The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction declined by 1.1 percent from July to August as a steep drop in fuel prices masked increases in the cost of other construction inputs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released on Sept. 14. Association officials cautioned that limited price declines cannot undo the harm of clogged supply lines and labor shortages.

The UP Companies proudly announces the promotion of Paul Renaud to include the expansion of his duties to General Manager of all Square UP Builders’ operating divisions. Renaud was previously the General Manager of Square UP’s Drywall Division, which was established in 2018. His scope of responsibility as GM will now also include Square UP’s Framing & Rough Carpentry division as well as Square UP’s Finish Carpentry & Trim division.

Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, on Aug. 18 announced the promotions of Ilbret Adeh to Studio Manager of Interior Architecture & Design and Melani Dannenberg to Studio Manager of Architecture in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Adeh will help lead the growth and management of the office’s Interior Architecture & Design Studio and manage select projects. Dannenberg will help lead the growth and management of the office’s Architecture Studio and manage select projects.

The National Institute of Building Sciences Board of Directors is proud to announce the selection of AC Powell, JD, CPS, as the new President and CEO. Powell officially joined NIBS on Sept. 12.

The UP Companies proudly announces the promotion of Square UP Senior Estimator Kyle Renaud to the position of UPCO Director of Preconstruction.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration reopened the comment period for an additional 60 days on the proposal to reconsider and revoke the final approval of Arizona’s State Plan for Occupational Safety and Health. The agency also postponed the public hearing tentatively scheduled for Aug. 16, 2022.

The State Historic Preservation Office has awarded $170,000 in grants to three Michigan communities, the Michigan Strategic Fund announced in July. The grants represent awards from the federal Historic Preservation Fund—Certified Local Government program administered by the SHPO and will benefit local preservation and community planning goals.

As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, the Canada-based Dynamic tool brand has released a catalog for U.S. customers. It features over 2,000 tools under the Dynamic name and its parent company, Gray Tools, a well-respected manufacturer and distributor of premium hand tools since 1912.

The sixth edition of the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s General Carpentry curriculum is now available as the first level leading to a two-pronged course path. In response to customer usage and market demand, the new program will include career paths for carpentry for building construction and form carpentry, as well as interim credentials for each.

SmithGroup, one of the nation’s leading integrated design firms, has opened its first office in the southeastern United States in Atlanta. The office in the Midtown neighborhood of the city is the firm’s 19th location worldwide, expanding the company’s already extensive footprint in the Higher Education and Health Care markets.