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Just like that, we're stepping into a new month, MBEXers! July happens to be my second favorite month for a very delicious reason: it's National Ice Cream Month (which literally just gives me the perfect excuse to treat myself every day for the next 31 days 😉). July 1 also happens to be National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. Pretty sure this is the universe nudging us (me) to get a pint of Rocky Road or a Culver's Concrete Mixer after work. With temps still running high --- and our office running on temporary AC units --- cool treats are a MUST. Whatever flavor calls your name, I hope you take a minute to indulge. In this line of work, you've most certainly earned it 😎 ☀️ 🍦
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Out of Office for Fireworks - Heads up! This Friday is the Fourth of July (in case you weren't already aware) and our office will be closed in observance of the holiday. We'll be back to regular business hours on Monday, July 7.
2.) New Meal & Break Requirements - On June 14, Governor Walz signed an omnibus bill that included amendments to the state's meal and rest break requirements that will become effective on January 1, 2026. Make sure you know what these changes are and that your business will be compliant.
3.) Member News - Congratulations to the following who were named to Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal's 2025 Best Places to Work: Dering Pierson Group, Division 16 Electric, Gardner Builders, J E Dunn Construction Co., Loeffler Construction & Consulting, and North Star Law Group.
4.) Key ABI Highlights - The Architecture Billings Index remained in negative territory in May with a score of 47.2, up from 43.2 in April.
- Project Inquiries Index: 51.4
- Design Contracts Index: 45.9
- Regional Averages: South (49.2); West (44.3); Northeast (43.6); Midwest (43.5).
- Sector Index Breakdown: Institutional (46.2); Multi-Family Residential (46.1); Mixed Practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings any any one other category - 45.4); Commercial / Industrial (43.8).
5.) Hack That Jobsite - Is he working hard or hardly...coiling?
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Inside This Issue:
• All Aboard: Lake Superior Harbor Cruise on July 23 in Duluth
• Economic Report: June started showing a few signs of potential economic weakness
• In Review: Looking over MBEX's past 30 days of activity
• Grants Awarded: Three Greater Minn. cities receive $5M+ for infrastructure projects
• MBEX Events: Hot days, cool events ahead (inside and out)
• Five Headlines: How supply chain transparency can help businesses offset tariff costs, Canada threatens more tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum, Greater Minnesota water projects will flow thanks to legislators' bonding package, OSHA hearings will likely result in some form of a heat standard rule, & a new kind of concrete can grow and repair itself
• Project of the Week: Affordable housing project advances in Maplewood
• Industry Event: 2025 Minn. Joint Disparity Study Public Forums - July 8 & 9
• Member Benefits: Fuel smarter with Circle K Pro
| | Don't Miss The Boat on MBEX's July 23rd Event | | |
Ready to trade your desk chair for a deck chair?
Join MBEX on Wednesday, July 23 for an unforgettable evening aboard the Lake Superior Harbor Cruise in Duluth!
This summer favorite is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the North Shore while enjoying a night of food, fresh air, and fantastic company.
Here's why you don't want want to miss it:
🌊 Scenic Escape
Soak up panoramic views of Duluth's harbor, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and Lake Superior's shimmering shoreline from the comfort of fellow member Jeff Foster's retired coast guard cutter's deck.
🍴 Food & Drinks Included
Your ticket includes a laid-back dinner, drinks, and all the lake breeze you can handle.
🛳️ Summer Vibes Only
It's a great excuse to press pause on the work week and enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow members.
Tickets are $40 per person and that includes dinner, drinks, and your cruise experience. Space is limited to the first 150 people who register, so don't wait.
Boarding begins at 5:15pm at Pier B Resort on Railroad Street, and we set sail at 5:45pm sharp --- don't be late!
Bring a bag chair, a polar fleece jacket (it can get chilly out on the water!), and rock a pair of comfortable closed-toed shoes. Let's cruise, connect, and celebrate summer --- MBEX style.
| | ECONOMIC ROUNDUP: Some Signs of Waning Momentum | | |
Construction-specific economic data have started to flash a few signs of potential weakness.
Both backlog and nonresidential construction spending declined for the month, and while nonresidential employment continues to grow at a healthy pace, the residential segment is now contracting. While materials prices are still up just 1.3% over the past year, prices have risen too quickly over the first five months of 2025, especially those subject to elevated tariffs.
