Issue No. 30 • Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • www.mbex.org



Tools down, and heads up, MBEXers --- turns out the trades aren't just built different, they're building momentum. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction employment is projected to grow nearly 40% faster than the average for all jobs over the next decade. That's solid framing for the next generation of builders, with especially strong outlooks for electricians, tile setters, and laborers. Sure, everyone starts at the ground level, but if you're willing to put in the work (and maybe some literal sweat equity), there's real payoff --- and no four-year degree required. The trades, as my girl Taylor Swift might say, never go out of style 😉 🧰 🎶


PS - I've dropped an article about this trend in this week's Five Headlines. It's a quick read, and totally worth it before you punch out for the day.




By Ashlee

Membership & Communications Manager

 
 

Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:


1.) Meet the Instructor - Curious about the Bluebeam Revu courses on our calendar coming up in August and September? Instructor Troy DeGroot is hosting a free one-hour introduction session on Wednesday, August 6 where he'll give an overview of each course. Bring your questions, and he'll help pinpoint which courses best fit your skillset and workflow.


2.) Relive the Cruise - MBEX took to Lake Superior last week aboard fellow member Jeff Foster's sailing vessel for an evening harbor cruise in Duluth. Enjoy a few photos from the event, and we're giving one more shout-out to the event's sponsors: Schaefer Acoustics and Northern Industrial Insulation. Thank you very much for your generous support!


3.) Latest in Hiring - According to the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry had 246,000 job openings on the last day of June. This is an increase of 14,000 when compared to May, which ended with 232,000 job openings. However, despite industrywide job openings increasing in June, the share of all construction positions that are unfilled remains low by recent standards.


4.) Safety First - From hydration-detection wearables to new fall protection that doesn't lock up improperly due to jerky movement, here's a look at the gear that was on display at the American Society of Safety Professionals 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida.


5.) How to Find a Stud - The plumber's method has a 100% success rate 😉 😂



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Inside This Issue:


• In August: Reading Construction Docs, Sporting Clays, Golf North, and more

• Economic Snapshot: Industry continues to show a mixed but steady performance

• Look Inside: Preview the projects shared in July's Pre-Plan Pipeline

• New Program: Ready your company for Minnesota's new paid leave program

• Events Calendar: See what's ahead with MBEX

• DBE Notice: Engineering & Construction Innovations (ECI) seeks qualified MCUB subcontractor, supplier & vendor quotes

• Five Headlines: The U.S. and E.U. agree to lower tariffs in "framework" deal; Four rules for smarter economic forecasting; Higher pay and job security increases student interest in the construction trades; U.S.-Japan trade agreement reached but likely no breaks for construction imports; and Newly developed "superwood" resists both fire and water

• Project of the Week: Environmental Review released for technology park / data center project in Cannon Falls

• Industry Event: Built Environment Career Fair - University of Minnesota - Register to Host a Table or Sponsor at Early Bird Rates by August 15

• Member Benefits: More exclusive savings with National Purchasing Partners

 

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

 

Upcoming August Events with MBEX

August is packed with opportunities to get out, get involved, and connect with your fellow MBEX members.


Whether gearing up to take your best shot at our annual Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser or looking to build your knowledge with a virtual class, we've lined up opportunities that bring our members together while offering something extra --- connection, value, and a little end-of-summer fun. Whether you're here to network, support a great cause, or sharpen your skills, August has something for you.


Scroll down for all the details and make sure to claim your spot(s) before they're gone!





DATES: Wednesday, August 6 & Thursday, August 7


TIME: 1:00pm - 4:00pm both days (CST)


LOCATION: Virtual


COST: MBEX Members - $329 | Non-MBEX Members - $460


REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

12:00pm on Tuesday, August 5

DATE: Thursday, August 14


SCHEDULE:

• 11:00am - Registration & Lunch

• 12:15pm - Mandatory Safety Talk

• 12:30pm - Shoot Begins

• 4:30pm - Dinner & Awards


LOCATION: Game Unlimited Hunting Club - Hudson, Wisc.


