Coronavirus stimulus has loans for roofing contractors | At least 16 states continue construction amid pandemic | Pandemic strangles construction-material supply chain
The recently passed $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill creates a Small Business Administration loan program that roofing contractors can use to maintain their operations. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can borrow money until June 30 and use it to cover rent, salaries and other costs.
Construction projects are proceeding despite the coronavirus pandemic, with construction deemed critical or essential in at least 16 states, according to AGC. Health concerns abound as workers sometimes necessarily labor in close proximity, but industry groups are lobbying to keep projects going as a vital part of the economy.
Many construction materials are sourced from abroad, including countries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, supply chains for those materials are being disrupted, and shipments are slowing sharply.
Georgia-based Bone Dry Roofing installed five asphalt shingle roof systems on buildings at the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort. The company dealt with hot weather and the resort's continued operation during the work.
Software makers for the construction industry are offering new ways to take advantage of existing products and rolling out new ones as the industry adjusts to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to work remotely. Meanwhile, architecture, engineering and construction firms are receptive and looking for ways to function in a new reality that may bring about longer-term benefits.
Construction of educational buildings worldwide is focusing on sustainability not only in terms of the final product but also in the way structures are built. Builders are responding to green demand by using environmentally friendly materials, sometimes locally sourced or reused, and by using fossil-free fuels to power construction equipment.
A planned mixed-use development in Shenzhen, China, will feature green roofs and rooftop solar panels on its more than 20 buildings. The buildings will also be constructed using recycled concrete.
The coronavirus is bring home ways small businesses can benefit from supporting their customers and community. Simonetta Lein suggests four things entrepreneurs can do including creating awareness campaigns, giveaways and collaborating with a local nonprofit.
The coronavirus is changing the way businesses engage customers, making an online presence a necessity. Google can be a useful tool to get online, build a presence and help customers find you through SEO and help businesses sell their products and services through the Google Merchant Center, writes Mark Irvine.
When the IRS extended the federal tax filing date to July 15 due to the coronavirus, it also allowed people to make 2019 contributions to an individual retirement account or health savings account up to the new deadline. The deadline for employers to make contributions to a workplace-based retirement plan also was extended to July 15.
You'll hear the latest legal ramifications, a manufacturer sharing their perspective, a digital community expert on staying connected to the industry, a contractor on how they are handling social distancing and a technology provider sharing updates on Toolbox Talks for COVID-19, as well as an update on what is happening in Canada.