
Courtesy Paul Post
By Paul Post
Construction officials are optimistic about their industry’s prospects, while voicing concerns about ongoing labor shortages and the potential impact of Trump Administration tariffs on material and supplies pricing.
Several dozen business leaders turned out recently for an “Outlook for Construction 2025” panel discussion at SUNY Adirondack’s Wilton campus, hosted by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Saratoga Economic Development Corp.
“Coming off a couple of roller coaster-type years, 2024 kind of evened things out,” said Kylie Holland, Curtis Lumber Company executive vice president. “It allowed us to step back, take a deep breath and plan for uncertainty of the future. The cost of everything is up; the cost of doing business, labor, everything is still running at inflationary levels. Tariffs could potentially trickle down to our level in 2025.”
But a 25 percent tariff doesn’t mean there will be a 25 increase percent locally, she said.
“We have an incredible purchasing department that studies our lumber market,” Holland said. “We’ve been through this before. We’re always trying to get ahead of the game, be proactive.”