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Welcome to April, MBEXers. I'm calling it now: it's officially spring. I will not be taking questions, comments, or concerns about any potential "surprise" snow in the forecast in the coming weeks 🤫
With the season comes the annual itch to clean and purge. While "spring cleaning" might sound like an ideal Pinterest board, it's a pretty practical move this time of year. Clear the paperwork piles, ditch the dead pens, give your project search filters inside the Plan Room a refresh, and schedule that heavy-duty equipment once-over. A clean space makes way for a clearer mind (or so I've been told 😉).
With the ground thawing and projects picking up, it's GO TIME. Regardless of what the weather decides to do next, MBEX is here to help you stay connected and find your next prime bidding opportunities.
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Level Up - Two virtual courses are happening next week: Construction Estimating Principles & Application (April 14) and Reading Construction Documents (April 15 & 16). Both courses are open to current MBEX members as well as non-members and are led by certified instructor Troy DeGroot (UChapter2). While Bluebeam software will be used throughout each course, these are not Bluebeam functionality trainings.
2.) Employer Exchange - Member companies are invited to exhibit their businesses to attendees at the Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference on April 30. This conference engages Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators of the construction trades in cutting-edge professional development supported by the industry. If interested, visit Project Build's website or email info@projectbuild.org.
3.) Most Clicked - MBEX members like these bits of content the most throughout the month of March:
• Federal Independent Contractor Rules are Changing. Here's What Employers Should Know [article]
• How You Build at the Bottom of the World [article]
• OSHA Redesigns Job Safety & Health Poster [article / download]
• 5 Key Trends from CONEXPO-CON / AGG 2026 [article]
• Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses (held on March 26) [event registration]
4.) Prevailing Wage Survey - The Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) is surveying wage rates paid to employees on commercial, residential, highway, and heavy type construction projects to determine prevailing wage rates. Qualifying private or public projects worked on between April 7, 2025, and June 4, 2026, may be submitted. Reports are due by the close of business Friday, June 5, 2026.
5.) PB & J 101 - The proper technique in making the classic sandwich, according to a drywaller 🧰 🥪 😏
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Inside Issue No. 14:
• Next Wednesday: How to make the most of your time at the Spring Social on April 15
• Industry Insights: Key economic takeaways from March with Sage Economics
• Spread the Word: Share the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship with those in your network
• Redevelopment Projects: DEED awarded $2M for five projects in Dundas, Kenyon, Mankato, Melrose, and Grand Rapids
• Upcoming Events: Online Plan Room Demo (4/16); Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference (4/30 & 5/1); Bluebeam Revu Courses 1-3 (5/5-5/7); and Young Professionals Network (5/6)
• Five Headlines: Renewal window now open for Minnesota AELSLAGID licenses and certificates; Tariffs adjusted effective April 6 for steel, aluminum and copper imports; Project teams advised not to rely on AI outputs from LLMs for final sign-offs; Sawdust being turned into a durable and fire-resistant material suitable for building applications; and 26,000 construction jobs added in March
• Project of the Week: Minnesota State - Mankato seeks Legislature approval for $97M bonding request for replacement of Armstrong Hall
• Industry Event: Attracting & Retaining Skilled Trades Employees - Monday, April 13 - Presented by Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA)
• Project Download: Updated project information covering the week of April 1-7
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NEXT WEEK: See you at the MBEX Spring Social
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If your schedule is already filling up, the MBEX Spring Social on April 15 (next Wednesday!) is one event worth making time for.
This isn't just another networking event. It's a chance to step away from the day-to-day, gain a few practical takeaways, and reconnect with the people who make up Minnesota's (and beyond) commercial construction community.
Attendees can expect real conversations, a better pulse on the market, and an afternoon that feels both productive and easy to enjoy.
