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Issue No. 16 β’ Wednesday, April 23, 2025 β’ www.mbex.org
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March was yet another big month for membership, MBEXers --- we welcomed 21 new companies into the Exchange! From GCs to fabricators and everything in between, these new members are bringing fresh energy and new opportunities to our growing network. You'll meet them a little later in this week's issue, but first, I want to issue a challenge: reach out to at least five of them. Shoot over an email, make a quick call --- whatever works. Bonus points if you snap a selfie with your new MBEX connection meeting to talk business over coffee π π€ πΈ
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ο»Ώο»ΏBy Ashlee
Membership & Communications Manager
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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) Know a soon-to-be graduate or current college student (like an intern at your company) pursuing a construction-related degree? Tell them about the MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship and encourage them to apply. Applications are being accepted through May 31, 2025.
2.) On the flip side of that coin, if you also know a high school- or college-level educator of the construction trades, share the Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference with them, taking place on May 1 & 2.
3.) Member News: LS Black Constructors announced their project, the new Fort McCoy Transient Training Brigade Headquarters, a 23,252-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, has officially earned LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
4.) Minnesota employers added 10,700 jobs in March, the largest monthly gain in a year, and the labor force continued its pattern of growth. Eight of the 11 supersectors gained jobs, with particularly strong growth in construction (up 1,900 jobs, or 1.4%).
5.) From 'Boomer' to 'Sparky' --- let's meet the crew.
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Inside This Issue:
β’ Survey Time: Please take a few minutes to take the Minneapolis Fed's survey
β’ Young Pros: Join MBEX YPN on May 7th at the Rusty Bumblebee in Blaine
β’ New Members: Meet MBEX's newest 21 member companies from March
β’ Legislative: An update on the 2025 Minnesota Legislature's proceedings
β’ MBEX Events: April showers bring MBEX event flowers
β’ Five Headlines: Why contractors nearing retirement need to embrace AI, the 2025 National Subcontractor Market Report reveals substantial disparity in profit among subcontractors, ways AEC websites solve problems for clients, how the U.S. solar industry is threatened by the escalating trade war, & preparing for the next era of construction
β’ Project of the Week: Mankato Public Safety Center project grows in size & cost
β’ Industry Event: Ryan Companies' Diverse Trade Partner Expo on May 13
β’ Member Benefit: Save on every gallon of fuel with Circle K Pro
| | SURVEY: How is the Economy Affecting Your Business? | | The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis needs your input on current conditions in the Ninth District's construction sector. Your input is critical to their understanding of the sector and the economy. | | |
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.
Your responses will help the Minneapolis Fed President Neel Krashkari get a real-time sense of how the economy is impacting your business and bring those perspectives to the Federal Open Market Committee as it deliberates on the path of the country's monetary policy.
You will also be helping your peers across the multi-state region know how this part of the country is reacting to economic realities.
Your input is greatly valued, and the Minneapolis Fed appreciates your time and insights on these important matters.
| | Hey, Young Professionals: Let's Build Your Network | | |
Join us on Wednesday, May 7, from 3:00pm - 5:00pm for a fun, casual afternoon focused on building your network, sharing ideas, and strengthening your industry knowledge.
Attendees will enjoy great conversations, helpful insights, and the opportunity to connect with other professionals who are navigating the early stages of their construction careers --- just like you.
Who Should Attend?
Interns, recent grads, first-time job holders, and anyone under 40 looking to grow their place in the industry.
π LOCATION: The Rusty Bumblebee (10950 Club W Pkwy NE #160, Blaine, Minn., 55449)
π² COST: $20 per person
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Want to get your company in front of the industry's future leaders? Sign up for a YPN sponsorship within the event's registration form.
Thank You to the following YPN Sponsors:
| | NEW MEMBERS: See Who Joined in March | | |
It's time to give a shout-out to our newest member companies who joined the Exchange throughout the month of March .
Please help give a warm welcome to the following:
| | 2025 Minnesota Legislative Update for Commercial Construction | | |
As the Minnesota Legislature advances through the 2025 session, the focus has shifted to omnibus finance and policy bills, with key transportation and infrastructure provisions now taking shape.
Bonding bill discussions typically intensify in the final weeks of negotiations.
Senate Transportation Finance Bill Highlights (SF2082)
Overall Fiscal Outlook
- Reduces General Fund spending by $227-million in FY25-27.
- Further reductions of $132.38-million projected in FY28-29.
- Achieved primarily through delaying and canceling passenger rail appropriations.
KEY FUNDING INCREASES
MnDOT State Road Construction Budget
- + $516-million (FY26-27)
- + $239.4-million (FY28-29)
Blatnik Bridge
- Authorizes $650-million in federal funding for replacement.
