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As the president hits the 100-day mark in office, it got me thinking --- what else can happen in that stretch of time? Quite a bit, actually. A glacier can glide two miles, a dedicated typist can double their speed, and a spacecraft could cruise more than 91-million miles (yep, I said million). Even your skin gets a full refresh --- four times over! Goes to show, a lot can shift, grow, and move in just 100 days...especially in construction. What will you and your team have accomplished by then? (It'll be August 8, by the way⏳🚧💪)
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By Ashlee
Membership & Communications Manager
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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, sit back, and take the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis' construction survey to share how the current economy is affecting your business. Your input and feedback is critical to the Minneapolis Fed's understanding of the sector and to getting a real-time sense of what's happening. (If you've already taken it, thank you!)
2.) Have you told at least three people about the 2025-2026 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship today? The deadline for application submission is May 31, 2025!
3.) Registrations are now open for the following events in Duluth: Lake Superior Harbor Cruise (July 23), Golf North (August 20), and Sporting Clays North (September 10).
4.) From a new visualization and reporting tool that links to 4D BIM models to a timber design platform aimed at structural engineers, the latest construction technology releases run the gamut.
5.) April 29 is International Dance Day. Yes, construction men can dance, and yes, *you* should dance like no one's watching 🕺🎶 🕺
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Inside This Issue:
• Young Pros: Only 10 spots left for the MBEX YPN event on May 7th
• Economic Snapshot: A strong March helps lift spending after months of lulls
• Inside Look: Peek inside April's Pre-Plan Pipeline
• Tariff Talk: Here's where we currently sit with tariffs
• MBEX Events: Bluebeam Revu courses, YPN (hurry!), and the Member BBQ
• Five Headlines: Five things contractors need to know about business in 2025, construction needs more BIM technology & people who know how to use it, the new SITE tool to track where federal infrastructure dollars are being spent, scientists testing lasers to cool computer chips to lower data center costs, and this striking Polish building made entirely from pipes
• Project of the Week: Math and Science Academy to build on Woodbury cornfield
• Industry Event: MnDOT DBE Academy - Risk Management - May 13 @ 11:00am
• Member Benefit: Top-tier pricing on safety supplies and equipment thru Airgas
| | Only 10 Spots Left for the MBEX YPN Event - Don't Miss Out! | | |
If you're 40 and under and building your career in the commercial construction industry, the MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN) on Wednesday, May 7 is calling your name
This is your chance to connect with other early-career folks who get what it's like to be climbing the ladder in today's fast-paced construction world.
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📅 DATE: Wednesday, May 7
🕒 TIME: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
📍 LOCATION: The Rusty Bumblebee (Blaine, Minn.)
💲COST: $20 per person - includes 1 drink ticket and appetizers
Here's why you should seriously consider grabbing one of the remaining 10 spots still up for grabs:
Meet Your People
This is a laid-back, low-pressure way to network with others in the industry who are in a similar stage of their career.
Grow Your Knowledge
You'll leave with helpful takeaways and maybe even pro tips from people who've been there, done that.
Have Some Fun
Let's be real --- this isn't a stuffy conference room situation. It's a casual event designed to make connecting easy and enjoyable.
Whether you're an intern, a recent grad, or settling into your first full-time role in the field, this event is for you. Don't wait until it's full --- register now and come see what YPN is all about!
| | A Strong March Helps Lift Spending After Months of Lulls | | |
National Nonresidential Starts activity rose to $55.3-billion in March, providing a much-needed boost to construction activity which has been struggling since November 2024.
The March reading was not only the highest in the last 5-months, but also comparable to 2024's monthly average starts reading of $55.3-billion.
Project Gains & Underperformances
The largest gains were widespread with Sports Arenas & Convention Centers, Airports (Civil Construction), and Power Infrastructure all posting year-to-date gains of more than 100%. Thanks to March's bump, ten of the thirty-two subcategories tracked by ConstructConnect are now in positive territory. Through March, Airport starts in 2025 are more than 300% higher than 2024.
January and February were very difficult months for Manufacturing construction, recording only $348-million and $2.1-billion, respectively. However, March made up a significant amount of lost ground thanks to five large Manufacturing projects worth a collective $7.8-billion.
Best Performing Large Dollar Categories YTD
- Airports: + 336%
- Power Infrastructure: + 173%
- Sports & Convention Centers: + 166%
- Nursing & Assisted Living: + 93%
- Bridges: + 48%
Underperforming Large Dollar Categories YTD
- All Other Civil: - 69%
- Hotels / Motels: - 67%
- Transportation Terminals - 60%
- Miscellaneous Medical: - 58%
- Private Offices: - 45%
Construction Job Activity Reports Whipsaw Movements
It's not particularly notable that construction added 13,000 jobs in March, considering that over the last year, monthly results have ranged anywhere between 30,000 jobs (September 2024) to a negative 3,000 jobs (January 2025). What is remarkable about the latest reading is the spread between nonresidential and residential subtrades --- with nonresidential adding 19,000 jobs and residential losing 13,000 jobs.
