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Construction

Skanska's Program to Aid Small Construction Businesses

2024-11-29

International construction company Skanska has taken a significant step by launching a new program focused on assisting small businesses and bolstering the workforce. In Douglasville, Georgia, there is a pressing need for skilled labor as the construction industry continues to grow. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, over 450,000 workers are required to meet the rising demands. Skanska's program aims to address this issue and empower local small businesses.

Skanska's Impact on Small Business Growth and Workforce

Murphy's Journey in the Construction Industry

Some might consider Virginia Murphy an unlikely CEO of Waste Water Industrial Solutions. As she herself would tell you, a lot of her work is behind walls and not immediately visible. When she walks into a room, nine times out of ten, she is the only female present. But her expertise quickly shines through. She started her business in 2017 with just five employees and has since grown to 35. Murphy's determination and skills have been key to her success.She now sees a new partnership with Skanska as a crucial opportunity to take her business to the next level. "Because of the things that Skanska has taught us, we'll be able to manage that growth better," she shared with Good Day's Lindsay Tuman.

Skanska's Excellence in Construction Leadership Program

Skanska chose Murphy's company as one of the small businesses for its Excellence in Construction Leadership Program. This program connects Skanska leadership with local construction companies, offering executive-level training and networking opportunities. Matt Frey, the vice president and account manager of Skanska USA Building, explained, "It is designed to impact that local small business, empower them to grow their forces. When they're empowered, they have the ability to reach down and bring up more workforce, and it just trickles down. It's a chain effect we're proud to lead with the small business community."The program provides valuable resources and guidance that Murphy is leveraging to expand her business and bring in more employees. Some of these employees receive skills training right on-site.

The Impact on the Community

Murphy emphasizes the importance of respecting the hard work of these employees who build America. She believes that with the support of Skanska, her business can make a significant impact on the community. As Frey stated, "Now we're changing the community, now we're changing schools, now we're changing health care facilities. The entire community starts to change, grow, and be better together."This collaborative effort between Skanska and small businesses holds the promise of filling more jobs and narrowing the gap in the workforce, ultimately leading to a more prosperous future for all.

During Thanksgiving, grain and soybean trading came to a halt overnight. As per schedule, trading is set to resume at 8:30 a.m. in Chicago. This pause in trading provides a moment for reflection and anticipation of the market's resumption.

Uncover the Dynamics of Grain and Soybean Trading

Grain and Soybean Trading During Thanksgiving

Trading in grains and soybeans was suspended overnight as a mark of respect for Thanksgiving. This break allows market participants to spend time with their families and gives the market a chance to stabilize. Once trading resumes, it will bring with it a new wave of opportunities and challenges. 1: The significance of this overnight closure cannot be underestimated. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holidays and the need for balance in our lives. While the markets are closed, industry experts and analysts will be closely monitoring the situation and preparing for the upcoming trading sessions. 2: The resumption of trading at 8:30 a.m. in Chicago will mark the beginning of a new trading day. Market participants will be eager to assess the impact of the Thanksgiving break on prices and market sentiment. This will be a crucial time for traders to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Ethanol Production: Reaching New Heights

According to data from the Energy Information Administration, ethanol output last week witnessed a significant surge and inventories also climbed. The production of this biofuel increased to an average of 1.119 million barrels a day in the week that ended on Nov. 22. This is an impressive achievement, surpassing the previous week's production of 1.11 million barrels and reaching the highest level since record keeping began in 2010. 1: In the Midwest, the largest producing region, output rose to an average of 1.048 million barrels. This regional gain showcases the strength and potential of the Midwest's ethanol industry. The increase in production is a result of various factors such as improved production techniques and increased demand for biofuels. 2: However, it's not all good news. While Midwest production saw a significant increase, other regions faced some challenges. East Coast production remained steady at 12,000 barrels per day, and Rocky Mountain production was unchanged at 15,000 barrels per day. Gulf Coast production also fell to 34,000 barrels a day from 35,000 barrels, and West Coast output declined to 9,000 barrels from 10,000 the week prior. These regional variations highlight the complexity of the ethanol market and the need for careful monitoring.

Snowfall: A Forecast for Several States

The National Weather Service has forecasted snow for much of central Missouri tonight into tomorrow morning. While most areas will only get a dusting, some regions can expect up to 2 inches of snow. Wind chills will be in the single digits or teens in the mornings through the weekend into next week. 1: Flurries are also expected in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. However, accumulations are likely to remain below a half inch. This forecast indicates that while there will be some snowfall, it may not have a significant impact on daily activities. 2: The additional snowfall forecast for tomorrow and possibly Sunday adds an element of uncertainty to the weather situation. It will be important for residents and businesses in these areas to be prepared and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and well-being.

Jeff and Marisa Sather's fourth-generation Sather Farm and Ranch in northeast Montana is guided by a holistic triple bottom line. This approach aims to maximize profit for the operation while also maximizing ecological and social benefits. With Jeff managing the operation and Marisa as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, they are committed to making sustainable decisions.

Unlock the Power of a Triple Bottom Line for Sustainable Farming

Using Cover Crops

Growing cover crops for livestock grazing is a crucial aspect of building soil biology. However, drought and grasshopper predation pose challenges. The Sathers are exploring alternative methods such as applying compost extract and fish hydrolysate to jump-start the rebuilding process. They also use a calcium treatment to break up soil compaction, reducing the need for herbicides. In years when cover crops thrive, as seen in 2021 during a severe drought, the benefits are evident. The Sathers have had success with a five-way, cool-season mix planted early in spring and grazed at different times. Soil tests have shown an increase in organic matter in just one year.

Despite potential yield reductions, the net profit per acre has improved. In drought conditions with no fertilizer, they can still harvest high yields of durum wheat.

Regenerative Livestock Production

On the cattle side, the Sathers have implemented regenerative practices. They delay calving until May and June to allow for pasture calving and practice managed grazing by rotating cattle through multiple small paddocks. They select for efficient herd genetics that thrive on grass and require few purchased inputs.

In addition to cattle, they run flocks of free-range butcher chickens and turkeys, as well as hogs sold locally. The poultry and hogs add value to the cropping enterprises' grain screenings, and the turkeys help reduce grasshopper damage to the market garden.

Growing the Farm

The Sathers have grown their operation by purchasing nearby farms. Their land base now includes 5,000 acres of cropland and 7,000 acres of pastureland. They are constantly looking for diverse enterprises and new farmers to join their operation and rejuvenate local communities.

They consider options such as selling, leasing, or gifting acres to help create revenue streams for others. While some enterprises are still experimental, they showcase the possibilities for young people starting as apprentices on the farm.

Marisa sums up the vision for their new-generation farm: "We aim to see the productivity of our operation increase over time, including traditional yield and value. This includes ecological and social value like adding families to the landscape and integrating diverse enterprise mixes. We want to see thriving wildlife and a thriving human community as we continue to succeed and grow our operation."