Construction and Building, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Government, NonProfit and Charities, Opinion and Commentary, Reports and Studies

Open Letter from City Leaders Calls for Prevailing Wages in State Housing Reforms

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In an open letter that ran as a full page ad in today's Sacramento Bee, elected leaders from six of California's eight largest cities called on California Governor Jerry Brown and the State Legislature to include prevailing wage standards in state housing reforms. The ad was paid for by Smart Cities Prevail (SCP).

The Legislature is currently considering a range of proposals aimed at combating California's persistent housing affordability crisis.

Click Here to View the Ad (PDF): http://www.smartcitiesprevail.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/05/SacBeeAd.pdf.

Smart Cities Prevail (SCP) is a non-profit research organization that focuses on wage policies and contracting standards in the construction industry. The ad was signed by a group of local elected officials from the cities of San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento.

The ad references ongoing efforts to streamline more housing development - with several proposals under consideration to combat California's persistent housing affordability crisis again this year.

"Real housing reform needs to do more than simply streamline more development," the leaders write. "We need to promote investment in the people who are doing the building, and struggling to pay the rent in our communities."

The ad highlights findings from a new SCP study entitled, "The Value of Linking Good Construction Jobs to California's Housing Reforms (http://www.smartcitiesprevail.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/03/SCP_HousingReport.0314.pdf)."

Utilizing Economic Census data and industry standard data analysis, this study highlights how a variety of factors are contributing to California's housing affordability crisis-including significant increases in profits for developers and builders, shrinking wages for blue-collar construction workers, and declining productivity for the construction industry as a whole. It concludes that including prevailing wage standards in state housing reforms would help the industry attract and develop the skills needed to boost housing supply, while also helping to close the affordability gap for working families, reducing racial disparities in pay, and saving taxpayers tens of millions of dollars per year by reducing reliance on public assistance.

"With real blue-collar construction wages down 25 percent over the last two decades, the suggestion that labor costs hinder the construction of more housing supply is simply not supported by the facts or the financial realities of the industry," said study author Alex Lantsberg. "With housing prices and profits soaring, the industry is well positioned to invest in productivity and affordability for its own workforce. We can make good progress towards both objectives by incorporating prevailing wage standards into state housing reforms."

Smart Cities Prevail has also posted today's open letter online. Members of the public who want to lend their voice in support of including prevailing wage in state housing reforms can do so at: http://www.smartcitiesprevail.org/housingpetition/.

Smart Cities Prevail is a leading national non-profit research and education organization focused on the construction industry. Learn more at http://www.smartcitiesprevail.org, or by following us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SmartCitiesPrevail) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/cacitiesprevail).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Todd Stenhouse
(916) 397-1131
toddstenhouse@gmail.com

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Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, Home and Garden, HVAC Heating and Cooling, Product Launches

CosaTron Announces Launch of CosaClean Whole House Air Purification System for Residential Use

CONCORD, N.C. -- CosaTron, a global supplier of air purification equipment to the commercial and institutional markets for six decades, announces the introduction of its CosaClean product line into the residential market.

"The newly developed and patented system was designed to provide effective indoor air quality control to the residential environment, previously only available to commercial and institutional end users," said Eric Bratton, President of CosaTron.

The residential product is expected to experience significant market share growth in the coming months. Made in the United States, the CosaClean product is being released for consumer shipments starting May 2017.

Learn more about CosaClean(R) solutions for residential installs at: http://cosaclean.com/.

About CosaTron:
Based in North Carolina, CosaTron(R) is an industry leader in protecting indoor air quality and occupant health and has been using the same proven patented technology since 1958.

CosaTron manufactures a broad range of products that deliver flexible solutions to help mechanical engineers and building owners design systems that effectively control the most dangerous threats to our indoor air quality worldwide. Our technology is unequaled, reliable and proven to control and reduce the amount of contaminants in a treated space.