Corridors of Commerce
- + $60-million per biennium.
- Includes a provision to redirect MnDOT efficiency savings to this program long-term.
Trunk Highway Bonds
- Authorization for $100-million for State Road Construction.
Transit and Other Allocations
- Metro Transit: Slight funding reduction of $32.4-million.
- Greater Minnesota Transit: Receives a $7.4-million increase in FY28-29.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Fees
- Annual EV registration fee increased from $75 to $200.
- New $100 annual fee imposed on plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Sales Tax Dedication for Transportation
- Phased-in dedication of the auto repair parts sales tax is slowed for FY28-29.
- Full dedication now set to be implemented by FY33.
House Omnibus Transportation Budget Bill Highlights (HF2438)
General Fund Structure
- Maintains base budget General Fund levels but redistributes funds differently.
- Also includes delays and cancellations for passenger rail, mirroring Senate action.
MAJOR ALLOCATIONS
MnDOT State Road Construction Budget
- + $450-million (FY26-27)
- + $350-million (FY28-29)
Blatnik Bridge
- Same federal commitment of $650-million.
Expanded Investment in
- Corridors of Commerce
- Transportation Economic Development
- New Resilient Pavement Program
- Operation support for MnDOT and DVS
EV Fee Adjustment
- Matches Senate with EV fee increase to $200 / year.
- Split revenue: 80% to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and 20% to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Mitigation Fund (new)
Local Programs and Earmarks
- $10-million for the Local Road Wetland Replacement Program.
- $3.8-million each for Local Road Improvement and Local Bridge programs.
- One-time earmarks: $48.2-million in General Fund Dollars and $57-million in Trunk Highway Funds.
Policy Provisions
- Both the House and Senate bills include policy changes. The House bill contains a clarification that the 50-cent retail delivery fee does not apply to road construction materials, including aggregate material.
We thank AGC for its coverage of the 2025 Minnesota legislative session. View more about this latest update in their weekly newsletter: April 17, 2025
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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 event
May 1 & 2 - Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference
The MCTC engage 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 5-9 - Construction Safety Week
Construction Safety Week is an opportunity for people, companies, and even competitors, to work together and celebrate the incredibly hard work by people in the construction industry who make safety the foundation of everything they do. Learn More
May 6 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
Attendees will learn interface navigation including menu dropdowns, toolbars, various tool panels, keyboard shortcuts and a few recommended settings. While learning various markup and measurement tools, several tips and tricks will be shared to increase accuracy and speed. Register Here
May 7 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
Attendees will go through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List. Register Now
May 7 - 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 forum for emerging young professionals, providing resources to connect and begin networking. Register Now
May 8 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic) course, attendees will move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Register Here
** May 15 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders lists, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Register Here
May 26 - Memorial Day
MBEX will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
June 4 - Member Appreciation BBQ
Join MBEX for a casual afternoon of Famous Dave's barbecue, cold beverages, a handful of door prizes, and great company and networking. Register Here
June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
Gather a foursome of golfers for a day out on the greens at Oak Glen's course in Stillwater for a par-tee with MBEX, fellow members, coworkers, and clients, complete with a grilled lunch, 18-holes, happy hour, awards and door prize giveaways, and dinner. Register Here
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
π‘ Why Contractors Nearing Retirement Must Embrace AI
Every contractor wants to leave their business in good hands. For those thinking about retirement, this is even more important. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions can help experienced contractors share their knowledge and prepare the next generation to succeed. Using AI today means your business can stay strong --- even after you retire. (Construct Connect)
SUBCONTRACTORS
π΅ 2025 National Subcontractor Market Report Reveals Substantial Disparity in Profit Among Subcontractors
Challenges like slow, unpredictable pay and the resulting cash flow instability continue to plague the industry --- yet the burden of solving these problems consistently falls on subcontractors. The report, based on survey responses from subcontractors, general contractors, and suppliers, found that many GCs remain unaware of the issue's severity despite it directly affecting their projects, estimating payment delays at 30 days versus the actual average of 56. (PR Newswire)
BUSINESS MATTERS
π₯οΈ Learn the Ways AEC Websites Can Engage Visitors & Solve Problems for Clients
It's not enough to have a website for your construction company. It needs to be polished and convey professionalism to build credibility and trust in your expertise. It needs to look attractive, with a portfolio that displays your successful projects in the construction industry and showcase how you help your prospects achieve their goals. And above all, your construction business website needs to be user friendly. Your website isn't for you --- it's for your potential clients. (Construction Business Owner)
SOLAR INDUSTRY
βοΈ U.S. Solar Industry Threatened by Escalating Trade War
In the U.S., private industry has poured $18.2-billion into developing a domestic supply chain in recent years, according to Atlas Public Policy, that includes everything from ingots and wafers that make up panels to electrical and structural components to assembly of the panels themselves. Most of that came from the Inflation Reduction Act passed during former President Joe Biden's administration, with massive funding for clean energy investment. But that won't come close to replacing what China produces. (Finance & Commerce)
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
π Preparing for the Next Era of Construction
With many contractors having slim margins of less than 5%, something will need to be done to address these escalating costs. FMI suggests contractors will likely need to revisit pricing models, implement escalation clauses, restructure financing, diversify supply chains, and explore alternative materials. (Connected World)
| | Plan for Mankato Public Safety Center Grows in Size, Cost | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
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The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is trying again this year to secure state money for a proposed regional public safety center in Mankato --- a project that didn't get funded last year when the Legislature failed to take action on a bonding bill.
