The National Concrete Masonry Association’s Research and Development Laboratory announced that it has received full accreditation by the independent International Accreditation Service.

The National One Coat Stucco Association has completed extensive laboratory testing to develop performance criteria to verify one-coat stucco performance of the drainage plane.

Since many customers are involved in green building, Simpson Strong-Tie has put together a new online Q&A on how to use their products to earn LEED credits.

The state home builder associations of Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York and Oklahoma have affiliated with the NAHB National Green Building Program, the association’s Chairman Sandy Dunn announced.

The International Code Council has voted to adopt structural insulated panels with polyurethane cores into the 2009 International Residential Code, scheduled to be published in March.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has awarded the Portland Cement Association (PCA) a contract worth $105,335.00 for educational services.

The Associated General Contractors of America has urged House Democrats to develop an economic recovery plan that includes provisions which will boost construction activity during an Economic Forum with leading economists.

Power tool manufacturer DeWalt announced the launch of its new line of corded tools in an effort to increase market share among corded users. The new line of tools includes 1/2-inch drills (DWD215G and DWD210G), a deep-cut band saw (DWM120) and 1/2-inch stud and joist drill (DWD460).

The President has signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) of 2008. Last week it was passed in the House by a vote of 263 to 171, welcome news to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

A series of seminars in 46 cities across the United States will provide concrete designers and specifiers information on the changes in ACI 318-08.