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Issue No. 40 β’ Wednesday, October 8, 2025 β’ www.mbex.org
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...ready for it? My girl Taylor dropped a new album last Friday (The Life of a Showgirl) and I was inspired to give the track list a little MBEX twist:
1.) The Fate of the Project Manager on a Tight Deadline
2.) Elizabeth Taylor-Level Change Orders
3.) Lucite Glasses
4.) Jobsite Father Figure
5.) Eldest Forewoman
6.) (Don't) Ruin the GC Friendship
7.) Actually Romantic (When the Bid Comes In Under Budget)
8.) Tool Wi$h Li$t
9.) Spec'd for Hardwood, Priced for Laminate
10.) PROJECT CANCELLED!
11.) Hey Buddy (Can You Spot Me On This Lift?)
12.) The Life of a Laborer
What do you think? It might not go platinum, but I'm pretty sure Track #6 would climb the charts in our industry π πΆ PS - This week's issue is shorter than usual (giving you more time to hit 'replay' on those Swift beats). Okay, okay, I'll stop now π
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Get A's To Your Q's - "How do I add myself to a bidders list?" "What keywords should I be using with my project filters?" "How can I track this project without receiving a thousand notification emails a day?" If you're asking yourself these questions and more, then you need to join us for our next Online Plan Room Demo on Thursday, October 16.
2.) Take This Survey - AGC-MN needs your input. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions in this brief survey by November 7 to better help AGC-MN assess business conditions for construction contractors, service providers, and supplier businesses that work in Minnesota's construction industry. All information will be kept confidential.
3.) In The Lead - Congratulations to all those recognized in Finance & Commerce's In The Lead: Best Woman-Owned Businesses 2025 list, and an especially special congratulations goes out to our recognized members: Doran Companies, Gunnar Electric, Noor Companies, T. Scherber Demolition, and VEIT.
4.) Encouraging Trades - While many private nonprofit colleges and universities across the country are facing confounding enrollment dips, Dunwoody College of Technology in downtown Minneapolis is having no such trouble. The technical school now has nearly 1,600 students, the most it's seen since 2008 and the college expects it to continue growing.
5.) Construction ASMR - It might not be a legitimate way to lay bricks, but it sure sounds pleasing 𧱠π§ π
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Inside This Issue:
β’ Networking: Join us for the next Young Professionals Network event on October 29
β’ Industry Roundup: Dwindling jobs, high input prices and an overall economic uncertainty can't keep contractors down in September
β’ Year-End Special: Help share about MBEX membership with potential new members so they can take advantage of year-end pricing special
β’ Tackling To-Dos: Nine workplace items to give attention this month, based on the latest workplace law developments
β’ Upcoming Events: The Construction Jobsite of the Future webinar, Estimating Principles & Application class with UChapter2, ProjectBuild's Construction Talent Acquisition Conference
β’ Five Headlines: What the labor shortage means for bidding in 2026; How data centers became the second-largest source of construction worker demand; Steel tariffs push construction equipment prices up across the board; AI-powered time tracking for labor management; and One woman's charge to recycle windows & architectural glass
β’ Project of the Week: $50M renovation set for Apollo High School in St. Cloud
| | Register Now for the Next MBEX YPN Event | | |
Being new to the commercial construction industry can feel a little overwhelming. Why not build your career and your network with MBEX's Young Professionals Network?
Join MBEX YPN for a relaxed afternoon at Mortenson Construction where you'll meet peers (ages 40 and under) who understand the ups and downs of this field. Think of it as an opportunity to trade stories, ask questions, and connect with others who are navigating their careers right alongside you.
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ο»ΏDate: Wednesday, October 29
Location: Mortenson Construction
(700 Meadow Lane North, Golden Valley, Minn., 55422)
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Cost: $20 per person (includes entry, drinks and appetizers)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Tuesday, October 28 @ 12:00pm
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Why does networking still matter today, especially for those newer to the industry?
- Learn The Ropes Faster: Advice from people in the industry can save you time, stress, and a few rookie mistakes.
- Building Lasting Relationships: The people you meet now could become future colleagues, mentors, or collaborators.
- Spot New Opportunities: From job openings to project partnerships, your network often hears about them first.
- Grow Your Confidence: The more you connect, the easier it gets to walk into any room and feel like you belong.
- Stay In The Know: Casual conversations are often where you'll hear about trends, tools, and changes in the industry.
