The Southeast's reputation for population and business growth appears to be playing out again, as metro areas from Miami to Atlanta are driving significant gains in construction activity.

As ENR Southeast notes elsewhere in this first 2014 print edition, the four-state region's construction prospects appear to be picking up considerably. For instance, McGraw Hill Construction is forecasting that the Southeast's percentage increase in 2014 construction contracts will easily outpace the nation during the coming year, with a 22% overall gain expected.

ENR Southeast is proud to announce its 2014 class of honorees for ENR's Top 20 Under 40 program. As always, this year's recipients were chosen by an independent panel of judges, who reviewed more than 60 entries submitted to our online system.

Some say the third time is a charm. For ENR Southeast's third annual Top 20 Under 40 competition, the adage holds true.