January 2023

According to Dodge Construction Network Chief Economist Richard Branch, there remains cause for optimism within the construction industry despite ongoing economic uncertainty and labor challenges.

The industry remains very resilient, despite what seems like "a tidal wave against the sector in terms of material prices, labor shortages and what appear to be higher interest rates and a slower economy,” Branch says.

From an economic and technological standpoint, the construction industry has an opportunity to make great strides because of the incoming government funding directed at promoting infrastructure and manufacturing. Still, Branch advises caution, because much of the funding still needs to be appropriated by Congress annually—a slow process that can lead to some uncertainty.

Branch believes technological advances will play a larger role in making jobs more efficient and productive. “Productivity in construction has been slow to make gains. This is mainly because construction is just beginning to take advantage of innovative technological trends.” He suggests that more investment should be made in technology both on-site and for back offices and adds, “As an injection of innovation and resources joins a changing set of values at the end of Q3, the future of construction remains bright heading into Q4.”

Learn more here.

The Masonry Institute of Michigan recently elected its 2023 Board of Trustees. The Board of Record can be found here. At the first board meeting on January 26, we will elect our executive committee for the coming year. This year's Board of Trustees will be responsible for evolving the MIM to address our members' top priorities—first, to market and promote the masonry industry and, second, to serve as the leading technical masonry resource for designers and constructors.

This year we will bring back our M-Day, which will focus solely on providing current information to architects, engineers and specifiers on masonry specifications. This year, we will also prioritize education through presentations, workshops and other training opportunities. Through our partnership with AOE, we will continue to focus on marketing the masonry industry. The most common answer I receive when I ask students what comes to mind when they think of masonry is "driveways." Together, we need work to change that perception. To create demand, we must educate the masses on the value and beauty that masonry offers. Although I will be challenging our Board of Trustees with many goals and priorities, this need is critical. We will be relying heavily on our members in 2023 to provide photos, projects updates and other content to help us achieve these goals and elevate our industry.

MIM member William A. Kibbe & Associates provided structural engineering design services to the Walled Lake Consolidated School District for a number of school buildings located throughout southeast Michigan. A $316M Building, Infrastructure and Equity Bond, passed in 2019, has helped facilitate needed school upgrades, renovations, and new construction for the following projects: Dublin Elementary School (White Lake); Walled Lake Early Childhood Center (Novi); and Western High School (Walled Lake). MIM member AUCH Construction partnered with Kibbe on the project. More details, including drone footage provided by AUCH, can be found here.

Tip of the Month

When was the last time you looked at your masonry specification? Make sure you are correctly specifying grout for masonry by reading our new FAQ here. Keep an eye out for more new FAQs developed through the MIM Generic Wall Design Committee.