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I might be getting ahead of myself, but the unofficial word of 2025 might be 'tariff.' With the next round of changes expected to hit July 9 (though we all know things can shift), I figured it was a good time to share a few quick tariff facts, courtesy of USAFacts. Did you know the U.S. has had a trade deficit every year since 1976? That means we've consistently brought in more than we've shipped out. In 2024, our largest trade deficit was with China ($263-billion), followed by Mexico ($179-billion). The top imports? Capital goods (like machinery and computers), consumer goods (think kitchen appliances), and industrial supplies (such as petroleum). Oh --- and our most imported fruit? Avocados 🥑🥑🥑 What can I say...America really likes its guac!
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) A Quick Refresh - Next Thursday, July 17, we will be hosting our next Online Plan Room Demo, open to all members to attend. Whether you're in need of a refresher course on its tools and functions or entirely brand new to the platform, this one-hour session will cover all the basics you need to succeed in finding those projects of interest.
2.) Prepare for PFML - A few issues ago we published a guide, courtesy of North Star Law Group, regarding Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL) law that will go into effect on January 1, 2026. Employers should begin preparing now by reviewing policies and procedures, and training those who handle PMFL requests.
3.) Mark Your Calendar - Save the date and join in on Monday, September 8 for one minute of silence during the nationwide stand-down to honor all lives lost to suicide and to show your commitment to getting every person home and back to the jobsite healthy every day. September 8-12 also marks Construction Suicide Prevention Week.
4.) Stay Cool - We're smack dab in the middle of summer and construction crews face serious risks from sun and heat. From hydration to breaks and protective gear, here are 7 essential safety tips to keep your team chill, productive, and protected.
5.) See Spot Build - Spot the robot dog lent a helping hand in the construction of The Brook, a 52-story, 600-foot mixed-use residential skyscraper rising in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn.
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Inside This Issue:
• "And, Pull!": MBEX Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser on August 14
• Now In Effect: New Minnesota laws in place as of July 1, 2025
• FAQs: How do I get my company listed in the Membership Directory & Buyers Guides' Classified and/or Trade Name sections?
• Spending: Nonresidential spending dopped in May for fourth straight month
• Don't Forget To Register: Lake Superior Harbor Cruise, Reading Construction Documents course, Golf North, Sporting Clays North
• Five Headlines: Global tariff pause planned end is set for July 9; addressing head protection & rotation motion in the workplace; navigating the government workplace in disruptive times; the American Institute of Steel Construction releases an AI chatbot; and the 'world's tallest' mass timber high-rise is underway in Milwaukee
• Project of the Week: Roseville site purchased for new State Patrol Headquarters
• Industry Event: The Power House: Building Opportunities Together - at Knutson Construction's Minneapolis Office - July 16
• Member Benefits: Batteries, light bulbs & device repair with Batteries Plus
| | Take Your Best Shot on August 14 | | |
The MBEX Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser is back on Thursday, August 14 at Game Unlimited in Hudson, Wisc., and registration is officially open.
This event supports the MBEX Scholarship Fund, which helps the next generation of construction professionals get the education they need to succeed --- and we'd love to see there!
Not sure if this event is for you? Here are three great reasons to sign up:
🦺 Support Future Talent
Proceeds directly benefit students pursuing careers in the construction industry by funding the MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship.
🥏 Fun with a Purpose
Whether you're a sharpshooter or a first-timer, this relaxed, friendly competition is a blast (literally!).
🙌 Strengthen Your Crew
Bring your team, invite clients, or make new connections with fellow MBEX members outside the four walls of the office.
EVENT DETAILS
• DATE: Thursday, August 14
• SCHEDULE: 11:00am - Lunch & Registration | 12:15pm - Mandatory Safety Talk | 12:30pm - Shoot Begins | 4:30pm - Dinner with short program to follow
• LOCATION: Game Unlimited Hunting Club - Hudson, Wisc.
• COST: $170 per shooter (max. 6 shooters per team, min. 4 players)
Shooter packages include lunch, the clay shoot, a post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes.
Sponsorships are also available, from Station Sponsors to Dinner Sponsors, ranging in cost from $150-$300. Sign up for the sponsorship of your choice when registering for the event.