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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 - $65
• Non-Members - $70
REGISTER BY:
5:00pm on Monday, April 13
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Special Guest Speaker
A highlight of this year's event will be guest speaker Cecil Smith, President and CEO of Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA) (pictured right), who offers straightforward, real-world insights on the construction industry and the daily challenges construction professionals face, especially in the multi-family sector. His approach is practical, relatable, and designed to give attendees actionable takeaways to bring back to the office or jobsite and use right away.
Make the Most of Your Time at the Spring Social
A little planning goes a long way. Here's how to get the most out of the afternoon:
☐ Arrive Early → Ease into the event by grabbing a drink and having a few conversations before things get really busy and the program begins.
☐ Engage with the Speaker → Try not to check emails during the presentation! Instead, tune in and walk away with at least one idea you can use right away.
☐ Connect with Someone New → Expand your circle beyond your usual contacts.
☐ Reconnect with Familiar Faces → Quick check-ins can go a long way in strengthening relationships that matter on future projects.
☐ Join in the Fun → Because, why not? Take part in the 50/50 cash raffle and Wine & Spirits Pull!
Thank you to our Event Sponsors:
• Platinum Sponsor: Frattalone Companies
• Gold Sponsors: Mortenson & Scaffold Service
• Silver Sponsors: Dark Horse General Contractors & Dem-Con Companies
• Bronze Sponsor: Marsh McLennan Agency
• Wine & Spirits Pull Sponsor: Alliance Bank
• Door Prize Sponsors: Grazzini Brothers, RMS Rentals, Scaffold Service, St. Cloud Acoustics & Tenet
A few hours out of the office can go a long way, especially when it leaves you with new ideas, stronger connections, and a refreshed perspective heading into the busy season.
| | | Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Become a Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Door Prize Sponsor when registering for the event. Questions? Contact Melanie at melanie@mbex.org or (612) 381-2628. | | |
Key Economic Signals for Commercial Construction
March 2026 Insights from Sage Economics
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March didn't exactly come in quietly, and neither did the latest batch of insights from Sage Economics.
After a strong run in 2025, the construction market is starting to level out, with growth still on the board but carrying a little less momentum than we've gotten used to. The headlines point to a steady market, but when you dig in, it's clear this isn't a rising-tide-lifts-all-boats moment. Instead, a handful of sectors and megaprojects are doing most of the heavy lifting, while other areas are tapping the brakes or waiting things out.
At the same time, the usual suspects are still shaping the story. Labor pressures haven't magically disappeared, investment decisions are getting more cautious, and broader economic factors (from energy prices to hiring trends) continue to ripple through project pipelines. The result is a construction landscape that feels stable on the surface but requires a sharper eye underneath.
So what does that mean for Midwest contractors? It means being a little bit more strategic about where opportunities are coming from, a little more realistic about where things are slowing down, and a lot more intentional about how you position your business in a market that's no longer running at full throttle.
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The Big Picture is Holding...But It's Not Exactly Taking Off
The forecast is calling for modest growth in 2026, with total U.S. construction starts expected to rise just 1.6%. That’s a noticeable cooldown from 2025’s strong run, and it reflects a market that’s still trying to find its footing amid higher costs, tariff uncertainty, and cautious investment behavior.
In short, the work is still out there, but fewer projects are moving forward quickly, especially smaller, shorter-term ones.
See More:
- Page 5 - ISM Manufacturing PMI
- Page 25 - New Residential Construction
- Page 29 - Industrial Production
- Page 30 - NAHB Housing Market Index
What this Means for Midwest Constructors:
With slower growth and more hesitation around new projects, expect longer sales cycles and fewer “quick win” opportunities. Now’s the time to double down on relationships, stay close to your pipeline, and keep a sharp eye on preconstruction activity. The work is still out there. You might have to work a little harder (and earlier) to land it.
Megaprojects are Carrying More Than Their Share
One trend continues to stand out: big projects are still getting done. Megaproject activity surged late in 2025, and those billion-dollar builds (especially data centers) are helping prop up overall nonresidential growth heading into 2026.
