In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- British Columbia Construction Association | The British Columbia Construction Association represents more than 2000 construction companies across the province, providing a voice for the organizations active in the industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-family construction industry.
- Canadian Construction Association | Across Canada, CCA represents more than 20,000 members firms drawn from 63 local and provincial integrated partner associations. CCA gives voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada’s heavy civil, and institutional, commercial and industrial construction industry.
- The Construction Institute of Canada | The Construction Institute of Canada was founded in 2003 by a group of Canadian construction industry executives. The primary objective of these founders was to create an organization that would promote and implement the highest possible standards of professionalism and ethical conduct throughout the Canadian construction industry.
- The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations | An umbrella organization for member provincial and territorial construction safety associations.
- Canadian Home Builders’ Association | The Canadian Home Builders’ Association provides information for Canadians when purchasing and/or renovating a home. Membership includes home builders, renovators, land developers, trade contractors, product and material manufacturers, building product suppliers, lending institutions, insurance providers, and service professionals.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
- Construction Global | Construction Global Magazine is the ‘Digital Community’ for the Construction Technology (ConTech) industry. Construction Global Magazine covers construction projects, digital construction, smart energy, facilities management and construction technology - connecting the world’s largest community of Construction executives. Construction Global Magazine focuses on construction news, key construction interviews, construction videos, the 'Construction Podcast' series along with an ever-expanding range of focused construction white papers and webinars.
- Construction Today | This must read publication covers timely issues such as the profound affect construction spending has on the U.S. economy, managing volatile material costs, LEED design and construction, emerging technologies such as BIM and work force retention.
- On Site | A magazine dedicated to delivering the leading construction new in Canada.
TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.
Consultant Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.