Learn more about CosaTron at: http://www.cosatron.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0518s2p-cosaclean-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: CoasTron's CosaClean(R) Whole House Air Purification System for residential use.

*VIDEO (YouTube) - explains how CosaTron Air Purification technology works: https://youtu.be/Gpr34KSn3Dc

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Architecture, Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles

Choli Aronson of Currie Sowards Aguila Architects Addresses Social Responsibility and Healthy Communities at AIA National Conference

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- Last week's American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Conference in Orlando united the country's leading decision makers from across the industry for innovative presentations on the best practices for building a better world. Choli Aronson, Senior Associate at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com) in Delray Beach, addressed the hot button topic of social responsibility in architecture.

Discussing the success of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), she examined emerging issues in the affordable housing category.

"There are several topics that must be addressed in order to build the kind of affordable housing which will nurture healthy families," explained Choli, AIA, LEED AP BD&C. "During my presentation, I discussed current housing issues including grandparents as child care providers, aging in place designs and multi-generational/multi-income communities."

Choli spoke of the need for affordable housing units to adjust age restrictions to allow for the expanding trend of grandparents assuming the role as primary caregivers for their grandchildren. She also addressed the nature of design to enhance the elderly's independence. And she showcased the importance of restoring the street grid to integrate affordable housing into the community while mixing multiple generation, multiple incomes and multiple housing options in one area.

Choli was encouraged by the partners at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects to serve on the Delray Beach Housing Authority, and during the Orlando conference she highlighted a successful partnership that transformed the historic LaFrance Hotel into a low income senior housing complex.

When the LaFrance opened in the late 1940's it was the only Black-owned hotel between Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale. In 2004, the Delray Beach CRA purchased the LaFrance to redevelop the property while preserving its history. CSA Architects was hired to renovate the original 3,800 SF hotel building and include a 4,000 SF addition. Now used as low-income senior housing, the complex contains eight studio units, six 1-bedroom units, laundry facilities and storage, all built around a common courtyard.

"This project exemplifies social responsibility," said Aronson. "This redevelopment preserved an historic site, one of tremendous pride for the community, while creating much needed affordable senior housing, assuring that the older residents would have an opportunity to remain in their beloved neighborhood."

About Currie Sowards Aguila:

Founded in 1969, the award-winning architecture firm's bold designs have enriched communities around the globe. The team's creative inspirations have graced cultural centers, residential communities, commercial / mixed-use developments and an array of municipal projects.

The versatile practice, known for its distinctive designs, has garnered acclaim for their singular ability to transform once utilitarian facilities into iconic structures for municipalities. From community centers to parking garages, fire stations to bridges, CSA allows design to be experienced in unexpected ways.

Their practice is augmented by the commitment of the partners to community involvement. Bob Currie, Jess Sowards and Jose Aguila have defined their legacy through their philosophy of "giving back by design and service."

Learn more about Currie Sowards Aguila Architects at: http://www.csa-architects.com/.

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Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles

Current Builders Celebrates 45th Anniversary

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Current Builders (www.currentbuilders.com) will celebrate their 45th anniversary in June 2017. Formed in 1972, the company has evolved into an award-winning general contracting firm. Throughout the years, Current Builders has worked with the area's leading developers to shape South Florida's landscape with construction volumes of approximately $150 million annually.

A highly regarded technology leader, the company was one of the first to introduce BIM (Building Information Modeling) to their clients, and they continue to lead in the tech realm by advancing the use of drones and virtual reality platforms. Through their CB University program and extensive mentoring partnerships, the company's influence will be a guiding force in the industry for generations to come.

"We are honored to have reached this milestone," said President & CEO, Chip Reid. "Current Builders has been fortunate to have forged many important relationships throughout our history. Our partnerships with leading multi-family and commercial developers, industrial warehouse clients and architects have helped us build numerous projects that have brought a dynamic mix of multi-family and commercial options to the market."