COST: $170 per shooter (Teams: 4-6 shooters)


REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

2:00pm on Tuesday, August 5

DATE: Wednesday, August 20


SCHEDULE:

• 11:00am - Registration & Lunch

• 12:30pm - Shotgun Start

• 5:30pm - Dinner

• 6:30pm - Awards & Door Prizes


LOCATION: Ridgeview Country Club - Duluth, Minn.


COST: Ridgeview Members - $100 / golfer | Non-Ridgeview Members - $175 / golfer


REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

6:00pm on Sunday, August 17


DATES: August 26-29 & September 2-4


TIME: Each class is held on its respective date from 10:30am-12:30pm CST.


LOCATION: Virtual


COST: MBEX Members - $110 / class | Non-MBEX Members - $165 / class


REGISTRATION DEADLINES:

See website for details

 

Construction Economic Snapshot: July 2025

As we move through the second half of 2025, the construction outlook across Minnesota and the region remains a mixed bag --- but there are signs of steady momentum. Public infrastructure work continues to fuel nonresidential spending, even as private investment slows. Labor shortages haven't gone away, but contractors are still hiring at a healthy pace. Materials prices climbed in June, mostly due to rising fuel and metals costs, but overall input prices remain lower than this time last year.


MBEX members may notice a slight dip in project backlog, now at 8.4-months, but overall confidence remains high when it comes to profit expectations and staffing. While questions around interest rates and future demand still linger, contractors who stay adaptable and informed are best positioned to finish the year strong.


Here's a closer look at the key data and trends shaping the current construction landscape.



June Results Accelerate 2025 Year Growth

After finishing the first quarter down 34%, manufacturing starts have recorded an extraordinary rebound. Year-to-date results through June reported 77% growth, thanks in large part to multi-billion-dollar megaprojects.


June brought Total Nonresidential and Total Nonresidential Building YTD starts growth to 9.3% and 11.5% respectively. Only Residential construction continues to struggle with both single-family and multi-family construction down by more than double digits at 12.7% and 10% respectively. A combination of high home prices and interest rates continues to make home ownership a challenge for many people, especially first-time home buyers.



Best Performing Large Dollar Categories YTD


  • Sports & Convention Centers: + 169%
  • Manufacturing: + 77%
  • Airports: + 54%
  • Dam / Marine: + 38%
  • Bridges: + 30%



Underperforming Large Dollar Categories YTD


  • Power Infrastructure: - 44%
  • Hotel / Motel: - 38%
  • Miscellaneous Medical: - 33%
  • Special & Vocational Schools: - 21%
  • Military: - 15%




Adding Jobs & Holding Strong

Construction hiring picked up steam in June, with 15,000 new jobs added — the strongest monthly gain we've seen in half a year. That’s well above the average pace of about 10,400 jobs per month over the past year.


Most areas of the industry were pretty steady, with only small job losses in residential and nonresidential building — each down by fewer than 1,000. Even though there was a slight dip in engineering jobs (down 3,000), that was more than made up for by solid growth in the trades: residential sub-trades added 6,000 jobs, and nonresidential sub-trades added 12,000.


This is also the second month in 2025 where construction job growth outpaced overall U.S. job growth by percentage — another sign that the industry’s still holding strong.



Impact of Tariffs & Labor Shortages Now Showing in 2025 Data

The first half of 2025 started off looking rough for construction starts, with activity 20% – 30% below where it was last year and disruptions coming in from every angle. A lot of folks were bracing for a tough year. But then the second quarter hit, and things really turned around.


April and May came in hot, with nonresidential starts jumping over 22% and 27% year-over-year, and June kept the momentum going. By mid-year, total nonresidential starts were up 9.3%, civil projects were up 6.5%, and nonresidential buildings climbed 11.5%.


Now, before we celebrate too hard, it’s worth noting that inflation is doing some of the heavy lifting. Prices for key materials like steel and copper jumped nearly 18% and 7% through May, and overall construction material costs rose almost 6%. That means a decent chunk of the gains we’re seeing in dollar terms isn’t from more projects, but from higher prices. So while the growth looks great on paper, part of it is just the cost of doing business going up.



Metal Construction Products Likely to Feel the Bite of New Tariffs

Tariffs are expected to start hitting construction costs more noticeably in the second half of 2025 — especially when it comes to imported materials that are heavy on metals.


