Gains expected in home remodeling
The remodeling activity report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicted a slight upward trend in the latter part of 2012, although home improvement spending will lag in the first two quarters.
The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), which measures the annual rate of change in consumer spending on renovations, projects $108.1 billion in the first quarter of 2012, a 2.5% decrease. The second quarter, with a projected $110.2 billion in projected spending, is a negative 3.5% drop on the LIRA index.
Remodeling should pick up in the third quarter, when LIRA projects $113.6 billion in home improvement spending, a decline of only 0.2%. If this momentum continues to build during the second half of the year, remodeling activity is on course to end 2012 on a positive note, according to the Joint Center.
“We’re beginning to see some hopeful signs in the economy, and the housing market is finally starting its slow recovery,” said Eric Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center. “That should prove helpful for home improvement spending as the year progresses.”
For Mid-State Lumber, New England efforts mature
Branchburg, N.J.-based LBM distributor Mid-State Lumber announced the culmination of an 18-month plan to expand into New England and announced its New England sales team.
"Today a complete staff is working with a 100% focus of supporting the retail lumber dealers and industry associations in the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire," according to a company statement. The New England team is led by Mike Kelly, New England sales manager.
Also on the team is John Fijalkowski, Connecticut manager; Dennis Brooks, Massachusetts south shore manager; Jack Knight, Massachusetts north shore manager; and Otto Kinzel, New England field marketing.
Mid-State Lumber has been awarded the rights to distribute for New England Markets only– Tamko Evergrain Decking and Railing. Additional programs for the service region include Royal Building Products PVC Trim/Mouldings and Fasten Master Products.
MSL operates facilities in Branchburg; Kingston, Pa.; and Warwick, N.Y.; while serving customers in New England as well as Mid-Atlantic.
The company also announced its Mid-Atlantic Service Region now distributes the Dow Building Solution Product Line.
In San Diego, a Marble Award for HD Supply
The San Diego chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) has recognized HD Supply Facilities Maintenance.
HD Supply Facilities Maintenance was recently honored with the 2011 Marble Award (First Place) in the large company category of the Workplace Excellence Awards, presented by the San Diego Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
The Workplace Excellence Awards recognize San Diego companies demonstrating exceptional human resources practices, which contribute to both company performance and employee satisfaction.
“This Marble Award is particularly special since one of our associates felt so strongly about the company and was inspired to submit a nomination,” said Anesa Chaibi, president and CEO of HD Supply Facilities Maintenance.
To be considered for an award, a company must be nominated by one of its employees. From all of the employee nominations received across San Diego, only 61 companies were invited by SHRM to complete a comprehensive application.
HD Supply Facilities Maintenance’s submission focused on its associate growth success story of the past year. The company’s strategic growth plan and talent development initiatives that focus on creating a premier talent brand were also focal points in HD Supply Facilities Maintenance earning the Marble Award, according to the company.
May-16-2012 09:16 am