SAN JOSE, CA-Despite a slight slowdown at the end of the year - which will extend into 2001 and beyond - the worldwide semiconductor market reached $222.1 billion in 2000, according to Dataquest.

HOUSTON-Henry G. Kelly, president and CEO of Austin Industrial, is the new national president for the Associated Builders and Contractors. Kelly is a former chairman of the Houston ABC Chapter and a national ABC board member and vice president.

HOUSTON-A contractor, who claims his business went under due to project delays, will be getting nearly $8.9 million from a steel supplier. The legal decision could put Harrop Construction back in business, says the firm's lawyer.

OLYMPIA, WA-In its appeal, the Association of Washington Business and other petitioners are claiming the state overstepped its authority. Meantime, Gov. Gary Locke reportedly plans to ask the Legislature to allow local communities up to five years to update their regulations.