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I recently came across a Harvard Business Review article showing research that businesses run better when people know and trust one another. Deals move faster, teams perform better, and people learn more creatively. This article is part of a growing body of work demonstrating that relationships, trust, and social networks are increasingly valued in business as much as financial capital.
Since we were founded, MBEX has always been about people, bringing construction professionals together to move the industry forward. As we witness the Age of AI begin, it's becoming increasingly clear that MBEX, and the organizations like ours, will play a greater and more valuable role in creating these real in-person connections.
Our events are meant to do just that. Join us at our Regional Member Meetups this month and the Spring Social on April 15, and connect with the people behind the plans. When people know and trust each other, real work gets done.
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Speaking of the Spring Social - Registration is now open, so make plans to join us on April 15 at the Midland Hills Country Club. This year's event features a special guest speaker (announced soon!), meeting our 2025-2026 scholarship recipients, our Wine & Spirits Pull, and more exciting door prizes, in addition to the great conversations and industry connections.
2.) Independent Contractors - The Department of Labor has proposed a new rule (again) clarifying what makes an independent contractor. Here's what employers should know.
3.) Happy WIC Week! - The industry is celebrating Women in Construction Week thru March 7. Check out the WIC Week events happening in your area, and we've highlighted a few later on in this issue.
4.) Bottom of the World - The United Kingdom opened its biggest construction project ever undertaken in Antarctica, the British Antarctic Survey's Discovery Building at its Rothera Research Center. Here, a senior project manager shares about the completed building, its green features, and building in Antarctic winter.
5.) Blue Collar Interview - The only thing more solid than this handshake? His opinions.
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Inside Issue No. 9:
• March Events: Plan to join us at an upcoming event this month
• Industry Update: Nonresidential activity continues to search for momentum
• Monthly Roundup: Reviewing MBEX's past 28 days of service
• Mistakes & Fixes: Eight most common AI mistakes and how to avoid them
• Five Headlines: Construction materials prices rose in January; Women builders need a clearer path into the industry; What the Supreme Court's tariff decision means for construction costs; Public opposition to AI infrastructure is heating up; Aging bridges drive high priced replacement plans
• Project of the Week: TIF approved for $62M mixed-use redevelopment in Plymouth
• Industry Event: Women in Construction Week 2026 - Wednesday, March 4 & Thursday, March 5 - Various events in the Twin Cities metro area, Duluth, and Moorhead - Presented by NAWIC's Minneapolis / St. Paul, Twin Ports / Iron Range, and Fargo-Moorhead Chapters
• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of February 25 - March 3
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No More Hibernating; Come Hang with MBEX in March!
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March is bringing plenty of opportunities to get out, log in, and stay connected with MBEX.
Whether you prefer face-to-face networking, sharpening your project-search skills, or exploring new training opportunities, this month's lineup offers something practical for every member. From regional gatherings to tech demos and Bluebeam training, we're keeping the momentum going as we head into spring.
Scroll down for full details and registration links, and don't wait too long to sign up.
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Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Blackwoods Grill & Bar
(2525 London Road, Duluth, Minn., 55812)
Cost: Free! RSVPs requested.
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Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Crooked Pint Ale House
(58 Division Street, Waite Park, Minn., 56387)
Cost: Free! RSVPs requested.
| | We're kicking things off with our Regional Member Meetups, casual gatherings designed to bring members together in their local markets. These laid-back events are a great way to connect with fellow construction professionals, meet MBEX staff (as well as folks from the Electrical Association, the Minnesota Concrete Council, and The Builders Group), and strengthen relationships close to home. | | | | |
Date: Thursday, March 19
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am
Location: Virtual Event
Cost: Free! Sign-ups requested.
| | Next, join us for our monthly Online Plan Room Demo, where MBEX staff will walk through tips and tools to help you find the right projects faster and make the most of one of your most valuable member benefits. | | | | |
Date: Thursday, March 26
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Virtual Webinar
Cost: Free! Sign-ups requested.
| | And if Bluebeam training has been on your radar, don't miss the Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses webinar, presented by UChapter2. This session offers a preview of what's ahead and helps you determine which courses are the right fit for you or your team. | | This month has a way of filling up quickly, and we'd love to see you at one (or all!) of these upcoming events. | | | These social and networking events represent a huge benefit of MBEX membership, with exciting and varied events to participate in and show your support for the Midwest Builders Exchange. | | |
Construction Continues to Search for Momentum
(What We Learned in February About the Industry)
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While construction hiring rebounded in January, nonresidential activity remains subdued, especially in the private sector. As a result, the backlog fell to a four-year low in January. Thankfully, material prices have been relatively stable over the past several months, and there are signs that borrowing costs may decline over the next few months.