Come grab a drink, make connections, and take another step in building your future within the construction community.
| | SEPTEMBER: Construction Industry Begins to Contract | | |
The construction industry continues to struggle in the face of an array of headwinds including trade and immigration policy, high borrowing costs and extraordinarily elevated economic uncertainty. A range of indicators now suggest that the industry is shrinking for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonresidential Construction Spending Slides
Nonresidential construction spending fell again in July and, having now declined in seven of the previous nine months, is 2.5% below December 2023's all-time high.
Private nonresidential activity has contracted at an even faster pace, and with the exception of data centers, religious buildings and the power category, no private subsegment has retained momentum through the first half of 2025.
Spending ($ Millions) - September 2025 Economic Overview
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Input Prices on the Rise
Construction input prices rose again in August, driven higher by tariff-affected materials like iron and steel. While prices for certain materials like oil and gas and softwood lumber remain low due to weak demand, overall input prices will likely rise given the early August implementation of even steeper import taxes.
Construction Industry Loses Jobs for Third Straight Month
The construction industry has added just 6,000 jobs since December. While nonresidential employment has only recently started to decline, the residential segment has been shedding jobs for several months, and employment in that category is actually down on a year-over-year basis.
Despite weak demand for construction labor, staffing shortages appear to be reemerging as immigration policy weighs on the industry's workforce. The industry-wide unemployment rate fell to 3.2% in August, matching the lowest level ever recorded.
Contractors Confident Despite Signs of Weakness
Contractors remain broadly optimistic about their sales, profit margins, and staffing levels over the next six months, according to ABC's Construction Confidence Index.
While sentiment remains upbeat, ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.5-months in August. Despite the decline, the reading is still up about 0.3-months from the same time last year.
Construction Backlog Indicator - September 2025 Economic Overview
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Construction Confidence Index - September 2025 Economic Overview **
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** Values over 50 in the Construction Confidence Index indicate expectations of expansion over the next six months, while values under 50 indicate expectations of contraction.
Looking Ahead
The Federal Reserve cut rates at their September meeting, and bond yields are currently at the lowest level since last October. Despite these factors, the industry may not see meaningfully lower borrowing costs anytime doon due to a steepening yield curve and risk related to severely elevated economic uncertainty.
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We've launched a year-end membership special, and we'd love your help spreading the word, MBEXers!
Any new company that joins MBEX between now and December 31 will get the rest of 2025 and all of 2026 for the 2025 annual rate. That's 15-months of membership for the cost of 12! Whether they choose Basic or Premium, it's one of the best offers we've had.
Why Referrals Matter
The truth is, one big way we grow is through referrals. Time and again, new members come to us from recommendations by current ones, because you know the value of MBEX firsthand.
More members mean more project leads, more connections, and more opportunities for collaboration across Minnesota's construction industry. When you point a colleague our way, you're not just helping them, you're strengthening the Exchange for everyone.
How You Can Help
Think of the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers or manufacturers you work with who aren't yet MBEX members. Share our website so they can see the benefits for themselves, encourage them to give Ashlee or Melanie a call, or connect with us by email so we can follow up directly.
A simple referral from you could bring lasting value to them, and add even more strength to our network.
| | Nine Workplace To-Dos To Tackle This Month | | |
MBEX is here to help our members stay on top of the latest changes to labor and employment law, especially given the rapid pace at which the new administration has been moving on initiatives impacting the workplace and beyond.
Here are the top items you should pay special attention this month, based on the latest workplace law developments and upcoming critical compliance dates.
1.) Learn What You Can --- And Can't --- Do About Employee Speech
As employee expression spills into every corner of the modern workplace, employers are trying to figure out the best way to respond to off-duty social media rants, political debates in the workplace, dress code disputes, and other types of activity. Here's a guide to navigating employee speech in various scenarios.
2.) Assess How The Government Shutdown Impacts Your Operations
The federal government officially shut down on October 1st after Congress failed to reach a spending agreement by the deadline, and we're currently on Day 8 of said shutdown. How will the shutdown impact employers? Here are answers to everyone's top questions.
3.) Gear Up For Open Enrollment Season
It's that time of year again --- employees will soon revisit their benefit choices for the upcoming plan year, and the spotlight will be on employer-sponsored health and welfare plans. Are your plans compliant? Review these compliance tips, plus some new "Big Beautiful Bill" rules to consider.
