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How are you handling the heat, MBEXers? After a weekend spend poolside with a very energetic crew of nieces and nephews (10/10 cannonballs, by the way), I thought I'd cooled off --- until I and the other staffers walked into the office Monday morning and found our AC had officially tapped out. With indoor temps in the mid-80s, it's safe to say our office was giving serious "Midwest sauna" energy --- just with more emails and far too little eucalyptus 😅🥵 While we wait for new units to arrive, our office hours might shift a bit, so thanks in advance for your patience as we try not to melt. In the meantime, let's all keep our cool (literally AND figuratively) as summer heats up. Remember, water and shade are your friends! ☀️🧊 😎
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Cooler On The Lake - Best way to beat the summer heat? Don't just be by the lake; be ON it! Join us at our next member event up in Duluth, which is a Lake Superior Harbor Cruise on July 23, aboard fellow MBEX member Jeff Foster's sailing vessel. Full event details can be found here.
2.) Go Green...Seriously - When construction companies position themselves as green builders, they gain a competitive advantage among environmentally conscious clients. But with federal and state tax incentives added in, the benefits from green projects can be both reputational and financial.
3.) Member News - Dan Anderson was recently promoted to Project Executive at Adolfson & Peterson Construction, bringing over 13 years of construction experience. Dan will lead A&P's Tribal Market sector, partnering with Tribal Nations to deliver culturally meaningful facilities. Congratulations, Dan and A&P!
4.) Where Gen Z Works - In May 2025, Resume Builder surveyed 1,434 Gen Z adults to understand how economic pressures, rising education costs, and concerns about AI are shaping their career paths. This survey found 42% of Gen Zers are currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled trade job, including 34% who already have a bachelor's degree.
5.) Do You Know? - Test your Minneapolis skyline knowledge. What building is considered Minneapolis' first skyscraper?
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Inside This Issue:
• Hole In One: Recapping last week's Twin Cities Golf Tournament
• Get Ready: Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave law
• Tips & Tricks: How to email multiple companies directly from the Online Plan Room
• In Memory: Remembering long-time member and past president Dale Johnson
• Events: Mid-Year Economic Forecast, Lake Superior Harbor Cruise, Reading Construction Documents course
• Five Headlines: OSHA's proposed heat rule draws feedback, harassment still plagues women in Minnesota construction, navigating tariff risks in construction contracts, the top 5 advances in concrete technology for modern building, & an army of small robots move a 7,500-ton building in China
• Project of the Week: Riverfront housing development receives approval in Rochester
• Industry Event: Fall Conference with the Minnesota Technology & Engineering Educators Association - Waite Park, Minn. - September 26
• Member Benefits: Freight shipping solutions with Estes
| | RECAP: Twin Cities Golf Tournament | | |
Last Tuesday, spirits were high as 148 golfers, 18 hole sponsors, a dozen or so planning committee members and volunteers, plus two MBEX staffers gathered at the Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater for MBEX's annual summer Twin Cities Golf Tournament.
With all 18 holes filled, the course was buzzing with friendly competition, laughter, and plenty of great conversations throughout the day.
From the first swing to the final putt, members and guests enjoyed what could only be described as a near-perfect weather kind of day on the greens --- complete with on-course contests, sponsor giveaways, a post-round happy hour, and dinner. As always, this annual event delivered on what makes it a member favorite: good golf, great company, and even better networking.
A big thank you to all of our players, sponsors, and volunteers who made the day a success. We couldn't do it without you!
Now, a look at who took home bragging rights and a few of the day's big prizes:
TEAM AWARDS
• 1st Place: Victaulic
• 2nd Place: Ziegler Rental
• 3rd Place: W. L. Hall
• 4th Place: Donlar Construction
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
• Longest Putt: Mitch Hurtgen, Commercial Roofing & Sheet Metal
• Longest Drive (Men): Matt Frommett, Victaulic
• Longest Drive (Women): Kara Stockman, Sonus Interiors
• Closest to the Line (Men): Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction
• "Hit the Keg" (Hole 7)
⁃ 1st: Kate Boland, Sunbelt Rentals
⁃ 2nd: Payton Spencer, Carl Bolander & Sons
⁃ 3rd: Carter Martodam, Frattalone Companies
• "Hit the Green" (Hole 3)
⁃ Jake Evans
⁃ Ben Daigle, Infinity Scaffold
⁃ Tom Piccione, Sonus Interiors
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The success of our tournament takes a team, so let's give a big thank you to our Twin Cities Golf Tournament event sponsors:
| | Premier Cornerstone Partner | | Bronze Cornerstone Partner | | | | | |
Bloody Mary
Station Sponsor
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"Hit the Green" Sponsor
(Hole 3)
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"Hit the Keg" Sponsor
(Hole 7)
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Door Prize Sponsors
Alliance Bank, Carciofini Company, Country Prestress, Dem-Con Companies, Grazzini Brothers & Company, Laketown Electric Corporation, John A. Knutson & Company, & Scaffold Service
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Check out more team photos from the day, and find more upcoming MBEX events at mbex.org. We'll see you on the next tee box!
