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Issue No. 23 β’ Wednesday, June 11, 2025 β’ www.mbex.org
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Feeling frustrated? Overwhelmed? Venting a little too loudly in the job trailer? And then on top of it all, someone hits you with the ol' "world's smallest violin" joke? Next time, you can hit back with this fun fact: physicists at Loughborough University actually built one --- narrower than a human hair --- using nanotechnology. That's right, science has your back! Sure, that might mean trading in your ranter status for being the "Well, actually..." guy / gal, but around here, we respect a good comeback and solid trivia π π» π₯
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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) Sponsor Golf - Our team slots may have filled up a few weeks ago, but there are still opportunities to sponsor our upcoming Twin Cities Golf Tournament on June 17. Or simply come and join us for lunch and/or dinner.
2.) Pulse Check - Nonresidential construction employment grew by 11,300 positions last month, with growth in all three subcategories. Nonresidential specialty trade added the most (4,500 positions), followed by heavy and civil engineering (3,700), then nonresidential building (3,100).
3.) Add to Playlist - From new construction technology trends to effective management topics, tune in and give these construction-related podcasts a listen.
4.) Measure Up - Here's how much architects earn in every state, including annual average incomes and the top high-paying states. Where do you think Minnesota falls on the list?
5.) Pick a Name - With over 13,000 construction establishments throughout Minnesota alone, it's a tough job and someone's gotta do it πποΈ π
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Inside This Issue:
β’ Sign Up: Get in on the summer fun with MBEX at our upcoming events
β’ Legislative: Lawmakers come together to pass a $700M bonding package
β’ New Members: Here's who joined the Exchange in May
β’ Sharp Fall: ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator is down to 8.4 in May
β’ MBEX Calendar: Online Plan Room, 4th of July holiday, Mid-Year Economic Update
β’ DBE Notice: Market & Johnson seeks DBE subcontractor & supplier bid proposals
β’ Five Headlines: Private project abandonments hit record high, Gen Z is turning to the trades for better career opportunities, the 'world's first' smart construction safety shoe, what contractors need to know about prompt payment statutes, & staying on top of rising body temperatures this summer
β’ Project of the Week: New multi-family apartment project advances in New Ulm
β’ Industry Event: 2025 Mid-Year Construction Economic Update & Forecast - July 16
β’ Member Benefit: Save on supplies and services with Staples Business Advantage
| | Your MBEX Summer Starts Here | | |
Summer is heating up, and so is the MBEX event calendar!
From cruising the Duluth harbor to sharpening your blueprint reading skills β and even aiming for a cause β weβve got a full lineup of events designed to bring value, connection, and a little fun to your season. Whether you're looking to learn, give back, or just unwind with fellow members, thereβs something for everyone.
Scroll down for full details and get signed up before spots fill.
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DATE: Wednesday, July 23
π TIME: Boarding begins at 5:15pm | Sundew departs promptly at 5:45pm
π LOCATION: Pier B Resort on Railroad Street - Duluth, Minn.
π² COST: $40 per person - includes dinner & beverages
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DATES: Wednesday, August 6 & Thursday, August 7
π TIME: 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
π LOCATION: Virtual Class
π² COST: MBEX Members - $329 | Non-MBEX Members - $460
π¨ REGISTER BY: Noon on Tuesday, August 5
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DATE: Thursday, August 14
π TIME: Lunch @ 11:00am | Shoot @ 12:30pm | Social & Dinner @ 4:00pm
π LOCATION: Game Unlimited Hunting Club - Hudson, Wisc.
π² COST: $170 per shooter (max. 6 shooters per team; minimum of 4)
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DATE: Wednesday, August 20
π TIME: Lunch @ 11:00am | Shotgun Start @ 12:30pm | Dinner @ 5:30pm
π LOCATION: Ridgeview Country Club - Duluth, Minn.
π² COST: Ridgeview Country Club Members - $100 per golfer | Non-Ridgeview Country Club Members - $175 per golfer
| | Minnesota Lawmakers Pass $700M Bonding Package | | |
Minnesota lawmakers unveiled and passed a pair of capital investment packages during Monday's special session.
The agreements, which focus on transportation and water infrastructure, fund those projects and more with about a net $700-million, including more than $646-million in proceeds from bond sales, $73-million from the transportation fund, and $6.5-million in cash. Cancellations from previous appropriations help lower the overall total.
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Included in the general obligation proposals is:
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$80-million for transportation purposes, including $42-million for the local road improvement program and $31-million for bridge replacements;
- $67-million to construct a Southern Minnesota regional office and laboratory in Mankato for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension;
- $60-million in asset preservation for both Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota;
- $44-million for natural resources purposes, including $33-million for asset preservation and $9-million for flood hazard mitigation;
- $16-million to the Metropolitan Council with $15-million going to the inflow and infiltration public infrastructure grant program;
- $12-million to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency with $6-million going to statewide drinking water contamination mitigation;
- $11-million for a new animal hospital at the Minnesota Zoo; and
- $750,000 for library construction grants.
