It also works with trade organizations such as the National Association for the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Association of General Contractors (AGC).
Insurance provider American International Group (nyse: AIG - news - people) announced plans to merge with competitor American General (nyse: AGC - news - people).
The deal with Houston-based American General (nyse: AGC - news - people) would significantly boost its presence in the U.S., which is the world's biggest market for life insurance and retirement services.
And it said a recent AGC survey found that many contractors had already cut staff and delayed hiring as a result of the threat of higher taxes and government spending cuts tied to the so-called fiscal cliff.