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Photos: Apprentices’ construction skills tested
Apprentice HVAC and sheet metal workers compete at the Associated Builders and Contractors鈥� Craft Championships
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 […]
OP-ED: Contractors and economy need to stay together
Oregon’s economy and construction contractors could use some couples therapy. I hate to be dramatic because the relationship is getting a lot better. But let’s face it: There are […]
Making a list of goals for 2014
I am a list person. I don’t mean that I just casually sit down and make a “to do” list each day. No, if you’ve ever stepped foot in […]
To grow, construction industry needs more workers
Mark Twain popularized the saying that “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” For people in the construction industry, the statistics don’t lie and the […]
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