Nonresidential Construction Spending Slips in April
Nonresidential construction spending fell in April, with a particularly large decrease in private sector activity. Private nonresidential spending has now fallen in three of the first four months of 2025 and is on pace to decline 4% over the course of the year. While data center investment continues to rise, fewer other subsegments are currently exhibiting momentum.
Input Price Escalation Continues
Construction input prices continued to rise in May and have now increased at roughly a 6% annualized rate through the first five months of 2025. Emerging escalation is largely due to rapid price increases for tariff-affected goods like iron and steel, and this data predates the recent increase in iron and steel tariffs from 25% to 50%.
Nonresidential Contractors Continue to Hire
Nonresidential construction employment grew by 11,300 positions in May and has now increased at over twice the rate of the broader economy over the past year. The residential segment fared less well, losing more than 7,000 jobs in May as high interest rates weigh heavily on homebuilding activity.
Backlog Falls, Contractors Remain Confident
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator fell sharply from April's 20-month high. Despite the decline, backlog remains 0.1-months above year-ago levels. Contractors remain broadly confident about the next six months, with sales, profit margin and staffing expectations all up on a year-over-year basis.
Looking Ahead
Despite emerging signs of weakness, contractors remain confident about the remainder of 2025. Softer-than-expected inflation data for May suggest that there could be more rate cuts than previously anticipated this year. If that occurs, lower borrowing costs will provide a welcome tailwind for the construction industry.
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At the start of each month, we look back at MBEX's past 30-some days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership achievements.
Numbers reflected below share data from the date range of June 1-30, 2025.
| | Total # of Projects Added (June 2025) | | Total # of Projects Added (June 2024) | | Total # of Projects YTD (Jan. 1-June 30) | | New Member Companies Joined | | | | |
No. of Members & Non-Members
Added to Bidders Lists
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Top 10 Most Viewed Projects (June 1-30, 2025)
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(1.) Rosemount High School - Additions & Renovation -
Rosemount / Apple Valley /
Eagan School District - ISD 196
• Total Visitors: 14,695
• Total Unique Visitors: 593
• Bid Date: June 24, 2025
• Project Location: Rosemount, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Addition / Remodeling
• Project ID: 2024-12B0
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(2.) Martin County - West School District - New PreK-12 School
• Total Visitors: 7,514
• Total Unique Visitors: 462
• Bid Date: June 10, 2025
• Project Location: Sherburn, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-0917
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(3.) Department of Military Affairs - Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) Field House - Arden Hills Army Training Site
• Total Visitors: 7,267
• Total Unique Visitors: 462
• Bid Date: June 26, 2025
• Project Location: Arden Hills, Minn.
• Project Category: Military
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-09A0
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(4.) Saint Paul Downtown
Airport (STP) - Customs & Border Protection General Aviation Facility - Metropolitan Airports Commission
• Total Visitors: 5, 110
• Total Unique Visitors: 371
• Bid Date: June 17, 2025
• Project Location: St. Paul, Minn.
• Project Category: Airport
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-098D
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(5.) SWCS Transition Program
Building - Addition & Renovations -
South Washington County Schools - ISD 833
• Total Visitors: 4,851
• Total Unique Visitors: 360
• Bid Date: June 5, 2025
• Project Location: Cottage Grove, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
• Project ID: 2025-0953
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(6.) Wayzata West Middle
School - 2025 Renovations
• Total Visitors: 4,481
• Total Unique Visitors: 414
• Bid Date: June 26, 2025
• Project Location: Wayzata, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
• Project ID: 2025-0A6B
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(7.) Olmsted County - Graham
Park Exhibition Center
• Total Visitors: 3,947
• Total Unique Visitors: 302
• Bid Date: June 24, 2025
• Project Location: Rochester, Minn.
• Project Category: Recreational
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-0A05
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(8.) Minnetonka High School - Veterans Field - Retaining Wall Replacement & New Restroom Concession Building - ISD 276
• Total Visitors: 3,375
• Total Unique Visitors: 296
• Bid Date: June 26, 2025
• Project Location: Minnetonka, Minn.
