A coalition of housing industry groups joined the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for removing the "opt-out" provision from its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule. The LRRP rule opt-out provision, which expired July 6, let consumers allow contractors to bypass extra preparation, clean-up and recordkeeping requirements in homes where there were no children under 6 or pregnant women, thus avoiding additional costs. Full Story

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), along with a coalition of building industry associations, submitted comments to the EPA regarding the agency's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to expand its Lead; Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (LRRP) to Commercial and Public Buildings.  This is EPA's first step toward expanding the LRRP beyond residential buildings. "As we stated in our comments, WDMA and the coalition do not believe that the EPA has the authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act to impose the new regulations they are considering for public and commercial buildings. We also believe that EPA has much more work to do before it can reasonably conclude these regulations are necessary," said Jeff Inks, WDMA Vice President of Codes and Regulatory Affairs. Full Story

Over the past year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has conducted audits of employee files at more than 2,900 companies. The agency has levied a record $3 million in civil fines so far this year on businesses that hired unauthorized immigrants, according to official figures. Thousands of those workers have been fired, reported The New York Times on the Web. Full Story

A statewide nonprofit group has filed a lawsuit to compel two New Jersey agencies to adopt rules that would potentially allow the Jersey City school district and other urban school districts in the state to plan, design and construct needed school construction projects in their communities. The action, brought in the state Superior Court's Appellate Division by the Newark-based Education Law Center (ELC), looks to force the state Department of Education (DOE) and Schools Development Authority (SDA) to set into motion a long-promised process that would allow some of the 31 urban school districts governed by the SDA to directly plan and construct their own projects while being supervised by the agency, reported The Jersey City Independent. Full Story

The Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) announced that is has joined the ConsensusDOCS coalition, which creates standard contract documents for use by all participants in the construction industry. "We are excited to join this growing coalition of construction industry associations dedicated to providing fair and balanced contract documents," states Suzanne P. Shomers, CAE, Chief Financial Officer of DHI. "Not only will DHI members benefit from this new affiliation, but the construction industry as a whole will benefit from DHI's base of more than 5,000 professional members representing contract door and hardware distributors, manufacturers, and independent sales agents across the U.S., Canada and abroad." Full Story

Click here for more Industry Access news including recent new hires, merger & acquisition activity and who's offering new products.

* DHI Members may submit news releases to be considered for inclusion in DHI's IndustryWatch. Send to: jmadden@dhi.org

A new study identifies commercial buildings as a stealth drain on the California's energy resources and economy. The report, Untapped Potential of Commercial Buildings: Energy Use and Emissions, produced by Collaborative Economics for Next 10, finds that the energy efficiency or lack thereof in commercial buildings has a significant impact on California's economy, the state's overall energy use, global warming pollution emissions and jobs. Full Story To download the full report click here.

The June Producer Price Index for Wood Doors (flush & panel, interior & exterior) was down 1.0% from 2009 and the Other Wood Doors (Incl. garage, screen, storm, etc.) PPI was down 2.7% compared to a year earlier. Compared to May, the unadjusted June PPI was down 0.1% for Wood Doors, but unchanged for Other Doors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The PPI for Metal Doors, Sash & Trim was down 0.1% from May, and was down 1.2% from 2009. The PPI for Builders Hardware was up 2.5% from 2009 and unchanged from a month earlier. Click here to view the full June Producer Price Index report. (PDF file - Wood Door information is on page 16, Builders Hardware, page 22 and Metal Door data, page 23)

Buildings.com reviews using job order contracting to manage construction costs in the public sector. Full Story

Healthcare organizations are more likely to invest in energy efficiency for their facilities compared to other industry sectors across North America, according to new research from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) and Johnson Controls, reported Environmental Design & Construction. Full Story

Some companies are starting to eye job-hungry areas of the country as prime candidates for the kind of outsourced work that once would have gone overseas, reported CNNMoney. Dubbed "ruralsourcing," "rural outsourcing" and "onshoring," the practice relies on two simple premises: Smaller towns need jobs, and they offer a cheaper cost of living than urban centers. So businesses that outsource work to these areas can expect to pay less -- rates are often as much as 25% to 50% lower -- than if they were hiring urbanites with comparable skills. Full Story

Historically, education institutions have focused on the construction costs and may not have used due diligence to examine the highest return on investment over an extended period of time (10 to 20 years). When deciding whether to renovate or replace, schools should evaluate the long-term benefits of reusing all or portions of existing facilities, reported American School & University. Full Story

There was a negligible increase in the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) last month. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the June ABI rating was 46.0, up slightly from a reading of 45.8 the previous month. This score reflects a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index increased from 55.5 to 57.7. Full Story

