MCAA Regional Report, Region G Words: Glenn HottmannArizona - Tony Avila Colorado - No State Chairman New Mexico - No State Chairman Utah - Alan Johnson Wyoming - Jim Thompson Workforce Development Arizona With the improvements in the overall market conditions, we as an industry are faced with one of the largest Labor shortages in recent history. Finding sufficient skilled tradesman continues to be difficult. In fact, finding a Mason under thirty is akin to finding a White Rhino. In the last year, there has been an aggressive bidding war between members for the limited talent in the market. This has had the positive result of bringing wages back to or above the 2008 crash levels. Hopefully, this will continue and will result in more interest in entry level laborers and tradesmen. Colorado No State Chairman New Mexico No State Chairman Utah As in most states and in the construction industry, skilled and unskilled employees are extremely hard to find. Those who can retain, motivate and attract new employees are reaping the rewards. The Utah Masonry Council is working with the local colleges and the MCAA to participate with and support a reinvigorated apprenticeship program. A big part of this problem as with most trades is attracting the younger generation (Millennials), to look at the opportunities of earning a good wage while building their future in the construction trades. Wyoming No report as of this writing. General & Economic Conditions Arizona The Construction industry in Arizona continued to improve in 2017. This resulted in most AMCA (Arizona Masonry Contractors Association) members being extremely busy for the majority of 2017. Most members with which I have spoken say they are optimistic about 2018 and are planning accordingly. Colorado No State Chairman New Mexico No State Chairman Utah Last year, Utah was scored by all 50 states on more than 60 measures of competitiveness, developed with input from a broad and diverse array of business and policy experts, official government sources, the CNBC Global CFO Council and the states themselves, ranking #1 state in the US for business growth in 2016. Utah fell to #8 this year, but as the whole US economy has rebounded with a vengeance. This has helped the whole construction industry. Utah’s economy remains robust, with a current unemployment of 3.3%, creating the good and the bad. Wyoming No report as of this writing. Market Expansion & Initiatives Arizona The recent Silica Regulations continues to be a topic of discussion and has gone into effect. Our experience so far has shown that Masonry seems to be one of the few trades trying to be in compliance and therefore the Generals are looking to us to educate them. From my own personal perspective, I believe that we are stewards of this industry and as such, we need to make every effort to improve our products and improve the lives of the people with whom we work. Colorado No State Chairman New Mexico No State Chairman Utah Current market prices, revenue and profits are up. This looks to be that way for the next few years in Utah. Large projects that are coming to Utah over the next few years are: a completely new prison to replace the largest older prison and a second new airport terminal following a new terminal currently being built at the SLC airport. The existing terminals will be torn down when the two new terminals come to completion in approximately 3 to 4 years. The Utah Masonry Council is continuing in honoring the Architects who design magnificent facilities that promote and incorporate masonry products for their client’s facilities. Utah has plenty of opportunities for our industry and we all have reason to celebrate and honor the architectural community and owner of these fine projects. At this time and with so many opportunities, masonry contractors in our state are finding it easier to attract new work and be very profitable. Wyoming No report as of this writing.About: Featured