Meanwhile, the $73.184-million project has grown in size and cost.
The plan is to build a 55,600-square-foot BCA Southern Minnesota Regional Office on a 5.87-acre, state-owned parcel just north of the Blue Earth County Justice Center. Last year, the BCA sought state money for a 44,000-square-foot building.
As part of his 2025 capital budget recommendation, Governor Tim Walz is seeking $68.68-million in general obligation bonds for the project, which will provide "investigatory and laboratory analysis for criminal investigations" in southern Minnesota.
The current 2025 design plan increased the square footage from pre-design to accommodate for increased staffing, according to the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the project. Mechanical / electrical final dimensions grew by 1,297-square-feet, the wall structure dimensions by 763-square-feet, and the processing lab by 743-square-feet from the 2021 design plan, among other changes.
According to the EAW, construction could begin as soon as September, with completion in early 2026.
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| | PICTURED ABOVE: Project rendering by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension of the proposed 55,600-square-foot Southern Minnesota Regional Office to be built in Mankato. | | |
Diverse Trade Partner Expo
Presented by Ryan Companies
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DATE: Tuesday, May 13
TIME: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION: Ryan Companies - 533 South 3rd Street, Minneapolis, Minn., 55415
COST: Free
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The Expo is for Minority, Women, Veteran, and Disadvantaged Business Minority, Women, Veteran, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprises.
Join Ryan Companies to learn more about their company and upcoming Ryan projects and to connect with estimators, sector leaders, and project managers.
β’ 2:00-2:20pm - Networking
β’ 2:20-2:50pm - Ryan Update for 2025
β’ 2:50-3:50pm - Meet & Greet with Industrial, Multi-Family, Data Center, Retail, Healthcare, Tenant Improvement, and Life Sciences estimators, sector leaders, and project managers
β’ 3:50-4:00pm - Raffle
Ryan Companies, US, Inc., is a Union General Contractor. Whether you are signatory to a Union or not, they invite you to come and discuss future possibilities.
If you have questions, contact Cheryl Schmitt: (612) 492-4381 or cheryl.schmitt@ryancompanies.com
| | Benefit of the Week: Circle K Pro | | Flexibility, convenience, and quality all in one. Take a look at Circle K Pro and find out if its fleet fueling program is a fit for you and your business. | | |
Don't let high fuel costs drain your budget. Simplify fueling for your construction fleet and save thousands of dollars a year with a Circle K business fuel card
Circle K Pro is designed with your business in mind. From day one, you save on every gallon of fuel, in every vehicle --- and that's just the start. Say goodbye to paper receipts with effortless online account management and more!
SAVINGS
MBEX Members save 30Β’ on every gallon for the first 90-days, and then 7Β’ on every gallon after that (compared to the savings of 5Β’ per gallon for regular Circle K Pro fuel card holders).
EASY VISITS
Over 6,000 company owned and operated Circle K and Holiday locations in the United States provide a one-stop shop for fuel, food, beverages, and more.
CONTROL
Easy fuel card management and real-time overview of all driver spends.
SUPPORT
Fleet experts provide 24/7 U.S.-based customer experience support when you need it.
To learn more and to get started, contact MBEX's account representative, Brian Korb: (984) 389-1759 or brian.korb@circlek.com. You can also download an informational packet below.
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| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 4/14/2025 - 4/18/2025: 102
β’ Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 4/14/2025 - 4/18/2025: 15
β’ Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 4/22/2025: 411
β’ Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 4/22/2025: 2,021
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 4/16/2025-4/22/2025.
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’ May 1 & 2 - Minnesota Construction Teachers Conference
β’ May 5 - 9 - Construction Safety Week
β’ May 6 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
β’ May 7 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
β’ May 7 - Young Professionals Network (YPN) Networking Event
β’ May 8 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
β’ May 15 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ May 26 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
β’ June 4 - Member Appreciation BBQ
β’ June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
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β Connect with the Builders Exchange: | | |
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; 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 for MBEX
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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