• Project Category: Local Government
• Project Type: Replacement
• Project ID: 2025-0AAD
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(9.) Cottage Grove & Lake Middle Schools - Addition & Renovations - South Washington County Public Schools - ISD 833
• Total Visitors: 3,271
• Total Unique Visitors: 356
• Bid Date: July 2, 2025
• Project Location: Cottage Grove, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Addition
• Project ID: 2025-0A96
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(10.) Waite Park - Public Safety
- Bid Package 2
• Total Visitors: 3,218
• Total Unique Visitors: 355
• Bid Date: July 10, 2025
• Project Location: Waite Park, Minn.
• Project Category: Local Government
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-0AD0
| | DEED Awards Infrastructure Grants to Three Cities | | |
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded more than $5-million in grants to three infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota.
The funding, from DEED's Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI), is expected to create or retain 1,006 jobs in North Branch, Sartell, and Willmar and leverage $221-million in private investment.
North Branch - $1,050,860
DEED awarded the city of North Branch $1,050,860 to support street and utility construction in the city's 200-acre, multi-phased Interstate Business Park.
The project will immediately provide infrastructure for two businesses: LEI Packaging, which currently has 15 full-time jobs in Chisago City and is building a new, larger $5-million facility in North Branch, with plans to add 25-50 more workers in the next five years; and Stepp Manufacturing, currently headquartered in a different North Branch location with 71 full-time employees, with plans to invest $9.5-million in a new facility and add 25-50 employees in the next five years.
The Interstate Business Park projects will also prepare an additional 30-acres for future development. Officials estimate the project will attract $30-million in private investment and create or retain 186 jobs in five years.
Sartell - $2,000,000
DEED awarded the city of Sartell $2-million to support street and utility construction for Niron Magnetics, which intends to break ground this year on a $38-million, 190,000-square-foot building and create 175 full-time manufacturing jobs. The company anticipates investing an additional $62-million in future expansion on the site, creating an additional 425 full-time jobs. The total cost of the public infrastructure project is $4,394,000.
Willmar - $2,000,000
DEED awarded the city of Willmar $2-million to assist with street and utilities construction to expand the city's industrial park and provide access to a new private retail park. The proposed public infrastructure will benefit current businesses and create 250-acres for future development. Officials estimate the project will attract $91-million in private investments and create or retain 220 jobs in five years. The total cost of the public infrastructure project is $4,492,660.
Under the BDPI grant program, which supports communities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, DEED awards 50% of eligible capital costs for qualifying public infrastructure projects such as streets, wastewater collection and treatment, drinking water, storm sewers, and more.
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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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BUSINESS MATTERS
🧮 How Supply Chain Transparency Can Help Businesses Offset Tariff Costs
Construction businesses across the U.S. are bracing for the impact of new and anticipated tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. And with costs of raw materials and equipment likely to rise, decision-markers in the sector realize their supply chains may be less resilient than anticipated. From material sourcing to compliance obligations, the downstream impact of tariffs is forcing the industry to rethink long-held assumptions about supplier relationships and operational risk. (For Construction Pros)
TARIFFS
🏗️ Canada Threatens Further Tariffs on US Steel, Aluminum
Canada may soon raise tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum imports if the two countries are unable to reach an agreement pertaining to the Trump administration's trade policies in the next month. The new tariffs from Canada are slated to begin July 21, a little less than two weeks after a 90-day pause on country-specific reciprocal tariffs from the U.S. is set to expire. Canada would impose the tariffs "to level consistent with progress that has been made in the broader trading arrangement with the United States," per a June 19 press release. (Supply Chain Dive)
GREATER MINNESOTA | WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
💧 Greater Minnesota Water Projects Will Flow From Bonding Package
Three-hundred miles separate Appleton from Aurora, but big water infrastructure needs contrasted against limited tax bases put them in the same boat among Greater Minnesota communities. Appleton, in the western part of the state, has about 1,400 people. Far to the northeast, Aurora's population is slightly higher at 1,700. When cities are working with those numbers, building a new treatment plant for drinking or wastewater becomes a pipe dream without outside assistance. Minnesota's Water Infrastructure Fund (WIF) is a critical source of help for the two cities, plus dozens of others on the state's project priority list. The program's funding will keep flowing, mostly to Greater Minnesota, after legislators allocated $87-million during a special session completed earlier this month. (MinnPost)
JOBSITE SAFETY
☀️ OSHA Hearings Hint at Revised Heat Rule
When President Trump returned to the White House earlier this year, it appeared that OSHA's proposed heat rule would be abandoned. Comments during the agency's informal public hearings, which began June 16 and run through July 2, however, could indicate otherwise. Although the rule proposed at the end of President Biden's term may not come to pass, it's likely that some other form of a heat standard will enter OSHA rule books, experts say. (Construction Dive)
GREEN TECHNOLOGY | CONCRETE
🪴 A New Kind of Concrete Can Grow & Repair Itself. How? It's Alive.
