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Issue No. 37 • Wednesday, September 17, 2025 • www.mbex.org
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Hey MBEXers! It’s a busy one around here. Our staff had our first day in the new office space at Bell Plaza, we sent out a jam-packed August / September issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline (check those inboxes), and we’re gearing up for a two-day Board Retreat. With all that on our plate, this Bulletin’s on the shorter side. BUT...that just means you’ve got a few extra minutes to do something worthwhile…like snag your spot for the Fall Social on October 9. Consider this your friendly nudge to register now, then reward yourself with a fancy coffee. That’s how I check things off my list 😉 ☕
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Brush Up Your Skills - Learn how to efficiently search for and set up project search filters, track projects with and without email notifications, add your company to bidders lists, and more with MBEX staff in real-time on Thursday, September 25 at our next Online Plan Room Demo.
2.) Catch Up - The ABC Construction Backlog Indicator fell from 8.8-months in July to 8.5-months in August, with the decline entirely attributable to contractors with under $30-million in annual revenues.
3.) Celebrate Members - Rachel Contracting promoted Dave Lyste to Executive Vice President, where he will take on expanded executive responsibilities while continuing to guide business development, pre-construction, and project delivery operations. Congrats, Dave and Rachel Contracting!
4.) Read the Report - Travelers, one of the largest workers' compensation carriers in the U.S., recently released its 2025 Injury Impact Report. Its findings reveal some curious insights that can be useful for construction companies, such as 44% of all injuries involved first-year workers.
5.) Watch (and Laugh) - Why some construction projects take so long 📋 😂 ✅
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Inside This Issue:
• Quick Recap: Huge thank-yous to all who participated at Sporting Clays North
• Construction Forecast: Midwest construction to peak in 2025 before market realignment
• Say Welcome: See which companies joined the Exchange throughout August
• Workplace Law: Top 6 items you should tackle in September based on the latest developments and compliance dates
• Upcoming Events: Online Plan Room Demo, Q3 Construction Economic Update with Anirban Basu (ABC chief economist) & the annual Fall Social
• Five Headlines: Rising materials costs lead to more project delays and cancellations; Why contractor qualification is now a cornerstone of risk management; Engineers successfully test a mini damn inspection robot; How contractors can save time every week with ChatGPT; and How firms can build stronger surety bonds.
• Project of the Week: Conceptual plans revealed for Shady Oak Light-Rail Station redevelopment in Minnetonka / Hopkins
| | RECAP: Members Aimed High at Sporting Clays North | | |
On September 10, MBEX members and friends came together at Old Vermillion Trail in Duluth for this year's Sporting Clays North.
Teams spent the afternoon on two courses breaking clays, with a mix of experienced shooters and newcomers giving it their best shot. The day was filled with plenty of good-natured competition, laughs, and time outdoors.
It was also a chance for members to connect outside of the usual workday settings and enjoy a fall afternoon in the Northwoods.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our sponsors for their support in making this event possible. Sporting Clays North was a fun day on the range and a great way to spend time with fellow MBEX members.
Here's how our shooters stacked up at the event:
• High Score (Men) - East Course: Dave Norlien, Northern Industrial Insulation
• High Score (Men) - West Course: David Salo, Sorlie Acoustics (retired)
• High Score (Women) - East Course: Ann Chouinard, A W Kuettel & Sons
• High Score (Women) - West Course: Angela Wood, Jamar Company
• High Score - Flurry Team: Ben Norton & Todd Yrjanainen, Jamar Company
50 / 50 Raffle Winner - $335
• Mike Billings, Jamar Company
Yeti Cooler Raffle Winner
• Mona Campbell, Old Vermillion Trail
Shell Raffle Winners
• Jack Sausman, A W Kuettel & Sons
• Steve Swanson, A W Kuettel & Sons
• Matt Bye
• Todd Yrjanainen, Jamar Company
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One more big thank-you to our Sporting Clays North sponsors:
| | Premier Cornerstone Partner | | Bronze Cornerstone Partner | | A W Kuettel & Sons, Contract Tile and Carpet, The Builders Group (TBG), HC Anderson Roofing, The Jamar Company, Kraus-Anderson Construction, Max Gray Construction, Northern Industrial Insulation, Northland Consulting Engineers, Sorlie Acoustics, St. Cloud Acoustics & St. Germain's Glass | | |
Check out more photos from Sporting Clays North, and see what's coming up next at mbex.org.
| | Midwest Construction to Peak in 2025 Before Aligning | | |
2025 is shaping up to be a record-setting year for nonresidential construction in the Midwest, with total starts on pace to reach nearly $145.5-billion. The actual data through July confirms that momentum is strong, and the rest of the year looks just as promising.
But this year also marks a turning point. Forecasts show activity leveling off after this peak, dropping closer to $127-billion in 2026 before stabilizing around $131-billion in 2027. That slowdown isn’t a crash; it’s more of a reset, with work shifting between sectors rather than disappearing.