Take insulated wire and cables, for example. The U.S. brought in over $31-billion worth last year, and since they’re packed with copper and aluminum, they’re now facing stiff new 50% tariffs, plus the ongoing Section 301 duties on imports from China.


It’s a similar story for things like electrical panels and switchboards (another nearly $20- billion in imports last year) that also rely heavily on copper, aluminum, and steel. And it doesn’t stop there. Items like fasteners, steel beams, and other structural components, especially those coming from China and Taiwan, are all in the crosshairs, too. Even Canadian softwood lumber isn’t off the hook, with a current 14.5% tariff possibly doubling under new proposals.


Bottom line: if your materials list leans metal-heavy, especially from overseas suppliers, it’s time to plan for some price hikes.



Regional Nonresidential Construction Starts

Nonresidential construction has been stronger along the coasts than in the Midwest and Plains states. The Pacific region especially has made a big comeback; after a rough first quarter where spending dropped by 41%, it’s now up 11.7% for the year. That’s a major turnaround in just a few months.


When it comes to civil construction — things like roads, bridges, and utilities — growth has been more evenly spread out across the country. Out of the nine U.S. regions, only two (the Mountain and South Atlantic divisions) are seeing a drop in spending. Everywhere else is trending upward, with the biggest gains happening in the Middle Atlantic (up 36.6%), New England (up 26.4%), and the East North Central region (up 25.9%).



Below are the YTD Nonresidential Starts for the five states covered by MBEX:


Jan-June 2024

Jan-June 2025

% Change

Minnesota

$6,313,591,873

$5,882,568,915

-6.8%

North Dakota

$1,815,766,397

1,644,640,918

-9.4%

South Dakota

$1,939,828,592

$1,857,384,298

-4.3%

Iowa

$3,383,688,735

$3,487,471,595

3.1%

Wisconsin

$7,684,381,463

$5,120,472,393

-33.4%


For full details and a deeper dive of ConstructConnect's July 2025 Economic Snapshot report, click below.



 
 

LOOK INSIDE: What Kind of Projects Were in July's Pre-Plan Pipeline

Our July issue landed last week and it was, for lack of a better word, a monster issue.


The latest Pre-Plan Pipeline shared 280 project leads with our Premium members from 69 cities and counties across Minnesota and the surrounding region. If you're scouting what's next in commercial construction, this MBEX exclusive publication is your monthly sneak peek into the future.


The Pre-Plan Pipeline gives our members the inside track on proposals in the works, planning conversations in motion, and developments just starting to take shape.

Curious what kind of projects we share? Here's a quick taste of what July's issue had to offer:


• A two-story commercial & retail (first floor) and residential building (second floor) in Big Lake


• An 8,373-square-foot addition for classrooms and other educational spaces, a cafeteria renovation, site improvements for the nurse's office and conference rooms, along with landscaping for an outside activity area, and restructuring of a parking lot in Cottage Grove


• A 35,000-square-foot addition to an existing industrial building and a 110,500-square-foot building in Safety Zone B of the airport in Detroit Lakes


• A 61-unit affordable housing project in Grand Rapids


• A 106-unit affordable senior housing project, comprised of one- and two-bedroom units, in Little Canada


• A residential project dubbed Aspen Fields that is to include a four-story, 150-unit multi-family building; an 11,900-square-foot daycare building; and two retail buildings of 12,840-square-feet and 11,940-square-feet respectively, in Rosemount


• A 42-unit apartment building (a mix of one- and two-bedrooms) in St. Joseph


• A Burger King / Popeye's restaurant in West St. Paul


• Replacement of an existing airfield lighting system with a new LED system on Airport Runway 13/31 in Willmar



...plus 271 more project leads ready to explore.



Click the image below to dive a little deeper into these nine listed projects, and discover why MBEX members count on the Pre-Plan Pipeline every month.

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.

 

Get Ready for Minnesota's New Paid Leave Program

Starting on January 1, 2026, Minnesotans can take the time they need to be there for some of life's very important moments --- like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a loved one.


Qualifying Minnesota employees will be entitled to 12-weeks of paid medical leave and 12-weeks of family leave, not to exceed 20-weeks in a single 12-month period, under the state's new paid leave program.


Also importantly, employers will be required to post notices and distribute individual notices about the new changes by December 1, 2025.



