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Hey MBEXers; it’s finally feeling like fall! The air’s crisp, the PSLs are flowing (although I'm more of an apple cider girl myself), and pumpkins are **everywhere**. (Did you know the world’s largest jack-o’-lantern weighed over 2,700 pounds --- and it was grown right here in Minnesota? Talk about a heavy lift!) While we might not be carving record-breaking pumpkins, MBEX is still shaping something pretty great: stronger connections across our industry. From job leads to partnerships, every bit of effort adds up to something worth showing off 🎃 🍂 😉
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Register & Connect - The next MBEX Young Professionals Network event is coming on Wednesday, October 29 at Mortenson Construction. Construction professionals ages 40 and under are encouraged to attend for connection and networking over drinks and appetizers.
2.) Review & Prepare - Minnesota's Paid Leave program is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This program will provide employees job protections and partial wage replacement for up to 12-weeks of leave due to illness and up to 12-weeks of leave for family care, child bonding, personal safety issues, and military active duty. Make sure your business is ready for this program to go into effect in a couple of months.
3.) Share & Submit - Take a few minutes to share your thoughts between now and November 7 with AGC-MN to via their 2025 Construction Industry Assessment survey, which will help them assess business conditions for contractors, service providers, and supplier businesses working in Minnesota's construction industry.
4.) Movers & Shakers - Congratulations to the following hires and promotions at these member companies! RJM Construction hired Julie Esch as Market Development Leader, and Rachel Contracting promoted Drew Tuomisto to Vice President of Business Development.
5.) Chuckle & Snort - They said we couldn't mix business with pleasure. Challenge accepted 🍊 🪛 😂
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Inside This Issue:
• Event Recap: Connection and networking abounded at MBEX's Fall Social
• Field Tech: Explore tools and innovations shaping today's project sites in ABC's 5th annual Field Tech Report
• New Members: These companies joined MBEX throughout September
• September Insights: Sage Economics' take on the current state of the industry
• Upcoming Events: MBEX Young Professionals Network (10/29), Construction Estimating Principles & Application class (11/11), Construction Talent Acquisition Conference (11/11 & 11/12)
• Five Headlines: Construction Backlog stable and fueled by data center growth; U.S. DOT removes sex and race as criteria for DBE certification; New tariffs in effect on timber, lumber, and derivative wood products; Aging U.S. dams face urgent repairs; & Why water conservation matters in sustainable construction
• Project of the Week: 190-unit apartment project advances in Brainerd
• Industry Event: Business Elevation Workshop with MnDOT's DBE Academy - Get a Better Understanding of Plans and Specs on October 29, 2025
• Member Benefits: Limited-time offer for 5G Business Internet with Verizon
| | RECAP: Network & Community at the MBEX Fall Social | | |
Last Thursday (October 9), more than 140 members, guests, students, and MBEX Board Directors and staffers gathered at Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins for the 2025 MBEX Fall Social, an afternoon that blended networking, celebration, and community.
Set against a backdrop of perfect fall weather and a new venue, attendees enjoyed lively conversation, wonderful food and drink, and the chance to connect outside of the busy workday.
The evening’s program highlighted one of MBEX’s most meaningful traditions: honoring our 2025-2026 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship recipients. Certificates were presented to the recipients in attendance, and guests listened to a heartfelt speech from Lilia Geisler (one such recipient). She shared how MBEX’s scholarship support has made a difference in their educational journey.
The scholarship recipients in attendance included:
• Sarah Eide - Carpentry - Saint Paul College
• Lilia Geisler - Construction Management - University of Minnesota - Mankato
• Markus Midgarden - Electrical Construction & Maintenance - Northwest Technical College
• Ryan Neuman^ - Electrical Construction Technology - Saint Cloud Technical & Community College
• Noah Otis** - Power & Construction Engineering Technologies - Dunwoody College of Technology
• Sam Peterson - Hearting, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC) - Minneapolis Community Technical College
• Nick Shelton - Architectural Technology - Anoka Technical College
• Zachary Schindeldecker - Electrical Technology - Saint Paul College
Conversations and connections continued with the giveaway of numerous door prizes and a 50/50 cash raffle, which raised a total of $830. The winner received $415, and the remaining $415 was contributed to the MBEX Scholarship Fund.