4.) Get Familiar with Military-Related Work Leave Requirements
The deployment of National Guard and other military personnel is at its highest rate in almost 20 years, making it likely that one or more of your employees will need time away from work for military service --- and they have federal workplace rights related to that leave. Here's an overview of employer obligations under USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act).
5.) Check Out Key Proposals on DOL's Latest Agenda
The U.S. Department of Labor's current proposals prioritize actions related to joint employer determinations, independent contractor classification, minimum wage and overtime exemptions, workplace safety, and more. Check out this employer guide to learn more.
6.) Reexamine Your Non-Competes as the FTC Ramps Up Enforcement
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made a series of aggressive moves last month signaling a new era of non-compete oversight, including announcing the first enforcement action of its new Joint Labor Task Force. Here are 5 steps for employers to stay compliant.
7.) Catch Up On State & Local Workplace Law Developments
A heap of new workplace laws kicks in this month in various states across the country, including new pay transparency rules, paid sick leave requirements, and more. Here's a cheat sheet to the laws taking effect in October 2025.
8.) Plan for Big Changes to the H-1B and Other Visa Programs
The current administration upended immigration and workforce strategies for many businesses by announcing on September 19th that it will charge a $100K entry fee for each new H-1B visa application. A few days later, the administration proposed a new H-1B selection process based on wages. Earlier in September, the Department of State announced that all US visa holders would be subject to continuous visa vetting, as well as tighter rules for visa applicant interviews. Each link here includes practical steps you can take now.
9.) Prioritize Privacy & Cyber Compliance
After a multi-state privacy investigative sweep kicked off on September 9th, businesses should make compliance with Global Privacy Control signals a top priority. Consider following this proposed action plan. In addition:
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All businesses that offer subscription-based offerings should take note of the FTC's recent $7.5-million settlement based on unlawful cancellation practices.
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All businesses that collect information from Californians should be on high alert after the California Consumer Privacy Agency's September 30th announcement about its largest fine yet and first-ever enforcement action involving job applicants. Here's a summary and a six-step action plan.
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The information provided here is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with your business's attorney or legal advisor before taking any actions based on its content.
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A valuable benefit of an MBEX membership is invitations to our social and educational events; by being an employee of a member company, you too can take advantage and attend any and all MBEX-sponsored events.
** indicates a newly added or updated event
** October 9 - Fall Social - Registration Now Closed
Contact Melanie with questions or inquiries: melanie@mbex.org or (612) 381-2628. Network with industry professionals, share insights, and build relationships in a relaxed and lively atmosphere at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins, Minn.
** October 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders list, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Register Here
October 29 - The Construction Jobsite of the Future [WEBINAR]
Presented by Construction Executive, this session will provide a global forward-looking perspective on what's ahead and how companies can prepare to stay competitive with the leading voices from construction, innovation, technology and the association perspective. Sign Up Here
October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN)
From college students, graduates and interns, to those just getting started within the construction industry, the MBEX Young Professionals Network creates a place for emerging young professionals ages 40 and under who are involved in the construction industry to join together at the early stages of their career to connect and begin networking. Register Here
November 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application
A half-day interactive workshop led by Troy DeGroot of UChapter2 will have attendees diving into the fundamentals of construction estimating, including strategies to think differently than your competitors. This is an online training session designed for estimators looking to sharpen their edge and make their bids more competitive. Register Here
November 11 & 12 - Construction Talent Acquisition Conference
Project Build Minnesota (PBM) is hosting this event designed for people who are passionate about recruiting and retaining skilled talent. With expert-led sessions and actionable strategies, this event aims to bring practical tactics and deeper strategy to the work of the talent acquisition leaders in Minnesota construction companies and others involved in developing Minnesota's construction workforce. Learn More & Register
November 12 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents
This two-part online program is designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents. From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements. Register Here
** November 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders list, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Not yet open for registration.
** November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to regular business hours on Monday, December 1.
December 18 - Holiday Party North
Gather with fellow industry professionals in Duluth for an evening of celebration as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2026. Save The Date!