Southern New England, New York, California, South Florida, Washington-Baltimore and four long depressed Midwestern cities will have strongest recovery for building construction, excluding single family housing, according to the May Expansion Index from Reed Construction Data. The index also suggests that the relatively hot housing markets in Texas recently will not cause a quick and strong recovery in Texas nonresidential construction. Full Story

Even with modest improvements in the overall U.S. economy, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by more than 20% in 2010 with a marginal increase of 3.1% in 2011 in inflation adjusted terms. Poor conditions remain because of an oversupply of nonresidential facilities in most construction categories, weak demand for space, continuing declines in commercial property values, and a strong reluctance to provide credit from real estate lenders, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast. Full Story For the full report click here.

Construction spending shrank again in May, dropping 8% from a year earlier, although homebuilding and stimulus–funded public works increased from year–ago levels, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Private nonresidential construction sagged 25% from May 2009 to May 2010, while public construction edged down 3%, and private residential construction rose 11%. Full Story

Integrated Design, where stakeholders provide input in all stages of the building process, is gaining popularity, reported ConstructionDigital.com. Integrated design is a trend in construction in which a building is designed holistically using input from key stakeholders, including architects, engineers and contractors. This is a 180 degree turn from the traditional approach to building construction, in which design flaws aren't found until later in the process, when changes to design become more expensive to fix. Full Story

A $2 billion development in Loudoun County Virginia was approved by the Board of Supervisors, reported The Washington Post. The plan includes more than 2 million square feet of office space as well as retail space, two hotels, a state-of-the-art performing arts center, and 1,400 multifamily-residential units. Full Story

This year, developers are on track to open the largest number of new hotels in New York City in several decades. All told, the 44 hotels with 7,561 rooms slated to debut this year amount to an 8.5% expansion of the city's room supply, according to hotel-research company Lodging Econometrics. That wave comes as the number of hotels nationally is expanding at a pace of only 1.6%, reported The Wall Street Journal. Full Story

The National Security Agency has completed plans for a massive expansion at Fort George G. Meade. The agency recently completed a study on the impacts of its proposed $5.2 billion expansion, growth that includes adding up to 11,000 jobs and 5.8 million square feet of new office space to its Fort Meade headquarters, reported the Baltimore Business Journal. Full Story

The Detroit Medical Center plans to create 5,000 construction jobs during the next five years on $500 million worth of planned upgrades to its buildings once it finalizes its sale to Nashville-based for-profit Vanguard Health Systems, reported The Detroit News. Full Story

For the third consecutive year, SDMs exclusive report, Access Control: Feature Sets that Sell, seeks to identify what features and functions make access control systems appeal to end users. This year, it is apparent that many of the same features as in previous years top the list, but there is more. End users are increasingly faced with tougher choices about where to spend their limited funds. Making more of their existing investment, software upgrades and a renewed look at how the access control integrates with other areas of the business are bigger concerns, according to many manufacturers and integrators. Full Story

American School & University reviews some of the strategies of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). By using security-enhancing elements in the design of a facility, schools and universities can provide a safer setting for learning without calling unwanted attention to the added security. Full Story

Small Business Lending and Tax Relief

The Senate is still debating the merits of its version of a small business lending assistance and tax relief bill.  However, even if the Senate does finish its work on the bill this week, either the chambers have to play "ping-pong" to settle on a final version or convene a conference committee.

The current House version includes the creation of a small business lending fund, small business stock capital gains relief, listed transactions penalty relief and a start up deduction increase.

While the Senate has yet to vote on its version, in addition to what is in the House version, the Senate version potentially could include a host of other prized items including a revival of the depreciation bonus, a two year doubling of the direct expensing allowance, a standard home office deduction and a temporary deduction from the self employment tax for the health care costs of the self-employed, among other items.  AND a possible repeal of the Form 1099 expansion.  AND, at least in theory, estate tax relief is in play too, though these last two are long shots.

The pending business is a substitute amendment put together by Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA).  Some of the items mentioned above are included in their substitute amendment. Others such as the home office deduction, repeal of the Form 1099 provision and estate tax relief are either Democratic, Republican or bi-partisan amendments (in that order). Deals are still being made to get the 60 votes so the fate of amendments is not known yet.

FORM 1099

Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) and others have introduced S.3578 - Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act.  The bill would repeal the Form 1099 expansion enacted earlier this year as part of Public Law 111-148.  SBLC supports their efforts.

You can go to www.stopform1099.org to send emails to Representatives and Senators.

Golf Anyone?