Reid credits the company's early success to projects with The Related Group, their primary multi-family client for many years. As the company grew, they expanded their reach and developed long-term relationships with the Graham Companies, Housing Trust Group, Hines Residential, Rosemurgy Properties, Liberty Property Trust, IDI, Zom, Wood Partners, Mainstreet Capital Partners, Midgard Group, and many others.

Relationships have been essential to the company's success, both with contractors and employees. Current Builder's has created an atmosphere of advancement through CB University where education, innovation and enhanced safety protocols are an integral part of the program.

"The construction industry is at a pivotal juncture," said Reid. "New technology, along with a shortage of skilled workers, is driving the industry to reinvent itself. Our programs are preparing our employees for these game-changing advances, while also supporting the next-level education goals of our talented employees. During the past 45 years, Current Builders has left a tangible mark with numerous construction projects, but we are most proud about building the next generation of industry leaders."

More information: http://www.currentbuilders.com/.

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Construction and Building, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, HVAC Heating and Cooling

Partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA, enables Trotwood-Madison and Tri-Village schools to observe Earth Day every day

TIPP CITY, Ohio -- Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping the Tri-Village and Trotwood-Madison school districts lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the districts' Green Teams.

Green Teams engage students, staff and the community in developing, promoting and implementing energy savings and sustainability programs throughout their school districts. Energy Optimizers, USA, sponsors the teams at every school district where it completes a comprehensive energy conservation project.

"The Green Teams are about bringing the work we do with school districts full circle," said Greg Smith, president of Energy Optimizers, USA. "Our solutions enable school districts to conserve energy by replacing outdated electrical and HVAC systems with energy efficient alternatives. Then we help these districts create grassroots-level teams that are engaged in creating and leading long-term energy conservation and sustainability projects that all students can contribute to or learn from."

In the Tri-Village Schools district, Green Team students have been collecting plastic bags for recycling and distributing reusable bags in return. Students in grades 3-6 also recently completed a pill bottle recycling project. The students collected more than 730 bottles that they sent to Matthew 25: Ministries in Blue Ash, Ohio. The organization will then send those bottles to areas that need containers to transport and store medications.

"The project provided a very concrete example for students that one person's trash could be useful to someone else in need," said Josh Sagester, Superintendent, Tri-Village School District.

In Trotwood-Madison City Schools, the district's Green Team has set a goal to encourage recycling by placing collection boxes for recyclable items in classrooms. The district will also unveil a new community garden at its early learning center in 2017.

"With our community garden, students and our community members will be able to experience firsthand the relationship between a healthy planet and healthy bodies," said Marlon Howard, Director of Operations, Trotwood-Madison City Schools.

In addition to providing the materials and support to get the teams up and running, Energy Optimizers, USA, provides scholarships for participating students, an educational trip to The Ohio State University to build a district "Energy Bike" and numerous after-school activities.

For Smith, sponsoring Green Teams isn't just about instilling conservation-minded habits in school districts and their communities. Smith is also helping to shape the future of the industry. That's because the teams offer the additional benefit of exposing students to career pathways in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

"STEM careers in general and energy management careers in particular are high growth fields," said Smith. "Our hope is that by exposing students to these career options, they may take an interest in the field and perhaps one day work for us."

About Energy Optimizers, USA

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company was named to the INC. Magazine Top 500 list of fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a finalist in the Dayton Business Journal Best Places To Work competition in 2016.

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

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Construction and Building, Education and Schools, Environment and Ecology, Free News Articles, HVAC Heating and Cooling

Partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA, enables Oak Hills Local Schools to observe Earth Day every day

TIPP CITY, Ohio -- Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping Oak Hills Local Schools lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the creation of Green Teams.

Green Teams engage students, staff and the community in developing, promoting and implementing energy savings and sustainability programs throughout their school districts. Energy Optimizers, USA, sponsors the teams at every school district where it completes a comprehensive energy conservation project.