Ten projects would be funded with cash, including $4-million to extend skate park grants for eight locations, $43.5-million for a wastewater facility in Litchfield, $1-million for law enforcement school entry devices, and $325,000 for a U.S. Capitol statue of Hubert H. Humphrey.
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| | Help Us Welcome Our Newest Members | | |
We had some fantastic companies join the Exchange in May, and we couldn't be more excited to have them on board.
Let's give a big MBEX welcome to the newest faces in our growing network:
| | Contractors' Backlog Falls Sharply in May | | |
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today (June 10) that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4-months in May, according to an ABC member survey conducted May 20 to June 3.
The reading is up 0.1-months since May 2024.
While the South maintains the longest backlog of any region, it was the only one to experience a decline in May. Only the Northeast has longer backlog on a year-over-year basis, while the other three regions experienced annual declines.
Construction Backlog Indicator - Total
May 2025 - 8.4 β’ April 2025 - 8.7 β’ May 2024 - 8.3
Construction Backlog Indicator - Industry
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Construction Backlog Indicator - Region
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Construction Backlog Indicator - Company Size
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"The impact of tariffs are increasingly apparent, with nearly 1 in 4 ABC member contractors reporting tariff-related project cancellations or delays in May," said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. "While 87% of survey respondents have been notified of tariff-related materials price increases, profit margin expectations actually improved in May."
"Of course," he continued, "this survey was largely conducted prior to the announcement of the now-implemented 50% steel and aluminum tariffs, and margins will likely come under pressure in the coming months."
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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
June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament - **Teams SOLD OUT**
While playing 18-holes of golf may not be in the day's plans, there are still awesome sponsorship opportunities available, such as hole sponsorships, dinner sponsorships, and others. Register for Lunch / Dinner | View Available Sponsorships
June 19 - 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
July 4 - 4th of July
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. Not yet open for registration
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 & 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
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Market & Johnson, General Contractors, is competitively bidding on the following project and would like quotes from DBE subcontractors and suppliers prior to the bid deadline.
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MBEs, WBEs, and SBAs are encouraged to submit bid proposals.
ο»ΏSCOPE OF WORK
This project provides for a new construction of a 4,800-square-foot area building for the customs processing of international air travelers.
The building will comprise of pre-processing and post-processing waiting rooms, passenger processing area, office space, utility rooms, restrooms, and security rooms to conduct searches and interviews, and store potential contraband.
The building will include cast-in-place concrete, helical piles, mass timber columns and beams, exposed nail-laminated timber roof, and a 1,000-square-foot intensive green roof system, as well as interior partition walls and ceilings.
Building systems include geothermal heat pumps, air handlers, and rooftop and adjacent solar panels.
Landscape and site work includes revisions to the aircraft apron, providing new utility connections to the building, new sidewalks, gutter and curb, native planting, chain link and decorative metal fencing, and additional landscape improvements.
The project will achieve LEED Gold certification.
Substantial Completion: July 31, 2026 | Final Completion: August 15, 2026
β’ PROJECT: 2025 Saint Paul Downtown Airport Customs and Border Patrol General Aviation Facility
β’ BID DEADLINE: Requesting bids by June 16, 2025 at 3:00pm
β’ BID SUBMISSIONS: Bid documents can be requested by emailing bidding@market-johnson.com.
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC REPORTS
π Private Project Abandonments Hit Record Highs
Private developers scrapped more projects in May than in any other month on record, according to the latest data from ConstructConnect. The Project Stress Index increased 11.4% in May, putting project stress 22.8% above 2021 baseline levels. While public sector abandonment activity remains within historic levels, private sector abandonments have reached multi-year highs. High interest rates and shifting market conditions are believed to be key factors reducing project viability. (Construction Dive)
LABOR & WORKFORCE
π οΈ Gen Zers Turn to Trades Careers for Better Opportunities
In a report issued by Resume Builder, 42% of more than 1,400 Generation Z adults surveyed are currently working in or pursuing a skilled trades or "blue collar" job across several industries, including construction. Of those pursuing trades careers, 37% say they have already earned a bachelor's degree but feel that a job in the skilled trades provides better opportunities than a career that aligns more closely with their degree. (Pro Builder)
WEARABLE CONTECH
π 'World First' Smart Construction Safety Shoe to be Launched
A smart safety shoe that can detect when a worker has suffered a fall and automatically send alerts in emergency situations is set to be launched later this year. The shoes, which combine the functionality and robustness of traditional safety boots with the design of sports and outdoor footwear, will be able to incorporate a Quin smart sensor whose features will be accessible via a dedicated app. In the event of an incident, it will send an alert to three designated emergency contacts, as well as provide details of the user's status and real-time location. (Construction Briefing)
BUSINESS MATTERS
π΅ What Contractors Need to Know About Prompt Payment Statutes in Construction
Prompt payment statutes are laws enacted at the federal and state levels that set specific deadlines for payment and limit the amount of retention that can be withheld on construction projects. These statutes can apply to both public and private construction work, depending on the jurisdiction, and are designed to ensure that contractors, subcontractors and suppliers are paid promptly and fully for their work. The importance of these statutes cannot be overstated. (For Construction Pros)
JOBSITE SAFETY
π₯΅ How to Stay on Top of Temperatures, Increase Awareness & Watch for Warning Signs
The effects of rising core body temperatures can be long term --- even deadly. As temperatures soar, the best way to protect workers from heat-related illness (HRI) is to take preventative measures, especially for work in outside and inside warm conditions. Understand workers' unique risks, monitor their individual symptoms and take proactive steps to help their bodies regulate and adapt to warm environments. (Construction Business Owner)
| | Rare Apartment Project Advances in New Ulm | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
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Kuepers Inc. could begin construction this August or September on a project that would bring 148 new multi-family housing units to New Ulm, a city with a tight housing market and limited options for new construction.
