Building On 25 Years

Since CII was formed 25 years ago, tremendous improvements have been realized in the construction industry, and many of those changes are founded on the work of CII. More than 110 major companies are aligned to continue that great work. We have many solid examples of the positive changes that result from such alignment, and the dramatic improvements in safety culture and performance are obvious beneficial results. Nevertheless, 25 years later, the construction industry is still challenged by fragmentation, impacted by weather and the business cycle, and is experiencing significant shortages in highly skilled technical and trade personnel. Amazingly though, in 2006 our industry contributed almost five percent to our nation’s GDP and employed 11.7 million persons, over eight percent of the nation’s work force. As it was 25 years ago and is still true today, construction activities affect nearly every aspect of the U.S. economy and are vital as an engine for economic growth. (CII-25, p. 24)