On Dec. 20, the U.S. Senate released the text of its 4,000+ page fiscal year 2023 omnibus funding bill to avoid a potential federal government shutdown on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022.

Construction employment increased in 268 of 358 metro areas between November 2021 and November 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said the job gains likely would have been higher, but that many contractors report that demand for new projects is outpacing the availability of workers in many parts of the country.

JLG and its parent company, Oshkosh Corporation, were honored to receive more than 15 industry awards in 2022.

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Louisiana v. Biden, has blocked the Biden Administration from enforcing his COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Indiana after the court found that President Biden overstepped his authority.

Following its acquisition by GMS in December 2021, the AMES platform continues to execute against its growth strategy by adding three new AMES store locations in Fresno, California; Palm Bay, Florida; and Concord, North Carolina, enhancing its market coverage in these geographies. The opening of the Fresno location represents the 100th store opening for AMES.

Metal wall cladding continues to be a growing sector in the design and construction of both residential and commercial buildings. To assist contractors who may not be familiar with installing single skin metal wall panels, ATAS International offers installation training in three of their manufacturing locations, with a selection of several dates in 2023.

GMS established three new greenfield locations since its last platform expansion press release. The activities expand the company’s presence, provide enhanced service and broaden the product offerings in their respective markets.

Last month, Ritchie Bros. conducted its largest-ever December auction in Texas, selling $86+ million of equipment and trucks for 800+ consignors in three days.

GMS Inc. provided an update on the continued execution of its platform expansion strategy with its first entries in the New York City market. These include the acquisition of Tanner Bolt and Nut Inc.

The Portland Cement Association, which represents the majority of America’s cement manufacturers, is pleased to announce the release of the second edition of Design Manual for RCC Spillways and Overtopping Protection.