|
 Brian Taylor |
Company owners and managers in the construction, demolition and recycling segments can’t take full control of circumstances, especially those pertaining to wider economic trends. Construction and related industries (including demolition) remain lagging behind most other sectors as overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth numbers begin to kick back in. Frustratingly for contractors and C&D recyclers, household consumers and small business owners who have begun to regain confidence in some types of spending and investment, but have held off on larger ticket construction projects. For construction to rebound last is not out of the ordinary, and in the case of the current recovery there are two additional factors: state governments with empty coffers for infrastructure projects and potential homebuyers met with the re-introduction of (once common) tighter lending rules, including saving up for a down payment. Such circumstances make it more difficult for readers of this publication to think of spring as a season of renewal. As the spring weather begins to take hold in 2011, though, ideally there will be enough signs of renewal to provide some encouragement. For those who can afford to incur some travel expenses, spring brings with it opportunities to explore new equipment, techniques and opportunities at several trade shows and events. In March, Las Vegas hosts two important events: the National Demolition Association Annual Convention (March 5-8) and ConExpo-Con/Agg (March 22-26). The latter event includes as part of it the Annual Meeting of the Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) on March 23. The events (which were described in more detail in the article “A Full House” in the Jan.-Feb. 2011 edition) provide a chance for attendees not only to see what’s new in the equipment world, but also to make contact and network with people who may ultimately provide referrals for future business. Regarding our own publication and renewal, this edition of Construction & Demolition Recycling magazine marks the second one featuring redesigned graphics, starting with the cover format and through to the back page. A redesign team led by Art Director Karen Angus focused on updating typefaces and other aspects of the publication, including the way the logo and the inside information is presented on the cover. News affecting contractors and recyclers from the previous 60 days is now presented together in a multi-page department at the front of the magazine called “Industry News.” Another new touch can be found at the very back of the publication, where a page titled “By the Numbers” will present statistical information from the previous 60 days on the prices of the secondary materials most commonly generated or processed by our readers. We hope you like the new touches and hope they enable you to quickly get a handle on the trends and opportunities in the C&D marketplace—all in one place.  |
Explore the March 2011 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
