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A quick history lesson to kick us off this week. On this day back in 1879, Thomas Edison flipped the switch (literally) on the first practical incandescent light bulb --- talk about a bright idea💡! Before that, folks relied on gas lamps and candles, which were as dependable as a Friday afternoon delivery 🫣. Edison's invention didn't just brighten homes; it lit up job sites, powered industries, and pretty much revolutionized how we live and work. It's proof that one small spark can lead to something pretty remarkable, much like the ideas that fuel our industry every day. So let's raise our mugs and thermoses to innovation, steady hands, and a little bit of light at the end of the project tunnel. (And if you're looking for shining new opportunities, you know where to find them --- the Online Plan Room's got you covered 😉).
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Learn Something New - Dive into the fundamentals of construction estimating or learn the basics of material takeoffs and estimates inside Bluebeam Revu in November with classes offered through our partnership with UChapter2. Check out the Events Calendar for dates and detailed information.
2.) Start Holiday Planning - Registration is now open for Holiday Party North on December 18 at Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth. Come celebrate the completion of another business year and look ahead to 2026 with the best of company.
3.) Celebrate These Standouts - Congratulations to all 32 honorees selected as Finance & Commerce's 7th annual class of Minnesota's Rising Young Professionals, with special congrats going out to our recognized MBEX members:
Paige Dehmer (Knutson Construction) | Albert Johnson (Flannery Construction)
Brinnon Kubista (Knuston Construction) | Paulette Ostrowski (Mortenson)
Andrew Reuter (Adolfson & Peterson Construction) | Michael Stenbeck (Kraus-Anderson) | Travis Urlaub (Ironmark Building Co.).
4.) Read This Headline - Hermantown's City Council voted unanimously this past Monday evening to rezone land for a large-scale data center after hearing mostly opposition from nearly 70 people over four hours. (Can't access the web link above? Click here)
5.) Job Site Silliness - How different trades make their coffee 😂 ☕ 👍
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Inside This Issue:
• Young Professionals: MBEX YPN event next Wednesday
• Directory Contract: 2026 MBEX Membership Directory & Buyers Guide contracts have been emailed to all members
• Sneak Peek: Preview a handful of projects inside October's Pre-Plan Pipeline
• DEED Grants: $20M awarded to 33 Greater Minnesota cities and counties
• Events: Construction Talent Acquisition Conference, Reading Construction Documents with UChapter2, November Online Plan Room Demo, and more
• Five Headlines: October Expansion Index up for its third consecutive month; Why contractors are going paperless across the industry; AGC releases new guide outlining key issues regarding PFAS on current and future projects; Will AI increase construction materials, equipment, and labor costs?; and 'World's Most Advanced' bricklaying robot assembles 360 blocks per hour
• Project of the Week: St. Paul advances plans for Mississippi River Learning Center
• Industry Event: MSP Construction Projects Overview - October 27 - Metropolitan Airports Commission (Minneapolis, Minn.)
• Member Benefit: Run healthy and protected crews with The Builders Group (TBG)
| | LAST CALL: Young Professionals Network on 10/29 | | |
No tricks here --- just treats for your professional network.
Join the MBEX Young Professionals Network for a casual afternoon of connection, conversation, and yummy treats at Mortenson Construction.
Whether you're new to the industry or already haunting jobsites across Minnesota, this event is the perfect way to mix, mingle, and brew up some new professional relationships for those 40 years of age and under.
Expect plenty of laughs, laid-back networking, and maybe even a few fang-tastic opportunities to connect with others who are building their careers in commercial construction.
More than 60 individuals have already registered to attend!
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Date: Wednesday, October 29
Location: Mortenson Construction
(700 Meadow Lane North, Golden Valley, Minn., 55422)
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Cost: $20 per person (includes entry, drinks and appetizers)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Tuesday, October 28 @ 12:00pm
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Thank you to our MBEX YPN sponsors for their support:
| | Premier Cornerstone Partner | | Bronze Cornerstone Partner | | |
Don't be afraid to show up, you never know who you'll meet (or what opportunities might be lurking around the corner 👻).
| | Time to Review Your Membership Directory & Buyers Guide Contract for 2026 | | |
It's that time again --- contracts for the 2026 MBEX Membership Directory & Buyers Guide have officially been sent out.
