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I'm deep in a post-Olympic slump, MBEXers. After 19 days of amazing Olympic athleticism and 116 medal events, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. There's plenty happening here at MBEX, of course, but I doubt anything will get my heart racing quite like the U.S. women's hockey team's overtime winner or Alysia Liu's gold medal performance any time soon.
That's the magic of the Olympics: focus, preparation, and teamwork to reach that finish line. Sound familiar? In commercial construction, there may not be medals or dramatic slow-motion replays, but there are early mornings, tight coordination, quick problem-solving, and entire teams working toward one shared goal. At MBEX, we're here to help you stay in the game: connected, informed, and ready for whatever comes next.
And if it were up to me, every MBEXer would earn a gold medal...well, most of you. You know who you are 😉🥇
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Hitting the Road - We're heading to Duluth and St. Cloud! Join us on March 4 and March 11 for casual gatherings with food, drinks, and networking with MBEX members in your region. We're bringing folks from The Builders Group (TBG), the Minnesota Concrete Council, and the Electrical Association, too.
2.) ICYMI - After twenty-three years with AGC-MN, with nine of them as CEO, Tim Worke has announced he will be retiring at the end of 2026. Before his time with AGC-MN, he spent seventeen years with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, focusing on policy development and legislative advocacy.
3.) Attention Duluth Members - Join the Marsh McLennan Agency Safety Team on March 3 for an engaging in-person seminar on Safety Leadership. This event is designed to empower newly assigned and developing safety leaders. Participants will gain essential tools to enhance their organization's safety culture by exploring topics such as the cost of risk, leading causes of injuries, hierarchy of controls, leadership principles, incident response, fleet safety, and self-development.
4.) Ask Before You Buy - AI adoption is quickly gaining speed in construction, but not all tools deliver equal value. Here are the key questions contractors should ask before investing in new AI software so as not to waste time, drain budgets, and compromise sensitive project data.
5.) One Eye Challenge - Confidence level: jobsite. Accuracy level: TBD. How would you do?
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Inside Issue No. 8:
• Spring Social: Registration now open for our annual event on April 15
• Tariff Update: What to know and actions constructors can take now
• Verizon Connect: Save up to 31% on fleet management solutions
• Worth Watching: Three big shifts shaping construction in 2026
• Upcoming Events: Women in Construction Week (3/1-3/7); March's Online Plan Room Demo (3/19); and an Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses (3/26)
• Five Headlines: The Project Stress Index ticked up in January; Construction has posted gains in union membership; Providing your crew with meaningful performance data; Multi-million dollar renovations show strong public sector activity; and the World's first underwater 3D-printed concrete
• Project of the Week: Two rival proposals submitted for former Minneapolis Kmart site redevelopment
• Industry Event: Building Construction Connections: Unlock Opportunities, Build Partnerships & Thrive in the Public Sector - Wednesday, March 4 - Robert J. Jones Urban Research & Outreach - Presented by Minnesota's Department of Administration Office of Equity in Procurement
• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of February 18-24
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Registration Now Open for our Annual Spring Social
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Spring just might be in the air...and so is one of MBEX's annual traditions.
Registration is now open for our Spring Social on April 15, and it's shaping up to be an afternoon you won't want to miss out on.
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Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Location: Midland Hills Country Club
(2001 Fulham Street, Roseville, Minn., 55113)
Cost:
• Member - $55 (thru April 1)
• Non-Members - $70
Sponsorships: Become a Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze event sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities also available for the Wine & Spirits Pull and door prize giveaways.
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Along with great food, drinks, and easy conversation with fellow commercial construction professionals, we'll also feature a special guest speaker (to be announced soon), adding extra value to your time out of the office.
Feeling lucky? Be sure to have cash on hand so you can take part in our always-popular 50/50 cash raffle, and don't forget about the Wine & Spirits Pull, a fun way to go home with something special while supporting the Exchange's scholarship program.
Whether you're coming to catch up with familiar faces, connect with new industry contacts, or enjoy a lively afternoon with your peers, the Spring Social checks all the boxes.
This kind of event tends to fill quickly, so grab a few of your coworkers, secure your spots, and join us for an afternoon that's both productive and enjoyable.
| | | Come for the connections, stay for the fun, and be part of a great outing with your fellow MBEX Members. | | | What to Know About the Recent Tariff Updates | | |
The United States Supreme Court recently delivered a 6-3 decision regarding President Trump's tariffs, ruling that the administration overstepped its authority when it imposed broad import tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
In short, sweeping tariffs put in place over the past year have been struck down, reinforcing that Congress, not the executive branch, controls trade taxes.