Meanwhile, smaller projects are more likely to get delayed as owners wait out economic uncertainty.
See More:
- Pages 10-21 - March 2026 Q & A
What This Means for Midwest Constructors:
If you’re positioned to touch large-scale work (even indirectly), lean into it. Megaprojects are driving a lot of the current activity, which means strong opportunities for contractors, subs, and suppliers who can get in the mix early.
On the flip side, don’t assume smaller projects will fill gaps in your schedule like they used to. Diversifying your pipeline (and your client base) is going to matter more than ever.
Residential is Crawling, Not Sprinting
Residential construction is expected to grow just under 1%, with single-family doing slightly better than multi-family. High interest rates and tight lending conditions are still holding things back, and apartment developers are hitting pause in some markets due to rising vacancies.
But...residential renovation work has surged and is quietly propping up overall construction spending. In fact, renovations make up a significant share of private construction activity right now.
See More:
- Pages 34-35 - Construction Spending
What this Means for Midwest Constructors:
If you’re focused on new residential builds, expect things to stay a little sluggish. But if you’re not paying attention to renovation work, you might be missing where the action actually is. Homeowners and property owners are improving what they already have instead of building new, which opens the door for contractors willing to pivot or expand services.
Nonresidential Growth is Real, But Narrow
Nonresidential building is projected to grow modestly, with a big assist from...you guessed it...megaprojects.
Data centers are driving a massive spike in private office construction (up over 48%), but that level of growth isn’t expected to last forever. At the same time, institutional work is trending downward overall, with declines in education and religious construction offsetting gains in healthcare and corrections.
See More:
- Pages 34-35 - Construction Spending
What This Means for Midwest Constructors:
Not all growth is created equal right now. Yes, there’s opportunity, but it’s concentrated in specific sectors, and it’s heavily tied to large-scale investments like data centers. That means being selective about where you spend your time and estimating resources.
Pay attention to which sectors are gaining traction (healthcare, infrastructure-adjacent work) and which are cooling off. Adjust your pursuit strategy accordingly before you’re chasing work that’s already drying up.
Labor, Wages & Workforce Pressures are Still Very Real
Labor dynamics continue to shift, with wages rising again, especially in trades tied to high-demand sectors like electrical, HVAC, and data center-related work. At the same time, other areas are flattening or declining, reflecting uneven demand across the industry.
See More:
- Pages 40-42 - Construction Wage Escalation Reaccelerates
What this Means for Midwest Constructors:
If your workforce strategy hasn’t changed in the last 6–12 months, it probably should. Wages are climbing fast in high-demand trades, which means talent competition isn’t just tight; it’s expensive.
Take a hard look at where your backlog is headed and make sure your hiring, retention, and subcontractor relationships are aligned with those needs (not last year’s reality). And if you rely on specialty trades tied to data centers or advanced manufacturing, plan early, because everyone else is calling the same crews.
Economic Wildcards are Still Driving the Narrative
From oil prices to job reports to broader economic uncertainty, external factors are playing a major role in shaping construction activity. The outlook remains highly dependent on macro conditions, especially energy costs and labor market stability.
See More:
- Pages 1-4 - A Brutal Jobs Report
- Pages 6-7 - Oil Stuff
- Page 8 - Jobs Report
- Pages 22-23 - Oil Stuff
- Page 24 - Consumer Price Index
- Page 27 - Income, Spending & Saving
- Page 28 - Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey
- Pages 30-31 - Oil Stuff
- Page 31 - Producer Price Index - Inflation
- Page 33 - Jobless Claims
- Pages 35-36 - Oil Stuff
- Page 38 - Jobless Claims
What This Means for Midwest Constructors:
Material pricing, fuel costs, and project timing are all being influenced by bigger economic swings, so flexibility is your best friend right now. Build contingencies into your bids where you can, keep communication tight with owners and suppliers, and don’t assume today’s numbers will hold three months from now. The contractors who stay proactive are the ones who’ll navigate the uncertainty without getting burned.