It’s back!! After a two year hiatus, we hope that you are ready to join us once again for the Annual Foundation Golf Tournament. Dust off your golf clubs and join us on Tuesday, September 21st for the 14th Annual Foundation Golf Tournament. Click here for details.

Fire Door Inspection Reference Materials Available!
In an effort to support the AHJ's mission, and to provide guidance to building owners and facilities management personnel, DHI and the Foundation joined forces to create a training program specific to the inspection requirements of the 2007 edition of NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Excerpted language from NFPA 80 is included in the following manuals, and may be helpful to have as you progress through these guides. (Obtain a copy of NFPA 80 directly from NFPA at www.nfpa.org or by calling DHI at 703-222-2010). Examples cited in the guides are some common - but not all - problems and situations observed in builders' applications used on fire-rated door assemblies.

Make sure each of the three publications addressing the annual safety inspections of swinging fire doors with builders hardware are part of your office reference materials: 

AHJ's GUIDE: Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware
OWNER'S GUIDE: Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware
REFERENCE GUIDE: Inspecting Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware

Click here for complete content descriptions of each guide OR to purchase via PayPal

DHI SUSTAINABILITY…DHI's 35th Annual Conference & Exposition
Registration NOW OPEN
September 14–23, 2010 in Chicago, IL

Doors and Hardware Impact Sustainability
• Sustaining your business by understanding opportunities from managing your accounts receivable as an asset, beyond just credit and collections.
• Solidifying channel relationships during challenging times.
• PLUS! 2010 Forum for the Future IS INCLUDED in your conference registration – a $100 SAVINGS!
The Forum is not just an "optional event" on the schedule for certain attendees. Once again, this year, this Industry event is the cornerstone of the entire Conference and ALL ATTENDEES are strongly encouraged to attend.

·  National Education Opportunities
· Industry Marketplace
·  Exposition Hall including Opening and Closing Receptions
·  Door Security & Safety Foundation Golf Tournament
·  Guest Tours and more...

REGISTER NOW FOR THE BIGGEST SAVINGS! · FULL CONFERENCE PACKAGES AS LOW AS $150*!!!

Download a registration form and fax to 703/222-2410.

* Members only rate. Price for non-members is $250. Offer non-refundable and valid only through July 30th, 2010. Hurry! Offer Ends soon!

CAREER SUSTAINABILITY...DHI's National Education

Trying to Stay Afloat in This Economy? Need Opportunities to Save While Advancing Your Career? Register for the DHI Fire Door Assembly Inspection class (DAI600) by August 1, 2010, and receive $200 off the tuition! -OR- Register for 8 consecutive days of DHI National Education (September 14-21 at the Palmer House in Chicago, IL) by August 1, 2010 and receive $200 off the tuition!

Register for National Education online or for complete course listings, descriptions, and schedules, Offer Ends August, 1, 2010, so REGISTER TODAY!
Questions?  Contact DHI Registrar, Linda Saylor at (703) 222-7021 or by e-mail LSaylor@dhi.org

Rules and fine print for DHI National School $200 Tuition Discount: Only one (1) discount per student. Offers cannot be combined (Ex. a student cannot take DAI600 for 4 days of class AND take 4 days of National Education leading up to it and get $400 off); 8 consecutive days of education must be completed in Chicago, IL. (And hey, no pulling out of one of the classes at the last minute, either!); Offer cannot be combined among multiple students (ex: Student A takes 3 days of classes and Student B from the same company takes 5 days of classes or Student A and Student B from different companies or friends of friends' companies...you get the picture). What can you do? Students CAN participate in this promotion to save $200 off DAI600 class OR 8 consecutive days of education (all these other rules still apply) and get attendance to the National Conference FREE! Now THAT’s a deal! Questions? Give us a call! 703/222-2010.

Are you a Distributor? Wonder WHY there aren't articles focusing on the basic issues you face within the industry every day featured in Doors & Hardware magazine?

Share Your Point of View, Your Experience, Your Two Cents—Write for Doors & Hardware!

As experts in the openings industry and its operations, DHI relies on people like you to suggest and write articles on the day-to-day situations and external influences impacting our members. From insight on the impact of code changes, to consolidation, to sustainability and the current state of the openings industry, we need your perspective!

If you are interested in becoming a paid writer (honorariums awarded for each submission published) for Doors & Hardware, please contact editor, Jesse Madden, at 703-766-7033 or email: jmadden@dhi.org

Whether you write one article or 20, your voice can make a difference in our industry! Make yourself heard. You have the Industry expertise. We have the readers. SHARE your knowledge with others.