For commercial construction, this is less a clean reset and more another turn on the policy rollercoaster. Contractors in certain niches could see a modest but meaningful reduction in materials price escalation (such as specialty equipment, HVAC, and electrical systems and fixtures) over time as tariffs unwind, but the bigger picture is uncertainty.
Refund questions, potential replacement policies through different legal channels, and shifting global supply dynamics mean the pricing environment may stay volatile in the near future.
What This Could Mean for Commercial Constructors
1.) Potential Material Cost Relief...Eventually
If tariffs are lifted or refunded, imported steel, aluminum, equipment, and components could become less expensive. But price adjustments won't happen overnight. Suppliers will work through existing inventory and contracts first.
In the near term, contractors should expect to see some relief, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.
2.) Continued Pricing Volatility
The ruling doesn't guarantee stability. New trade actions through Congress or alternative legal authorities are still possible, meaning the risk of sudden cost swings hasn't disappeared.
3.) Contract Risk is Still Front & Center
Owners and contractors may remain cautious, especially on fixed-price work. Expect escalation clauses, shorter pricing windows, and more aggressive contingency conversations to stick around.
For projects where tariff-related increases already passed through, whether any money flows back depends on how the contract was written.
4.) Supply Chain Reshuffling
Some suppliers that adjusted sourcing to avoid tariffs may shift strategies again, creating short-term disruptions in availability or lead times.
What MBEX Members Can Do Right Now
✓ Recheck Your Contracts
• Make sure price escalation language is still in place and clearly written.
• Review open bids and negotiated work for material risk exposure.
✓ Talk To Your Suppliers
• Ask how they're pricing upcoming orders.
• Confirm whether tariff changes are already reflected or coming later.
✓ Avoid Assuming Prices Will Drop Immediately
• Build estimates based on current quotes, not expected future relief.
✓ Track Refund Opportunities
• If your company paid significant tariff-related costs through suppliers or direct imports, ask vendors whether refund claims may apply (but don't hold your breath waiting for a refund check).
✓ Keep Contingency Discipline
• Even if costs soften, policy risk is still high. Maintain buffers for volatile materials and long-lead items.
The Bottom Line
This decision might ease some cost pressures down the road, but the bigger takeaway is that trade policy is once again a moving target. For Midwest constructors, the winning strategy hasn't changed: price current reality, protect your contracts, stay close to your suppliers, and plan for policy swings, not stability.
If 2025 taught the industry anything, it's that in construction, the risk isn't just higher prices. It's surprise changes.
| | | The administration has already signaled plans for alternative tariff methods shortly after SCOTUS' ruling, and this kind of back-and-forth tends to stall construction activity as owners and contractors weigh whether the decision will hold. | | |
Monitor Your Mobile Workforce with Verizon Connect
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Through our partnership with National Purchasing Partners (NPP), MBEX members can save up to 31% on fleet management solutions, and even more on selected additional features.
Verizon Connect is a leading provider of advanced fleet-tracking software. Their platform of solutions, including GPS tracking and AI-powered dashcams, increase visibility into daily fleet operations with dashboards, a live map, and more:
• Reveal Fleet Management Platform: This central hub provides near real-time vehicle visibility on a live map for efficient dispatching. It integrates alerts and dashcam footage for coaching safe driving and simplifies compliance with ELD and DVIR solutions.
• Dual-Facing AI Dashcam: Verizon Connect's AI-powered dashcam offers road-facing and optional driver-facing cameras. These smart dashcams enhance fleet safety and help increase awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents by sending real-time, audible in-cab alerts for activities such as tailgating, talking on the phone, driving while drowsy, or nearing a pedestrian or cyclist.
• Vehicle Tracking Device: This hardware provides a reliable way to capture and communicate vehicle data, ensuring your information is always up to date. It reports key vehicle data and monitors behaviors like harsh braking.
• Verizon Managed Installation: Ensure your devices are professionally deployed through Verizon's network of certified installers. Choose dates, times, and locations that work best for you, your business, and your fleet.
• Verizon Network Connectivity: A dependable network is critical to getting accurate fleet data when you need it. Verizon's software is backed by their fast and reliable network.
• Dedicated Customer Support: Verizon Connect is your partner in fleet management, offering U.S.-based training and support options. They help facilitate a seamless implementation of your new platform and provide ongoing support.
If you're not already a member of NPP, you can sign up for free to activate this offer and more.
| | | National Purchasing Partners is a trusted savings and solutions provider for businesses and their employees. By leveraging the purchasing power of more than 350,000 members, NPP can provide top discounts and special B2B pricing to businesses of all sizes. Plus, when you enroll via MBEX's special sign-up page, we receive a small royalty that helps further support our member services. | | |
Three Big Shifts Every Construction Pro Should Watch in 2026
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The construction market is still growing in 2026, which is great news.
