Reed Construction Data Launches SmartLeads
Reed Construction Data recently launched SmartLeads, its first construction project lead service that gives users unlimited access to summary-level data on U.S. and Canadian construction projects and the ability to purchase “per project” package options at a low cost. The initial launch of SmartLeads is available to the U.S. construction market through Reed’s new SmartProject News platform.

To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web site.

North American Industrial Project Spending Up in November
After reaching its lowest point in nearly three years in October, the North American Industrial Project Spending Index, measuring project spending growth, rose to 13.73% in November, according to Sugar Land, Texas-based Industrial Info Resources. In October, the project spending index dropped for the seventh consecutive month to 1.17%.

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Architecture Billings Index Drops to All-Time Low for Second Straight Month
Business conditions at architecture firms continue to deteriorate, with the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) posting its lowest level since the survey began in 1995 for the second month in a row. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Washington, D.C., reported the November ABI rating was 34.7, down from the 36.2 mark in October (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 38.3, also a historic low point.

To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web site.

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Electrical Controls for Pumping Facility in Minnesota
The City of Plymouth, Minn., is accepting bids for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction of a pumping facility. The project the design and installation diesel generator as well as electrical controls. The deadline for bids is 10 a.m. CST on January 6. Direct inquiries to Engineer’s Project Manager Richard Foster at (651) 604-4840.

Parking Garage Project in Connecticut
The Purchasing Department in New Britain, Conn., will receive bids for electrical repairs and improvements at the Badolato Municipal Parking Garage. The work consists of repair to the existing electrical/lighting system; replacement of the exit signage, fire alarm pull stations, smoke detectors, heaters and exhaust fans; installation of a new intrusion alarm in the stair penthouse; and the removal of an existing call box system followed by the installation of a new emergency callbox system. For more information, visit the state's Web site.

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Web Exclusives
Business Brief
The commercial division of Palmer Electric Co., Winter Park, Fla., has secured a contract from Brasfield & Gorrie, Birmingham, Ala., to wire 1500 SouthPark office building, Orlando, Fla. Palmer Electric’s scope of services comprises site and building electrical contracting, including systems for fire alarm, access control, and lightning protection. The four-story, 155,000-square-foot building is scheduled for completion in April.

For more Business Briefs, visit the EC&M Web site.

Eye on Safety
Ohio Votes in 2008 NEC
On December 12, the Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS) voted unanimously to reinstate the 2008 National Electrical Code for one, two and three-family dwellings, making it the electrical installation standard for the state of Ohio. The Ohio Joint Committee on Agency Rules Review had a public hearing on Dec. 8 and concluded that the OBBS had followed all guidelines in the Code adoption process. The reinstated NEC is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.

Shows & Events



Electric West 2009
The Electric West Show, to be held March 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with the Power Quality Reliability Conference, is the perfect place to brush up on the latest NEC topics — and earn continuing education credits in the process. Geared toward electrical contractors, consulting and specifying engineers, electricians, and plant facility personnel, there’s something for everyone at the Electric Show. The biggest electrical marketplace in the western United States, this event attracts 250 exhibiting companies and more than 6,000 attendees every year. Here's a preview of some of the NEC seminars planned for next year's event:

• One- and Two-Family Dwelling Unit Electrical Systems
• Changes to the 2008 NEC
• Swimming Pools and Similar Installations (NEC Article 680)
• Introduction to the 2009 NFPA 70E

For more information, visit our Web site.