Construction Employment Rebounds
The industry bounced back in January, adding 33,000 net new jobs for the month, but had a dismal 2025. Industry-wide employment declined by 1,000 positions last year, which represents the first calendar year decline since 2020 and 2010 before that. Recent weakness is largely due to the residential side of the industry, which lost nearly 44,000 jobs over the past year. Nonresidential employment continues to grow at a healthy-enough pace, with total employment in the segment up 1.8% over the past 12-months.
Job opening data from December also paints a slightly more upbeat picture of the industry's labor dynamics. The hiring rate rose from historic lows in 2025's final month, while job openings increased to the highest level since July.
Employment (in Thousands)
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Backlog Falls, but Contractor Confidence Doesn't
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.0-months in January, the lowest reading in four years. While contractors remain confident about their own operations, with just 13% of respondents to the Construction Confidence Index survey expecting their sales to decline over the next six months, they are altogether less confident about their competition. Forty-six percent of contractors expect other contractors' sales to decline over the next two quarters.
Backlog Indicator
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Materials Prices Surge in January
Construction materials prices surged 0.7% in January, according to the Producer Price Index. While that equates to a 7.1% annualized growth rate, materials prices had declined in December and have been relatively tame over the past several months.
Tariffs will continue to put upward pressure on certain input prices. Still, escalation is unlikely to accelerate too much as long as energy prices and overall demand for construction services remain subdued.
Construction Spending
Nonresidential construction spending plunged 0.6% in December. While the manufacturing category, which continues to shrink due to policy uncertainty and the waning effects of the CHIPS Act, was the most significant driver of the decline, spending fell in the majority of nonresidential subsegments in January. Private nonresidential construction spending is now down 1.8% year-over-year.
Spending (Millions of $)
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Looking Ahead
Construction employment growth rebounded in January, while January construction spending data is still pending for a few additional weeks. Though a near-term rebound is unlikely given the underlying dynamics in certain segments like manufacturing, lower borrowing costs could provide the industry with a much needed boost by the end of 2026.
| | | The Construction Backlog Indicator measures the average months of work under contract for ABC members. On the Construction Confidence Index, values above 50 indicate expectations of expansion over the next six months, while values below 50 indicate expectations of contraction. | | | |
At the start of each month, we look back at MBEX's past 30-some days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership achievements.
Numbers reflected below share data from the date range of February 1-28, 2026.
| | Total # of Projects Added (January 2026) | | Total # of Projects Added (January 2025) | | Total # of Projects Added (January 2024) | | Total # of Projects YTD (Jan. 1 - March 2) | | New Member Companies Joined | | | | |
No. of Members & Non-Members
Added to Bidders Lists
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10 Most Viewed Projects (February 1-28,2026)
** indicates the project is still actively bidding
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#1
Justice Center - Stearns County
• Total Visitors: 12,182
• Total Unique Visitors: 487
• Bid Date: February 5, 2026
• Project Location: St. Cloud, Minn.
• Project Category: Correctional Facility
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2026-003F
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#2
Public Works Facility
- City of Chaska
• Total Visitors: 8,439
• Total Unique Visitors: 474
• Bid Date: February 19, 2026
• Project Location: Chaska, Minn.
• Project Category: Local Government
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2026-01EE
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#3
St. Paul Public Library
- Hayden Heights - Remodel
• Total Visitors: 7,906
• Total Unique Visitors: 470
• Bid Date: February 17, 2026
• Project Location: St. Paul, Minn.
• Project Category: Library
• Project Type: Remodeling
• Project ID: 2026-0089
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#4
New Early Childhood Center
- Sauk Rapids / Rice Public
Schools (ISD 47)
• Total Visitors: 7,772
• Total Unique Visitors: 444
• Bid Date: February 10, 2026
• Project Location: Sauk Rapids, Minn.
• Project Category: Child Care Facility
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2026-0101
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#5
Western Transit Center
- St. Cloud Metropolitan Commission
• Total Visitors: 5,644
• Total Unique Visitors: 419
• Bid Date: March 3, 2026
• Project Location: Waite Park, Minn.