Who Qualifies for Minnesota's New Paid Leave Program?

The new rules apply to all public and private employers, but there are a few exceptions. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can opt in, but Tribal Nations, federal government employees, railroad employees, and seasonal hospitality workers notified of their exemption are not covered.


To qualify, most employees must have earned at least 5.3% of the statewide average annual wage in the previous year, worked at least 50% of their time in Minnesota, and be experiencing a qualifying event lasting at least seven days. These qualifying events include medical leave for the employee’s own serious health condition or family leave to bond with a new child, care for a family member, address safety concerns (like domestic violence), or support a family member called to active duty. In most cases, certification from a health care or service provider will be required.



How Will This Program Be Funded?

The program is funded through employer premium contributions, partially covered by payroll deductions. The total premium is currently set at 0.88% of an employee’s taxable wages, with employers required to contribute at least 50%. This percentage will be re-evaluated each year.


Payroll deductions can begin January 1, 2026, but the first premium payments are due April 30, 2026.



What Obligations Do Employers Have During an Employee's Leave?

Employers must maintain the employee’s health insurance and benefits throughout their leave and allow them to return to their previous position — or an equivalent one — if they were employed for at least 90 days before their leave began.


Noncompliance can be costly, with penalties reaching up to $10,000 per violation. Employers may apply for approval of alternative plans, but these must meet strict state guidelines.



What Steps Should Employers Take Now?

With January 2026 less than six months away, employers should begin reviewing their policies and budgeting for payroll deductions. Taking time now to prepare for compliance will make implementation smoother — and avoid unnecessary penalties later.



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Bassford Remele keeps ahead of the curve on developments in employment law to help employers plan and strategize for upcoming and brewing changes in the legal landscape. Feel free to reach out to this fellow MBEX member company if you need assistance in this continually evolving landscape.


Bassford Remele shared this employment update in their July 28th issue of their weekly newsletter, 'The Work Week with Bassford Remele'. We thank them for putting together this comprehensive overview.



 

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



August 5 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [Virtual Class]

Great estimators know that to be competitive and competent in the current market, their companies must continually be in search of an edge, answering the question, "How can we approach this project differently than our competition?" Register Here


August 6 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses

MBEX is once again partnering with Troy DeGroot and UChapter2 to offer our members the best in Bluebeam Revu training. Join Troy for this free opportunity to see an introduction to each upcoming course offered later in August. Ask questions and ensure you enroll in the appropriate courses for your skillset and workflows. Sign Up Here


August 6 & 7 - Reading Construction Documents [Virtual Class]

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


August 14 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser - Register by 2pm on August 5!

Aim, shoot and pull to raise funds for the MBEX Construction Scholarship at this great annual MBEX outdoor event at Game Unlimited. Shooter packages include a 100-clay shoot, post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes. Register Here


August 20 - Golf North

Come socialize and network on the greens of Duluth's Ridgeview Country Club for what we FORE-see as a great event. Golf packages include lunch, 18 holes of golf, golf carts, post-golf social, dinner, and short awards program. Register Here


August 21 - 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 - **Please sign up by 3:30pm on August 20**


August 26 - 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


August 27 - 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


August 28 - 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


August 29 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

Eliminate wasted time navigating through drawing sets and wondering who has the latest drawings. Register Here


September 1 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

MBEX will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We'll return to regular office hours on Tuesday, September 2.


September 2 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

This Bluebeam class was developed for design and construction professionals in both the office and jobsite looking for ways to build consistency, speed, and accuracy of data collection in creating summary reports. Register Here


September 3 - Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

In just two hours, class attendees will be ready to combine documents, mark for redaction, apply digital signatures, and several other important administrative tasks. Register Here


September 4 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows

Class attendees will go through not only navigation and markups, but workflows like Calibrating Plan & Profile drawings with different X-Y scales, ideas for Cut & Fill calculations, combining several PDFs into one large area map, and adding images. Register Here


September 10 - Sporting Clays North

Get yours shotguns locked and loaded. MBEX is headed north for its annual Sporting Clays North event. Whether an ace shooter or a total rookie, this will be a fun, low-pressure afternoon with colleagues and fellow industry professionals that includes a delicious BBQ buffet for dinner. Register Here



 
 

DBE NOTICE


Engineering & Construction Innovations, Inc. (ECI) is seeking qualified MCUB vendors for the Metropolitan Council Metropolitan Environmental Services' L67 Forcemain 8752 Improvements - Phase I Project, bidding on August 6, 2025.