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BOTTOM LINE
2026 isn't shaping up to be a boom year, but it's far from a bust.
The opportunity is there, but it's concentrated, competitive, and a little more complicated than it was a year ago. The contractors who stay flexible and plugged into where the work is actually happening will be the ones who come out ahead.
| | | This information was compiled and summarized from Sage Economics' email updates distributed March 1-31, 2026. Note that more recent reports may offer updated insights, and MBEX members are encouraged to review the latest data as part of their due diligence. | | |
REMINDER: Share MBEX's 2026-2027 Construction Scholarship with Your Network
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Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship, a program created to encourage and support students pursuing careers in the commercial construction industry, such as carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, masonry, tiling, utilities, elevator technology, and plumbing. Other related fields, such as construction management, construction administration, and engineering, are also welcome to apply.
In order to be considered for one of several scholarships ranging from $1,000 to possibly $5,000, applications must be submitted through our online portal, complete with all required materials by the posted deadline of Friday, May 29, 2026.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Students must be:
• Pursuing a construction-related field of study at an accredited trade school, technical college, or four-year university.
• Entering the Fall 2026 semester as a freshman, sophomore, or junior.
• Studying at a school located in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
• Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Demonstrating a clear interest in the construction industry.
| | Together in partnership with The Builders Group Education Foundation since the scholarship's launch in 2003, MBEX has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to students pursuing skilled specialty trades and related construction fields, strengthening our industry's future workforce. | |
DEED Awards More Than $2M for Redevelopment Projects
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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $2.08-million in awards for five redevelopment and demolition projects statewide.
The projects will collectively create or retain 185 jobs, increase local tax bases by nearly $1-million and leverage more than $90.6-million in private investment.
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DUNDAS
Cannon River Apartments
DEED awarded the city of Dundas $76,529 for abatement and building demolition on a 3.27-acre site.
Historically used to store and distribute fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals, the site will be redeveloped into a four-story, 125,000-square-foot, mixed-use building with 116 market-rate dwelling units, first-floor commercial space, and parking.
KENYON
Sunset Homes Redevelopment
DEED awarded the city of Kenyon $180,975 for abatement and building demolition on a 0.31-acre site.
Formerly a long-term care facility, the site will be redeveloped into a three-story, 36-unit affordable housing apartment building.
MANKATO
Front Street Plaza
DEED awarded the city of Mankato $1.16-million for demolition, soil stabilization, and public infrastructure improvements on a 2.57-acre site.
Historically, the site was used as an auto repair shop, lumber yard, and for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes. Currently occupied by a commercial building and parking lot, the site will be redeveloped into a four-story, 35,000-square-foot office building; a six-story, 150-unit apartment building with 31,500-square-feet of retail space; and a two-story parking ramp.
MELROSE
Downtown Redevelopment
DEED awarded the city of Melrose $669,700 for building demolition and public infrastructure improvements on a 4.06-acre site.
Formerly a turkey processing plant, the site will be partially rehabilitated as a 20,800-square-foot warehouse space with loading docks.
GRAND RAPIDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Highway 2 Redevelopment
DEED awarded the Grand Rapids EDA $420,000 for building demolition on a 1.52-acre site.
Historically used as a gas station, oil facility, and agricultural chemical storage, this site has the potential to support two commercial structures with shared parking.
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The Redevelopment Grant Program helps communities remove blighted structures and upgrade infrastructure for more productive industrial, residential, and commercial uses.