• Project Category: Local Government
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-1386
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#6
Burnhaven Library -
Renovation - Dakota County
• Total Visitors: 5,619
• Total Unique Visitors: 436
• Bid Date: February 17, 2026
• Project Location: Burnsville, Minn.
• Project Category: Library
• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
• Project ID: 2026-0122
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#7
Dean Lakes CTE - Addition / Renovation - Southwest Metro Intermediate (District 288)
• Total Visitors: 4,604
• Total Unique Visitors: 367
• Bid Date: February 26, 2026
• Project Location: Shakopee, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
• Project ID: 2026-030A
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#8
Outdoor Activities Complex
- Sauk Rapids / Rice Public
Schools (ISD 47)
• Total Visitors: 4,313
• Total Unique Visitors: 361
• Bid Date: February 12, 2026
• Project Location: Sauk Rapids, Minn.
• Project Category: Recreational
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2026-0129
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#9
Crestview Pointe - Community Development Agency - Dakota County
• Total Visitors: 4,228
• Total Unique Visitors: 412
• Bid Date: March 3, 2026
• Project Location: Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
• Project Category: Senior / Assisted Living
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2026-0256
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#10
Multi-Purpose Athletic Facility
- Bid Package 2 - St. Cloud School District
• Total Visitors: 3,879
• Total Unique Visitors: 333
• Bid Date: February 11, 2026
• Project Location: St. Cloud, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2026-0112
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Eight AI Mistakes Teams are Making (and How to Fix Them)
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AI isn't some far-off gadget anymore. It's here, it's being used on jobsites and offices across commercial construction, and if your team isn't careful, it can create just as many headaches as it solves.
From misapplied estimates to blind dependence on tools, patterns are emerging as to how contractors stumble with AI. Here are the most common mistakes, and easy ways to avoid them.
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MISTAKE #1: Treating AI as a Magic Box Instead of a Tool
The Issue: Giving AI a project and expecting perfect outputs without human review.
Why It Matters: AI can make recommendations, draft documents, and flag issues, but it doesn't replace your expertise. Blindly trusting it can mean pricing errors, design misinterpretations, or compliance oversights.
The Fix: Use AI to assist, not decide. Always have a trained team member validate outputs before they go to clients, partners, or the field.
MISTAKE #2: Feeding AI Garbage (or Incomplete) Data
The issue: Uploading incomplete specs, old plans, or messy histories and expecting accurate results.
Why It Matters: AI is only as good as the data it learns from. Poor inputs lead to poor outputs, like estimates that don't match jobsite realities, or models that ignore critical factors like local codes or site conditions.
The Fix: Standardize your data first (clean, current, complete), then feed AI defined and structured information. Document sources and versions so the tool isn't guessing.
MISTAKE #3: Failing to Define Clear Use Cases
The issue: "Let's just start using AI" without a specific problem to solve.
Why It Matters: When teams don't define what they want AI to do, whether it's estimation help, safety planning, progress tracking, RFIs, etc., the results are unfocused and low value.
The Fix: Start with a narrow use case. For example: "Summarize daily logs and flag discrepancies." Build from wins before scaling up.
MISTAKE #4: Letting AI Replace (Not Enhance) Skilled Workers
The issue: Using AI in place of experienced estimators, schedulers, or superintendents.
Why It Matters: AI lacks judgement, intuition, and context, especially in construction. Handing it a task it isn't equipped to make decisions on can lead to poor outcomes.
The Fix: Use AI for labor-intensive tasks (drafting, tagging, summarizing), but keep experienced professionals in the decision loop.
MISTAKE #5: Ignoring the Need for Human QA
The issue: Not verifying outputs or building quality control into the AI workflow.
Why It Matters: Errors in models, cost projections, or schedules can cascade quickly in construction.
The Fix: Put a review step in every AI-generated output. Think: "AI suggests, humans confirm."
MISTAKE #6: Underestimating Change Management
The issue: Rolling out AI with minimal training and no process change plan.
Why It Matters: People resist tools they don't understand, or they use them inconsistently, which leads to risk and wasted time.
The Fix: Train teams, build internal guides, and align tools with your workflows rather than forcing workflow changes on AI platforms.
MISTAKE #7: Overlooking Compliance, Security & Privacy
The issue: Uploading sensitive files (plans, contracts, payroll) into AI tools without evaluating data protections.
