The National Center for Construction Education and Research has announced the offering of the National Craft Assessment and Certification Program. The program measures the knowledge and skill level of journey-level craft professionals in a specific craft area and provides for upgrade training.

Irwin Industrial Tools named its Ultimate Tradesman this past weekend. Eric Howard, a general contractor from Concord, Calif. with 19 years experience, beat out four other professional tradesmen to take home the title of 2008 Ultimate Tradesman and a host of cash and prizes.

The International Powered Access Federation and Access International have launched the first global awards specifically for the access industry. The awards celebrate and reward best practice.

Producer of polymers and high-performance plastics BaySystems has been named an Energy Star partner for its Bayseal CC and PP grades of energy-efficient spray polyurethane foam insulation.

The Power Tool Institute has created a new standard to measure torque in cordless drills, including driver-drills and hammer driver-drills.

CertainTeed Gypsum will suspend gypsum wallboard production at its Jacksonville, Fla. plant, effective Jan. 7, 2009. The company base this decision on the ongoing decline in new home construction starts in the southeastern U.S., and resulting decrease in demand for wallboard.

The current state of the economy and tight credit conditions, coupled with severe job losses and the resulting decline in state government revenues, will poorly affect cement consumption through 2010, according to the Portland Cement Association.

Simonton Windows is now offering energy-efficient Lo

Simonton Windows, producer of impact-resistant windows and doors, has introduced data related to certifications and approvals for the StormBreaker Plus line on its Web site.

ClarkWestern Building Systems announced it is now a Cornerstone Partner with The American Institute of Architects.