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Issue No. 6 β’ Wednesday, February 11, 2026 β’ www.mbex.org
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I'm feeling very Olympic today; how 'bout you?
The 2026 Milan Winter Olympics are officially underway, and if you're like me, the Games are on 24/7. (Just try and keep me from watching the curling Gold Medal round where Cory and Korey, who hail from Duluth, are competing π π₯) Obviously, feeling the Olympic spirit, I decided to have a little fun. I present to you, MBEXers, the Construction Olympics:
β’ Temporary Heat Endurance: Keep the building at spec temperature while doors open, trades cycle through, and someone definitely left a panel open.
β’ Winter Chill Crane Drop: Operators compete through several rounds of placing different loads (steel beams, HVAC units, or pallets of blocks) onto a target with millimeter accuracy through gusts of wind, reduced visibility, and wearing three layers of gloves. Bonus points awarded for no hand signals.
β’ Materials Relay: Transport drywall, steel, and various finishes across snow, slush, and mud without damage or losing your footing.
β’ Meeting Endurance: How many coordination meetings can you attend in one day in increasingly colder outdoor temperatures while still getting actual work done?
I have a slew more I could share, but I'll stop there for now. I do know, however, if these were real winter games, MBEX crews would certainly be medal contenders.
Go, Team USA!
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Relive the Connections - Last week's Meet the Estimators event was incredible. Over 300 attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors connected at Gresser Companies, and it was an afternoon filled with meaningful connections and conversations. See photos from the event here.
2.) Industry's Latest - Nonresidential construction planning slipped 6.3% month-to-month in January due to weaker commercial and institutional activity, essentially erasing a gain from the end of 2025, per the Dodge Momentum Index.
3.) ICYMI - MBEX has a new name! We're now the Midwest Builders Exchange, and in the coming weeks, you'll start seeing our updated look. Read more about this change on our blog.
4.) Project Incoming - PCL Construction was selected to build a $4-billion natural gas-fueled generation facility in Williams County, North Dakota. Called Bison Generation Station, the combined-cycle power plant is set to produce about 1.49 GW, making it one of the largest electric generation projects in Basin Electric Power Cooperative's history. (Can't view the above link? Click here.)
5.) Friendly Reminder - Your day could be going worse. At least you're not these guys! π π π«£
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Inside Issue No. 6:
β’ Next Thursday: Five practical reasons to join us for our next Online Plan Room Demo
β’ February To-Dos: 10 essential employment items to consider this month
β’ New Members: These companies kicked off 2026 by joining MBEX
β’ OSHA Changes: What new rules mean for construction risk management
β’ Upcoming Events: A few more Bluebeam Revu virtual courses (2/17-2/20); two Regional Member Meetups (3/4 & 3/11); and save the date for the Spring Social (4/15)
β’ Five Headlines: Backlogs hold up better for large contractors in January; How simple AI technology will win over construction; How advanced technology-backed protection brings new safety levels to the jobsite; Higher education leaders consider workforce development the highest priority in 2026; & Cities and towns are committing significant dollars to modernizing public libraries
β’ Project of the Week: Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame plans advance in Inver Grove Heights
β’ Industry Event: Minnesota Transportation Conference & Expo (MTC&E) - March 18 & 19 - Saint Paul RiverCentre - Presented by Minnesota's Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
β’ Project Download: Updated project information for the week of February 4-10
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Are You Using the Plan Room to Its Full Potential?
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Whether you're brand new to MBEX or you've been using the Plan Room for years, there's always something new to learn.
Join us next Thursday for a live Online Plan Room Demo and discover how to work smarter, find projects faster, and make the most of one of your most valuable member benefits.
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Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 9:00am-10:00am
Location: Virtual Event via Zoom
Cost: Free! Open to current members as well as curious soon-to-be members
REGISTER BY:
Wednesday, February 18 @ 2:30pm
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Here are five reasons why you should tune in:
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Find the Right Projects Faster
Learn how to use search filters, geographic targeting, and project tracking tools to quickly zero in on the opportunities that fit your business.
π¨ Set Up Notifications That Work For You
Stop checking manually. We'll show you how to create alerts so relevant projects, alerts, and more come straight to your inbox.