Why It Matters: Some AI platforms store, index, or reuse uploaded content in ways that could expose IP or confidential information.
The Fix: Vet tools for encryption, retention policies, and enterprise controls before integrating them. Consult IT / legal before rolling them out.
MISTAKE #8: Expecting Cost Savings Before Seeing Value
The issue: Assuming AI will automatically reduce costs right away.
Why It Matters: AI can save time and improve insights, but the savings are rarely instant. They come from improved workflows, fewer rework cycles, or faster approvals.
The Fix: Track value (time saved, errors avoided, faster turnaround), then translate that into financial outcomes. Set realistic ROI expectations.
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AI can be a game-changer for commercial construction firms that use it well, helping with estimating, documentation, progress tracking, clash detection, risk spotting, and more. But the biggest advantage doesn't come from the technology itself; it comes from how it's integrated, how teams are trained, and how your data is protected.
Used smartly, AI can free up your team from repetitive work, improve accuracy, and help you move faster than competitors. Used poorly, it can create confusion, errors, and compliance risks.
Think of AI as augmented work, not automated thinking, and your projects will be better for it.
| | | AI is not an end-all, be-all that can be utilized without oversight. It's another tool in the belt that can assist and make your day-to-day work easier and more streamlined. | | | |
Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK | MATERIALS PRICES
🏷️ Extreme Increases Drive Up Prices for Construction Materials in January
The Producer Price Indexes for aluminum mill shapes and steel mill products rocketed up by 33% and 20.7%, respectively, from January 2025 to last month, the largest year-over-year increases since the supply-chain disruptions of early 2022. Both indexes have been accelerating every month since the president imposed a 50% tariff last June. The index for copper and brass mill shapes climbed 15.7% year-over-year in January. (Associated General Contractors of America)
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
👷♀️ The Next Generation of Women Builders is Out There. They Just Need a Clearer Path.
While the skilled trades industry faces a labor shortage, women remain underutilized. Women make up just over 11% of the U.S. construction workforce, according to the National Association of Home Builders. That's the highest percentage in 20 years, but it still showcases an untapped population. Moving the needle from 11% to a sustainable workforce requires intentional, structured pathways and pre-apprentice programs. Higher education is beginning to help make that happen. (Construction Dive)
CONTRACTS | TARIFFS
🤔 What the Supreme Court's Tariff Decision Means for Construction Costs
Many industry participants who briefly hoped that the Supreme Court's ruling would help reduce project costs may need to temper their expectations. While the administration is already testing the bounds of the Court's decision, concerns about continued price increases and the possibility of additional payment disputes in the industry have only been made stronger. This article will advise industry participants about certain legal tools, such as contract drafting and lien rights, which can best position them to navigate these payment disputes. (J.D. Supra | Gary Reed)
DATA CENTERS
📢 The Public Opposition to AI Infrastructure is Heating Up
Across the country, discontent has exploded over the ever-growing glut of server farms that have accompanied the AI boom. Anger has grown so loud that it's begun to shift legislative agendas. Some states and communities are mulling temporary bans on new data center development altogether. In general, data center moratoriums are meant to give communities breathing room while policymakers study the potential costs and benefits of allowing such facilities to be built. The rate of construction in some states has accelerated at such a pace that communities are unsure of how the industry will impact them in the long run. (Tech Crunch)
BRIDGES | INDUSTRY TRENDS
🏗️ Aging U.S. Bridges Drive Multi-Billion-Dollar Replacement Plans
America's bridge infrastructure is entering a defining decade. Transportation agencies are advancing high-value replacement projects that blend safety, mobility, freight reliability, and multimodal access. Many of the structures now slated for reconstruction were built between 1950 and 1980 and were never designed to accommodate today's traffic volumes, vehicle weights, or safety standards. The result is a national wave of large-scale bridge investments that present significant opportunities for engineering firms, contractors, materials suppliers, and technology providers. (Government Market News)
| | Plymouth Approves TIF for $62M Redevelopment | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
The Plymouth city council established a tax increment financing district and approved a $4.76-million, 20-year TIF plan for a planned $62-million redevelopment project, which will bring an apartment building and new commercial uses to the Plymouth Plaza site at 1455 County Road 101.
A TIF development agreement based on the term sheet is still being negotiated with Marco McLane Development (the developer) and will be up for approval at a future meeting.
