You probably have heard the story about a former director of the U.S. Patent Office. In 1899, the story goes, he recommended closing the office because “everything that can be invented has been invented.”
If you’re the owner of a small business — or small businesses make up a big part of your customer base — here’s another reason to worry about climate change.
The Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition met in June to address three topics we’ve discussed in this column in recent months: the federal law on no-lead plumbing products; the next generation of plumbing industry professionals; and the nation’s aging infrastructure.
We’ve seen this collision before when two indicators of nonresidential construction activity are released virtually at the same time, with each moving in a different direction. The divergent reports support comments I’ve heard lately from contractors, wholesalers and manufacturers that the road to economic recovery remains a bumpy one.
I first heard the phrase “frugal fatigue” a couple months ago at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in New Orleans. It refers to people who have grown so tired of minding their tight budgets that they are starting to spend money again.
You may have heard the news last month that an ingredient found in red meat and energy drinks can harden your arteries, causing you to develop heart disease.
Many students would be happy getting their report cards every four years. Then again, maybe they wouldn’t if they received the across-the-board poor grades given to America’s infrastructure.
Multifamily housing will remain a bright spot in residential construction this year and provide solid business opportunities for plumbing and heating contractors. In fact, one large developer foresees a “golden age of multifamily housing” in 2013 and 2014.
When industry consultant FMI released its 2013 U.S. Markets Construction Overview just before last November’s election, it was with the idea that Republicans could control both houses of Congress.