π§βπ» Track Your Competition & Activity
See how to monitor plan holders, addenda, and project updates so you can stay informed and competitive throughout the bidding process.
π² Discover Features You Might Not Be Using
Even longtime users are often surprised by tools they didn't know existed, from advanced search options to emailing bidders directly from inside the platform.
πββοΈ Ask Questions in Real Time
Get answers specific to your company's needs and walk away with practical tips you can start using immediately.
| | If the Online Plan Room is part of your everyday workflow, this 60-minute session can help you get more value out of it. And if you're new, it's the perfect place to start. | | β | Each demo is led in real-time by a member of MBEX's staff, and attendees are encouraged to be logged in to the Plan Room during so they can follow along throughout the session. | | β |
10 Essential Workplace Items to Review in February
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At MBEX, weβre committed to helping our members stay ahead of the changes shaping our industry, including the rapid updates coming out of the administration on labor and employment rules.
With rules changing quickly (and sometimes without much warning), staying compliant takes a bit of planning and a good heads-up on what actually matters.
Below is a quick rundown of key developments that happened in January, along with a checklist of the essential items to consider addressing in February and beyond.
1.) Weather Winter Workplace Woes (try saying that 5x fast)
While snow or ice disrupts your operations, remember these best pay and safety practices. And at the peak of an especially bad flu season, follow these practical tips on managing absenteeism, protecting employee health, and more.
2.) Prepare for Workforce Disruptions If You Rely on Global Talent
The current administration just paused immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries as of January 21. Here are answers to employers' top questions and four practical action steps you can take now to address the situation.
3.) Sip Something Warm and Catch Up on DOL Updates
The US Department of Labor recently released six new opinion letters offering guidance on issues related to federal minimum wage and family leave laws. Here's a peek at how the agency views specific workplace scenarios. There are also two important workplace safety developments that unfolded mid-January.
4.) OSHA Form 300A Reminder
Employers must post their annual Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) from February 1 - April 30 and the deadline to submit calendar year 2025 injury and illness data is March 2. For more details, check out the 'Recordkeeping' section of this OSHA FAQs, plus any applicable OSHA materials for the most up-to-date information.
5.) Check If 2026's Extra Pay Period Impacts Your Payroll Practices
If you pay biweekly and your first 2026 payday was Friday, January 2, you will be issuing 27 (instead of the usual 26) paychecks this year. If you haven't already planned for this anomaly, learn how to avoid compliance mistakes and make any necessary adjustments.
6.) Heed the WARNings on Workforce Reduction Notice Rules
As mass layoffs and closures trend upward across several industries, employers should get familiar with their obligations under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which may be more complicated than you think.
7.) Beware of New AI-Related Litigation Risks
A class action lawsuit filed on January 20 in a California state court could have significant implications for employers that use artificial intelligence to screen job candidates, and AI meeting tools are the latest target of class actions under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). Here are six steps to prevent BIPA litigation for businesses in Illinois or with employees in the state.
8.) Keep On Keeping On With Anti-Discrimination Compliance
While the EEOC scrapped the Biden-era guidance on transgender rights in the workplace, not much has changed for employers from a practical perspective. Here's what employers must know about evolving guidance and best practices for creating a compliant and inclusive workplace.
9.) Learn the Realities of the "No Tax on Overtime" Rules
Many misconceptions surround the new federal income tax deduction related to overtime compensation. Here are the top employer takeaways and an explanation behind the biggest "No Tax on Overtime" myths.
10.) Update Your HIPAA Privacy Notice Before the Deadline
If your business is required to maintain a Notice of Privacy Practices, you must update it by February 16 to address confidentiality rules for substance use disorder treatment records. Here are key points for group health plan sponsors and covered entities.
| | β | 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. | | β | Welcome to the Minnesota Builders Exchange! | | |
January brought a strong group of 20 new companies into the MBEX community, and we're thrilled to have them on board. Whether they're jumping into project leads, building new industry connections, or finding their place in Minnesota's commercial construction network (and beyond), these members are ready to make the most of it.