The mixed-use development would "preserve a portion of the existing building, demolish part of the building, build a new commercial building on the corner," and add a 195-unit apartment building.
The project would include underground and surface parking stalls and four-stories of apartments. In keeping with the city's inclusionary housing policy, 20% of the units would be affordable at 60% of the area's median income.
Located at the southwest corner of County Road 6 and County Road 101, the 6.5-acre development site currently holds 65,000-square-feet of commercial space. The commercial space, known as Plymouth Plaza, dates to 1989.
In addition, the developer will come back to the city council for final approval of the project's second phase.
Marco McLane told the council in November that the plan was to begin construction on the commercial building in early 2026. The project has been in the works since at least May, when the developers presented a sketch plan to the city council.
| | ABOVE: Rendering of the proposed 195-unit apartment building as part of the planned redevelopment in Plymouth by Tushie Montgomery Architects. | |
Women in Construction Week 2026
Presented by NAWIC - The National Association of Women in Construction
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DATE: Wednesday, March 4
TIME: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION:
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Celebrate with women in NECA Twin Cities at a casual happy hour focused on connection, conversation, and community. WIN-TC is creating a space that brings together women across construction, the trades, education, and industry; groups that don't often overlap but are stronger when they do. Aligned with this year's theme, Level Up Build Strong. The focus is simple: real connection, meaningful conversations, and relationship-building.
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What Do You Wish Technology Could Do For You?
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DATE: Thursday, March 5
TIME: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
LOCATION:
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Join the Dunwoody College of Technology for an interactive panel discussion covering the broad topic of technology. This discussion will have something for everyone, and audience Q&A is welcome.
Tours of Dunwoody's learning spaces have also been arranged, so get there early for a tour.
Panelists include: Claire Rung - Minnesota Center for Energy & Environment; Natalie Broshar - Dunwoody College of Technology; Lauren Key - Lana Environmental; and serving as Emcee is Kevin White - Enhanced Information Solutions.
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WIC Week Hard Hat Happy Hour
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DATE: Thursday, March 5
TIME: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION:
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Join the NAWIC Twin Ports / Iron Range for a fun evening of networking, great conversation, delicious appetizers, and exciting raffle prizes. Whether you're making new connections or just enjoying a night out, you're sure to have a great time.
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6th Annual Hard Hat Happy Hour / Hammer Slammin' Tourney
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DATE: Thursday, March 5
TIME: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
LOCATION:
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Join the NAWIC Fargo-Moorhead for their 6th Annual Hard Hat Happy Hour / Hammer Slammin' Tourney. Enjoy beverages and food provided by Urban Foods and compete for the $300 first place cash prize.
This fundraiser helps support the Fargo-Moorhead North Dakota Chapter's Construction Education Programs that include scholarships to area 2-year and 4-year college students, K-12 programs, to introduce youth to the industry, as well as adult construction programs that promote and support women in construction.
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 2/23/2026 - 2/27/2026: 115
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 2/23/2026 - 2/27/2026: 52
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 3/3/2026: 510
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 3/3/2026: 1,237
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 2/25/2026 - 3/3/2026.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
Notice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: Duluth
• March 11- Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
• March 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• March 26 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Revu courses [WEBINAR]
• April 14 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL COURSE]
• April 15 & 16 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL COURSE]
• April 15 - Spring Social
• April 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
• April 30 & May 1 - Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference
• May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX) does not assume responsibility for its completeness or accuracy. You are urged to check your own sources in addition to the information contained in this publication. This issue contains plans and other bidding information received prior to and including the date noted above. The project data within this newsletter is intended for member company's and their employees use only.
2026 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Vice President - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Treasurer - Allie Brady, Veit USA; Past President - Heidi Sedlacek, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
2026 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; Harry Rothstein, Weidner's Mechanical Contractors; Jim Rothstein, Erickson Electric; and Alanna Soukkala, Marsh McLennan.
MBEX STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator / Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & Plan Room Support; Shauna Baska - Project Reporter & Bidders Lists; Ka Yang - Addenda & Apparent Lows; Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil & Michelle Siegel - Project Reporters; Don O'Connor - Independent Event Planning Contractor
You are receiving this email because you are employed by a current member company in good standing or have indicated you wanted to receive MBEX's Weekly Bulletin. Unsubscribe from the Weekly Bulletin
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