ECI is seeking qualified MCUB subcontractors and suppliers for this project.



BID DEADLINE:

Submit bids by 3:00pm on August 5, 2025.


BID SUBMISSIONS:

Please send quotes to Chris Kester via email to ckester@eciconstructors.com or via facsimile

to (651) 298-9113.



Contact Chris Kester at (651) 298-9111 for additional information and assistance.



ECI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.



 

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES


Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.


TARIFFS

🤝 US, EU Agree to Lower Tariffs in 'Framework' Deal

The U.S. and the European Union have established the framework of a deal that could set tariffs to 15% for most imports from the bloc. As part of the pact, the EU would also purchase $750-billion worth of U.S. energy exports over the next three years, while investing $600-billion into the country. The 15% tariff would be a flat rate across most EU exports, including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceutical products. The duty rate is all-inclusive and includes no stacking. (Construction Dive)



BUSINESS MATTERS

🔮 4 Rules for Smarter Economic Forecasting in Construction

Planning for the future has never been as vital --- nor as daunting --- as it is today. The past five years have demonstrated just how tumultuous the construction industry can be. Many economic projection models that have thus far been 'good enough' are simply no longer able to accommodate the markets they monitor. Fortunately, building a projection model that can adapt to the market and produce actionable insights comes down to just a few fundamental principles. The four rules that follow provide the basic foundation that a construction business will need to plan, compile, and utilize such a model. (For Construction Pros)



LABOR & WORKFORCE

🛠️ High Pay, Job Security Heighten Interest in Construction Trades

The National Student Clearinghouse reports a record number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges in 2023, and students studying the trades rose 23%. Good pay, faster onboarding and job security make occupations in vocational fields an attractive alternative to jobs that entail four years of college tuition and subsequent student loan debt. That interest aligns well with workforce needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in the construction sector will grow nearly 40% faster than the average for all jobs over the next decade. (Finance & Commerce)



ECONOMIC REPORT | TARIFFS

🚧 US-Japan Trade Agreement Brings Investment But Likely No Break for Construction Imports

On July 23, 2025, after months of escalating threats, President Trump announced a new bilateral trade agreement with Japan that sets a reciprocal 15% tariff on Japanese imports, including automobiles, down from the previously proposed 25%. Japan will lower trade barriers on U.S. goods, including vehicles, rice, and select agricultural products. Japanese regulatory agencies have also agreed to relax certain vehicle testing requirements to facilitate U.S. exports. Steel and aluminum remain excluded from the agreement and will continue to face a 50% tariff. (ConstructConnect News)



BUILDING MATERIALS

🦸 Startup Develops Revolutionary New 'Superwood' That Can Resist Fire & Water

Wood isn't yielding to concrete and steel when it comes to being the construction material of the future. That's because a Maryland-based company's lumber breakthrough could soon put it in contention as the leader. InventWood's product isn't your grandfather's two-by-four. Superwood has 10 times the strength-to-weight of steel and is six times lighter. What's more, it's fire-, rot-, and pest-resistant, with a production process that's 90% cleaner than steel --- all while mimicking the look and feel of regular lumber, per the company website. (The Cool Down)

 
 

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Cannon Falls Data Center Environmental Review Released

Read more on Finance & Commerce




Tract, a prolific data center developer, wants to build a 1.75-million-square-foot technology park / data center on part of a 253-acre property across five parcels in Randolph Township, a site that would be annexed by the city of Cannon Falls.


The city launched an environmental review of the project in January. Last week, the city released a final environmental review document, known as an Alternative Urban Areawide Review, which looks at "cumulative impacts of anticipated development scenarios" in a given area.


State agencies still have a chance to comment on the AUAR through August 5.


Next steps include an annexation deal. Most of the land for the development is currently in Randolph Township, so the city is working through "an orderly annexation agreement" with the township.


