Planning Our Future

Planning for the future is an important part of running a business. Successful companies, whether they have 10 employees or 10,000; whether they are trade associations or residential foundation companies; and regardless of economic conditions all have one thing in common: They convene periodically to assess their companies, the industry, and the future. The world […]

Now Is The Time For Training!

The fall rush is almost upon you. You hope. Wow, residential construction is down. Down a lot. Earlier this year, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) predicted that residential construction would drop 20.5% in 2007 vs 2006. This is quite a dramatic loss of potential work and its associated profits. Everyone knows work would be down. […]

Trends in Information Technology

There is a common saying “Work smarter, not harder”. This saying was never more true than in the use of computers (or Information Technology) in your everyday business. The title of this article could be named “Trends in Information Technology Which You Can Use to Improve Your Business”. This article is not so much about […]

Code Corner — ICC Final Hearings

IRC ANCHOR BOLT PROVISIONS REJECTED The CFA and its industry partners were successful on a major code change at the International Code Council hearings in Rochester, New York this past May. The change, #RB149, repealed the new provisions for closer anchor bolt spacing that were inserted into the 2006 IRC during (literally) a late night […]

CERTAINTEED CORPORATION NOW OFFERING V-Buck® Vinyl Blocking System

To offer our foundations customers an increasingly broader range of products, CertainTeed Corporation now offers the VBuck(R) vinyl blocking system, a product manufactured by Vinyl Technologies Inc., (VTI) that helps building professionals simplify the process of creating window cut-outs in poured concrete basement walls. The V-Buck vinyl blocking system consists of vinyl window blockouts that […]

Putzmeister America, Inc. Introduces Boom Pump QuickStart Series

NEW DVD SERIES MAKES IT EASIER FOR CUSTOMERS TO START SOMETHING BIG Putzmeister America announces the May 2007 release of its new Boom Pump QuickStart DVD series. Designed as a convenient reference for new and experienced boom pump operators, the QuickStart DVD series is a guide to operational procedures, general maintenance and advanced special features of […]

EPA 2007 Fuel Regulations Now in Effect

A prototype of the new Mack TerraPro Series arrived at Schwing America recently. Since this model will also usher in the 2007 EPA certified engines there is considerable interest in the replacement for the venerable MR Macks that have been the standard for concrete pump applications. The 2007 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding the […]

CIFA’S K31 BOOM PUMP

Designed with the operator in mind, the unique characteristics of the K31 XZ boom pump make this machine flexible yet simple to operate. The NEW K31 XZ boom configuration allows operators maximum maneuverability in restricted areas through its amazingly low unfolding height of 18’-8” and the outstanding 360° bidirectional continuous rotary actuator located on the […]

CATCH THE WAVE — SWITCH TO WATER

Concrete contractors have willingly used a variety of water based products for years. However, when it comes to form release agents, acceptance has been slower. While this was understandable a few years ago when the cost savings between water and petroleum based versions was minimal and the enticements to switch were fewer, times have changed. […]

What is TECHNOLOGY? In this

Technology (tek nol’ e je) n. 1. The branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, the environment, and POURED WALL CONTRACTORS, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, etc. In this age of constant technological innovation, it is obvious that new products and processes can have a […]