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who joined us for this annual event and shout out to our generous sponsors for helping make the event possible.
^ 2024-2025 scholarship recipient
** Second-time recipient; also awarded a scholarship in 2024-2025
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One more thank-you to our Fall Social sponsors:
| | Premier Cornerstone Partner | | Bronze Cornerstone Partner | | Alliance Bank, Dem-Con Companies, Grazzini Brothers & Company, RJM Construction, Sunbelt Rentals & Weidners Mechanical Contractors | | |
Check out more photos from the Fall Social, and see what's coming up next at mbex.org.
| | How Field Technology is Transforming Construction Jobsites | | |
On October 6th, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) released its fifth annual construction technology report --- the ABC Field Tech Report --- which highlights the tools and innovations shaping project sites, showcasing the possibilities and opportunities where technology transforms construction in the field.
"Field technology is redefining how contractors plan, monitor, and execute their work while protecting their people and adding value to communities," said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation.
The 2025 ABC Field Tech Report showcases how construction companies are adopting advanced field technologies to improve safety, efficiency, precision and profitability on the jobsite. Moving beyond office-based digital tools, this report focuses on innovations that bridge the gap between field operations and decision-making, using automation, robotics, laser scanning, BIM, and digital twins to transform how work gets done.
Companies featured --- Aerial Prospex, Balfour Beatty, Gaylor Electric, Hensel Phelps, Leonard S. Fiore, MJ Harris Construction and Windover Construction --- demonstrate how drones, robotics, and data integration are creating smarter, more connected jobsites.
Drones & Drone Docks
Aerial Prospex's autonomous drone dock system is transforming site visibility. These off-grid, weatherproof stations house, charge, and deploy drones automatically, capturing daily or on-demand progress photos, 3D models, and cut-fill data without human intervention.
Key Takeaway: Drone docks serve as a "set-it-and-forget-it" digital survey crew, cutting flight costs by up to 75% while improving accuracy, documentation, and risk protection.
Field Layouts
Balfour Beatty illustrates the evolution of field layout, from chalk lines and string to robotic total stations (RTS), layout printers, and AR-integrated workflows. By linking layout directly to BIM models, crews achieve tighter tolerances and fewer clashes, especially in MEP-heavy projects.
Automation tools like the Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter and HP SitePrint now allow single-step, multi-trade layout, reducing rework and boosting coordination.
Key Takeaway: Digital and robotic layout tools reduce risk and rework by integrating accuracy, automation, and accountability directly into field operations.
Data Centers
Gaylor Electric's Whip Cart innovation reimagines data center commissioning. This mobile, plug-level testing system validates the entire electrical path --- panel to server whip --- without accessing live panels. It cuts commissioning time for a 6MW data hall from weeks to just two days, while improving safety and documentation.
Key Takeaway: The Whip Cart offers a major competitive edge in data center delivery, enhancing safety, compressing schedules, and ensuring full-path electrical verification.
BIM for Field Layout & Transforming Jobsite Precision
Leonard S. Fiore demonstrates how BIM-integrated layout using Topcon's LN150 Layout Navigator is redefining precision.
Layout has evolved from a specialized survey to an everyday field operation, improving accuracy, cutting rework, and providing as-built documentation. Their standardized workflow, from model prep to post-construction data delivery, creates a continuous chain of verified information that owners can rely on.
Key Takeaway: BIM-driven layout integrates field accuracy with digital design, reducing rework and creating reliable data for future facility management.
Digital Twins
Windover Construction is leading the way in digital twin adoption, creating dynamic 3D replicas that integrate BIM data, IoT sensors, and AI analytics. Using Autodesk Tandem, Windover provides owners with interactive models for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization.
