GroundBreak Carolinas News

As the economy of our nation improves so does that of the construction industry. This is especially true in the Carolinas which, according to governmental statistics, the construction industry in both North and South Carolina is experiencing some of the largest economic growth in the country. While this is great news for those employed in the industry, it also brings with it many challenges to owners, designers and constructors. Especially when it comes to owners selecting the most qualified contractor to construct their projects in a safe, timely and quality manner and within their budgets. History has proved that in good economic times owners not only have a difficult time finding qualified contractors but also those that they do employ often times do not meet their projects' goals due to many reasons especially as it relates to ineffectiveness of the contractors’ project managers.

The NC Triangle Chapter of WTS International, a leading organization of transportation professionals with chapters in 49 U.S. states, will host its annual scholarship and awards gala on May 3. In addition to supporting scholarships and outreach programs for young women interested in pursuing STEM secondary education and careers, the annual gala also celebrates local transportation professionals for innovative design, construction projects, and community activism through its Innovative Transportation Awards. This year, Patrice Gilmore, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Holt Brothers Construction, will receive the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award.
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Earlier this year, a San Francisco-based technology firm, Built Robotics, made headlines by sharing its progress toward self-operating construction machinery. The company led by a former Google engineer has received millions in venture capital to continue its development of the automation technology behind its machines. Other venture-backed firms around the world are focused on the same outcomes – a more technology-driven business model throughout all facets of the construction world.
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As part of its ongoing partnership with the Wake County Public School System, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas held its second annual Students’ Hands-on Experience Day (S.H.E.D.) competition at Cary High School over a three-day period that began on Thursday April 26. The overall objective of the yearly spring event is to promote interest in construction-related careers through experiential learning. Once again, the ABC Carolinas S2C (Schools to Careers Committee) engaged members of the local construction community to serve as mentors and judges to the more than 20 teams of high school drafting and carpentry students who competed in designing and building an actual wood-framed shed.
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