This annual publication is one of the most valuable tools we offer, helping members connect, collaborate, and get discovered within Minnesota's commercial construction industry.
Each company's designated Buyers Guide contact should have received the contract by email last week. This is your chance to review and update your company's information to ensure everything is current and accurate. Whether your business has new contacts, locations, or specialties, keeping your listing up to date ensures that fellow members and potential customers can find you easily.
Looking to stand out even more in next year's edition? Members can also add paid Classified (Division) and Trade Name listings to help their business appear in more search categories and reach a wider audience. These add-ons are a great way to boost your visibility and showcase all the areas where your company excels.
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Inside the 2025 MBEX Membership Directory & Buyers Guide, the following sections start on the indicated pages.
• Membership Listing: Page 13
• Classified (Division) Listings: Page 83
• Trade Name Listings: Page 155
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In addition to listing updates, advertising space within the Directory is also now open. Advertising in this publication is an excellent way to build brand recognition and promote your products or services directly to a targeted audience of construction professionals across Minnesota. Whether it's a full-page spread or a smaller ad placement, your company will stay top of mind throughout the year as members reference the Directory (in print and online) again and again. Contact Julie for advertising rates.
If your company's Buyers Guide contact hasn't received the 2026 contract email, or if you're unsure who that contact is, please reach out to Julie or Ashlee in the MBEX office, and we'll make sure it gets to the right person.
The MBEX Membership Directory & Buyers Guide is a trusted, year-round tool used by hundreds of industry professionals.
Take this opportunity to update, expand, and advertise. Make sure your business stands out in the 2026 edition!
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LOOK INSIDE:
What Kind of Projects Were in October's Pre-Plan Pipeline?
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The October issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline shared 280 project leads across 64 Minnesota cities and counties (and a few additional neighboring cities).
Think of the Pre-Plan Pipeline as your industry crystal ball, revealing early-stage opportunities before they materialize on the bid calendar, exclusively for our members with Premium Membership.
We promise only treats here, including the insights that keep you one step ahead.
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Here's a quick taste of what the October issue had to offer:
• A 6,900-square-foot industrial building with 6,400-square-feet of exterior storage, featuring a stone veneer and metal facade, in the Annandale Business Park 4th Addition in Annandale.
• A 9,5740-square-foot gymnasium addition for athletic and recreation use at Good Shepard Lutheran Church and School, including a proof-of-parking plan to support future capacity, in Burnsville.
• A 17,236-square-foot memory care facility offering 26 resident rooms, dining and activity areas, and secure outdoor space, with future expansion potential, in East Bethel.
• Renovation and refurbishment of the Penn Lake Library, including interior reconfigurations, ADA improvements, new furnishings, EV chargers, storm water and parking lot upgrades, and sustainable landscaping, in Bloomington (Hennepin County).
• A full exterior renovation, including stucco replacement, framing modifications, premium roof installation, new soffits, electrical updates, and debris removal, in Monticello.
• A 12,000-square-foot office and warehouse building with 30 parking stalls, landscaping, and storm water improvements, planned by Restoration Network in Rogers.
• A mixed-use development featuring 44 town-home condominiums, a 25,000-square-foot mixed-use building, 4 retail buildings totaling 21,500-square-feet, and a 12,000-square-foot public plaza, as part of Victoria Downtown West Phase II in Victoria.
...plus 273 more project leads ready to explore.
Click the image below to dive a little deeper into these seven listed projects, and discover why MBEX members count on the Pre-Plan Pipeline every month.
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Complete with links to project sources (when available), the Pre-Plan Pipeline is automatically sent to all MBEX member companies with Premium Membership.
Not receiving it?
(1.) Check your spam / junk folder. If it's there, move it to your main inbox and mark MBEX as a safe sender.
(2.) Still not seeing it? Email Ashlee to be added to the list.
Not a Premium Access member but want to be? Give us a call to upgrade.
| | | $20M Awarded for Greater Minnesota Economic Development | | |
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced over $20.7-million in grants through the Small City Development Program (SCDP) on October 16, 2025.
