Ken Simonson, chief economist for The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), said the August 3 payroll employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics appears to understate the contribution of nonresidential construction as a job creator. Seasonally adjusted total construction employment dipped in July and was down by 53,000 or 0.7% compared to July 2006, but, Simonson said, that total hides the vigorous growth in nonresidential construction that is occurring.

The Census Bureau reported that nonresidential construction spending leaped 14% from June 2006 to June 2007. Informal surveys included in the Federal Reserve's "Beige Book" suggested that nonresidential construction remained vibrant in July.

Construction Contractors' Alliance's (CCA) Sept. 26-28 meeting in Chicago will reveal leadership techniques to remain successful and pro˛table while facing unknown circumstances. Featured speaker Gary Heil will discuss "Change Leadership: Creating a Different Tomorrow." For more information about CCA, contact Charlotte Perham at 800/533-7694 or perham@naphcc.org, or check the CCA Web site, www.naphcc.org/groups/cca/.

The Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI) has announced that NSF International has certified CISPI's member-company cast iron soil pipe and fitting products as being compliant with the CISPI 301 and ASTM A 74 Standards.

In addition, NSF International has accredited CISPI's quality control program to validate the compliance of member products with those standards. Certification of member products to CISPI 301 and ASTM A 74 ensures that pipes and fittings manufactured by the Institute's members and inspected by the Institute and NSF inspectors are compliant with these standards.

Quality Service Contractors (QSC) is offering a new member benefit: human resource consulting through SESCO Management Consultants. The new service is sponsored by A.O. Smith Water Heaters. QSC members will have access to such types of personnel-related assistance as: free telephone consultation on human resource management issues (including how to comply with federal/state employment regulations); discounted employee handbook reviews, including a thorough report and recommendations; and an electronic newsletter. Discounted consulting services on topics such as conflict resolution, organizational development/family business consulting; personnel forms and employee retention systems.