Blog & News

Stay up-to-date on the latest from The Builders Association.

Students, public put tools to work at record-setting Skilled Trades Expo

The seventh annual Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo turned out to be the biggest yet, giving more than 6,500 students and members of the public hands-on exposure to rewarding career opportunities. On Sept. 22, the event kicked off at the Canfield Fairgrounds with about 2,500 middle school students, followed by

freshly paved parking lot - dark asphalt and freshly painted yellow lines

How to Hire a Commercial Asphalt Company

A parking lot is often the first thing customers, tenants, and employees see when they arrive at your property. It also takes a beating from heavy vehicles, snowplows, road salt, and the freeze-thaw cycles that are a fact of life in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Choosing the right commercial

How Construction Career Development Programs Are Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage

The construction industry has talked about a skilled labor shortage for years, but in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, the impact is becoming real. Longer project timelines, more competitive bidding for subcontractors, and rising labor costs across the board. For commercial contractors, finding and keeping skilled workers has become as

Three men wearing hard hats smiling at plans

How Rising Material Costs Are Shaping Commercial Construction Bids in 2026

If you’ve requested a commercial construction bid recently and been surprised by the number, you’re not alone. Material pricing in 2026 has become more unpredictable than in years past, and that volatility is showing up directly in the bids business owners receive. Understanding what’s driving these changes and how to

Construction site with building materials laid out

Understanding the Commercial Permitting Process in Eastern Ohio and Western PA

Every commercial construction project, whether it’s a new build, an expansion, or a major renovation, has to clear one hurdle before the first shovel hits the ground: permitting. For business owners unfamiliar with the process, permitting can feel like a maze of paperwork, inspections, and unfamiliar terminology. But understanding what

Air conditioning and ventilation system work, duct pipes covered with moisture-proof insulation

How to Find The Right Aluminum Manufacturer For Commercial Projects 

Aluminum is everywhere in commercial construction, from curtain walls, storefront systems, framing, roofing components, and custom fabrications that must perform on day one and hold up for decades. When you’re managing a commercial project, the manufacturer you choose for these products directly affects your schedule, your budget, and your reputation.

three construction workers

How to Hire a Commercial Asphalt Company

Asphalt is one of the most visible elements of any commercial property and one of the most abused. Parking lots, access roads, loading docks, and driveways take a beating from heavy traffic, harsh weather, and the freeze-thaw cycles that define winters in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. When it’s time