New print and online resource is designed to aid executives with design and building decisions
NEW YORK, NY (June 25, 2008) – McGraw-Hill Construction, in collaboration with BusinessWeek, both part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), are creating a new media resource for corporate executives, "HQ: Good Design is Good Business," which will debut November 2008 in print and online.
Building on the success of the BusinessWeek and Architectural Record "Good Design is Good Business" Awards, a biannual event held for the past 10 years, HQ will serve as a bridge between C-level executives, building owners and developers, and design and construction professionals by providing intelligence and inspiration for making informed decisions about buildings they lease, own or plan to build. The quarterly publication will feature case studies, showcasing corporate leaders who have positively affected their companies' workplace effectiveness and bottom-line, as well as the environment through sustainable design. The online resource will be a community-based platform, including new media offerings and a rich knowledge center filled with content from award-winning editors and thought-leaders.
The C-suite executive has a high participation rate for decision-making and stewardship for raising capital funds (56%) and for financing new buildings or building renovations (49%). According to a 2008 survey of C-level executives conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction, in collaboration with BusinessWeek, they are very aware of the impact good design can have on workforce recruitment and retention, as well as branding and community relations. Executives surveyed also responded positively to receiving information to help them navigate design, construction and usage decisions.
"There is a real need for this information, and HQ will fill that need," said Norbert W. Young, Jr., president, McGraw-Hill Construction. "To use sustainability as an example, we expect that 82% of companies will be greening at least 16% of their portfolios by 2009, but our research also demonstrates that there is a need for hands-on, practical information—real ways that companies can green existing facilities for a meaningful return."
"HQ will provide ways for executives to increase revenue and find and retain top talent," said Keith Fox, president, BusinessWeek. "A well-designed building can contribute to both the bottom-line and employee satisfaction. HQ is a one-of-a-kind resource that will answer crucial questions and expand conversations around design-related business issues, such as sustainability or branded environments."
About McGraw-Hill Construction
McGraw-Hill Construction connects people, projects and products across the design and construction industry. For more than a century, the Company has remained North America's leading provider of construction project information, plans and specifications, product information, industry news, and industry trends and forecasts. In print and online, the Company offers a variety of tools, applications, and resources that easily integrate with its customers' workflows. Backed by the power of Dodge, Sweets, Architectural Record, Engineering News-Record (ENR), GreenSource and 11 regional publications, McGraw-Hill Construction serves more than one million customers within the $4.6 trillion global construction community. To learn more, visit www.construction.com.
About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands including Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.