Market Data: The Construction Industry

May 6, 2008

As one of the nation’s largest industries, construction employment is expected to grow just over 10% between 2006 and 2016. The average for all industries is 11%. It has maintained some of the most consistent job growth.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

65% — percentage of U.S. construction companies employing fewer than five workers.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics



883,000 — number of construction establishments in the United States in 2006.
268,000 — building construction contractors
64,000 — heavy and civil engineering construction or highway contractors
550,000 — specialty trade contractors.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$1.12 trillion — total amount of construction spending nationally in February 2008 on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis.
Source: Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.

From 2006 to 2007, housing starts dropped from 1.8 million to 1.4 million.
Source: National Association of Home Builders

Thank You for the Opportunity to Correct the Problem
Understanding the basic rules of customer service can build customer loyalty and offer competitive advantage.
In case you haven’t noticed, customer service isn’t what it used to be. Enter a department store and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone to serve you — sometimes even to take your money — much less someone who’s knowledgeable enough about the product to be of genuine help.
August 12, 2008

Tips for Writing Great Proposals
Drawing up successful sales proposals requires a clear understanding of your client’s needs.
Many companies and their decision-makers require written proposals, and many salespeople shudder at the thought of writing one. However, writing a good proposal doesn't have to be painful, providing you keep a few points in mind.
August 07, 2008

Market Data: Trade and Professional Associations and Civic Clubs
Did you know that last year more than $33 million in revenue was received by nonprofit trade and professional organizations, business leagues and chambers of commerce? As a promotional products distributor, you can capitalize on this by staying abreast of current industry trends and statistics.
July 09, 2008

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Don't expect finding opportunity during bad economic times to be easy. It requires rolling up your sleeves and doing your homework.
If you've been reading Promotional Impressions for a while, you know that the vertical markets we cover represent moving targets. Among other factors, they're subject to the ups and downs of the business cycle and to industry structural change. In addition, when the economy's good, a particular market may offer a large, inviting target. But when it stumbles, as many are currently doing, you may have to roll up your sleeves and do a lot more research to uncover opportunity.
July 08, 2008

Join the Club
Clubs and associations promote a feeling of comradery and exclusivity. Now, you can capitalize on their promotions by providing customized products.
Clubs and associations have been around for centuries. The English poet Thomas Occleve (c. 1368 – 1426) was one of the first to acknowledge membership in a club, in his La Court de Bone Compaignie (The Court of Good Company). Since then, clubs and associations have sprung up for a variety of reasons, targeting all sorts of members. Professional societies, service clubs, sports clubs and country clubs are just a few examples.
July 08, 2008