Construction employment increased in 246, or 69 percent, of 358 metro areas between August 2021 and August 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. But association officials noted the job gains likely would have been higher if firms could find more qualified people to hire and train.

Lafarge SA, the massive French cement construction company, has been exposed to have made millions of dollars of payments that supported ISIS and another terrorist cell to continue the manufacturer’s operations in Syria as a civil war escalated, according to various news outlets.

Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley has named Annie Kao, Simpson Strong-Tie Vice President of Engineering, to its Board of Directors for the term of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024. As a board member, Kao will contribute her expertise to advocate for the building of safe and sustainable housing.

The Department of Labor published a final rule on Sept. 26 to rescind Trump-era Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs that marks the end of a four-year fight by SWACCA’s public policy team in Washington, D.C. This final rule will be effective on Nov. 25.

The National Institute of Building Sciences recognized built environment leaders and scholarship recipients on Sept. 28 during an awards ceremony at Building Innovation 2022.

GPR Ventures has completed its fourth multifamily acquisition in the greater Salt Lake City region. Capitol Estates is located down the street from the state capitol, with 24 units in a combination of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans and private parking.

Bentley Systems announced that Dru Crawley, Bentley fellow and director of building performance research, received the IBPSA-USA Award for Distinguished Achievement in Building Simulation.

JLG now offers its Seat Belt Engagement and Operator Presence option for select telehandler models as an aftermarket accessory available through Online Express.

Stanley Black & Decker has announced a partnership with TerraCycle, an international recycling leader, to encourage customers to recycle home appliances and tools containing integral lithium-ion batteries. The program accepts tools from several Stanley Black & Decker brands, including DEWALT.

Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, announced on Sept. 27 that Catalina Rocha has been promoted to Studio Manager in the firm’s Vaughan, Ontario, office. As Studio Manager, Rocha is responsible for leading the Architecture team and managing clients and select projects.