Industry shifting gears, an article from The Gazette, reports that contractors are setting sights on commercial projects to offset slowdown in residential construction.  Contractors and subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers and drywallers, are adopting new business strategies in hopes of landing more commercial work and offsetting the housing slump that's costing them money.  Spending so far this year on construction of shopping centers, banks, restaurants, government buildings and hospitals has increased by 36% from the same time in 2006.

http://www.gazette.com/articles/work_27907___article.html/residential_commercial.html

Construction spending posts small increase, an article from MSNBC.com, reports that construction spending posted a bigger-than-expected .2% gain in August.  According to the Commerce Department, the August increase pushed total construction spending to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.166 trillion.  Spending on office buildings, shopping centers and other non-residential projects showed a gain of 2.3%, the biggest increase in this category in six months.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21030745/

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

‘Here today, gone tomorrow’
http://www.gazette.com/articles/gas_27934___article.html/rifle_drilling.html

Pikes Peak region appears to be bucking the decline
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=11104

Real estate rates end night lower
http://www.inman.com/inmannews.aspx?ID=64738

Free help to stop foreclosure
http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/26/real_estate/free_help_for_foreclosures/index.htm?postversion=2007092811

House OK's Flood Insurance Bill
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2007092806

6 Questions Home Owners Often Forget to Ask
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2007092802

Popularity of Outdoor Living Spaces Increases
http://realtytimes.com/rtcpages/20071001_outdoorliving.htm