general, it seems that the need is greater
than our capacity to fill it. Fresh wind will
be blowing at the GDOT with Gena Abrahamson,
PhD, taking over, and at MARTA, the same will
happen with the new leadership of Beverly
Scott, PhD. These are positive appointments in
that the talent these individuals bring to the
table are terrific and should bode well for
Georgia and Atlanta specifically. Funding will
not be answered by just putting good people
in place, but what we have is new presentation
and persuasion powers that might help in
various areas of our infrastructure from efficiency
of use of funds and for funding itself.
CEFGA (Construction Education Foundation of Georgia)
is planning their annual Careers in Construction
Exposition in April 2008. It is a truly important
and successful event and is absolutely essential
to generate more interest in construction by our
high school students. In her article on Workforce
Crisis and Unseen Careers Opportunities, Debra
Howell of Georgia Power helps us begin to realize
the seriousness of the shortage of skilled
workers, not only in the power industry but in all
areas of the construction trade. Many of our
industry leaders have seen this shortage in their
own companies and have begun training programs of
their own. The problem is that if the skilled
labor shortage persists and remains widespread,
it will be difficult to hang on to those you have
just finished training. Still skilled labor
shortages also represent excellent opportunities,
and if everything goes the way of economic equalization,
we will see a stronger trend of young folks
entering our industry, especially those who will
recognize the earning opportunities and promotions
that are available.
R. Petersen-Frey
Managing Editor
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 (Click) on thumbnail image to download the Governor's Letter. |
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The Georgia Contractor is published bi-monthly and is designed around the construction industry associations and their members.
The Georgia Contractor Magazine has been created by and for the members of the major contractor associations in Georgia. The purpose is to create a unifying voice for the construction industry, to provide information on new technologies; to create updates on political events; to include changes as provided for by the Georgia Registration Board; and to discuss such matters as construction projects, human resources issues, education, business and accounting , seek out emerging opportunities, and international matters of concern and interest.
Most importantly the magazine has been created for the purpose of broadening the interest in the construction industry and to use The Georgia Contractor as a marketing tool. |
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