Blog & News
Stay up-to-date on the latest from The Builders Association.
Deciding on Your Commercial Property: Build vs. Buy
Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an established company, you need a building! But the question is, should you try buying a pre-existing commercial property and make it your own, or should you do a custom commercial property buildout to fit your needs? Like any major decision, there’s
Estimating competition brings students to the cutting edge of construction
With pounding calculators and plan-covered tables, three student teams at YSU worked under the kind of pressure they’ll one day face on the job. That was the point of The Builders Association’s 16th annual estimating competition on March 20. “It’s the real world,” said Robert Korenic, professor and program coordinator,
Educators get a blueprint for building careers in the trades
School counselors and educators in the Mahoning Valley are helping students see the building trades not as a backup plan, but as a real path to a sustainable career. There were at least two dozen attendees at a March 19 presentation by Affiliated Construction Trades Ohio Foundation (ACT Ohio), at
The Importance of Networking in the Construction Industry
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving construction industry, networking is not just a beneficial activity; it’s essential for growth and success. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, building strong connections can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and resources that can significantly enhance your career and business. At The
Ken Reid named as association services director
Ken Reid has been hired as The Builders’ association services director. His role includes overseeing workforce development efforts, membership engagement, event programming and broader strategic initiatives across the five-county region the association serves. Reid’s leadership career spans nearly 30 years in federal service. He most recently served as assistant deputy
4 Questions You Should Ask a General Commercial Contractor Before Hiring
Hiring a general contractor for a commercial construction project can be a difficult decision, and should require extensive research on the companies you are considering. A great way to gain more information is to simply ask questions when you make your initial inquiry. But what questions should you ask to
Specialized Equipment Used in Construction Site Clearing
Before any successful construction project can begin, the land must be properly prepared—and that starts with site clearing. Whether you’re building a home, installing infrastructure, or preparing commercial land for development, having the right equipment is essential for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. From removing vegetation to leveling the ground, each
Builders’ annual meeting highlights growth, momentum in the industry
The Builders Association capped off a year of progress at its annual meeting held at The Lake Club by reflecting on strong performance, honoring leadership and reinforcing its commitment to workforce development. Executive Vice President Kevin Reilly reported a 2.1% increase in man hours from 2024 to 2025, reaching just