Civil Work Takes The Lead
In 2025, civil construction takes center stage in the Midwest. Infrastructure is driving the market right now. Roads, bridges, water systems, and energy grid improvements are fueling civil starts, which are expected to hit $65-billion in 2025 (almost half of all nonresidential activity in the region).
Even as the market cools a bit after 2025, civil projects will remain a steady anchor.
Industrial & Commercial Shift Gears
Industrial construction, which saw huge growth in recent years, is settling down. Starts are expected to taper off to around $18-billion in 2025 and hover near $17-billion by 2027. Think upgrades and efficiency improvement projects rather than massive new facility builds.
On the commercial side, 2025 will bring a temporary spike driven by several big developments and corporate projects breaking ground. But activity is forecast to slide from $15.6-billion this year to about $7.6-billion by 2027.
Government Projects Pull Back
Government-related construction is also expected to shrink, from $7.5-billion this year down to $4.4-billion in 2027, a return to more "normal" levels after recent growth.
What This Means For You
For contractors and suppliers, 2025 brings both opportunity and transition.
Civil, healthcare, and education projects look like the safest and most stable bets for work, while industrial and commercial markets may require a more selective, efficiency-focused approach. Staying on top of funding sources and project pipelines will help firms find the best opportunities as the market shifts.
Bottom line? The Midwest market remains strong and will remain resilient and strong through 2027, but the edge will go to firms that adapt quickly, lean into infrastructure and essential services, and position themselves for long-term demand.
| | Welcome to the Minnesota Builders Exchange | |
August brought some fantastic new faces into the MBEX community, and we're thrilled to have them join us. From project leads to networking opportunities (and everything in between), these companies are now part of the Exchange, and we're excited to see the impact they'll make in our industry.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members:
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Rapp Strategies
Minneapolis, Minn.
PH: ((612) 275-2893
www.rappstrategies.com
Risk / Reputation Management, Digital Strategy, Grassroots Engagement & Media Relation
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Solomon Finishers
Minneapolis, Minn.
PH: (651) 243-2277
Painting, Paper Hanging
& Finishes
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T C Ornamentals
Apple Valley, Minn.
PH: (651) 402-7765
Ornamental Metal
Fabrication & Installation
| | Six Workplace Development To-Dos To Handle This Month | | |
MBEX is here to help our members stay on top of the latest changes to labor and employment law, especially given the rapid pace at which the new administration has been moving on initiatives impacting the workplace and beyond.
Here are the top items to consider tackling in September, based on the latest workplace law developments and upcoming critical compliance dates.
1.) Assess Workplace Impact of Recent SCOTUS Rulings
Take a look back on all the SCOTUS cases from the past year that impacted your workplace, industry, and litigation exposure. Here's a quick guide along with a rating for how impactful each decision will be for employers.
2.) Track Employment-Related AI Lawsuits
In the latest big lawsuit, filed on August 4th, an unsuccessful job applicant sued Sirius XM Radio in federal court claiming the company's AI-powered hiring tool discriminated against him based on his race. Another new lawsuit that construction firms may want to take note of highlights concerns about AI notetakers.
3.) Prepare for Possible Public Release of EEO-1 Data
In a decision that could significantly reshape how EEO-1 Reports for federal contractors are handled by the federal government, a federal appeals court recently ruled certain employer EEO-1 Reports must be disclosed in response to a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request. Learn what you should do as a result here.
4.) Continue to Monitor DEI and EEO Compliance
The Fifth Circuit recently blocked the NLRB from prosecuting unfair labor practice complaints as courts debate the agency's constitutional power. Additionally, the NLRB's Acting General Counsel recently issued two policy memos reshaping how you can handle union-related risks in salting and deferral cases.
5.) Lock Down Employment Law Compliance
You've built a great product, assembled a talented team, and maybe even caught the attention of investors or potential buyers. But your growth metrics will only get you so far if your company is not a compliant acquisition-ready business --- and your compliance with workplace laws plays a major role in that. This guide will walk you through a non-exhaustive list of employment law best practices every employer should implement (or have implemented) before you begin to position your company for a streamlined acquisition (whether you're a startup or established business).
6.) Celebrate Another Key Privacy Win in California
Website operators secured another win in the protracted battle with third-party website cookies on August 1st when a California state court held that these common tech features were not "trap and trace" devices and therefore a business did not violate CIPA (California Invasion of Privacy Act) for having them. Here are three important steps your business can take to avoid or defend against these lawsuits.
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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.