Please join us in giving a warm MBEX welcome to the newest additions to our growing community:
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What New OSHA Rule Changes Mean for Risk Management
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For construction contractors, OSHA rule changes anticipated for 2026 represent more than a regulatory update. They point to a broader shift in how job-site risk must be identified, managed, and financed.
With proposed standards addressing heat illness, continued emphasis on crystalline silica exposure, and evolving enforcement priorities, contractors face new operational and financial considerations.
Several OSHA initiatives are shaping the regulatory environment contractors should be planning for:
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β’ A proposed federal heat-illness prevention standard, which could require written plans, hydration and shade protocols, acclimatization procedures, and expanded supervisor oversight on outdoor and high-temperature jobsites.
β’ Continued enforcement emphasis on crystalline silica exposure, including expectations around engineering controls, task-level hazard assessments, and respiratory protection for concrete, demolition, and stone-related work.
β’ Increased focus on repeat violations and employer knowledge of hazards, particularly where similar conditions appear across multiple job sites.
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While some of these rules remain in proposal or review stages, waiting for final language before acting is risky. Historically, OSHA enforcement accelerates once standards are finalized, and insurance carriers, owners, and sureties often adjust expectations even sooner.
For many contractors, these changes will require adjustments to field operations, supervision, and safety planning, especially for roofing, paving, concrete, utility, and site-work activities.
Contractors should begin with a targeted compliance gap review focused on hazards most likely to be emphasized in 2026, allowing resources to be prioritized efficiently.
| | β | OSHA compliance is inseparable from overall risk management as new rules can influence work sequencing, crew scheduling, equipment selection, and supervision requirements. | | β | |
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
February 17 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
This streamlined course guides attendees through best practices for managing messy PDFs. Learn how to clean up page labels, reorder sheets, add hyperlinks, and automatically track revisions with speed and consistency. Sign Up
February 18 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
This focused session for office and jobsite pros teaches attendees how to create custom punch symbols, embed field photos and videos, and build summary reports. From QA / QC to install tracking, this session delivers consistency and clarity across documentation workflows. Sign Up
February 19 - Bluebeam 6: For Administrative Professionals
This course, designed specifically for administrative professionals, focuses on document prep and control tasks often overlooked in traditional Bluebeam software training. Learn to combine PDFs, apply redactions, use digital signatures, and manage key admin workflows. Sign Up
February 20 - Bluebeam 7: For Civil Workflows
Learn to calibrate, plan, and profile sheets with differing X-Y scales, visualize cut / fill quantities, create combined maps from multiples PDFs, and streamline survey tracking. Sign Up
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. Not yet open for registration
** April 15 - MBEX Spring Social
An event for members to mingle, network, and deepen their connections with other industry professionals along with food, drink, and exciting door prizes at Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville. Save the Date!
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC REPORT
ποΈ Construction Backlog Indicator Falls to Four-Year Low in January
ABC reported on February 10 that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.0-months in January, down 0.4-months from January 2025 and 0.2-months from December 2025. Backlog continues to hold up better for large contractors, rising over the past year for contractors with greater than $50-million in annual revenues while falling sharply for those with revenues below that threshold. (Associated Builders & Contractors)
CONTECH
π» How Simple Technology Will Win in Construction's AI Era
Many innovation waves start the same way: with a flood of technical terms and long-winded explanations. As it relates to AI, there's still too much talk about model architecture and agents and tokenization, and not enough about bottom lines. The next phase in construction tech (the winning phase) will belong to those who make complex systems feel simple, who deliver predictability and control without demanding a robust level of education on how to put the tools to use. (For Construction Pros)
JOBSITE SAFETY
π« How AI and IoT are Creating a Zero-Accident Construction Zone
Traditional safety measures on construction jobsites are largely reactive. Advanced, technology-backed protection, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), is proactive, taking action before events occur. Predictive analytics, risk mitigation, real-time alerts, and enhanced communication are all enabled by smart tech like AI and IoT and signal the start of unprecedented safety levels in construction. (IoT For All)
LABOR & WORKFORCE
πΌ Higher Education Leaders Name Workforce Development Top Priority for 2026
The 2026 Policy Issue Survey found that an overwhelming 97% now consider economic and workforce development to be "important" or "very important." Economic and workforce rose to the highest priority, moving up from second place in 2025. These priorities are grounded in a challenging economic outlook. By 2032, the U.S. could face a shortfall of more than 5-million individuals with the necessary education and training for high-demand jobs. (ConstructConnect News)
INDUSTRY TRENDS
π Capital Projects Spotlight a Nationwide Push to Modernize America's Libraries
Far from becoming obsolete, public libraries are being reimagined as essential civic infrastructure. The modernization and expansion efforts reflect a broader shift in how libraries are used and valued. Today, libraries are being designed to serve as gathering places, learning hubs, and anchors for downtown revitalization. They offer equitable access to technology, provide safe spaces for collaboration, and host everything from job trainings to public meetings. As a result, cities and towns are committing significant capital dollars to expand, replace, and redesign these facilities so they can better meet contemporary needs. (Government Market News)
| | Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame Plan Advances | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
The proposed $70-million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame and museum in Inver Grove Heights is inching closer to reality following a mostly positive review from a city planning body.