The New Ulm City Council signed off on plans for the development Monday night (June 9), which would rise on a 10-acre farm site at 901 North Highland Avenue, just southeast of New Ulm High School.
A city staff report reveals that the project would include four three-story apartment buildings, eight detached garages, a sports court, children's playground, dog park, parking lots, storm water ponds, and an extension of 10th North Street.
The project --- which would offer studio, one-, and two-bedroom units --- would be construction in two phases. Included in the plans are two 38-unit buildings and two 36-unit buildings, according to the project narrative.
The project, known as Highland Apartments, would be New Ulm's first market-rate apartment development in at least four years, according to the city.
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| | PICTURED ABOVE: Project rendering by Kuepers Inc. of the proposed 148-unit multi-family apartment development in New Ulm. | | |
2025 Mid-Year Construction Economic Update & Forecast
Presented by Construction Executive
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DATE: Wednesday, July 16
TIME: 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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Gain expert insights into the state of the construction economy at the 2025 Mid-Year Construction Economic Forecast, presented by Construction Executive with Anirban Basu, ABC's Chief Economist.
With a global trade war heating up, dwindling consumer confidence, and government spending up in the air, Basu returns to provide contractors with a review of the first half of the year and offer his predictions to help contractors prepare for what's to come.
Basu's presentations are designed to inform commercial construction contractors on general economic conditions affecting the current construction landscape as well as construction-specific economic indicators, including the hottest regions and market sectors, the latest on materials and labor costs, and predictive indicators such as the AIA's Architecture Billings Index, and ABC's Construction Confidence Index and Construction Backlog Indicator.
| | Benefit of the Week: Staples Business Advantage | | Staples is designed to help you consolidate business puchasing with one convenient vendor. | | |
Sign up and save on office supplies and solutions for all of your company's needs, including technology, furniture, printing, promotional items, and more.
When members choose Staples, they get a leader in office procurement, as well as a supplier who recognizes the close connection between success and the ability to make a positive impact on the community and environment.
MBEX Members can take advantage of the following:
β’ Aggressive cooperative contract pricing on more than 30,000 popular items
β’ Categories include office supplies, technology, janitorial, furniture, printing and more
β’ Direct furniture program with over 90 manufacturers under one contract
β’ Free next-day business delivery on most standard order over $35
You know your business better than anyone, so Staples works with you to build a customized program that addresses your specific needs. Staples also reviews every account quarterly so your program is always getting better.
Staples delivers it all to you, giving your business the advantage.
Sign up for a Staples business account through NPP. If your company spends more than $10,000 annually, you will be connected with a Staples representative. Companies spending less than $10,000 annually will receive login credentials to begin purchasing online with NPP contract pricing at www.staplesadvantage.com.
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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 | | |
β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 6/2/2025 - 6/6/2025: 68
β’ Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 6/2/2025 - 6/6/2025: 11
β’ Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 6/10/2025: 294
β’ Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 6/10/2025: 2,739
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 6/4/2025-6/10/2025.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
ο»ΏNotice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTSο»Ώο»Ώ
β’ June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament - Teams Sold Out | Sponsorships Available
β’ June 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ July 4 - 4th of July - MBEX Closed
β’ July 16 - 2025 Mid-Year Construction Economic Update & Forecast
β’ July 17 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
β’ August 5 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [Virtual Class]
β’ August 6 & 7 - Reading Construction Documents [Virtual Class]
β’ August 14 - Sporting Clays Fundraiser
β’ August 20 - Golf North
β’ August 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ September 10 - Sporting Clays North
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β 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 Sο»ΏTAFF: 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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