The local construction industry is facing a dire labor shortage. Workers who left the area during the recession haven't returned, says a local trade association, and company owners say they are not seeing enough new interest in the field to replace the highly-skilled and experienced workers who will be retiring in the coming years.

In the April edition of the Traverse City Business News, now on newsstands and in mailboxes, hear from Hallmark Construction President Jeff Fedorinchik, who says he needs to hire 15 employees in the next month. "No doubt there is a shortage of workers,” he said. “We have numerous job openings."

Also featured this month:
– Tony Lentych, new executive director of the Traverse City Housing Commission, talks about his vision for the board
– Local homeowners who hunt down "used" materials and give them new purpose in their building projects
– Matt Hall, founder of new gardening business MIdnight Harvest
– Plus, see who's received a promotion, made a new hire and other company news

Find the April issue of the TCBN at locations across the area, including Tom's Food Markets, Shell stations, Horizon Books, Oryana and Building 50 at the Grand Traverse Commons. Or get your own copy each month by subscribing here.