Scientists are working to develop a concrete that "self-heals" to help mitigate concrete's climate impact, and in a new study, they have used a synthetic lichen to patch cracks autonomously, meaning that outside nutrients don't need to be applied for the repair to take place. The lichen --- actually a combination of cyanobacteria and fungi --- can draw food from sunlight and the atmosphere while also using calcium ions to produce calcium carbonate, which is the same ultra-strong material found in seashells and millennia-old Roman concrete. (Popular Mechanics)
| | Maplewood Affordable Housing Project Advances | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Momentum is building for a long-anticipated project that will bring 40 new affordable housing units to Maplewood, including much-needed homes for families coming out of homelessness.
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative says it has a "realistic path to closing" in late 2025 or early 2026 on the $23-million Gladstone Crossing project, which includes 20-units for people who have experienced homelessness, have a disability, and are at 30% or less of the area's median income.
The remaining 20 units will be "workforce housing," with three dwellings at 30% AMI and 17 at 50% AMI, according to Beacon, a developer and operator of deeply affordable and supportive housing in the Twin Cities.
Located at 1375 Frost Avenue, the project site is served by excellent transit and is within walking distance of large parks, schools, the Gladstone Community Center, the Philippine Center of Minnesota and the Bruce Vento trail, the developer said.
Designed by Pope Design Group, the project will feature 30 two-bedroom, six three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom units, along with supportive services, bike storage, a fitness center, a playground, outdoor patio, gardening space, and underground parking.
Beacon is "not banking" on interest rates going down and has brought in a new general contractor who is "bigger and can secure more competitive pricing from subcontractors."
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by Pope Design Group of the proposed $23-million affordable housing project in Maplewood called Gladstone Crossing. | | |
2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study Public Forums
Presented by Minnesota Department of Administration
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DATES & TIMES:
- Tuesday, July 8, 9:00am-10:00am
- Wednesday, July 9, 12:30pm-1:30pm
LOCATION: These are public forums with comment sessions being held virtually over Zoom.
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Over the past year, the State of Minnesota Department of Administration and 15 other state and local government agencies have partnered to examine whether all businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for public contracts in Minnesota.
The 2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study analyzed participation and treatment of minority- and woman-owned businesses, as well as firms owned by veterans, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ community members. The study also explored broader market conditions and procurement practices across public and private sectors.
Join them for a public forum to learn about the study's findings and recommendations --- and to share your feedback on how to advance equity in public contracting.
View the 2025 Disparity Study Results here.
| | Fuel Smarter with Circle K Pro | | Running a construction fleet means juggling a lot. Let Circle K Pro help lighten the load. | | |
With built-in savings, convenience and control, this fleet fueling program is designed to keep your business moving forward without the budget strain.
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Why Circle K Pro?
From day one, you'll save on every gallon across every vehicle. Enjoy easy online account access (no more paper receipts!), 24 / 7 expert support, and the ability to monitor spending in real time.
Exclusive MBEX Member Perks
- Save 30-cents per gallon for your first 90 days.
- Then save 7-cents per gallon ongoing (compared to the standard 5-cents).
Fueling Made Easy
With over 6,000 Circle K and Holiday locations nationwide, your drivers can fill up, grab a snack, and get back on the road --- all in one stop.
Take Control
Track driver activity, manage spending, and simplify reporting all from one easy-to-use dashboard.
Circle K Has Your Back
Circle K Pro's U.S.-based fleet specialists are available 24 / 7 to help with any questions or issues.
Ready to Get Started?
Connect with our MBEX account rep, Brian Korb, at (984) 389-1759 or brian.korb@circlek.com. Need more details? Download the info packet below.
Fuel your fleet. Fuel your savings. Circle K Pro --- it's fueling, upgraded.
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 6/23/2025 - 6/27/2025: 68
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 6/23/2025 - 6/27/2025: 19
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 7/1/2025: 303
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 7/1/2025: 2,993
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 6/25/2025 - 7/2/2025.
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 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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