| | What You Need to Know About PFML | | |
Minnesota has enacted a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law, which will take effect on January 1, 2026.
This legislation aims to provide workers with paid time off to care for family members, recover from medical conditions, or welcome a new child. It will cover nearly all employees, including full-time and part-time employees, regardless of employer size, excluding certain seasonal workers from coverage.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
Starting January 1, 2026, nearly all Minnesota employees will be eligible for up to 20-weeks of paid leave per year for medical, family, or safety-related reasons. The program is funded by employer payroll contributions (with up to 50% possible shared by employees) and administered by the state. Employers must provide written notice to employees within 30-days of hire or before premium collection begins, and employees are entitled to job reinstatement after 90-days of employment.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE
Employees are eligible if they work at least 50% of their time in Minnesota, or if they work more than 50% of their time outside of Minnesota, and they must live in Minnesota at least 50% of the year. Employees must also have earned at least 5.3% of the state's average annual wage during the employee's base period.
HOW TO PREPARE
With the law set to take effect on January 1, 2026, employers should begin preparing now. Reviewing employment policies and onboarding procedures will be essential. Additionally, supervisors, foremen, and project managers should be trained on how to handle PFML leave requests appropriately.
Employers should assess their existing leave policies to ensure they align with other programs like FMLA, pregnancy leave, parental leave, and Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). Businesses can also explore whether to seek an exemption from the PFML law by offering a private paid leave plan that meets state requirements.
Lastly, employees should monitor updates from the Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), as they will provide guidelines on required workplace postings and notifications.
Early planning can help businesses avoid disruptions and potential legal challenges as the implementation date approaches.
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North Star Law Group knows you have your hands full, especially with this new law on the horizon. Let them handle the legal heavy lifting, so you can focus on what you do best: building. You can reach them at info@northstarlaw.com, via their website at www.northstarlaw.com, or via phone at (651) 330-9678.
North Star Law Group is also a current MBEX Member, and we thank them for putting together this comprehensive guide on Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave law.
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TIPS & TRICKS:
Email Multiple Companies Directly via the Online Plan Room
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Save time (and clicks) with this simple step-by-step guide on how to email all --- or just a few --- companies listed on a project's bidders list at once directly from the Online Plan Room.
Here's how:
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Find your project.
Do so by searching with the Project ID via the Quick Search Bar located on the Deskpad, checking your tracked projects (found under 'Projects'), or browsing the full list of projects out for bid (also under 'Projects').
Review the Bidders List.
Once you've located the project, click on the Bidders tab to find the Bidders List. This is a listing of both MBEX member and non-member companies who have either self-added their companies or have been reported to MBEX as interested in bidding the project.
Select your contacts.
Check the box next to a division header (like Electrical or General) to select the full section, or individually select companies of interest.
Click the orange button.
Found on the left-hand side of the screen in the vertical menu bar, the button features an envelope icon.
Write your message and send.
After clicking the orange button, a blank email will automatically open with all selected addresses pre-loaded in the BCC line (your email address will also automatically pre-load into the 'To' field). Once you've written your email, hit 'send,' and then repeat Steps 1-5 as needed.
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Yes, it's really that easy.
Download our PDF guide by clicking the image on the right and become a bulk-emailing wizard in less than 2 minutes
| | | It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dale Johnson's passing. | | |
Dale served as President of the Board of Directors in 1986 of the Builders Exchange of St. Paul (prior to the merger with the Minneapolis Builders Exchange) and was also a longtime member of the Minnesota Builders Exchange.