The Demolition Loan Program helps communities with the removal of dilapidated and unsafe structures to prep sites for future development.
| | | Since its inception in 1998, DEED has awarded more than $90.6-million in Redevelopment Grant funding and more than $3.4-million in Demolition Loans. | | | |
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
April 14 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL COURSE]
This half-day interactive and virtual training, crafted by the industry experts at UChapter2, is built for estimators who want to sharpen their approach and gain a competitive edge. This course encourages attendees to ask the critical question: "How can we approach this project differently than our competition?" Sign Up
** April 15 - MBEX Spring Social - Register by 5:00pm on April 13
This two-day course covers the fundamentals of how to read and understand construction documents. From identifying title block information to reviewing floor plans, elevations, and combing through specification sections, course attendees will learn how to navigate a full set of drawings and interpret material and construction requirements with clarity. Sign Up
April 15 & 16 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL COURSE]
This two-day course covers the fundamentals of how to read and understand construction documents. From identifying title block information to reviewing floor plans, elevations, and combing through specification sections, course attendees will learn how to navigate a full set of drawings and interpret material and construction requirements with clarity. Sign Up
** April 16 - Online Plan Room Demo - Register by 12:30pm on April 15
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
April 30 & May 1 - Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference
This two-day conference engages secondary and post-secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators of the construction trades in cutting-edge professional development supported by the industry. Learn More
May 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
This session teaches attendees how to navigate menus, toolbars, panels, shortcuts, and key settings. Attendees will also get hands-on with markup and measurement tools, plus insider tips that boost speed, accuracy, and proficiency. Sign Up
May 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
This session introduces standard measurement tools and markup customization options to help convert highlighters into powerful takeoff tools. With emphasis on the Markups List and workflow tips, this session helps estimators improve speed and accuracy from day one. Sign Up
May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
The MBEX YPN brings together construction professionals at the early stages of their careers, from college students and interns to recent grads and those new to the industry. Come enjoy snacks, drinks, door prizes, and great conversation with fellow young professionals from across the construction industry. Register
May 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
Learn to create custom columns, embed formulas, organize information, and export or live-link Excel templates. Sign Up
** May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday. We will return to regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26.
** June 2 - Member Appreication BBQ
Join MBEX's Board of Directors and staff over lunch so we can show our membership our appreication for their continued and on-going support. Lunch will be catered by Famous Dave's, and this year's BBQ will be hosted at The Builders Group in Eagan. Save the Date!
** June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
An annual summer event that offers fantastic opportunities for members to enjoy a day of golf, networking, and camraderie at the Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. Enjoy lunch, 18 holes of golf, a post-game happy hour, dinner, and a program that includes team awards, raffle winners, and door prize giveaways. Register
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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MINNESOTA LICENSES & CERTIFICATES
🚨 2026-2028 Renewals Are Now Open
The renewal window for AELSLAGID licenses and certificates is now open. ALL licenses and certificates expire on June 30, 2026, regardless of the date issued. You must complete the required professional development hours (PDH) before you renew. Renewing is quick and easy. Have handy your PDH hours, license or certificate number, the last four digits of your ID number (either your social security number or your ITIN number), and credit card information. (State of Minnesota - Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, Interior Design)
TARIFFS
🪙 Trump Adjusts Tariffs for Steel, Aluminum, Copper
The Trump administration is adjusting how Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper imports and derivative products are calculated, according to a proclamation signed on April 2. Under the new rules, which went into effect on April 6, goods made almost entirely of aluminum, steel, or copper, including steel coils and aluminum sheets, will face a 50% tariff on the value of the item. However, derivative articles "substantially made" of steel, aluminum, or copper will incur a 25% levy. Such goods include steel cooking appliances, silverware, diesel-engine trains, and semi-trailer hauling trucks, according to a list provided by the White House. (Construction Dive)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
🧐 AI Hallucinations Can Put Construction Projects at Greater Risk
