The following are 2015 predictions from a few of our ABC Board Of Directors:
 
Thoughts from Past Chairman of the Board, Mike Klockenga: 

1.      I expect the Nebraska construction environment to continue to be reasonably good – about even with the level of activity from 2014.
2.      I expect that our biggest problem as an electrical contractor will be finding, hiring, and keeping qualified employees.
3.      I believe that the margins for electrical projects will remain low due to the large number of competitors in this space.
4.      I am concerned that the liberal NLRB will continue to make decisions that adversely affect merit shop contractors.
5.      I hope that a Republican Congress can somewhat keep the President in check so he is not able to do too much more to damage the economy.
 
Thoughts from Board Member, Andy Bailey:
 
I believe 2015 will be similar to 2014 from both a project and revenue standpoint.  Omaha in particular will see a continued heavy workload and worker shortages due to several high profile projects still under construction in the area.  AE firms will be busy with school bond projects in the Millard, Papillion and OPS school districts which will translate into bid work by the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2015.  Instability in the health insurance industry will continue to affect companies and their employees.  The continued drop in fuel prices is certainly welcome and will help overall project and company overhead costs. 
 
Thoughts from Chair elect, Bruce Petersen:
 
I predict a rising tide will raise all boats in the construction industry for 2015. Low interest rates and low energy prices will prompt additional consumer spending and increase the need for non-residential building. A tightening of the construction labor market will help bolster construction prices as demand for trained craft people will continue to increase.  Energy production sectors may take a short term hit as energy prices are forecast to remain low over the next 12-18 months, but market sectors outside of the energy production should see continued growth.