On behalf of Dale's family, we share the following news with our construction community:
Johnson, Dale A., age 89, passed away on June 3, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Arvid and Dagny, wife Barbara, sister Ellen. Survived by wife Linda, daughters Cindy (Dave) Svard, Carrie (Darrel) Cote, Amy Jo (Scott) Buckley, Linda's sons Brad (Tine) and Brian. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, brothers Ray and Tim, sister Shirley Knox, and many nieces and nephews. He graduated from St. Louis Park High School, was a Boy Scout Leader, active in the masonry industry, and sold "Beautiful Anchor Blocks" until his retirement. Dale leaves a legacy of joy, faith, love, and an ever-present positive attitude.
Celebration of Life: June 30, at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina. Visitation at 10:00am. Service at 11:00am, with luncheon to follow. Memorials to Christ Presbyterian Church or donor's choice.
Dale's obituary was published in the Minnesota Star Tribune on Sunday, June 22nd.
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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
July 4 - 4th of July Holiday
MBEX will be closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday.
July 16 - 2025 Mid-Year Construction Economic Update & Forecast
Gain expert insights into the state of the construction economy, presented by Construction Executive with Anirban Basu, ABC's Chief Economist. This free webinar will explore the key trends, challenges, and predictions shaping the industry for the remainder of the year. Sign Up Here
** July 17 - 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 July 16**
July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
Join MBEX for an evening sailing on Lake Superior, and see the Duluth-Superior Harbor, Lift Bridge, canal, and city as you may not have before. Space is limited to the first 150 people who register. Register Here
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
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. Teams can have a maximum of six shooters. 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 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
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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JOBSITE SAFETY
☀️ OSHA's Proposed Heat Rule Draws Feedback From Contractors, Unions
Contractor groups have criticized the proposed rule for using what they call "a one-size-fits-all approach" to heat safety. Rather than prescriptive measures, groups including the Associated General Contractors of America and the Associated Builders and Contractors have called on OSHA to implement performance-based requirements in the standard because of the many variables within the construction industry. Because of the unique challenges, construction should be exempt from the temperature recordkeeping requirements included in the proposed rule, they argue. (Engineering News-Record)
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
👷♀️ Harassment Still Plagues Women in Minnesota Construction
The first time Larson, a concrete finisher, was sexually harassed on a construction site in Minnesota was in the summer of 2021. At the time, she recalls, a foreman and a finisher on the site refused to train her and subjected her to verbal abuse laced with sexually inappropriate language. A 2021 report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research reveals that 48% of women in the trades believe they are "held to a higher standard than their men co-workers," and 26.5% say they are "always or frequently harassed just for being a woman." (Finance & Commerce)
MANAGING RISK
🧭 Navigating Tariff Risks in Construction Contracts
In recent months, changes to tariff laws have had a significant impact on the construction industry. With looming disruptions to global supply chains and material costs rising, there are a number of commercial and legal strategies that owners, contractors, and subcontractors can utilize to help manage the risk of tariffs. The new tariff laws are far reaching and can impact everything from the cost of materials to the selection of suppliers. The following are some potential strategies for managing the risk of tariffs in drafting and negotiating construction contracts. (J D Supra | Dorsey & Whitney LLP)
CONCRETE
💥 Top 5 Advances in Concrete Technology for Modern Buildings
Concrete has come a long way from being just a structural workhorse. Today, it's evolving into a highly adaptable material that supports the demands of modern construction --- strength, sustainability, and flexibility. More recently, developments in material science, digital innovation, and environmental engineering have significantly expanded what concrete can do. From self-repairing surfaces to waste-free production techniques, this article outlines five of the most important breakthroughs driving the future of concrete in modern construction. (AZO Build)
INNOVATION
🦾 432 Robots Move 7,500-Ton Building in Chinese City to Make Way for New Construction
A 7,382-ton, 13,222-square-foot building complex in Shanghai, China is being moved around 10-meters a day using an army of small robots. Consisting of a set of traditional shikumen-style buildings, the complex is being moved out of the way to allow for the construction of a three-story underground structure beneath it. The move of the Huayanli complex, a collection of buildings built in the 1920s-1930s featuring architecture combining Western and Chinese elements, is temporary and the complex will be returned to its original location once the underground construction work is complete. How? 432 small walking robots gently lift the structure and then 'crawl' very slowly. (Interesting Engineering)
| | Sherman Moves Forward with Riverfront Housing in Rochester | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Last week, the Rochester Economic Development Authority approved several development assistance agreements related to the Sherman Associates-led Civic Center North Development, which is anchored by a five-story, 76-unit affordable senior rental building and a 15-story, 265-unit market-rate tower.