"The Green Teams are about bringing the work we do with school districts full circle," said Greg Smith, president of Energy Optimizers, USA. "Our solutions enable school districts to conserve energy by replacing outdated electrical and HVAC systems with energy efficient alternatives. Then we help these districts create grassroots-level teams that are engaged in creating and leading long-term energy conservation and sustainability projects that all students can contribute to or learn from."

At Oak Hills Local Schools, the Green Team's efforts have resulted in a massive recycling project and district-wide energy savings efforts. The team started off the 2016-2017 school year by placing zero-waste tables in all of the district's cafeterias. The zero-waste tables will help each building minimize how much trash goes to the landfill by enabling students and staff to separate their waste into compost, recyclables and trash.

To improve the district's energy efficiency, the Green Team students crafted an email for staff educating them about energy conservation. The message explained that keeping classroom doors closed during the colder months improves the energy efficiency of the heating system. Following the release of the email, the percentage of doors closed rose from 75 percent to 84 percent.

"The Green Teams have been an asset to our schools, not just because they are engaging our students and staff in adopting sustainability principles, but also because they are giving our Green Team members a chance to take on leadership roles in our schools," said Jeff Brandt, Superintendent. "Our students have an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges and see the results of their efforts."

In addition to providing the materials and support to get the teams up and running, Energy Optimizers, USA, provides scholarships for participating students, an educational trip to The Ohio State University to build a district "Energy Bike" and numerous after-school activities.

For Smith, sponsoring Green Teams isn't just about instilling conservation-minded habits in school districts and their communities. Smith is also helping to shape the future of the industry. That's because the teams offer the additional benefit of exposing students to career pathways in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

"STEM careers in general and energy management careers in particular are high growth fields," said Smith. "Our hope is that by exposing students to these career options, they may take an interest in the field and perhaps one day work for us."

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company was named to the INC. Magazine Top 500 list of fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a finalist in the Dayton Business Journal Best Places To Work competition in 2016.

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

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Construction and Building, Free News Articles, Insurance, Legal and Law

Greyling’s Gregg Bundschuh and Kent Collier to present at April 2017 Risk Management Conferences

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that managing principal Gregg Bundschuh and client executive and professional services risk consultant Kent Collier of Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC, are among the featured risk management and insurance professionals presenting at two high profile events targeting the needs of large Construction and Design firms.

Greyling's Bundschuh will present at the exclusive EFCG CFO Conference for Engineering & Consulting Firms, taking place at the New York Yacht Club and Harvard Club on April 20 and 21, 2017. The event has been held annually for the past 16 years to educate invitees on the most important issues facing a CFO in the Construction and Design industry. Bundschuh will share his experience and knowledge on the increasing risks related to foreign and domestic terrorism, including cybercrime.

Collier will present at the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, being held in Washington, D.C. April 20 - 22, 2017. His session, "A Risky Proposition: The Ever Changing Role of Insurance in the Current Construction Climate - Need-to-Know Trends for In-House and Outside Counsel," will help attendees understand insurance coverage issues confronting owners, contractors and design professionals - including emerging risks impacting construction projects, such as cybercrime and terrorism.

About Gregg Bundschuh, J.D., Managing Principal, Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC:

Gregg Bundschuh, J.D. is a co-founder and an equity partner of Greyling Insurance Brokerage. He is nationally recognized for his active role in addressing emerging issues that affect the construction, design, and development communities. He advises clients of the firm on their insurance programs and risk management strategies. He also provides guidance to industry organizations such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Bundschuh's unique perspective on risk and insurance issues reflects his background as a construction lawyer, a general counsel to an international design firm, and an insurance broker and risk consultant.

Bundschuh's experience includes design of customized insurance policies for risks associated with building information modeling (BIM) and integrated project delivery (IPD). He has developed insurance and risk management programs for domestic and international firms in a wide range of industries. In addition, he has spoken before dozens of national and international gatherings concerned with design, construction, risk management, and insurance matters. His publications include An Owners' Guide to Construction Risk Management & Insurance; the insurance chapter of the New York Construction Law Manual; and The Design/Build Deskbook.