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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
September 25 - Online Plan Room Demo - Sign Up by 3:30pm on Wed., Sept. 24
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 8 - 2025 Q3 Construction Economic Update & Forecast
Get informed on general economic conditions affecting the current construction landscape as well a construction-specific economic indicators, including the hottest regions and market sectors, the latest on materials and labor costs, and predictive indicators such as the AIA's Architecture Billings Index and ABC's Construction Confidence Index and Construction Backlog Indicator. Presented by Construction Executive with Anirban Basu, ABC's chief economist. Sign Up
October 9 - Fall Social
Network with industry professionals, share insights, and build relationships in a relaxed and lively atmosphere at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins, Minn. Whether catching up with old friends or making new connections, this event is the perfect way to strengthen your ties within the construction community. Register Here
** October 16 - 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
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
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC REPORTS | MATERIALS PRICES
📈 Rising Materials Costs Test Construction's Breaking Point
Uncertainty has led to more project delays and outright cancellations. Construction input prices increased 0.2% in August due to jumps in iron and steel costs, according to an ABC analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Producer Price Index data. The uptick means prices are now 2.3% higher for overall inputs and 2.6% higher for nonresidential construction compared to a year ago, according to the data. (Construction Dive)
JOBSITE SAFETY | LABOR & WORKFORCE
🦺 Why Contractor Qualification is Now a Cornerstone of Construction Risk Management in 2025
One trend is becoming increasingly clear in the second half of 2025: contractor qualification is becoming a central pillar of how project owners manage risk, verify readiness and meet rising insurance expectation. With contractors making up a growing share of the active workforce on commercial and industrial sites, clients must ensure that every individual stepping onto their site is qualified, trained, and appropriately insured for the job at hand. Contractor qualifications in 2025 involves far more than checking a box for safe operations and business continuity. (For Construction Pros)
CONTECH | ROBOTICS
🔍 Engineers in Successful Test of Mini Dam Inspection Robot
A miniature robot capable of undertaking inspections in dangerous and hard-to-reach areas of dams has completed a successful test on the Alamo Dam on the Bill Williams River in Arizona. The DamBot Mini is an unmanned robotic inspection platform developed by the US Army Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) Information Technology Library. Like its larger counterpart (DamBot), the DamnBot Mini contains a variety of sensors such as high-resolution cameras and LiDAR to allow remote inspection. (Construction Briefing)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | CHATGPT
🖥️ How Contractors Can Save Hours Per Week with ChatGPT
In construction, the stakes are high, and the margins are low. The bulk of your competitive advantage comes from estimating, planning, scheduling, and continuous improvement. And according to Construction Genius, these repetitive administrative tasks are exactly where AI excels. There are many ways that construction contractors can start using ChatGPT to save at least 5 hours per week and thousands of dollars per year. (Equipment World)
BUSINESS MATTERS
💎 How Construction Firms Can Build Stronger Bonds
From a surety carrier's perspective, there's nothing more important than the quality of the financial insights that a prospective partner provides. Whether you have a history of pursuing bonded work or are a business progressing from private development work to public projects, you'll need to produce accurate and thorough statements to have a chance of securing meaningful surety support. (Construction Business Owner)
| | Minnetonka, Hopkins Shift Vision for Area Around Shady Oak Light-Rail Station | | |
Read more on Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal
The cities of Minnetonka and Hopkins have unveiled their vision for the type of redevelopment they anticipate surrounding a future light-rail station near the prominent intersection of Shady Oak Road and Excelsior Boulevard.
Minnetonka city staff will present this week to the Planning Commission a development strategy for the 100+ acres located around the planned Shady Oak Station for the Southwest light-rail line that will be southwest of downtown Hopkins. The plan suggests the area will become a mixed-use, transit-oriented residential district.
Here are the plans the cities envision, based on desired outcomes and anticipated buildout of the district, according to conceptual plans:
Near-Term Initiatives
- The cities seek a mixed-use core with residential uses and ground-floor commercial along 17th Avenue South. The Metropolitan Council owns parcels within this planned core on the Hopkins side and intends to launch a request-for-proposals process for the parcels, the staff report states.
- The report also shows residential near the northeast corner of the area, as well as public art, special lighting, and a temporary plaza to link that area to the future light-rail station.
Mid-Term Plans
- Residential development would continue outward from the core, including several buildings on the Minnetonka side of the district. The cities also anticipate residential development on the west side of Nine Mile Creek, at the northwestern-most corner of the district and along the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail on the Minnetonka side.
- The plan includes public open spaces along the trail and a clubhouse.
Long-Term Initiatives
- The plan envisions additional residential buildings to fill out the rest of the district. Mixed-use buildings are expected on the northeastern-most corner and along 17th Avenue, opening up into a public plaza.
- The report also plans for even more potential development to the south of Fifth Street, including office uses or housing uses.
The plan anticipates full buildout of the area would not occur for at least 20 years.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Concept drawing by the City of Minnetonka showing the updated redevelopment plan surrounding the future Shady Oak light-rail station, featuring mixed-use residential. | | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 9/8/2025 - 9/12/2025: 66
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 9/8/2025 - 9/12/2025: 26
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 9/16/2025: 248
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 9/16/2025: 3,846
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 9/10/2025 - 9/16/2025.
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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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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