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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FORECAST 2026
π€ What the Labor Shortage Means for Construction Bidding in 2026
Finding good workers is hard these days. And by 2026, it's going to be tougher still. This isn't just a small problem. It's a huge labor shortage that's going to change how you bid on jobs. If you're pricing out work for 2026, you need to be extra careful. If you guess wrong on your labor costs, don't account for prices going up, or mess up the project timeline, you could lose all your profit before your crew even shows up. Here's a break down of what the labor shortage could mean for you, including three steps to help you stay ahead. (ConstructConnect News)
DATA CENTERS | LABOR & WORKFORCE
ποΈ AI Needs Data Centers --- And People to Build Them
The rate of the private sector spending on data center construction has surpassed construction spending on all other U.S. commercial buildings. This surge carries implications for jobs. All major construction projects draw from the same pool of skilled workers. Every data center that goes up means fewer workers available to build what many policymakers see as equal or higher priorities: reshoring factories, mines, shipyards, repairing roads and bridges, and new homes. How did the world of bits and bytes become the second-largest source of demand for construction workers, trailing only residential housing? (City Journal)
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT | TARIFFS
β¬οΈ U.S. Steel Tariffs Push Construction Equipment Prices Up Across the Board
New analysis from Off-Highway Research shows how American construction equipment buyers can expect the prices of all construction machinery --- even products manufactured in the United States --- to increase after an expansion of tariffs on steel and aluminum. In August came the expansion of 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum. Previously they only applied to the raw material, but the new steps saw this tax applied to the value of the metal contained in a wide range of products derived from those materials, such as your average excavator or articulated dump truck. (Construction Briefing)
CONTECH
β How AI-Powered Time Tracking is Revolutionizing Construction Labor Management
The hard truth is simple: if you can't measure your labor accurately, you can't manage your business. And right now, most construction companies are flying blind. Paper timesheets appear cost-effective, but represent hidden expenses in disguise. Digital apps sound modern, but they're built on assumptions that don't always hold true in construction environments. The industry has reached a pivotal moment where AI-powered biometric systems are transforming time tracking from reactive tracking to proactive workforce optimization. (For Construction Pros)
SUSTAINABILITY
πͺ Almost Every Window Ends Up in a Landfill. One Woman is Leading the Charge to Recycle Them.
Every time a building is demolished or converted, every time an office is renovated or built out for an incoming tenant, landlords have to dispose of windows. Just 6% of architectural glass nationwide is recycled, according to a Deloitte estimate from 2017. The rest ends up in landfills. But that's starting to change as some of NYC's biggest owners and developers adopt nascent glass recycling technology that could usher in a whole new era for building sustainability. (BisNow)
| | Apollo High School Set for $50M Renovation in St. Cloud | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
More details are emerging about the design vision for Apollo High School in St. Cloud, an aging building that's up for a $50-million makeover.
Residents also approved a $15-million request for a new multi-purpose athletic facility at Apollo High School last spring. The sports project will support year-round activities for students.
JLG Architects is designing both projects. At a recent St. Cloud school board meeting, JLG representatives unveiled fresh project renderings and walked school board members through the design.
A signature feature of the new design is at the front entrance, which will include an eye-catching "monument" sign, a canopy, and a capsule above the main doors, according to the district.
Besides the new entrance and monument sign, the Apollo makeover will include safety and security improvements, updated science labs and classrooms, expanded theater and performing arts areas, more spacious commons and serving areas, and more.
The Career and Tech Ed space, which includes "certified nursing assistant" and "emergency medical technician" areas, will be on display for "students to see the learning happening" in the area, according to the district.
The project, which was approved last spring in a bond referendum, is expected to begin next summer and wrap up in Summer 2028, according to the district.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by JLG Architects of St. Cloud's Apollo High School and its proposed exterior renovations. | | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 9/29/2025 - 10/3/2025: 67
β’ Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 9/29/2025 - 10/3/2025: 14
β’ Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 10/7/2025: 248
β’ Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/7/2025: 4,060
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 10/1/2025 - 10/7/2025.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
ο»ΏNotice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTSο»Ώο»Ώ
β’ October 9 - MBEX Fall Social - Registration now closed
β’ October 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ October 29 - The Construction Jobsite of the Future [WEBINAR]
β’ October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN)
β’ November 4 - AI & Automation in the Construction Industry [WEBINAR]
β’ November 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL CLASS]
β’ November 11 & 12 - Construction Talent Acquisition Conference with Project Build Minnesota
β’ November 12 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL CLASS]
β’ November 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ November 27 & 28 - MBEX Closed - Thanksgiving
β’ December 18 - Holiday Party North
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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.
2025 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Heidi Sedlacek, KLJ Engineering; Vice President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Treasurer - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Past President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction
2025 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; Allie Brady, Veit; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Amanda Eiynk, BUILD Renewables; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company
MBEX Sο»ΏTAFF: 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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