WASHINGTON (October 3, 2013) –The International Trade Administration and the American Institute of Architects will open a four-day Architecture Services Trade Mission to Brazil Oct. 7 that will introduce U.S. firms to Brazil’s rapidly expanding market for architectural services as it prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2014, the Summer Olympics in 2016, as well as other opportunities.

PRINCETON, N.J. (October 2, 2013) - The Construction Financial Management Association's (CFMA) Quarterly CONFINDEX™ Survey, sponsored by Viewpoint, dropped in September to 127, from 128 in June, showing construction CFO confidence is declining. CONFINDEX™ is CFMA's proprietary confidence index survey of CFOs in the commercial construction sector.

(October 1, 2013) Total construction spending hit an unknown level in August because the Census Bureau was unable to release new data as a result of the federal government shutdown, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that the impacts of the shutdown will go beyond data as solicitations for many new construction projects come to a halt.

WEST COXSACKIE, N.Y. (September 27, 2013) – The federal government recently issued a new policy clarifying ADA curb ramp requirements for pavement alterations. As an industry resource on pavement rehabilitation and restoration, the non-profit trade association International Grooving & Grinding Association (IGGA) is providing its members with guidance on this new information.