The significant drop in residential subtrade jobs is the third largest monthly loss since February 2021.
In contrast, nonresidential subtrades added 19,000 jobs, marking the highest one-month gain in nearly 3-years. Explaining such a large single month leap is very difficult under present circumstances. What early 2025 figures show is the relative strength of civil construction which is already up 10.5% YTD. Additionally, megaprojects continue to play a significant role behind the tremendous growth of many nonresidential subcategories.
Two key elements may be at play, resulting in March's conflicting labor movements.
Historically, residential construction labor has been more reliant on unauthorized workers. According to data from Pew research in 2016, and more recently the National Association of Home Builders in 2019, a significant share of labor in residential trades is foreign-born and a non-trivial portion of that is composed of unauthorized laborers. As immigration actions against unauthorized workers intensifies, anecdotal evidence is growing that both foreign-born and unauthorized workers are abruptly leaving jobsites for fear of being caught up in immigration enforcement efforts.
The second and less publicized factor is the slowing of residential activity. The number of U.S. private, single-, and multi-family homes under construction has fallen precipitously since their peaks in 2023 (single-family) and June 2022 (multi-family).
Nonresidential Construction Starts
Regional Nonresidential activity in the year-to-date period through March continues to emphasize a strong west-east divide.
In the West and Mountain regions, spending YTD is down 40% from a year ago, a slight improvement from recent months. Moving eastward, regional performance improves to varying degrees. The three divisions which capture the entire East Coast have performed well in 2025 with performance ranging between 14% and 29%.
Nonresidential Building (NRB) continues to severely underperform in the West, East North Central, and East South Central divisions, with starts activity more than 50% below year-ago comparisons. Along the East Coast, conditions are much better with the South Atlantic, Middle Atlantic and New England divisions all reporting gains of between 18% and 28%. Leading states along the East coast include Massachusetts (+67%), Pennsylvania (+33%), and North Carolina, up a staggering 200%.
Repeating last year's trend, Civil Construction is again benefiting much of the country with only the West Coast and Mountain Divisions reporting contracting levels of civil activity through March. The fastest growing areas include the West North Central (+62%), led by Missouri (+209%), and Kansas (+45%). Following behind is the East North Central (+54%), led by Ohio (+229%), and Illinois (+37%).
Below, Nonresidential Construction Starts for the five MBEX-covered states:
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For a deeper dive, check out ConstructConnect's full Construction Economy Snapshot for the month of April 2025.
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Have You Received Your April Issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline?
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The April issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline landed in inboxes earlier this week, and it featured 223 project leads across 65 cities and counties in Minnesota and the surrounding region.
This monthly publication provides early insights into projects still in their formative stages --- keeping you in-the-know with new proposals, project discussions, and potential developments.
Because we can't keep such good information to ourselves (seriously, there are some really cool projects inside this issue!), we're giving you a peek. Inside the April issue, we have details on:
- A coffee shop and fast-food restaurant with drive-through in Burnsville
- A new 8,455-square-foot industrial building in Cloquet
- A rehabilitation of Fire Station No. 3 into the Rumriver Art Center in Fridley
- A new 5,500-square-foot professional office building in New Richmond
- Expansion of an existing K-12 School with new activity center addition, classroom addition, and new parking lot in Rosemount
- An innovative indoor slide park inside an 180,000-square-foot industrial building in Woodbury
- And 217 more projects
Click the image below for a deeper dive into these projects for a fuller sampling of what members receive with each issue.
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Complete with links to project sources (when available), the Pre-Plan Pipeline is automatically sent to all MBEX member companies with Premium Access services as part of their membership.
Not receiving it?
(1.) Check your spam / junk folder. If it's there, move it to your main inbox and mark MBEX as a safe sender.
(2.) Still not seeing it? Email Ashlee to be added to the list.
Not a Premium Access member but want to be? Give us a call to upgrade!
| | The Current Situation with Tariffs | | |
Now that the tariff talks seem to have calmed down (for now), let's regroup and reassess where things currently stand. The following information was provided by AGC of America, and we thank them for their diligent work.
UNIVERSAL TARIFFS
All goods coming into the United States will have a 10% tariff imposed in addition to any other existing tariffs (except Canada and Mexico).