A shout-out to our Sporting Clays Fundraiser Event Sponsors:
| | Premier Cornerstone Sponsor | | | | |
Door Prize Sponsors
Harris Company, KW Scaffold & Insulation & Parkos Construction Company
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Come ready to aim high for an epic day, and bring your team's enthusiasm --- we'll take care of the rest!
| | New Minnesota Laws & Budget in Effect as of July 1 | | |
A slate of new state laws took effect a week ago on July 1, 2025, teeing up new fraud-mitigation measures in state government, additional regulations for social media influencers, an official state fossil (the giant beaver), and more.
Among these were a slew of changes and updates that have both a direct and indirect impact on Minnesota's construction industry and its workers. We have included the bigger highlights below, but a full legislative summary can be found at the end.
Strengthening Break Laws
• Employers will now be required to allow an employee a paid rest break of 15-minutes or enough time to use the nearest restroom, whichever is longer, for every four hours worked. Employers will be required to allow an employee an unpaid meal break of 30-minutes for every six hours worked.
• This change will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)
The following changes will be made to the earned sick and safe time (ESST) law:
• Updates notice requirements when the need for ESST is unforeseeable;
• Updates documentation requirements such that an employer may require reasonable documentation when an employee uses earned sick and safe time for more than two consecutive scheduled work days;
• Updates replacement-worker requirements to clarify an employee may voluntarily seek or trade shifts with a replacement worker; and
• Updates requirements related to advancing sick and save time to an employee before accrual by the employee.
Construction Codes & Licensing Division Fee Alignment
CCLD fee alignment proposals include the following:
• Article 5, Section 14: Correcting a reference to the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training
• Article 5, Sections 15-19: Establishes plan review and inspection fees for industrialized / modular or prefabricated buildings, as well as associated definitions
• Article 5, Section 20: Establishes the $10 virtual inspection fees and includes class 4 electrical systems policy
• Article 5, Section 21: Increases the elevator operating permit fee to $145
• Article 5, Sections 22-30: Updates electrical inspection fees and includes class 4 electrical systems policy
• Article 5, Section 31: Integrates the fee schedule for energy storage and battery systems into law
• Article 5, Sections 23-34: Establishes plumbing plan review and plumbing inspection fees
• Article 5, Section 35: Increases the boiler and pressure vessel registration fee to $25
• Article 5, Section 36: Updates a definition of "manufactured home" for federal conformity
Plumbing Plan Review & Inspections
Delegated to the Minnesota Department of Health for Well Contractors Performing Plumbing Work
• Article 5, Section 32, directs the commissioner to enter into an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) delegating plumbing plan reviews and inspections for work covered under Minnesota Statutes section 326B.46, subdivision 6, by January 1, 2026.
• It also scopes what the agreement with MDH must contain and how the agreement may be terminated.
• This section became effective June 15, 2025.
Data Center Regulations
• Section 17, Paragraph I, provides that laborers and mechanics performing work on qualified; large-scale data centers must be paid the prevailing-wage rate and that the project is subject to prevailing-wage enforcement.
• This is effective for sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025.
Underground Telecommunications Installers Bill
This law makes updates to the underground telecommunication installers law, including the following:
• It removes requirements that no fewer than two safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers must be present at all times where telecommunications infrastructure is being installed by means of directional drilling.
• It updates effective dates such that all installations of underground telecommunications infrastructure in the state must be performed by safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers beginning January 1, 2026.
• It provides a grandfathering provision that allows an approved training provider to apply to the commissioner to receive approval for equivalent or substantially equivalent classroom instruction course material delivered up to two years prior to becoming an approved training provider and before January 1, 2026. Once approved, a training provider may grant full or partial retroactive credit for completion of this training. A person granted retroactive credit must successfully complete the exam to be certified as a safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer.
• The effective date for all provisions is May 20, 2025.
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This information is provided and intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. MBEX strongly recommends consulting with your business' attorney or legal advisor before taking any action based on its content.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I add my business to the Membership Directory's Classifieds and/or Trade Names listings?
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The 2025 MBEX Membership Directory & Buyers Guide was mailed to each of our 1,200+ member companies at the beginning of June, and one question we always hear following its receipt is "How do I add my business to the Classifieds and/or Trade Names listing?" or "Why isn't my company listed under X, Y Z division?"
Let's answer that question for you so you're ready and prepared for the 2026 publication, because the renewal contract will be coming sooner than you think!
