Editor’s
Viewpoint By Mark Buckshon
Publisher, Chicago Construction News
This Florida Construction News issue focuses on
some fundamental technological changes radically
reshaping how architects, engineers and contractors
work. The story here is vitally important to understand
because the technological revolution will truly shake up
the established order, business relationships and
practices. Not everyone, I realize, has the same interest in
embracing change, especially when it is coupled with
uncertainty, dislocation and disruption. However, in my
opinion, it is far better to be ahead of the curve than
caught behind it – and the changes, indeed, will happen.
Consider what has happened to the publishing
industry in just the past five years. Long-established
newspapers and broadcasters which had thrived for
decades suddenly saw their businesses shrink; to the
point that many local publications have closed, and many
national ones have become midgits.
As a publisher, I’ve been fortunate to stay in tune with
the changes, making friends with Google – to the point
that I’m invited to annual parties at Google’s Mountain
View headquarters. This year, the meeting will be in the
futuristic conference center described in this month’s
article. We’ve designed this publication to be primarily digital,
yet for those who wish it, have the feel and style of a
traditional magazine. It is also responsive. Even in the
digital era, there are human stories, experiences, and
accomplishments and I hope we can continue to convey
your experiences and interests in the months and years
ahead. Please feel free to send your comments and
suggestions for future articles to
buckshon@floridaconstructionnews.com. Here’s how to build your business in
Florida’s architecture, engineering
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Florida Construction News combines a bi-monthly magazine
with a weekly newsletter and a website (updated daily), delivering
news, analysis and networking opportunities to Florida’s
architecture, engineering and construction community. The
magazine is distributed primarily online to 9,000 general contrac-
tors, specialty contractors, developers, professional services and
building owners throughout Florida.
For more information on promoting your business to our au-
dience and to request rates, see the advertising rates page on
the Floridaconstructionnews.com website. You can also contact
Chase at chase@floridaconstructionnews.com or phone him at
888-627-8717 ext 212.
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to Mark Buckshon at buckshon@floridaconstructionnews.com.
Florida Construction News is published by Construction
News and Report Publishing Inc. 332 S Michigan Ave, Ste 1032
- C319, Chicago IL 60604-4434.
Publisher: Chase
Interim editor:
Mark Buckshon
Production and design:
Raymond Leveille
Administration: Katherine Jeffrey, Kathy Lepage
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© Copyright 2018 Construction News and Report Publishing Inc.
Jason Hale, instructor with students, left to right: Samuel Phoenix,
Marlon Skyers, Lazaro Alejo, Julio Gonzalez, and Donald Siebert
ABC Institute graduates
more than 150 apprentices
at Ft. Lauderdale ceremony
Florida Construction News staff writer
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Insti-
tute’s 2018 graduation ceremony has commemorated
the 153 dedicated construction apprentices from Key
West to Brevard County who completed their class-
room education this year.
Depending on the program, students spent up to
four years working full-time during the day, while at-
tending up to 200 annual hours in classes at the insti-
tute during the evening.
Students from various trades including linemen,
roofing, fire protection and electrical celebrated with
their families, friends and fellow classmates on July 21
in Ft. Lauderdale. Keynote speaker Chris Riley, project
executive of Power Design, Inc., provided inspirational
words to send the students off with veteran wisdom,
ABC said in a news release.
“We’re proud to welcome this class of graduates
into the growing construction industry in South
Florida,” said Riley. “With their skills they have learned
through the Institute, they are bound to help build
America for years to come.”
“This year’s class was exceptional,” said Peter
Dyga, president and CEO of the ABC Florida East
Coast Chapter. “We had students overcome chal-
lenges, tragedies and adversity. We’re proud of each
and every student and all they have accomplished dur-
ing their time at the institute.”
MasTec North America served as a sponsor of the
ceremony. In addition to receiving their certificates, 38 stu-
dents and one instructor received monetary rewards,
courtesy of ABC Cares, which provides financial assis-
tance and support for members of the construction in-
dustry. They were honored for a variety of outstanding
achievements, including perfect attendance during the
current year and during their entire study, achieving the
valedictorian title, and Instructor of the Year.
With more than 476,000 apprentices in America, the
institute’s goal is to ensure each one receives proper
education in their chosen trade, the news release said.
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Florida Construction News — SUMMER 2018 – 3