RECIPROCAL TARIFFS
President Trump has PAUSED all reciprocal tariffs above 10% imposed on April 2, 2025 except for China. He increased China's tariffs from his Executive Order to 125% in total, in addition to any other tariffs imposed before April 2nd. The tariffs are currently expected to come back into effect on July 9, 2025.
CHINA
President Trump imposed tariffs on imports from China that added an additional 10% tax on all goods coming into the United States. On March 4, 2025, he increased those tariffs by an additional 10%. These tariffs combined with the reciprocal tariffs for a total of 145% import tax on all Chinese goods, in addition to any other tariffs that might be in place.
MEXICO
Tariffs were going to be imposed on all goods from Mexico at a rate of 25%. Most recently, the 25% tariff no longer applies to USMCA compliant products. These tariffs, which affect about 50% of all imports from Mexico, are currently in effect. The baseline and reciprocal tariffs mentioned above do not currently affect Mexico.
CANADA
Tariffs were imposed on all goods from Canada at a rate of 25% except certain energy and critical materials, which will be taxed at a rate of 10%. Most recently, these tariffs no longer apply to USMCA compliant products. These tariffs, which currently affect about 40% of all imports from Canada, are currently in effect. The baseline and reciprocal tariffs mentioned above do not currently affect Canada.
STEEL & ALUMINUM
President Trump imposed tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, to be effective starting March 12, 2025. These tariffs discard all previous deals and exclusions that were given when these tariffs were put in place during President Trump's first term. The notices by the administration point out that derivative steel and aluminum products will be subject to the tariff with the below materials as examples:
- Aluminum: windows / doors / frames; ladders; hinges; motor vehicle / building / other mountings / fittings; door parts; frames and mirrors (and parts); several categories of mechanical and electrical machinery.
- Steel: sheet pilings; rail parts; multiple categories of tube / pipe fittings; buildings; tanks / vats / casks; wire / rope / cable; barbed wire; nails / tacks; screws / bolts; pins and needles; radiators; sinks and basins; elevator parts; bulldozer blades; front-end loaders; rooters; rock cutters; plows (and parts); electrical conduit tubing.
COPPER
President Trump signed an Executive Order to begin investigation into the national security implications of copper imports into the United States. Results of the investigation and any tariffs that might follow are due November 2025.
LUMBER & TIMBER
President Trump signed an Executive Order to begin investigation into the national security implications of lumber and timber imports into the United States. Results of the investigation and any tariffs that might follow are due November 2025.
SEMICONDUCTORS
The Department of Commerce has initiated an investigation into imposing import duties on semiconductors and their downstream products. Downstream products would involve any products that contain semiconductors. There is currently no specific timeline of when the investigation's report will be released and whether tariffs will actually be imposed.
CRITICAL MINERALS
President Trump signed an Executive Order to initiate an investigation into imposing import tariffs on critical minerals imported into the United States. The investigation has not yet begun, but will include downstream products that cover "all goods that incorporate processed critical minerals as inputs."
IMPACT OF TARIFFS
Tariffs have long been a critical tool in US trade policy, affecting the construction industry in both direct and indirect ways. These measures are aimed at addressing trade imbalances and incentivizing domestic production, but they also carry risks of escalating costs, retaliatory trade measures, and further complicating global supply chains.
For construction contractors, such policies could lead to stockpiling of materials, reconsideration of contracts, and pricing and scheduling uncertainty.
To have a better sense of what might be affected in a specific market with potential tariffs, contractors need to be aware of what products are imported and how much. A key consideration for contractors is what domestic equivalents to imported materials can experience a shift in additional demand due to tariffs and thus cause the price of domestic materials to fluctuate as well.
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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 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) - Only 10 Spots Left!
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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BUSINESS MATTERS
💼 5 Things Contractors Need to Know About Business in 2025
It's a bit of a weird time to be a general contractor in the US. On one hand, the Trump administration has vowed to streamline permitting and implement a business-friendly deregulatory environment that will allow the construction industry to capitalize on burgeoning markets. On the other hand, the industry's ongoing labor shortage doesn't appear to be abating any time soon, and an escalating trade war could force contractors to significantly raise prices and potentially spook owners into cancelling or delaying projects. (Construction Dive)
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
💻 Construction Needs More BIM Technology & More People Who Know How To Use It
Technologies like building information modeling (BIM) offer a clear route to streamlining a range of construction processes, boosting productivity for projects of all scopes and sizes. But this has created another challenge itself, as implementing the BIM concept requires a skilled workforce. In fact, without workers with the appropriate skills, BIM could make the labor shortage even worse, rather than be a tool to remedy it. (Construction Executive)
INFRASTRUCTURE
💸 Where Are Federal Infrastructure Billions Going?