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Review Your Membership Directory & Buyers Guide Contract.
In late August / early September, each member company will be emailed a copy of their Membership Directory & Buyers Guide contract from the previous year. This is your prime opportunity to not only update company information, such as business address, phone number, etc., but also to add / edit the Classifieds and/or Trade Names you'd like your company to be listed under for those sections.
Who Receives This Email With Said Contract?
This contract is sent to the email address we (MBEX) have on file as the contact for whom this communication should be sent to. Not sure who that is? Email Melanie, and she can assist in telling you which email is currently listed, and update, if necessary.
Additional Fees Do Apply
To be listed in either the Classifieds or Trade Names sections, additional fees do apply. For each Classified listing, the cost is $15. For each Trade Name listing, the cost is $10.
Is There a Cost to be Included in the Membership Listing?
No. Each current member company at the time of the publication's assembly receives a complimentary listing in the Membership section as part of their membership package.
However, please make sure your company's information is up to date by December 31, 2025 to ensure it is correct in the 2026 publication (especially if you're renewing membership in the new year!).
Still Have Questions?
No problem! We're happy to help. Please call Julie at (612) 381-2627 or email jm@mbex.org. (NOTE: Julie is currently out of the office through July 11, so leave her a message and she'll be in touch next week. If the question is urgent, reach out to Ashlee at (612) 381-2631 or ah@mbex.org.)
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One More Thing:
The digital publication of the 2025 MBEX Membership Directory & Buyers Guide will be available at www.mbex.org later this week, and we will be sure to share that direct link in next week's Bulletin, too.
Otherwise, you can still view the 2024 Membership Directory & Buyers Guide here.
| | | Construction Spending Drops for Fourth Straight Month | | |
Nonresidential construction spending dropped 0.2% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.237-trillion, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis released July 1.
Spending fell from the month prior in eight of 16 categories, according to ABC. Private nonresidential construction fell 0.4% and public nonresidential spending remained unchanged from the month before.
Many headwinds, such as high interest rates, a tight lending environment, new trade and immigration policies and general uncertainty may make it a challenge for spending to rebound in the second half of 2025, said ABC chief economist Anirban Basu.
Nonresidential Spending Growth (Millions of Dollars)
| | | Office | $103,987 | $104,223 | $102,970 | -0.2% | 1.0% | | Highway & Street | $144,023 | $144,679 | $145,072 | -0.5% | -0.7% | | Power | $155,429 | $156,275 | $156,499 | -0.5% | -0.7% | | Water Supply | $33,787 | $34,018 | $31,834 | -0.7% | 6.1% | | Commercial | $119,711 | $120,728 | $133,474 | -0.8% | -10.3% | | Lodging | $22,879 | $23,211 | $24,352 | -1.4% | -6.0% | | Religious | $4,587 | $4,664 | $4,110 | -1.7% | 11.6% | | | |
Even strong markets, such as manufacturing, have begun to decline from recent peaks.
In addition, ABC's backlog indicator experienced a sharp dip in May, indicating that contractors have less work on the books.
May's spending was also down 3.5% year over year, the largest such decrease since February 2019, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.
