AEM: Machinery Exports Declined in 2002

American construction equipment exports dropped more than 12.75 percent in 2002, following a decline of 5.9 percent the previous year, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers said.

The group, which is coheadquartered in Chicago and Milwaukee, said shipments to worldwide markets totaled $6.37 billion in 2002.

Asia was the only market to show an increase. Exports there totaled $1.06 billion, up almost 14 percent.

Export business to Canada dropped 3.75 percent to $2.02 billion. Europe took delivery of $1.27 billion of American construction equipment, a drop of almost 25 percent compared with the previous year.

South America took delivery of $615 million of equipment, a 35.8 percent decline compared with the previous year. Construction machinery exports to Central America dropped 10 percent to $686 million.

Shipments to Australia/Oceania declined 9.75 percent to $470 million, while exports to Africa totaled $247 million, a decline of 28 percent.

In other news, the AEM recognized Midwestern winners of the 2002 National Association of Conservation Districts' District Outreach award during special ceremonies as part of the NACD Annual Conference recently held in Orlando, Fla.

They include Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District in Scottsburg, Ind., for its Internet site and the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District in Greencastle, Ind., for its print media.

The AEM/NACD award spotlights the outstanding work of local conservation districts to inform the public on the importance of conserving and enhancing America's natural resources.

Three Midwesterners Elected NRCA Directors

Three Midwesterners were elected to three-year terms as directors of the Rosemont, Ill.-based National Roofing Contractors Association.

They include Michael Herlihy III, senior project manager for Aurora, Ill.-based Olsson Roofing Co. Inc.; Alex Hernandez, vice president of Broadview, Ill.-based Clark Roofing Co.; and David Tilsen, president of Madison, Wis.-based Tilsen Roofing Co.

36 Subcontractors to Get ASA Safety Citations

Thirty-six subcontracting firms from Illinois and Indiana were recognized for exemplary safety programs during the Association of Subcontractors & Affiliates/ASA Chicago's Eighth Annual Safety Award Evening at Beau Jolie restaurant in Schiller Park.

The criterion for the award is based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's 300 form.

Two businesses have received the award for six of eight years, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Robinette Demolition and Bolingbrook, Ill.-based Stevenson Crane Services Inc.

BAGC, McGraw-Hill Sign Partnership Deal

The Des Plaines, Ill.-based Builders Association of Greater Chicago and New York-based McGraw-Hill Construction have announced a partnership.

The pact provides BAGC members with benefits, said Albert Leitschuh, executive vice president of the group.

They will receive a 10 percent discount on selected McGraw-Hill products, including F.W. Dodge Analytics, Dodge Reports and E-Project Lead Manager, he said. In addition, they will get complimentary access to Dodge eLeads and Cost Estimator.

Members will also have access to McGraw-Hill's Plan Room in Downers Grove, Leitschuh said. They can do estimates and perform take-offs.

McGraw-Hill Construction is the publisher of Midwest Construction.

The agreement will last for two years and is automatically renewable for a two-year term, Leitschuh said.