Amazon is preparing to break ground on a $12‑billion network of data center campuses in northwest Louisiana, a project state officials describe as one of the largest economic investments in the region’s history. The multi‑site effort spans Caddo and Bossier parishes and marks the company’s first data center footprint in the state. ENR
In a relatively flat job market, the construction industry contributed a bit of bright news. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. economy added 130,000 new jobs in January 2026. However, the unemployment rate stayed the same, at 4.3%. This happens when expansion of the labor pool or the general population—or some combination of the two—offsets the number of jobs added, causing the rate to remain unchanged. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine
NECA NEWS
Policy Is Business: Register for NECA Legislative Conference
NECA contractors don’t sit on the sidelines! May 4–6 in Washington, DC, join your peers at the NECA Legislative Conference to represent our industry directly with lawmakers. When contractors show up, policymakers listen and that makes a difference back home. Hear what’s coming, share your perspective, and help protect the business environment our industry depends on.
Input Still Needed: 2026 Profile of the Electrical Contractor
Every 2 years, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine conducts a major market research study to learn about the work being done by its magazine subscribers. This is your opportunity to participate and share what's happening in your business. The survey informs magazine content, educational offerings and trends that are happening out in the field, so we can better serve you. Check your inbox for an email from Andrea Klee or Susan Metzger, with the subject line "Help us to create an industry snapshot by taking the 2026 Reader Profile Survey."
NECA EMERGE 2026 offers 5 tracks to help you strategically expand your services and take on new opportunities! This year, we've added a Prefabrication Track where you will gain exclusive access to three NECA contractors’ state-of-the-art fabrication facilities! We're excited to announce that Allison Smith Company is offering a behind-the-scenes look of their 360,000+ sq. ft. prefabrication facility for an immersive tour. See how Allison-Smith's prefab show reduces labor hours, improves safety and accelerates schedules!
AI delivers value only when people know how to use it well! This session, taking place this Thursday March 5, equips contractors with practical prompting techniques they can apply immediately in both field and office settings. Learn how to get consistent, useful outputs from AI for emails, RFIs, submittals, SOPs, and other everyday workflows without purchasing new software.
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