‘We’re in a special session, we should do something special.’ — State Sen. Justin Wayne LINCOLN — Like a phoenix from the ashes, term-limited Nebraska lawmakers made what could be their last ask Thursday to revive more substantial property tax relief plans before their time in the Legislature ends. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, seated, listens to State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha outlined three options for his colleagues to consider Thursday afternoon, ahead of an expected second-round debate on Legislative Bill 34. LB 34 is the evolving effort put forward… Read More »
UPDATE: November 15, 2024 – The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas just issued its ruling invalidating the entirety of DOL’s overtime final rule. In his ruling, Judge Jordan stated that while DOL has the authority to define and delimit the terms of the overtime exemption, “that authority ‘is not unbounded.’” He explained, “the minimum salary level imposed by the 2024 Rule ‘effectively eliminates’ consideration of whether an employee performs ‘bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity’ duties in favor of what amounts to a salary-only test.” He also said that the Department’s automatic updates to the minimum salary threshold every three years “violates… Read More »
Positive Drivers Infrastructure Investments: The federal and state investments in infrastructure are significant factors driving demand. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocates $1.2 trillion for a wide range of projects, boosting the need for construction equipment. For example, Illinois has a $21.3 billion budget for the 2021-2026 period for major highway and bridge improvements, and Michigan is set to receive $7.3 billion in federal funds for road repairs and upgrades. Urbanization: Continued urbanization and the development of smart cities in the Midwest create demand for both heavy and compact construction equipment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the… Read More »
Adapting to Change The construction equipment dealership industry has always been synonymous with adaptability. In recent years, however, it has faced unprecedented challenges. From supply chain disruptions to labor shortages, these obstacles have tested the industry’s resilience. Yet, amidst these challenges, there has been remarkable progress. “We’ve seen a significant shift towards more sustainable construction practices,” notes Jessica Hayes, a construction industry analyst at Build Insights. “Companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly machinery and implementing energy-efficient technologies.” Indeed, sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern construction. Technological Advancements The heartbeat of construction equipment dealership innovation lies in its technological advancements. From… Read More »
Tactical Talent Management: Bridging the Knowledge Gap The first step in AI adoption is cultivating a workforce that is ready for change. (Yes, we are talking about culture now). Look to initiate tailored training and employee engagement programs that cater to different learning preferences within your multigenerational workforce. This step not only bridges the knowledge gap but also instills confidence in employees by showcasing AI as an enhancement to their skills and productivity rather than a threat to job security. Encourage mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge sharing between experienced and newer employees. The younger generation will most likely adopt and… Read More »
The construction equipment industry is increasingly moving online, thanks to advancements in technology and changing consumer habits. E-commerce and online marketplaces have made it easier for companies to buy and rent equipment quickly and conveniently. Here are some key strategies driving this trend. Online Marketplaces E-commerce sites like MachineryTrader, IronPlanet, and Equipment Trader offer vast selections of new and used construction equipment. These platforms allow buyers to compare prices and features from multiple sellers easily. Example: Equipment Trader’s easy-to-use website lets customers search for equipment based on different criteria like category and price, making online shopping more appealing than… Read More »
