Eastward Ho: Missourians moving to Southwestern Illinois
by Alan J. Ortbals -- April 2005, Southern Illinois Construction Issue

Missourians are moving to Southwestern Illinois and have been for more than 10 years, according to David H.
Laslo, director of metropolitan information and data analysis services of the Public Policy Research Center at the University
of Missouri-St. Louis.
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Local union halls aim high to recruit and retain more women
by Kerry L. Smith -- April 2005, Southern Illinois Construction Issue

Although the Southern Illinois Carpenters' Training Center continues to recruit women into the construction
trades, labor leaders say the ultimate success in putting these individuals into construction jobs rests on the shoulders of
those who are willing to hire them and give them a chance.
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Carpenters recruit minority workers to replenish area workforce
by Kerry L. Smith -- April 2005, Southern Illinois Construction Issue

When it comes to hiring minorities, the Carpenters' District Council of Greater Saint Louis and Vicinity fares
well compared to national statistics on blacks and Hispanics working in construction jobs.
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Hurricane quartet expected to spike cost of home building materials
by Alan J. Ortbals -- October 2004, Southern Illinois Construction Issue

The recent hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf Coast may push near record-high building materials costs even
higher, industry analysts say. Various types of building materials have been in short supply and in increasing demand for
some time.
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Steel price hikes hammer commercial construction
by Lorraine Senci -- April 2004, Southwestern Illinois Construction Issue

At the end of 2003, his vendors forewarned Doug Von Alst that steel prices could climb 8 percent during the
first quarter of 2004. But by March 2004, his prices were running 80 percent to 100 percent higher than what he was originally
quoted, and product availability and delivery had become as unpredictable as the prices.
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Crews stand idle as state diverts 30 percent of user fee dollars
by Vicki Bennington -- April 2004, Southwestern Illinois Construction Issue

In the wake of an additional $400 million in state road fund diversions and the end of Illinois FIRST
dollars, smaller, specialized transportation construction companies have been among the hardest hit.
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Contractors recently given reins to settle job site trade duty disputes
by Kerry L. Smith -- April 2004, Southwestern Illinois Construction Issue

In the past 90 days, the means by which jurisdictional disputes can be resolved on a job site have changed
dramatically. Rather than the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations ruling on which trade does
what when skills and talents overlap (as of January) it is now up to the contractor's discretion.
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Contractors, insurers object to Several Liability Law
by Kerry L. Smith -- November 2003, Southern Illinois Construction and Labor Issue

What some state legislators are saying was a minor change in wording to the Several Liability Law, others in
the commercial construction industry - and the commercial insurance profession - are saying is the passage of a "deep pockets"
law that invites ever bigger lawsuits and limitless assignments of blame.
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Career expo sparks youths' interest in construction trades
by Vicki Bennington -- November 2003, Southern Illinois Construction and Labor Issue

With the "graying" of America's workforce, organizations and administrators are scrambling to replace retiring
baby boomers with young workers, particularly in the construction and trade industry.
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Construction workforce still in great demand across Southwestern Illinois
by Kerry L. Smith -- November 2003, Southern Illinois Construction and Labor Issue

Thanks to the continuation of "mega-projects" including the extension of Illinois Route 255, Southwestern
Illinois' construction-related workforce has its hands full for the near future.
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H&H builds relationships, communities
by Kerry L. Smith -- July 2002, Healthcare Issue

Over the past half century, third generation builder H&H Construction Services has been every bit as focused
on building communities as it has on building buildings.
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