Blog & News
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Bustin’ Clays is a direct hit for workforce development
The competition was fierce at the third annual Bustin’ Clays with The Builders, but the biggest win was the overwhelming support for future trades workers. On Oct. 8, The Builders Association welcomed 80 members and partners that split into 20 teams for the sold-out fundraiser at Lawrence County Sportsman’s Club.
Zoning vs. Building Permits: Why the Difference Matters
Zoning approval answers one question: can this use go on this property? A building permit answers another: will this structure be built safely and to code? Commercial property owners in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania need both, and mixing them up is one of the fastest ways to lose weeks
Pre-apprentice competition brings jobsite pressure to Skilled Trades Expo
Reading a blueprint, laying out a wall, measuring angles and driving nails might sound like a typical day on a construction site. Those were the four stations waiting for more than two dozen high school students during the pre-apprentice competition at the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo. Students competed in
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
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
Why Joining The Builders Association’s Membership Directory Matters for Your Business
If you’re a commercial contractor operating in Eastern Ohio or Western Pennsylvania, your reputation is built one project and one referral at a time. But word of mouth can only take a business so far. That’s where a construction membership directory comes in, connecting contractors with property owners, developers, and
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