Construction firms are rapidly adopting generative AI to search for and summarize project documents, emails, and schedules. But project teams should not "treat AI outputs as gospel or rely on them for final sign-off," writes a Georgia Tech lecturer. Large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT and Gemini, can use incorrect, incomplete, or outdated data in compiling authoritative-sounding documents. Project team members may be unaware that an LLM used bad data, which can lead to catastrophic results. (Building Design + Construction)
PRODUCTS & MATERIALS
🪚 Sawdust Waste Turned Into Fire-Resistant Building Panels, Could Reduce Construction Waste
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to transform the overlooked waste of vast quantities of sawdust into durable, fire-resistant panels. By combining compressed sawdust with a mineral-based binder (struvite), the team has created a material suitable for interior walls and partitions, offering a more sustainable alternative for construction while reducing industrial waste. While typically known for clogging pipes, struviite also possesses inherent fire-resistant properties that make it an attractive candidate for building applications. (Interesting Engineering)
LABOR & WORKFORCE
🏀 Construction Jobs Rebound, Jumping by 26K in March
A month after construction hiring was reported to have fallen to its slowest rate on record, contractors reversed course and increased hiring in March, collectively adding an estimated 26,000 positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' April 3 report. As they've done in the past, specialty contractors led the jobs spree, adding an estimated 15,100 positions during March, with residential specialty contractors boosting employment with 11,200 new hires, and nonresidential specialty trade contractors adding an estimated 3,900 positions. (Engineering News-Record)
| | Minnesota State Seeks $97M to Replace Hall in Mankato | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Armstrong Hall, a 1960s-vintage structure serving about 4,000 students annually on Minnesota State University - Mankato's campus, has seen a series of alarming failures in recent years, including a burst sewage pipe that forced a weeks-long closure.
Cracking interior walls, deteriorating siding, misaligned door frames, and a "malfunctioning" HVAC system also bedevil the 150,000-square-foot building, which houses 49 classrooms.
Minnesota State wants to replace Armstrong Hall with a new 119,000-sqare-foot building, but first it needs the Legislature to approve a $97-million bonding request to help pay for the project. The total cost could be higher.
The $97-million ask is part of Minnesota State's $464-million capital request, which includes $200-million for asset preservation, $223.5-million for "major capital projects," and $38.5-million for demolition and miscellaneous renovations.
The major plumbing issue mentioned above occurred last year, when a three-foot section of sewer pipe serving two bathrooms suddenly broke, dumping about 500 gallons of raw sewage into the psychology department. Armstrong Hall was shut down for four weeks following the incident, and one floor was out of commission for seven weeks.
"Hundreds of feet of identical aging pipe" is still in use, which presents a "significant ongoing risk," the school said.
Armstrong Hall functions as Minnesota State Mankato's core academic building. In all, the university has a little more than 18,000 students, and 30% of its courses are housed in Armstrong Hall.
Track this Project in the Online Plan Room:
- Project ID: 2026-073F
- Title: Armstrong Hall Building Replacement - Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
- Phase: Prebid - No A/E
- Category: Educational
- Type: New Construction
| | ABOVE PHOTO: A conceptual rendering of the proposed Armstrong Hall project at Minnesota State University - Mankato by Perkins&Will. The actual building would be smaller than what is illustrated. | |
Attracting & Retaining Skilled Trades Employees
Presented by Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA)
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Hiring skilled trades employees is more competitive than ever. Join MEDA for an in-person workshop to learn practical strategies that help businesses recruit, onboard, and retain strong talent.
Hear from guest speaker, Jashan Eison (President & CEO of H+B Elevators), as he shares practical strategies skilled trades business owners can use to attract qualified workers and keep them engaged long-term.
Attendees will learn how to compete for talent, build a strong workplace culture, improve hiring and onboarding, and create retention practices that support growth and stability in today's tight labor market.
Questions? Contact eaddo@meda.net.
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 3/30/2026 - 4/3/2026: 98
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 3/30/2026 - 4/3/2026: 30
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 4/7/2026: 501
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 4/7/2026: 1,954
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 4/1/2026 - 4/7/2026.
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
• 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 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• May 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
• May 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• May 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
• June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Midwest 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, Holden Insurance Agency.
MBEX STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator / Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Director; 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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