"This comes on top of reported decreases in 2003 revenues for a majority of those surveyed for each of these two construction categories, with the largest decrease in revenues—13.5%, reported for commercial construction," says Bernie Cawley, director of marketing and administration for MCA. "There is a general consensus among the (members) that revenues for 2004 will grow in each construction category, with commercial and industrial construction showing the greatest growth," he went on to say.

In the annual MCA survey, 55% of the respondents say they expected an average increase of 13.8% in commercial construction revenue in 2004 compared to 2003. Eighteen percent say they expected a revenue decrease of an average 8.75%. Twenty-seven percent say they expect no change in revenue levels. In industrial construction, 43% say they expect an average revenue increase of 9.4%; 20% say they expect a revenue decrease of 8.3% and 37% of respondents say they expected no change in revenues in 2004 from 2003.

In 2003, survey respondents say they viewed a slowdown in the overall construction industry as the biggest challenge they faced. In 2004, that concern was second overall behind concerns over price discounting within the industry.