Economists on Construction

Ken Simonson, chief economist of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and Ed Sullivan, chief economist of the Portland Cement Association (PCA), will provide an economic analysis of the construction industry at a press conference, Wednesday, March 12 at 10 a.m. (PDT) at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008 in Las Vegas.

Ken Simonson will provide his forecast – and reasons – for the construction segments and materials prices that will rise or fall in 2008, along with comments about economic stimulus, housing and labor markets. Referencing his Construction Inflation Alert, which he will release Monday, March 10 at AGC’s 89th Annual Convention, Simonson will discuss certain materials costs that will accelerate, as well as labor shortages and supply.

Ed Sullivan will present an economic forecast regarding cement, concrete and construction for 2008. As concrete is used in all building sectors, Sullivan will discuss how residential, public and private nonresidential will perform this coming year and when market rebounds will occur. He will also discuss how sustainable development will influence these markets.