Key Takeaway: Digital twins bridge construction and operations, enabling smarter facility management and continuous performance optimization.
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A concluding analysis from Dodge Construction Network highlights the measurable business value of connected field data, noting that poor communication between the office and field can cost constructors up to 6% in lost profit margins.
| | Welcome to the Minnesota Builders Exchange | |
September welcomed another great group of companies into the MBEX community, and we couldn't be happier to have them on board. From accessing project leads to making industry connections, these new members are now part of the Exchange, and we can't wait to see the contributions they'll bring to Minnesota's construction network.
Join us in giving a big MBEX welcome to our newest members:
| | September Industry Insights from Sage Economics | | |
Each month, MBEX reviews and shares highlights from a variety of resources, including Associated Builders and Contractors, ConstructConnect, Dodge Construction Network, and more.
This week, we're sharing highlights from Sage Economics. By providing these insights, we aim to give members a broad snapshot of the construction industry --- nationally and locally --- to help you stay informed, anticipate trends, and make strategic business decisions.
Here's what Sage Economics revealed about the state of construction through September 2025 and what it means for Minnesota's commercial builders.
National Construction Overview
September marked a cooling period for the U.S. construction economy. Sage Economics noted that construction spending flattened and employment growth stalled, with the sector "teetering near recession territory" by mid-month. While earlier summer reports have shown factory and infrastructure booms buoying numbers, September data revealed significant slowdowns in both private and public project starts.
Several factors contributed:
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High interest rates throughout most of the month (the Federal Reserve's first rate cut didn't arrive until September 19th).
- Material prices stabilizing, but backlogs thinning, especially in commercial office and warehouse sectors.
- A pullback in new manufacturing and industrial investments as incentives waned.
Sage highlighted that factory and manufacturing-related construction (once a bright spot) faltered due to delayed investments and reduced federal incentives, while warehouse and multi-family sectors saw only modest upticks.
Labor & Wages
Construction employment plateaued in September, reflecting broader economic slowing. However, wages rebounded sharply by month-end, rising faster than the national average. Sage attributed this to competition for skilled trades and regional shortages, particularly in mechanical, electrical, and concrete specialties.
For Minnesota contractors, this suggests:
- Labor costs will remain elevated, especially in specialty trades.
- Firms that can offer training, flexibility, and retention incentives may be better positioned as the market tightens again in 2026.
Economic & Policy Context
Sage noted that federal tariff challenges and a general uneven economy kept confidence muted. Job growth nationally stalled out in September --- a theme consistent with data in Reuters' coverage of the U.S. job market --- while supply chain reliability continued to improve.
The Federal Reserve's late-month rate cut offered modest relief to capital markets, but inflation in services and wages remained stubborn. Analysts expect this to influence construction lending conditions well into 2026.
Implications for Minnesota's Commercial Constructors
For MBEX members and regional contractors, the message is mixed but manageable:
- Bid activity may soften through fall, particularly in private commercial and office projects, while public sector and infrastructure projects (school, municipal, and transportation) remain steadier.
- Expect more competitive bidding environments, as national firms chase a shrinking pool of opportunities.
- Regional strengths, such as Minnesota's steady institutional construction, healthcare facilities, and school bond work, will help cushion local firms.
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Now is a good time to leverage MBEX's plan room and regional connections to diversify project pipelines and stay ahead of early-stage leads.
Looking Ahead
Sage Economics forecasts gradual improvement through 2026, supported by:
- Easing borrowing costs as rate cuts continue.
- Stronger public infrastructure spending and new federal funding cycles.
- Renewed interest in deferred commercial upgrades as financing becomes more favorable.
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In short, September 2025 marked a turning point from expansion to cautious contraction in the construction sector. While national momentum slowed, Minnesota's balanced mix of public and institutional projects positions its commercial constructors to weather the turbulence, provided they stay nimble, control labor costs, and lean into their regional network for opportunity discovery.