The catch?
What's being built, where the work is happening, and how much it costs are all shifting at the same time. Staying busy this year won't just be about working harder; it'll be about working smarter and keeping an eye on where the momentum is actually heading.
Here are three industry shifts gaining traction this year, and why they deserve a spot on your radar.
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SHIFT #1: Data Centers Aren't Just a Trend
AI isn't just changing how we work. It's changing what gets built. Data centers now account for roughly half of office construction activity, and demand is expected to keep climbing.
But the opportunity goes far beyond the buildings themselves. Every new data center brings a ripple effect. Power generation, transmission, water systems, cooling infrastructure, and site development all come along for the ride.
Even if you're not chasing data center work directly, the infrastructure tied to AI growth could create new opportunities across multiple trades and specialties.
SHIFT #2: The Real Indicator Isn't Starts; It's Put-In-Place Spending
After a slight dip in 2025, nonresidential put-in-place spending is expected to climb toward $1.3-trillion in 2026 and $1.4-trillion in 2027.
[Put-in-place spending is the value of work actually installed.]
The growth isn't evenly distributed, though. Private work is outpacing public, with commercial and manufacturing leading the way. The takeaway from economists is clear: diversification matters. Companies that spread their risk across multiple sectors will be better positioned when one market cools and another heats up.
If your backlog leans heavily on one sector, now's the time to broaden your pipeline and pay attention to what's growing in your region.
SHIFT #3: Costs are Still Outrunning Bids
Labor remains tight, material prices are under pressure from tariffs and supply factors, and margins are getting squeezed.
Industry guidance for 2026 is all about discipline: track costs closely, consider escalation clauses, lock in subcontractors early, and be selective about the work you pursue. Economists put it bluntly: contractors need to be "ruthless" about bid discipline to avod winning projects that don't make money.
In this environment, the riskiest job isn't the one you lost; it's the one you win at the wrong number.
| | This year isn't shaping up to be a slow year, but it is a strategic one. Growth is there, opportunities are shifting, and the companies paying attention to market signals (and protecting their margins) will be the ones building the strongest backlog. | | | These findings were presented during a recent live event called 'Where Does the U.S. Construction Economy Go From Here?' by Michael Guckes, ConstructConnect's Chief Economist, and Dr. Nicholas Fearnley, head of Global Construction Forecasting at Oxford Economics. | | | |
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
March 1-7 - WIC Week 2026
Women in Construction (WIC) Week is a nationwide initiative that advanced and promotes the vital role of women in the construction industry. Led by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), WIC Week brings together thousands of people across the country for events that elevate, connect, and spotlight women in all facets of the built environment. Minneapolis - St. Paul Chapter | Twin Ports / Iron Range Chapter | Southeast Minnesota Chapter | Fargo-Moorhead Chapter | Greater Sioux Falls Chapter
March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: Duluth
We're coming to a city near you in March 2026! In partnership with the Electrical Association, the Minnesota Concrete Council, and The Builders Group, we hope you'll join us for a casual get-together to network with fellow members and connect with these organizations. Register
March 11 - Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
We're coming to a city near you in March 2026! In partnership with the Electrical Association, the Minnesota Concrete Council, and The Builders Group, we hope you'll join us for a casual get-together to network with fellow members and connect with these organizations. Register
March 19 - 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
** March 26 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses [WEBINAR]
Join instructor Troy DeGroot (UChapter2) for an introductory preview to each upcoming Bluebeam Revu course offered in April and May, and their learning objectives. Get your questions answered to ensure you enroll in the appropriate courses for your skillset and workflows. Sign Up
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC REPORT
🗓️ Project Delays Pushed Construction Stress Up to Start 2026
The Project Stress Index ticked up 0.5% month-over-month to kick off 2026. That's largely due to month-to-month increases in projects put on hold and bid date delays, according to data from ConstructConnect. Both those categories rose 16.9% and 13.3%, respectively, in January. On a positive note, abandoned projects declined 19.6% in January, largely offsetting those jumps. (Construction Dive)
LABOR & WORKFORCE
✊ Construction Among Sectors Seeing Rise in Union Membership
Despite the attacks on federal government unions, union membership in the public sector grew in 2025 and continued to be about five times higher than in the private sector. Health care, retail, education, and construction posted strong gains in union membership. Meanwhile, some blue-collar industries, like manufacturing, mining, and transportation, saw declines. Among major racial groups, Black workers continued to have the highest rates of union membership in 2025, at 11.4%, compared to 9.9% for White workers. (Finance & Commerce)
ON THE JOBSITE
📋 Provide Your Crew with Meaningful Performance Data
