In Pre-Columbian Central America, the Mayans did not use coins for money. But what they did value was cacao. A study of their artwork a few years ago found that they considered it so prestigious they used cacao beans as a form of currency. It was worth even more to them than gold.
Although today’s money doesn’t grow on trees, luckily, we still have domestically made chocolate—a fact that everyone at ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR is grateful for.
Over the past two months, we've had a survey out to our Subscriber Research Panel to find out if and how the tariffs are affecting your businesses. Specific categories do seem to be hindering our readers, including wire and cable and other building materials, and some of you are spending more time trying to procure products. Some of this is dragging down our readers' optimism in the economy, which fell from 70.5% of folks feeling optimistic in December to 61.7% in May. That's what you're telling us, but we also want to look at what other experts are saying.
In his midyear construction outlook, Jeff Gavin explains to us why “The Economy Is Like a Box of Chocolates“ right now. Although it’s difficult to predict what types of chocolates you’ll find in your box in the latter half of 2025, economists say signs point to unwrapping more lucrative opportunities than not. Chris Kuehl also continues his discussion about tariffs and the ongoing uncertainty contractors face around them in his Current Outlook column.
This month, we’re also talking all about the business side of electrical contracting and how it’s evolving. Susan DeGrane talks to two electrical contracting firms in California about the types of core projects that keep their businesses going. “The Changing Nature of Bread-and-Butter Work.“
Does your company do any design-assist work? It might be worth looking into. In “ Leaping Into Design-Assist,“ Jared Christman talks about the value of collaborating with project owners on design, rather than waiting to bid on designed projects.
As your businesses evolve, so does technology. Craig DiLouie explores the integration of HVAC and lighting controls and the new guidelines that have been developed for it in his Lighting column.
Susan Bloom then takes us to “the beating heart of Boston“—Fenway Park. In a three-phase project, Gaston Electrical Co. Inc. conducted upgrade work on the stadium and helped construct the new MGM Music Hall at Fenway. “Right in Tune“ is on page 38. Play ball!
We’re also gearing up for NECA 2025 Chicago in September. Will we see you there? We’ll be there (with bells on!). Come visit us in Booth No. 1450. Check out what's happening at this year’s trade show and what it will offer. Never been? There's a code you can use to check out the trade show for free. Don’t forget to register.
Until next month, we hope your company's box of chocolates is filled with what you’re hoping for. And we look forward to hearing how your business strategy is changing with the times. Tell us all about it at [email protected].
