
Uncertainty Continues to Dominate Outlook
The construction industry enters 2026 with virtually no momentum. The industry lost 11,000 jobs in December and added just 14,000 jobs across the entirety of 2025. Excluding pandemic-stricken 2020, that

The construction industry enters 2026 with virtually no momentum. The industry lost 11,000 jobs in December and added just 14,000 jobs across the entirety of 2025. Excluding pandemic-stricken 2020, that

In today’s construction labor market, the companies that win talent are not just the ones with strong brands or competitive pay—they’re the ones that run a clear, timely, and intentional hiring

OSHA recordkeeping requirements continue to evolve, and staying ahead of those changes is critical for protecting your people—and your business. ABC Western Michigan recently hosted OSHA Recordkeeping: Key Updates for 2026,

Finding good people in construction is getting harder—and waiting until a position opens is no longer a winning strategy. In Part 1 of ABC Western Michigan’s two-part webinar series, Strengthen Your Hiring

Grand Rapids, MI — December 5, 2025 — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Western Michigan, in partnership with the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), hosted its Annual Craft Competition on Friday,

The longest shutdown of the U.S. government, spanning 43 days from October 1st to November 12th—has ended, yet it will take several more weeks before public data releases resume. For

Michigan contractors will soon see improvements to the state’s prevailing wage system. Effective November 1, 2025, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will implement reforms that simplify compliance and

By Ken Bos, Hylant The sudden loss of a key leader—whether a project manager, estimator, or company founder—can create ripple effects across a construction business, disrupting operations, delaying projects, and

The Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) certification, awarded by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), is the gold standard that recognizes companies that embody the principles of safety, quality, integrity, and a

Nationwide construction spending has now declined in each of the past nine months and is down more than 3 percent since reaching an all-time high in August 2024. While much
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