Prior to Greyling, Bundschuh was a senior executive and leader of the Global Construction Practice with Marsh Inc. Before that, he had been general counsel for an international architecture and engineering firm and had practiced construction law with an Atlanta law firm. He is a member of the board of governors and a fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers.

Bundschuh is a 1982 graduate of Wake Forest University and holds a law degree from the University of Georgia.

About Kent Collier, J.D., CRIS, Client Executive and Professional Services Risk Consultant, Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC:

Kent W. Collier, J.D., CRIS, is Associate Client Manager at Greyling Insurance Brokerage. Collier provides day-to-day service to Greyling clients by identifying, addressing, and mitigating insurance and risk issues in the architecture, engineering, construction contracting and development, environmental, and legal service fields. He advises clients on professional liability claim recognition and reporting, and he helps clients manage claims, including periodic review of outstanding and past claims. He is also responsible for drafting and negotiating professional service contracts.

Collier performs risk management consulting for clients including preparation and presentation of educational seminars, compilation and analysis of risk surveys, recommendation of and coordination with legal counsel, and answering various client questions concerning legal, insurance, and risk issues impacting the construction and engineering industry. He has experience presenting continuing education training to staff regarding risk management, contract negotiation, and insurance.

Prior to joining Greyling, Collier was a practicing attorney for over 8 years at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP in Atlanta, focusing on construction litigation and transactions. He represented architects, engineers, EPC and general contractors, owners, and specialty subcontractors in litigation across the country regarding issues such as insurance coverage, delay and lost productivity, construction defects, design errors and omissions, product liability, surety bonding, and lender liability on diverse projects including high-rise condominiums and hotels, casinos, power plants, industrial and chemical processing plants, civil and underground work, schools, and hospitals. He is a licensed attorney in Georgia, New York, and Florida, where he is a Board Certified Specialist in Construction Law. Collier was named as a "Rising Star" in Construction Litigation by Georgia Super Lawyers from 2012 through 2015.

Collier is a 2002 graduate of the University of Virginia and received his law degree in 2005 from Emory University. Collier is active in several industry organizations including the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). He is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction. Collier also holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI).

About Greyling Insurance Brokerage - a Division of EPIC:

Greyling is designed for construction and design professionals. Our leadership includes attorneys, engineers, environmental experts, and risk specialists who are veterans of the insurance and construction industries. We take a proactive, multi-focal view of risk to help develop solutions that lower cost and minimize exposure. That's why the management at many of the world's leading construction and design firms -our clients- sleep well at night.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About the EFCG CFO Conference for Engineering & Consulting Firms:

EFCG's CFO Conference has been held in early April over the last 16 years. This 1 1/2 day conference, held at the New York Yacht Club and Harvard Club, is intended to identify and provide insight into the most important issues facing a CFO in the "A/E/C" industry. Participation is limited to 150 and is by invitation only. To learn more about EFCG please visit http://www.efcg.com/

About the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law:

The ABA Forum on Construction Law is the largest organization of Construction lawyers in the United States, and indeed in the world. The Forum's roughly 6,000 Members and Associates are drawn from all types of Construction practice - law firms large and small, solo practitioners, in-house and government counsel, as well as construction professionals and the public sector. Forum members represent all segments of the Construction industry: owners, developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, construction managers, lenders, insurers and sureties. Learn more here: http://www.americanbar.org/groups/construction_industry.html.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Hock, of EPIC
650-295-4608
dave.hock@epicbrokers.com

Nicole Conley
408-295-4309 x104
nicole.conley@taniscomm.com

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Construction and Building, Free News Articles, Home and Garden, Real Estate, Regional Events

Log Home Show Returns to Lake George NY for 2017 with Free Seminars and Opportunities to Learn from Experts

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. -- Residents of the Lake George, New York area and its surrounding communities who are harboring the dream to build, renovate, or maintain a log home are invited to speak with the industry's top log home and timber frame companies and builders along with industry experts during the Lake George, N.Y. Log & Timber Frame Home Show being held at the Lake George Forum, May 5-7, 2017.