The AUAR reveals that construction could begin in 2026. The sale of the property is contingent on the land use approvals. Under the best-case scenario, that could happen as soon as this fall.


ABOVE PHOTO: Outline of the 253-acre property across five parcels in Randolph Township where data center developer Tract wants to build a 1.75-million-square-foot technology park in the city of Cannon Falls.

 
 

UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS

Built Environment Career Fair

Presented by University of Minnesota

DATE / TIME: Friday, October 3 from 10:00am - 2:00pm


LOCATION: Coffman Memorial Union - 300 Washington Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, 55455


EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS: Friday, August 15


FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, September 5


 


The University of Minnesota Construction and Facility Management program, the University of Minnesota Construction Management Student Association, and Career & Internship Services are proud to host this annual intercollegiate event on Friday, October 3, 2025.


If you will be hiring for full-time roles or internships for the 2025-2026 year, register now to attend this InterCollegiate Career Fair and meet over 300 students from the upper Midwest Schools of Construction Management. Meet talented and diverse students who have training and expertise in Construction Management, Facilities Management, Architecture, Building Science, Civil Engineering, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and more.



Early Bird registration ends August 15, but this fair has a waitlist every year so please register soon.


Early Registration Fees (add $50 for registration after August 15):


  • Private Industry: $500 / table
  • Government: $300 / table
  • Nonprofit / Association: $200 / table


The registration fee includes a 6-foot x 30" rectangular table with two chairs, parking, and lunch for up to two representatives. Employers are asked to bring their own tablecloth or skirting, and table signage. Floor signage may be used if not oversized and will not impact traffic flow.



SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (Deadline is August 1)


Gold Level - $2,000

  • Premium Booth location in sponsorship aisle of the career fair, company logo in the employer booklet, company logo on Handshake, posters, reminder emails and candidate prep materials. Sponsors will be invited to participate in the Career Fair Prep Session on October 1. Includes registration fee.


Silver Level - $1,500

  • Booth located in sponsorship aisle of the career fair, company logo in the employer booklet, company logo on Handshake, posters and reminder emails to students. Includes registration fee.



Contact Ben Hansen, Associate Director for Employer Relations, at bdhansen@umn.edu with any questions.

 
 

MEMBER BENEFITS

Benefits of the Week: More NPP Exclusive Offers!

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.


NPP Membership is free and there is never an obligation to purchase.


Plus, when you enroll via our special MBEX sign-up page, we receive a small royalty to further support our member services.



Explore these limited time offers currently running across NPP's partner brands, and start saving for your business, your staff, and yourselves!



Discount processing for fleet and bulk fueling, including Free Enrollment & Training


Enjoy NPP Savings

 

Enjoy free next-day business delivery on most standard orders over $35, plus aggressive contract pricing on thousands of popular office supplies.


Learn More

 

Enjoy summer savings on Car Rentals whether renting from an airport or a neighborhood location and choose from a variety of sedans, SUVs, trucks, EVs, 12-passenger vans, luxury cars, box trucks, and more.


Enjoy NPP Savings

 

Save up to 40% off retail pricing on a wide variety of quality batteries, light bulbs, smartphone / tablet accessories, and much more.


Learn More

 



Explore these membership discount offers, and others, by vising MBEX's website.



 

PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES

 

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 7/21/2025 - 7/25/2025: 95

• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 7/29/2025: 291

• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 7/29/2025: 3,304

 
 

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 7/23/2025 - 7/29/2025.


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.

 
 
 

The MBEX Weekly Bulletin brought to

you in part by The Builders Group (TBG).

 
 

UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS

• August 5 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [Virtual Class]

• August 6 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses

• August 6 & 7 - Reading Construction Documents [Virtual Class]

• August 14 - Sporting Clays Fundraiser

• August 20 - Golf North

• August 21 - Online Plan Room Demo

• August 26 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

• August 27 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

• August 28 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

• August 29 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

• September 1 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

• September 2 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

• September 3 - Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

• September 4 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows

• September 10 - Sporting Clays North

 

Connect with the Builders Exchange:

LinkedIn  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube
 

Revisit Past Bulletins:

July 23 - No. 29 | July 16 - No. 28 | July 9 - No. 27 | July 2 - No. 26 | June 25 - No. 25

 
 

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


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