The long-anticipated mixed-income development would bring hundreds of new housing units to an underused riverfront site in downtown Rochester.
A shared five-story parking structure and a "publicly accessible riverfront amenity" are also included in the project.
The project is advancing with help from a "reaffirmed" $13.19-million TIF, a $500,000 general support grant, and $16-million in housing revenue bonds. The total development cost is $138.5-million, which includes $29-million for the affordable senior building and $109.5-million for the market-rate component.
A project narrative reveals that the two buildings will be "separately financed, but will share a 350-stall above-grade, enclosed and tempered parking garage. The development will feature a new publicly accessible riverfront walking path along Zumbro River, which directly borders the site to the east."
Construction could begin in late 2025 or the first quarter of 2026 on a 1.75-acre site framed by First Street Northeast, the Zumbro River, and East Center Street.
Sherman, which is working with ESG Architecture & Design on design and Frana on construction, sees the project site as a "gateway to downtown."
| | ABOVE PHOTO: The proposed Civic Center North Development, featuring a five-story, 76-unit affordable senior rental building, and a 15-story, 256-unit market-rate tower, in downtown Rochester. Rendering by ESG Architecture & Design. | | |
MTEEA Fall Conference with MRCA
Presented by Minnesota Technology & Engineering Educators Association
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DATE: Friday, September 26
TIME: 8:00am - 4:00pm
LOCATION: The Park Event Center in Waite Park - 500 Division Street, Waite Park, Minn., 56387
COST: Various levels of vendor registration and booth space. View more information here.
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The Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association focuses on what is of value to students and supportive of teachers in the field; is dedicated to local and national technology organizations and makes a difference in the quality of education in our state.
MTEEA is an organization that:
- Sponsors a Fall Conference - the single best place to find out what's going on in teaching technology with presentations, demonstrations, and commercial vendors.
- Is instrumental in advocating for inclusion of technology as a Minnesota graduation outcome.
- Works cooperatively with the Minnesota Department of Education to develop teachers licensure, program standards, and other matters of mutual concern.
- Hosted the ITEA / TEEA Conference in 1992, 2001, and 2023.
- Networks with organizations like SciMath Minnesota, the Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education, the Minnesota High Tech Association, and the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association to promote teaching about technology.
- Was instrumental in passing legislation to have state universities review their entrance requirements regarding technology.
- Sponsors competitions and workshops for technology teachers and students.
- Recognizes teachers for their accomplishments with awards for teachers, programs, 25-year awards and retiree awards.
To learn more about the MTEEA Fall Conference, contact Michael Sundblad at mhsundblad@stcloudstate.edu.
| | Benefit of the Week: Estes Express Lines | | |
No matter your freight transportation needs, Estes is the carrier you can count on.
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Estes is now the exclusive freight carrier for National Purchasing Partners (NPP) business members. Customize your shipping services from Less Than Truckload (LTL) to truckload, short-haul to global freight forwarding and more.
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Offer benefits include:
• Exclusive membership pricing
• Customizable freight shipping solutions
• Discounted Time Critical Guaranteed service
• Reduced accessorial rates
Estes has the capacity, resources, footprint, and expertise to get your freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there.
LTL, Short-Haul, Long-Haul --- Estes Does It All.
Set up your Estes account with NPP today, and start saving. (Not an NPP member yet? Join now --- it's 100% free and there's zero obligation to buy.) Once the sign-up form is completed, Estes will be notified and your specialist will contact you within 7 business days to assess your specific shipping needs. You will then immediately be able to use your discount.
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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 6/16/2025 - 6/20/2025: 71
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 6/16/2025 - 6/20/2025: 9
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 6/24/2025: 298
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 6/24/2025: 2,896
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 6/18/2025 - 6/24/2025.
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
• July 4 - 4th of July - MBEX Closed
• July 16 - 2025 Mid-Year Construction Economic Update & Forecast
• July 17 - Online Plan Room Demo
• July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
• 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 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
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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