The show will run Friday from 1 - 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is $12 per person at the door and $10 per person online or with discount coupon. Children 18 and under are free. Admission is valid all days.

"Log homes have become an icon of peaceful living in our culture. We've all probably vacationed in one at least once in our lifetime and just looking at one can bring a sense of peace into our chaotic world," says The Log Home and Timber Frame Home Show Manager, Eric Johnson.

"So it's no wonder that people want to live in one of these beautiful homes, and that's where we come in. The log home and timber frame home market is very unique and we are excited to help produce the largest traveling show in the United States to promote the building and renovation of these homes.

"While our exhibitors vary from show to show, we are excited to feature log home and timber frame home builders and manufacturers, maintenance and restoration companies, and one-of-a-kind rustic furniture and accessories at our upcoming Lake George, New York show. Our goal is to educate and equip those looking to build a log home or timber frame home through seminars and face-to-face time with experts in the field."

Exhibitors will be on hand to assist visitors with construction and financing questions, floor plan ideas, maintenance options, and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own home plans and ideas to be reviewed by industry experts.

Attendees will be able to take part in a variety of free seminars presented by industry pros held throughout the weekend. For a full list of exhibitors and seminar presentations, visit: http://www.loghomeshows.com/.

The Log Home & Timber Frame Home Shows are held throughout the country. Please call (518) 618-1195 or go to http://www.loghomeshows.com/ for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Eric Johnson
Solid Wood Promotions
ejohnson@loghomeshows.com
518-618-1195

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Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, HVAC Heating and Cooling

Mahle Cool Air Expands Its HVAC Service Center, Relocating to Larger Office

VENICE, Fla. -- Air conditioning and HVAC specialist Mahle Cool Air and Heating has expanded operations and relocated into a larger office location.

Citing the need to expand operations to its growing client base, the Bryant Factory Authorized and NATE certified central air conditioning service provider Mahle Cool Air & Heating has relocated to a larger space.

Providing a full range of HVAC services to a wide geographic area including Venice, North Port Englewood, Cape Haze, and Osprey, the company has been growing steadily over the past several years as demand for emergency repair service, new installations, and air purification equipment has increased. The company moved from its original location to the new office at 850 Commerce Dr.

Venice Florida to better accommodate the increased level of business:

Owner Denny Mahle had this to say about the move, "We are thrilled to be moved into the larger space. Demand for HVAC services has been increasing and we felt we could better serve our clients by expanding our operations to allow more room for our technicians and office staff."

He added, "It's also been convenient for existing customers as the new location is just down the street from the original one. The new location has better facilities for customers and our office staff as well as giving us more room for our technicians to have additional parts in our local inventory, and a larger capacity allowing more technicians to better serve our clients. HVAC services are very competitive in Southwest Florida and we could not be happier to have the opportunity to expand operations in such a competitive business climate.

"I'd like to thank the many past clients who have taken their time to post excellent reviews about the service we have been providing, and to thank our team for the hard work they have been doing to make sure our clients are satisfied."

About Mahle Cool Air & Heating:

Mahle Cool Air and Heating is a family owned and operated HVAC company in Venice, Florida. Mahle Cool Air is a Bryant Factory Authorized dealer with technicians with over 28 years of experience. All of Mahle's technicians are NATE Certified and specialize in residential AC repair, new unit installation and maintenance plans for residents in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties including, Sarasota, Venice, North Port and Englewood. Mahle Cool Air and Heating strives for great customer service, competitive prices, and offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.

For more information visit our website at: http://www.MahleAirConditioning.com/.

