Masonry Magazine March 1980 Page. 23
Cutback in Monthly
Housing Starts
Despite continued strength in non-residential building during November, 1979, the month's sharp cutback of housing starts meant another decline in the total value of contracting for all new construction, reports the F. W. Dodge Division of McGraw-Hill Information Systems Co. November's $10.8 billion total of newly started construction projects was 8% lower than the year-earlier amount.
"With credit restraint choking off funds for housing, the Dodge Index of total construction contract value (1972-100) slumped to 156 in November, the lowest rate of contracting in over a year and a half," said George A. Christie, vice president and chief economist for Dodge.
Residential building value fell 21% in November to $4.7 billion as the seasonally-adjusted annual rate of housing starts dropped sharply to 1.5 million, the Dodge economist said. This decline, which was concentrated in one-family homes, was a generally anticipated reaction to recent credit tightening.
Multi-family building activity, which is less sensitive to changes in credit conditions than one-family housing, remained strong in November.
"Contracts for nonresidential building, up 6% in November to $3.8 billion, showed little sign of impending recession," according to Christie.
Analysis of the latest month's new projects showed a high level of stability in commercial and industrial contracting, backed up by a solid gain in public building, he said.
Canada Safety Award
Richard Martini (left) presents Sean Costello of Clifford Masonry Ltd. with the Romano Martini Memorial Annual Safety Award for his firm's low accident frequency. The presentation was made at the annual meeting and dinner of the Metro Mason Contractors Association in Toronto, Ontario.
ANCHOR "Hy-Dump"
Power Dump
Low Charge 38"- High Discharge 35" 12 cu. ft. capacity
Designed especially to provide a low charging height and a high discharge height coupled with a power dump. A fast mixing machine capable of dumping into wheelbarrow, concrete buggy or mortar pump.
Construction Text/Guide
Published by NAWIC
Introduction to Construction, an instructional program designed to teach the basic concepts of construction, has been introduced by the National Association of Women In Construction.
The NAWIC Education Foundation collaborated with Dr. E. Keith Blankenbaker of Ohio State University to update the study material he originally developed for NAWIC in 1972. The new edition features a Test/Study Guide which is specifically intended for the novice construction employee and others who deal with the construction industry.
The Text/Study Guides and Instructor's Manual may be ordered from a NAWIC chapter or NAWIC Education Committee. Contact: Wilma M. Hood, 10825 Midwest Industrial Blvd., St. Louis. MO 63132 for the NAWIC chapter in your area: prices will be quoted on request.
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