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EBCI Confidence Ebbs; Outlook is Brighter
ROSSLYN, VA— Following on the heels of two months of expansion, North American business conditions softened in May, according to senior industry executives responding to the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association's (NEMA) Electroindustry Business Confidence Survey.
The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions slipped to 38.6 in May from 62 in April, its highest level in a year. Evidence suggests that the present deterioration in conditions may be short-lived. The EBCI for future North American conditions rebounded to 54.5 from 50 a month ago, indicating that survey panelists expect business conditions in the next six months to improve from their current level. In fact, the North American future conditions index has equaled or exceeded 50 in each of the last four months.
The EBCI gauges the business confidence of the electroindustry in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America, and is based on the results of a monthly survey of senior managers at NEMA member companies. Those companies represent more than 80 percent of the electroindustry.
AFL Opens Facility
SPARTANBURG, SC — AFL Tele-communications opened a West coast warehouse for bulk fiber optic cable. The Southern California warehouse will increase delivery responsiveness to AFL's partners throughout the Western U.S.
Grainger Donation Addresses Skilled Labor Shortage
New York — Grainger recently donated $20,000 to the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). The donation addresses two pressing challenges facing the construction industry in New York City: an immediate need for trained men and women to manage an increasing number of construction projects and a projected shortage of entry-level employees in the construction industry at a time when the pace of construction in the city is accelerating.
"Grainger is proud to help BMCC students as they contribute to growth and development of the New York City area and build a better future for themselves," said Mark Hanna, regional sales vice president, Grainger. "Grainger applauds BMCC's efforts to help ensure that New York City continues to have an ample pool to meet the demand for workers in the skilled and technical trades."
A portion of Grainger's donation will be used to fund six scholarships for those participating in a 120-hour Construction Project Scheduler Training Program at BMCC. The Program is a collaborative effort of the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center, the Mayor's Commission on Construction Opportunities and the Building Trades Association. The scholarships pay the entire cost of tuition, texts and related materials.
