Michael Sweeney, media relations manager for Sto Corp., passed away on January 4. He was 47. He was responsible for public relations and advertising at the company, where he worked for 10 years. 

Lafarge North America has expanded the company’s online presence with the launch of its redesigned, user-friendly Web site, www.lafargenorthamerica.com. 

Construction firms are facing increasing pressure in December as nearly every material used by contractors rose in price, while bid prices for new buildings remained flat, according to an analysis of December producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.

The EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) today commended the research accomplished by the NAHB Research Center comparing moisture resistance among typical residential exteriors, while lamenting the absence of a proven exterior wall cladding – exterior insulation and finish systems, known as EIFS.

EIFS manufacturer Dryvit Systems recently unveiled its online architectural presentation “The Value of Exterior Insulation Through the Use of EIFS.” 

A collective of cold-formed steel manufacturers, suppliers and contractors have formed the Steel Framing Industry Association. 

Walls & Ceilings will host its debut Webinar on January 26. Titled “Continuous Insulation: Plaster & The Energy Code,” the Webinar will be presented by Bryan Stanley of the Technical Services Information Bureau and Frank Nunes of the International Institute of Lath & Plaster. 

Premier Building Systems is consolidating its manufacturing operations with those of its parent company, Insulfoam. 

Brewster, N.Y.-based Powers Fasteners has announced a succession of management for its family-owned business. 

The Contracting Plastering Associations of Central Valley and Northern California-along with the Capitol Drywall/Lathing Contractors Association and the Northern California Drywall Contractors Association-recently formed and will operate under the name Wall And Ceiling Alliance.