Mahle Cool Air & Heating
850 Commerce Dr.
Venice, FL 34292

Venice: 941-584-6300
Englewood: 941-475-9601
Cape Haze: 941-697-1995

Twitter: @MahleCoolAir

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Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Reports and Studies

STUDY: Linking Prevailing Wage Standards with Housing Reforms Would Close Affordability Gap and Save Taxpayer Dollars

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A brand new study by construction industry research non-profit Smart Cities Prevail shows that linking prevailing wage standards with proposed reforms to streamline new housing development would close the affordability gap, save state and local governments tens of millions of dollars annually, and disproportionately benefit communities of color.

Read the study entitled "The Value of Linking Good Construction Jobs to California's Housing Reforms" here (PDF): http://www.smartcitiesprevail.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/03/SCP_HousingReport.0314.pdf.

Overall, the study notes that it takes 13 percent more workers today to match the residential housing output that California enjoyed just twenty years ago. This steep decline in productivity has been matched by a 25 percent decline in inflation-adjusted blue-collar construction wages (the median wage is just $35,000 per year) and housing prices that have soared as high as 54 percent in the Bay Area.

"A productivity renaissance will be necessary to produce housing units in the numbers that will noticeably shave what Californians pay for housing," said study author Alex Lantsberg. "Studies have repeatedly shown that the best way to realize that goal is by incorporating prevailing wage standards."

Prevailing wage is a minimum wage for blue-collar construction work that reflects local market rates for different skilled crafts. Long associated with stronger economic outcomes and more local hiring, most research shows that prevailing wages have no significant impact on total project costs because they promote higher skilled craftsmanship.

This triggers increases in productivity and efficiency as high as 15 percent, reduced reliance on taxpayer funded public assistance programs, and prevents workforce shortages by helping to fund the apprenticeship programs that are used to meet California's construction workforce training needs.

Using industry standard economic impact analysis, the study notes that if California's multi-family residential construction industry resembled the rest of the construction industry on wage standards, it would:

* Increase incomes of blue-collar workers by more than $1 billion.
* Boost state and local tax revenues by at least $55 million.
* Save taxpayers at least $30 million on public assistance expenditures.

"Fully 40 percent of California's blue-collar construction workers now qualify for taxpayer subsidized housing and these workers are mostly people of color," Lantsberg added. "It's clear that failing to incorporate prevailing wages into reforms that streamline housing development will only exacerbate the affordability gap for the workers who build these units - particularly in high cost coastal communities."

With the Affordable Care Act facing an uncertain future, Lantsberg's analysis shows that 38 percent of full-time, blue-collar construction workers currently have no health care coverage and their Medicaid reliance is twice the national average for non-supervisory production workers.

According to Economic Census data, California's 2014 Affordable Housing Cost Study and other federal data sources, construction wages and benefits comprise just 15 percent of total residential housing costs-substantially less than contractor earnings and developer fees (18 percent), and less than half the cost share of equipment, materials, fuels and purchased services (34 percent).

Importantly, Lantsberg notes that neither labor costs nor materials have driven the increase in California's housing prices. Since 1992 the construction industry's gross operating surplus, or profits, have increased 50 percent more than either materials or construction labor.

"The suggestion that labor costs hinder the construction of more housing supply is simply not supported by the facts or the financial realities of the industry. With housing prices and profits soaring, the industry is well positioned to invest in productivity and affordability for its own workforce. We can make good progress towards both objectives by incorporating prevailing wage standards into a housing development streamlining package."

Alex Lantsberg, MCP, AICP is a Research Analyst with Smart Cities Prevail, a leading construction industry research and education organization. Alex holds a Masters of City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and was admitted to the American Institute of City Planning in 2013. Lantsberg has co-authored numerous economic impact studies, including research analyzing the economic impact of prevailing wage laws in California and across the country, the public costs of wage and benefit restructuring and the economic impact of minimum wage.

Smart Cities Prevail is a leading national non-profit research and education organization focused on the construction industry.

Learn more at http://www.smartcitiesprevail.org/ or by following us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmartCitiesPrevail - or Twitter: https://twitter.com/cacitiesprevail.

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