How many organizations today send their best people into the field with little regard for the "score" of the game? If you went to one of your job sites right now and asked about the individual labor performance on a work package, what would the response be? Furthering this misery, how many organizations drop the playbook in their people's hands a mere moment before the game begins? Consider your organization. What does the field see relative to their performance, whether it is on a specific labor code, general condition, or overall project? (Construction Business Owner)
INDUSTRY TRENDS | RENOVATIONS
🧰 Multi-Million-Dollar Renovations Signal Strong Public Sector Activity
State and local leaders throughout America are launching the planning phases of large renovation projects to preserve historic landmarks and modernize critical public facilities. The projects being planned reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and the preservation of valued public assets for civic use. (Government Market News)
CONCRETE | INNOVATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS
🤿 World's First Underwater 3D-Printed Concrete to Reshape Wind Farms
Australian researchers have recently developed the world's first underwater 3D concrete printing system, which is capable of building stable structures without chemical accelerators and additives. They created a single-mix concrete formulation designed to set underwater through material design alone. The innovation eliminates the need for multi-stage mixes as well as rapid-setting chemicals. (Interesting Engineering)
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ABOVE: Aeon's vision for the redevelopment site as illustrated in LSE Architect's rendering.
| | Competing Proposals for First Phase of Former Kmart Site | | |
Read more on Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal
Developers Aeon and Trellis Co. submitted rival proposals to redevelop the first phase of the former Kmart site along Lake Street in Minneapolis.
The plans cover only the 1.6-acre first phase of the site, and each includes affordable housing, retail space, community services space, and indoor space for park programming.
The overall property was once home to the 1970s-built department store that blocked Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and what is now the Midtown Greenway. The building was demolished after a fire caused it to partially collapse in 2023.
Here's a closer look at the two proposals:
AEON'S PLAN (rendering above)
• A total of 76 apartments affordable to households making between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). Aeon would be the owner and operator.
• Retail space at the corner of Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street, owned and managed by emerging Occupiable Art Real Estate Development. The space can be split into two or three smaller shops.
• Indoor space for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.
• Space for the Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities, which would move its main offices to the site.
• A total of 141 parking spaces, a majority of which would be underground.
• A rooftop outdoor space overlooking the future park on the site.
Aeon is working with LSE Architects on the project.
TRELLIS' PLAN (rendering below)
• A total of 119 apartments affordable to households making between 30% and 60% AMI. Trellis would be the co-owner and operator. It is working with emerging 1st Class Residential Properties on the project.
• Thirteen apartments are reserved for individuals experiencing homelessness, and 11 apartments for people with disabilities.
• Retail spaces on two corners of the site, both along Lake Street. Neighborhood Development Center would own and manage the retail spaces.
• Indoor space for the Minnesota Park & Recreation Board.
• Spaces for the Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities, which would also move its main offices to the site with this plan, and for Minneapolis nonprofit Build Wealth Minnesota.
• A total of 215 parking spaces, a majority of which would be underground.
• A large courtyard.
Trellis is working with BKV Group on the project.
The city is now seeking feedback from the public through March 5. After that, city staff is expected to make a recommendation to the Minneapolis City Council by early April.
| | ABOVE: Trellis' redevelopment site proposal as illustrated in BKV Group's rendering. | |
Building Construction Connections: Unlock Opportunities, Build Partnerships & Thrive in the Public Sector
Presented by Minnesota Department of Administration - Office of Equity in Procurement
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DATE: Wednesday, March 4
TIME: 9:00am - 1:00pm
LOCATION:
COST: Free to attend
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Join Equity in Procurement to learn from and network with a panel of both large and small construction vendors who have personal experience with government contracting.
Event highlights include:
• How to Get Started in Government Contracting
• Winning Bids: Strategies for Success
• Building Relationships with Government Agencies
• Labor Compliance
Attendees will engage with state and prime contractor staff to build connections and learn more about vertical construction opportunities throughout Minnesota. They will also hear from the state's Real Estate and Construction Services and the Office of State Procurement's construction groups on how projects move from an idea to completion.
Questions? Contact Aaron Anderson at Aaron.Anderson@state.mn.us or (651) 201-2401.
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 2/16/2026 - 2/20/2026: 118
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 2/16/2026 - 2/20/2026: 11
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 2/24/2026: 510
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 2/24/2026: 1,088
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 2/18/2026 - 2/24/2026.
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 1-7 - Women in Construction Week
• 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
• 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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