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A valuable benefit of an MBEX membership is invitations to our social and educational events; by being an employee of a member company, you too can take advantage and attend any and all MBEX-sponsored events.
** indicates a newly added or updated event
October 16 - Online Plan Room Demo - Sign Up by 3:30pm on Wed., October 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 Here
October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN)
From college students, graduates and interns, to those just getting started within the construction industry, the MBEX Young Professionals Network creates a place for emerging young professionals ages 40 and under who are involved in the construction industry to join together at the early stages of their career to connect and begin networking. Register Here
November 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application
A half-day interactive workshop led by Troy DeGroot of UChapter2 will have attendees diving into the fundamentals of construction estimating, including strategies to think differently than your competitors. This is an online training session designed for estimators looking to sharpen their edge and make their bids more competitive. Register Here
November 11 & 12 - Construction Talent Acquisition Conference
Project Build Minnesota (PBM) is hosting this event designed for people who are passionate about recruiting and retaining skilled talent. With expert-led sessions and actionable strategies, this event aims to bring practical tactics and deeper strategy to the work of the talent acquisition leaders in Minnesota construction companies and others involved in developing Minnesota's construction workforce. Learn More & Register
November 12 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents
This two-part online program is designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents. From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements. Register Here
November 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders list, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Not yet open for registration.
November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to regular business hours on Monday, December 1.
** December 2 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
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
** December 3 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
Go through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List. Register Now
** December 4 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic) course, move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Register Here
** December 18 - Holiday Party North
Gather with fellow industry professionals in Duluth for an evening of celebration as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2026. Registration Now Open
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC REPORTS
💾 Construction Backlog Stable; Contractors Remain Optimistic, Fueled by Data Center Growth
ABC reported on October 14th that its Construction Backlog Indicator remained unchanged at 8.5-months in September, according to an ABC survey conducted September 22 - October 6. The reading is down 0.1-months since September 2024. Over the past year, backlog has declined in the commercial and institutional, and heavy industrial categories, while it has increased substantially in the infrastructure category. (Associated Builders & Contractors)
DBE PROGRAM
👎 DOT Guts DBE Program Ahead of Construction Inclusion Week
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has removed sex and race as criteria for automatic certification in its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, according to an interim final rule announced September 30th and that went into effect on October 3rd. The move essentially guts the 45-year-old program, attorneys say. The rule change means all DBEs will now need to be reconsidered on a case-by-case basis via a personal narrative, without taking sex or race into account. (Construction Dive)
TARIFFS
🪵 Tariffs Imposed on Timber, Lumber & Derivative Wood Products
On September 29th, the White House issued a proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to impose tariffs on certain imports of timber, lumber, and derivative wood products into the United States. The Proclamation imposes a 10% ad valorem tariff on imports of softwood timber and lumber. Additionally, it imposes 25% ad valorem tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, as well as upholstered furniture. These initial tariff rates will be effective starting October 14, 2025. (J. D Supra | Troutman Pepper Locke)
CONCRETE | PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
🦫 Fix the Dam Concrete - Aging U.S. Dams Face Urgent Repairs
With America's dams showing their age, utilities have an opportunity to tap into federal funding and modernize critical concrete infrastructure before costly failures strike. In the U.S., hydropower generates nearly 27% of renewable electricity and 93% of all utility-scale storage, yet the average dam is nearly 80 years old, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The American Society of Civil Engineers recently gave U.S. dams a sobering grade of D, underscoring the urgent need for upgrades.(For Construction Pros)
GREEN BUILDING | SUSTAINABILITY
💧 Why Water Conservation Matters in Sustainable Construction
Construction might not seem like a water-heavy industry at first glance, but it actually uses a surprising amount of water at every stage. From prepping a site and mixing concrete to cleaning equipment and maintaining landscaping, water is involved in more ways than most people realize. If these processes aren't carefully managed, they can lead to a lot of waste. And with growing concerns about climate change, urban development, and shrinking freshwater supplies, it's more important than ever to focus on water conservation in construction. (AZO Build)
| | 190-Unit Apartment Project Advances in Brainerd | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
A proposed 190-unit apartment project is making its way through the approval process in Brainerd, a city that has identified a need for more housing.