The project team, led by Consumer Science North and Ace in the Hole Limited Partnership, is seeking land use approvals for the 120,000-square-foot building, which would rise on part of a 40-acre site north of the Argenta Boulevard - 65th Street intersection.
The Inver Grove Heights Planning Commission recommended approval of the developers' request to change the site's land use designation from "office" to "mixed use" on February 4.
Scheduled to open in late 2028, the facility will feature a 30,000-square-foot museum with a "Great Hall" and five exhibit wings. Also included are a 20,000-square-foot performance venue, a state-of-the-art ice rink, a hockey-themed restaurant and taproom, and "multiple signature event and community spaces."
A city staff report revealed that the capital stack includes $22-million in "public funding, including city of Inver Grove Heights infrastructure support." Other funding sources include private lending and commercial financing, developer equity, sponsorship and naming rights commitments, and philanthropic support.
In January, the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame announced the selection of Greiner Construction and Mortenson as the project's general contractor. ESG Architecture & Design has design duties.
The project team plans to break ground later this year on the development site.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: A rendering by ESG Architecture & Design of the 120,000-square-foot Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame, a museum and performance hall, in Inver Grove Heights | |
Minnesota Transportation Conference & Expo (MTC&E)
Presented by Minnesota's Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
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ο»ΏDATE & TIMES:
- Wednesday, March 18 from 7:00am-5:00pm
- Thursday, March 19 from 7:00am-5:00pm
LOCATION:
COST:
- Student - $75
- Public Sector / Government Employee - $250
- Private Sector - $450
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The 2026 MTC&E is the largest spring A/E/C conference in the Upper Midwest, with more than 1,500 attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors expected.
Professionals from multiple states, as well as their project partners, will be in attendance. Meet representatives from small, medium, and large municipalities, counties, tribes, agencies, universities, consultants, and contractors.
Learn about engineering and construction technology, automation, compliance, and change management through timely and applicable peer presentations. Most of all, meet professionals from Minnesota and beyond who share your commitment to safe and innovative transportation.
Anyone involved in the transportation industry will benefit from attending. Those working with outstate MnDOT district teams, municipal engineers, county engineers, students, and specialty contractors are especially encouraged to attend.
Come network, learn, build new business, and celebrate being part of an exciting, essential, and enduring industry that enhances communities.
Have questions? Contact Amerigo Berdeski or Justan Rice.
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β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 2/2/2026 - 2/6/2026: 107
β’ Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 2/2/2026 - 2/6/2026: 28
β’ Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 2/10/2026: 817
β’ Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 2/10/2026: 530
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 2/4/2026 - 2/10/2026.
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 EVENTS ο»Ώ
β’ February 17 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
β’ February 18 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data Using Bluebeam Revu
β’ February 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ February 19 - Bluebeam 6: For Administrative Professionals
β’ February 20 - Bluebeam 7: For Civil Workflows
β’ March 1-7 - Women in Construction Week
β’ March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: Duluth
β’ March 11- Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
β’ March 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ April 15 - Spring Social
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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 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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