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Recent Articles from Laurie Kendall
OP-ED: The next generation of construction
Contractors know that the future of the construction industry is reliant on its ability to attract and retain the most talented individuals necessary to meet the nation’s ever-increasing needs. February […]
OP-ED: Make your voice heard in the political process
On Jan. 12, the 78th Oregon legislative assembly kicked off and all 90 legislators were sworn into office. Legislative Organizational Days ran through Jan. 14.聽During that time,聽members-elect are sworn in […]
OP-ED: On the right track, with challenges ahead
The book is officially closed on 2014. The past year was defined by economic growth as well as rising backlogs and confidence within the construction industry. While I could feel […]
OP-ED: Plenty of growth, with room for more
At the beginning of the year I used this space to talk about goals 鈥� specifically, the importance of making a list outlining the things that you want to accomplish […]
OP-ED: Hey young workers, Construction Wants You!
The Associated Builders and Contractors it means doubling down on workforce development and recruitment.
OP-ED: Yes, your vote really does matter
As you have probably been able to guess from watching television, listening to the radio or even surfing the Internet, we have an election around the corner. Most Oregonians can […]
OP-ED: The allure of new industry technologies
It is often said that technology makes the world go round. Each year televisions seem to get bigger (yet thinner), computers get smaller, and Internet speeds get faster 鈥� especially […]
OP-ED: Opening doors to long-term relationships
Merit-shop contractors are passionate about training and developing a highly skilled workforce. I’ve used this space to talk about that quite a bit over the past several months. The […]
OP-ED: In search of more skilled workers
Hundreds of apprentices from communities across Oregon participated in graduation ceremonies this past spring. For many it was the end of a very long journey. They represent the last […]
OP-ED: Safe workplaces don鈥檛 happen by accident
I once heard a contractor say that safety starts at the top. His point was that safety is not a grassroots initiative. Companies with the best safety records do […]
OP-ED: Pause to paint a picture, and see what develops
Does the company you work for or own hold an annual planning session or retreat? Do you write down a list of goals, action items and maybe even some […]
OP-ED: A brighter reason for optimism
The Pacific Northwest chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors recently held its annual Construction Industry Summit at the Oregon Convention Center. Contractors and industry professionals of various sizes […]
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
