Food & Beverage
XXXX Launches Limited-Edition Lager to Support Great Barrier Reef
2024-12-11
The iconic Queensland brand, XXXX, has made a significant announcement with the release of its limited-edition XXXX Tropical lager. This brew is the result of a partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and showcases XXXX's ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability. Encouraging Aussies to care about the reef, this refreshing lager not only quenches thirst but serves as a reminder to support the foundation. To celebrate the launch, XXXX will donate $100K to the foundation's work in restoring vital seagrass meadows that are home to the reef's fish, turtles, and dugongs.

"Quench Your Thirst and Save the Reef with XXXX Tropical Lager"

Partnership for Environmental Stewardship

XXXX's partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation is a testament to their commitment to protecting the environment. By releasing this limited-edition lager, they are giving Aussies an opportunity to contribute to the restoration and protection of critical reef habitats. This long-term million-dollar investment sets XXXX apart as the first and only Australian beer brand to partner with the foundation, demonstrating their dedication to future generations.

The vital role seagrass meadows play in the health of the reef cannot be emphasized enough. They act as the ocean's lungs, storing carbon, protecting coasts, and providing habitat for marine life. The restoration of these ecosystems is essential for providing habitat for marine life, supporting carbon sequestration, improving water quality, and protecting coastlines from erosion. XXXX is doing its part to ensure the next generation can enjoy the good life and the reef.

Unique Flavor and Packaging

XXXX Tropical Lager is a pale golden beer that bursts with the aromas of mango and passionfruit, accompanied by subtle citrus notes. Its smooth, crisp flavor profile features tropical fruit notes balanced by light malt sweetness and a hint of hop bitterness. The packaging design is truly eye-catching, evoking the colors of the Great Barrier Reef. An eye-popping bold coral pink is complemented by silver fish swimming across the label, making it a standout on store shelves.

Exclusive to Coles Liquor stores including Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market, and available on-premise only on Hamilton Island, XXXX Tropical Lager will be in very limited quantity. Consumers will need to act quickly to experience this refreshing and delicious brew.

Impact on the Great Barrier Reef

The donation of $100K by XXXX to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation will have a significant impact on the restoration efforts. Seagrass meadows are crucial for the survival of many marine species, and by restoring them, XXXX is helping to create a healthier ecosystem. This not only benefits the reef but also contributes to the overall health of the ocean and the planet.

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation's managing director, Anna Marsden, emphasizes the importance of this partnership. "We're proud to continue our partnership with XXXX and give Aussies the chance to support the restoration and protection of critical Reef habitats. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Lion Australia's sustainability director, Justin Merrell, also highlights the significance of the brand's commitment. "This is part of our larger effort to ensure the reef remains healthy for future generations. XXXX Tropical Lager is a tangible expression of our dedication to protecting the reef."

States with Highest Construction Trade Reliance on Immigrant Workers in 2023
2024-12-11
As reported in a previous post, immigrants play a significant role in the construction industry. They make up one in four workers and an even higher share among construction tradesmen. In some states, their reliance is particularly notable, with immigrants comprising over 40% of the construction workforce in certain areas.

Government Classification and Occupation Distribution

The government's system for classifying occupations shows that the construction industry employs workers in about 390 occupations. Out of these, only 28 are construction trades, yet they account for almost two-thirds of the construction labor force. The other one-third of workers are in various off-site activities.

Construction Trades with High Immigrant Concentration

Immigrants are particularly concentrated in construction trades essential for home building, such as plasterers and stucco masons, where 61% are of foreign-born origin. Roofers have 52% immigrant workers, painters 51%, and carpet/floor/tile installers 45%. These trades require less formal education but face high labor shortages in surveys.

The Two Most Prevalent Construction Occupations

Laborers and carpenters are the two most prevalent construction occupations, accounting for over a quarter of the construction labor force. A third of all carpenters and 42% of construction laborers are foreign-born. These trades consistently register some of the highest labor shortages in relevant surveys.

Immigrant Presence in Different States

More than half (53%) of the three million immigrant construction workers reside in the four most populous states in the U.S. - California, Texas, Florida, and New York. California and Texas have over half a million foreign-born construction workers each, accounting for over a third (35%) of all immigrant construction workers combined. Florida and New York combined account for an additional 18%. In states like New Jersey (40% in 2023), Nevada (36%), and Maryland (36%), the reliance on immigrant labor is also significant. In Georgia, Connecticut, North Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Illinois, more than a quarter of construction workers are foreign-born. At the other end, seven states have a share of immigrant workers of less than 5%.

Immigrant Source Regions

While most states draw the majority of immigrant foreign-born workers from the Americas, Hawaii relies more on Asian immigrants. European immigrants are a significant source of construction labor in New York, New Jersey, and Illinois.
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Construction Tech Leaders Launch Network for Builders with Industry Experience
2024-12-11
Leaders from eight prominent construction technology companies came together on December 11th to introduce "Built by Builders." This support group is dedicated to the burgeoning tech sector and aims to enhance user confidence in adopting next-generation tools and processes. The initiative is spearheaded by experts with extensive industry project management experience, who are committed to driving innovation and efficiency.

Empowering the Construction Sector with Tech Expertise

ConCntric's Role and Vision

Steve Dell’Orto, the founder and CEO of ConCntric, a preconstruction management and collaboration platform, emphasizes the importance of the group. "Our goal is to establish a platform where industry innovators can mutually support each other, collaborate on revolutionary ideas, and uplift the construction sector as a whole," he states. With 26 years of experience in the construction industry and a former regional executive officer at Clark Construction, Dell’Orto brings valuable insights. He further adds that "Built by Builders" focuses on construction industry technology development based on "real-world experience and a profound understanding of what builders truly require."

Other Founding Members and Their Platforms

Other founding members of "Built by Builders" include the founders and CEOs of Document Crunch, a contract and document compliance platform; Clearstory, a change order management platform; Togal.AI, an artificial intelligence-based estimation platform; ProjectMark, a construction customer relationship management platform; SALUS, a safety management software; Kaster, a trade subcontractor management platform; and PLOT, a worksite procurement and delivery tool. Each of these platforms plays a crucial role in different aspects of the construction process.

Group's Expansion Plans

Dell’Orto mentioned that the group anticipates adding more construction technology firm leaders as members in the coming months. This expansion is driven by the conversations he had with customers, who recognized the value of having someone with hands-on construction industry experience. "Building that experience into a usable tool made a significant difference. It's truly about elevating the industry," he said.

Upcoming Initiatives

The group is actively planning to launch a dedicated website and the first in a series of webinars, which have already been announced on ConCntric's website. These initiatives will further enhance the group's reach and impact, providing a platform for industry professionals to connect, learn, and grow.
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