Policymakers, advocates, critics, and others can get a detailed look at these trends with the new Spending on Infrastructure Toward Equity (SITE) tool, a dashboard evaluating the funding allocation across numerous categories and locations to give a better understanding of where it is being directed. Released on March 13th, SITE was developed by Urban Institute, allowing users to search according to state, congressional district or county and across major categories like housing, transportation and infrastructure. (Governing)
DATA CENTERS
🧊 US Scientists Toy With Lasers to Cool Computer Chips, Bring Down Data Center Costs
A high amount of the energy used by data centers is for cooling purposes. Data centers handle everything from basic tasks like email processing to complex operations like AI training. However, these systems face a major challenge with the heat generated by the servers. The current air and water-based cooling systems are struggling to keep up. Now, a Minnesota-based startup, Maxwell Labs, is teaming up with Sandia and the University of New Mexico to explore laser-based photonic cooling. (Interesting Engineering)
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
🛠️ This Striking Building is For a Pipe Building & It's Built Entirely From Pipes
On a quiet residential street lined with unassuming homes and white picket fences in Gliwice, Poland, one building is not like the rest. It's a hulking, bright silver structure that's covered entirely in pipes. This eye-catching building is the new headquarters for Gambit, a Polish pipe distribution company specializing in underground water systems. The result is a visually striking structure that cleverly merges architecture with product advertising. (Fast Company)
| | Math and Science Academy to Build on Woodbury Cornfield | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Math and Science Academy in Woodbury believes it has found just the right place for its new building --- an existing cornfield that wasn't even listed for sale.
MSA Building Co., an entity related to the charter school, closed last week on its acquisition of the farm property in Woodbury, where it plans to break ground soon on a $55-million school for students in grades 6-12.
The project site is about 2-miles from Math and Science Academy's existing campus in Woodbury, and the school has been looking extensively in the area for land to construct the new 125,000-square-foot building.
The new school is scheduled for completion by mid-August 2026.
The project team includes Pope Design Group (design), Rochon Corp. (construction), and JB Vang (owner's representative).
In January, the Woodbury City Council approved a conditional use permit, rezoning and other approvals for the new building. The project includes construction of a traffic signal at Bailey Road and Fairview Drive, landscaping improvements, parking and athletic fields. On January 13, the Woodbury Planning Commission recommended approval of a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning and other requests for the project.
Math and Science Academy currently operates out of four buildings in Woodbury, two of which are leased. In total, the school has about 50,000-square-feet of space at its existing facilities.
| | PICTURED ABOVE: Rendering by Pope Design Group of Math and Science Academy's new $55-million charter school in Woodbury. | | |
Risk Management - Protecting Your Business
Presented by the MnDOT DBE Construction Academy
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DATE: Tuesday, May 13
TIME: 11:00am - 12:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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This course will cover the impact of incidents on the jobsite, how to navigate Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections, best practices, and recognizing and correcting potential hazards.
Attendees will also learn how to develop a risk management plan, learn how to identify and manage risks, learn how to prevent claims and how to defend a claim, as well as learn how to be safety-centered project leaders.
| | Benefit of the Week: Airgas | | MBEX Members can enjoy exclusive pricing through National Purchasing Partners (NPP) on industrial gases, safety equipment, welding supplies, workwear, and more, from one of the nation's leading single-source suppliers. | | |
Airgas distribution branches are a one-stop shop for top-quality products and friendly expertise to more than a million customers across the nation.
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As the second-leading supplier of safety equipment in the U.S., the Airgas catalog includes personal protective equipment, fall gear, uniforms, respiratory and area protection.
MBEX Members can take advantage of the following Airgas savings:
- Discounts on safety supplies and equipment;
- Discounts on welding products and equipment;
- Exclusive pricing on industrial gases;
- Special pricing on workwear and uniforms; and
- $500 instant credit with any new account activation.
Set up your Airgas account with NPP today (it's free and there's zero obligation to buy), and start saving on a wide selection of Airgas product offerings. An Airgas representative will contact you to asses your specific gas, welding, and safety needs.
They can also assist with a free online account with Airgas.com where you can order products, track shipments, print invoices, or check cylinder balances.
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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.
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 4/21/2025 - 4/25/2025: 107
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 34/21/2025 - 4/25/2025: 34
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 4/29/2025: 418
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 4/29/2025: 2,153
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 4/23/2025 - 4/29/2025.
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
• May 5 - 9 - Construction Safety Week
• May 6 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• May 7 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• May 7 - Young Professionals Network (YPN) Networking Event
• May 8 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• May 15 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 26 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
• June 4 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
• July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
• August 14 - Sporting Clays Fundraiser
• August 20 - Golf North
• September 10 - Sporting Clays North
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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 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 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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