In the Roundup this week, we will focus on preliminary employment figures, which were released for July last week.


Nevada is the biggest engine for construction jobs right now in the Southwest as evidenced by the employment figures. Nevada experienced the largest percentage increase in construction employment between July 2013 and July 2014 than any other state: a 13.4% increase of 7,500 construction jobs. Florida again led all states in the number of construction jobs added in the latest 12 months, followed by Texas and California.


“I am pleased to see the overall economic picture for Nevada continues to remain positive,” said Governor Brian Sandoval. “Our efforts to diversify the economy and further improve the skills of our workforce remain an important priority along with job growth in key sectors of our economy. We must remain vigilant in our economic development efforts as we continue the slow but steady pace to recovery.”


Between June and July, New Mexico saw a 3.1% increase of 1,200 jobs.


Arizona lost the second-highest number of construction jobs during the year, according to analysis by the Associated of General Contractors, with a 4.8% loss of 5,900 jobs. Only New Jersey fared worse, with a 6.5 % loss of 8,900 jobs.


"The overall trend in construction employment has been very consistent in 2014, with more than three-fourths of states adding jobs each month on a year-over-year basis," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist.


Other tidbits:

The Urban Land Institute will host, “2050: The Next Generation” Sept. 11, at The Phoenician Estrella Theatre Room. The event will be all about discussing Phoenix’s future as a center for industry, and how the students of today will become the leaders of tomorrow. The speakers will include a keynote address from former mayor of Pittsburgh, Tom Murphy, moderation by former mayor of Phoenix Paul Johnson, CEO of the Raza Development Fund, Tommy Espinoza , as well as many other reputable leaders from the Phoenix industrial community.

***

Arizona was recently ranked among the best states for conducting business. CBRE Research conducted the poll, and as one of the most notable names in small business research the numbers should be more than adequate.

***

In Phoenix, future Grand Avenue improvements at Thunderbird Road have received its Federal Highway Administration approval to begin work next year at the Thunderbird and Thompson roads intersection. Work is scheduled to start by autumn 2015 on the project that would shift the Thunderbird Road connection to Grand Avenue so that it lines directly up with Thompson Ranch Road, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.