The Brainerd City Council signed off on a preliminary plat and planned unit development for the market-rate project, which would bring five 38-unit buildings to a site near the northwest corner of the intersection of Greenwood Street and Highway 371 Business.
The city is preparing an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the project. According to city documents, the council is required to complete an EAW because the project includes more than 150 units.
A final plat and final planned unit development will be up for approval at the November 19th planning commission meeting, followed by City Council review on December 1st, according to a city staff report.
Developed by Kuepers, the project will include studio, one- and two-bedroom units ranging in size from 479- to 970-square-feet, according to a project narrative.
Included in the project are shared interior and exterior amenities, including a secure main entrance, two-story lobby, community room, fitness center, parcel room, mail center, and centralized elevator. Also planned are a "large central green space, play areas / equipment for children, pickleball court, picnic areas with gas grills, bike racks, and a fenced dog run," according to the narrative.
The developer hopes to start construction in Spring 2026, with the project being done in phases, beginning with three apartment buildings in the first phase and two in the second.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by Kuepers showing the 190 apartment units being proposed and to be built over two phases in Brainerd. | | |
Get a Better Understanding of Plans and Specs
Presented by MnDOT Civil Rights Office - DBE Academy
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This hands-on workshop is for subcontractors and small businesses.
Attendees will walk through a full MnDOT plan set and learn how to understand the details that matter most. Learn how plans and specs differ by project type, such as Design-Build, Construction Manager / General Contractor (CMGC), and Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).
Gain practical knowledge to help you prepare a bid, learn about common mistakes to avoid, and increase your bidding confidence and skills.
Questions can be sent to carolyn.fackler@drbteam.com.
| | Switch to 5G Business Internet with Verizon | | Now is the time to switch to 5G Business Internet on Verizon's ultra-fast wireless network. | | |
For a limited time, get 5G Business Internet (200 Mbps) for $79 per month.
That's savings of $20 per month ($240 per year)*
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Plus, get a select router for free**
Contact your Verizon representative or NPP customer service if you have questions about this offer.
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National Purchasing Partners (NPP) 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. NPP members enjoy exclusive deals on a catalog of useful items for both work and play. Membership is free and there is never an obligation to purchase.
Plus, when you enroll via our special NPP sign-up page, MBEX receives a small royalty to further support our member services.
*Offer available to new and existing business customers who activate a new, qualifying service line on the 5G Business Internet 200 Mbps plan (self-set-up only).
**New, qualifying 5G Business Internet service line required. Available for 100 and 200 Mbps self-setup plans only.
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 10/6/2025 - 10/10/2025: 56
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 10/6/2025 - 10/10/2025: 14
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 10/14/2025: 255
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/14/2025: 4,125
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 10/8/2025 - 10/14/2025.
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
• October 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
• October 29 - The Construction Jobsite of the Future [WEBINAR]
• October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN)
• November 4 - AI & Automation in the Construction Industry [WEBINAR]
• November 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL CLASS]
• November 11 & 12 - Construction Talent Acquisition Conference with Project Build Minnesota
• November 12 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL CLASS]
• November 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
• November 27 & 28 - MBEX Closed - Thanksgiving
• December 2 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• December 3 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• December 4 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• December 18 - Holiday Party North
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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX) does not assume responsibility for its completeness or accuracy. You are urged to check your own sources in addition to the information contained in this publication. This issue contains plans and other bidding information received prior to and including the date noted above. The project data within this newsletter is intended for member company's and their employees use only.
2025 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Heidi Sedlacek, KLJ Engineering; Vice President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Treasurer - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Past President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction
2025 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; Allie Brady, Veit; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Amanda Eiynk, BUILD Renewables; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company
MBEX 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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