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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 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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TARIFFS
💵 Trump Planning to End Global Tariff Pause July 9
President Trump says he is not planning to extend a 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9, when the negotiating period he set would expire, and his administration will notify countries that the trade penalties will take effect unless there are deals with the United States. Letters will start going out "pretty soon" before the approaching deadline, he said. (Finance & Commerce)
JOBSITE SAFETY
⛑️ Addressing Head Protection & Rotational Motion in the Workplace
Slips, trips, and falls, are the leading cause of workplace injuries, and can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that have the potential to cause life-altering or even fatal consequences. While traditional safety helmets are designed to protect against direct impacts, many construction site accidents actually involve angled impacts. These impacts have the potential to expose the head and brain to dangerous rotational motion --- a combination of rotational forces (angular acceleration) and rotational energy (angular velocity) --- that can cause concussions or TBIs. (For Construction Pros)
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
🎱 Navigating the Government Marketplace in Disruptive Times
Officials at the state and local levels of government are either following the federal government's lead with similar changes and disruptions, or they are also simply waiting to see what comes next. For almost 30 years, Strategic Partnerships has existed at the intersection of government and the private sector. At this moment, there are no absolutes. These times are too unique, and changes are occurring faster than one would have thought possible. Here are Strategic Partnerships' thoughts on what they believe you should expect going forward. (Construction Citizen)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | STEEL BUILDINGS
🤓 AISC Releases AI Chatbot, Clark
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has released its very own chatbot, dubbed "Clark." Clark was built to assist users with their technical steel design and construction questions. Clark digs through the Steel Construction Manual, Seismic Design Manual, all AISC standards, and all AISC design guides. Upon answering a query, the chatbot even cites its sources. (Building Design + Construction)
IN WISCONSIN | MASS TIMBER
🌳 Construction of 'World's Tallest' Mass Timber High-Rise Underway
Construction has started on The Edison, a 31-story mass timber tower in downtown Milwaukee, Wisc., which is set to become the "world's tallest" building of its kind once topped-out in 2026. The building will reach a height of 362-feet by 2026 and will include around 350 residential units, ground-floor commercial space, and a rooftop amenity level. The project is led by developer Neutral with C.D. Smith Construction serving as general contractor. The Edison will surpass Milwaukee's own Ascent MKE tower, the current record-holder for the world's tallest mass timber building at 25-stories; it was completed in 2022. (Construction Briefing)
| | Minnesota Buys Roseville Site for State Patrol HQ | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
The state of Minnesota has purchased the site at 1500-1550 Highway 36 in Roseville for a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters, according to a state official, and plans to raze the existing building currently found on the site.
First proposed in 2023, the new facility will be a consolidated base of operations for the Minnesota State Patrol, serving as a multi-purpose facility with office space, training space, and a garage facility for the patrol's vehicles.
With the acquisition completed, the state is looking to complete the design process, which will take another year. It's anticipated that demolition and construction will start in Fall 2026 with an 18-month construction timeline.
The project received funding from this year's bonding bill to complete design processes and for the start of construction.
The search for a new headquarters location was "extensive" and the Roseville property was chosen for its centrality, size, and ease of access to the highway.
According to previous reporting from Finance & Commerce, the state patrol has five locations throughout the Twin Cities metro --- downtown St. Paul, Oakdale, Arden Hills, Golden Valley, and Mendota Heights --- which creates redundancies in operations and costs according to requests for design proposals put out in October 2024.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: The property site recently purchased by the state for a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters in Roseville. | | |
The Power Hour: Building Opportunities Together
Presented by Knutson Construction
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DATE: Wednesday, July 16
TIME: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION: Knutson Minneapolis Office - 7515 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis, 55427
REGISTER BY: Tuesday, July 8,
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Join Knutson Construction as they welcome small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to connect with the Knutson Construction team and explore exciting opportunities in the construction industry.
Hear directly from industry leaders, from the University of Minnesota, Hennepin County, and Ramsey County, as they share insights on upcoming projects and how you can get involved.
Attendees will also learn how to get on Knutson's bidding and prequalification lists, discover future contracting opportunities, network with industry professionals, and enjoy a fun, engaging atmosphere.
Download event informational flyer here.
| | Benefit of the Week: Batteries Plus Bulbs | | |
MBEX Members, who join and take advantage of savings offered through National Purchasing Partners (NPP), can receive a commercial discounted rate of up 40% off retail pricing on more than 60,000 items from Batteries Plus.
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Batteries Plus also offers recycling services for your spent batteries and bulbs, as well as a Device Repair Program to keep your cell phones, tablets, and laptops up and running.
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Offer Benefits Include:
• Up to 73% off regular retail pricing on approximately 200 core items
• Up to 40% off retail pricing on 60,000+ quality batteries, light bulbs, accessories & more
• Device repair services
Enjoy ease of service with access to more than 700 locations, open 7 days per week with convenient morning and evening hours. Since 1988, Batteries Plus has grown across the nation and is the fastest-growing battery, light bulb, and smartphone / tablet repair franchise with a nationwide network of stores.
Sign up for Batteries Plus discounts today. NPP Members must register with Batteries Plus Bulbs before discounts can be applied.
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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 6/30/2025 - 7/4/2025: 74
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 6/30/2025 - 7/4/2025: 14
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 7/8/2025: 287
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of /2025: 3,050
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 7/2/2025 - 7/8/2025.
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 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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