Communities can apply for SCDP funds for one or more of the following types of projects:
- Residential owner-occupied or rental property improvement projects to increase the quality of dwellings suited for individual or family occupancy. Examples include exterior repairs and replacement projects, insulation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lead pipe remediation, or accessibility modifications.
- Commercial property improvement projects for buildings occupied by retail and independent businesses. This can include facade improvements (e.g., awnings, exterior signs), building code issues, and energy efficiency.
- Public facility improvement projects that serve neighborhoods or communities, such as community centers, streetscapes, or wastewater treatment projects.
These funds will support economic development in 33 cities and counties in Greater Minnesota, rehabilitating nearly 300 properties:
Annandale - $875,440
Rehabilitation of 15 owner-occupied homes, 12 multi-family units, and 6 commercial buildings
Appleton - $1,200,000
Rehabilitation of 42 multi-family units and storm sewer improvements
Barnesville - $1,198,000
Rehabilitation of 21 owner-occupied homes and 13 commercial buildings
Brainerd - $600,000
Public facility improvements to the streetscape
Canby - $1,069,500
Rehabilitation of 18 owner-occupied homes and 12 commercial buildings
Eden Valley - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Elizabeth - $600,000
Public facility improvements to the water main
Erskine - $600,000
Public facility improvements to the water tower
Fairfax - $600,000
Public facility improvements for water main looping
Flensburg - $600,000
Public facility improvements to wastewater lines
Fulda - $1,155,654
Rehabilitation of 21 owner-occupied homes and streetscape improvements
Hackensack - $600,000
Public facility improvements to the streetscape
Hanley Falls - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Hendrum - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Kanabec County - $575,000
Rehabilitation of 20 owner-occupied homes
Kennedy - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Lake Lillian - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Lake of the Woods County - $575,000
Rehabilitation of 20 owner-occupied homes
Lamberton - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Lancaster - $143,750
Rehabilitation of 10 multi-family units
Mentor - $525,500
Rehabilitation of 10 owner-occupied homes and 3 commercial buildings
Nerstrand - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Norwood Young America - $600,000
Public facility improvements to the streetscape
Plainview - $599,982
Rehabilitation of 21 owner-occupied homes
Russell - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Sebeka - $582,650
Rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plant
South Haven - $600,000
Public facility improvements to the water main
St. Joseph - $287,500
Rehabilitation of 10 owner-occupied homes
Tracy - $600,000
Rehabilitation of the water plant
Walnut Grove - $600,000
Public facility improvements to water distribution lines
Wanamingo - $345,000
Rehabilitation of 12 owner-occupied homes
West Union - $600,000
Public facility improvements to wastewater lines
Winger - $598,000
Rehabilitation of 15 owner-occupied homes and 4 commercial buildings
Cities with fewer than 50,000 residents and townships and counties with fewer than 200,000 residents are eligible. DEED administers the grants, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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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
October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN)
Registration Closes October 28 at 12:00pm
From college students, graduates and interns, to those just getting started within the construction industry, the MBEX Young Professionals Network creates a place for emerging young professionals ages 40 and under who are involved in the construction industry to join together at the early stages of their career to connect and begin networking. Register Here
November 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application
A half-day interactive workshop led by Troy DeGroot of UChapter2 will have attendees diving into the fundamentals of construction estimating, including strategies to think differently than your competitors. This is an online training session designed for estimators looking to sharpen their edge and make their bids more competitive. Register Here
November 11 & 12 - Construction Talent Acquisition Conference
Project Build Minnesota (PBM) is hosting this event designed for people who are passionate about recruiting and retaining skilled talent. With expert-led sessions and actionable strategies, this event aims to bring practical tactics and deeper strategy to the work of the talent acquisition leaders in Minnesota construction companies and others involved in developing Minnesota's construction workforce. Learn More | Register for Conference
November 12 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents
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
November 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders list, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Register Here
November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to regular business hours on Monday, December 1.
December 2 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
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
December 3 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
Go through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List. Register Now
December 4 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic) course, move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Register Here
December 18 - Holiday Party North
Gather with fellow industry professionals in Duluth for an evening of celebration as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2026. Register Here
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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INDUSTRY NEWS & TRENDS
🏢 October Expansion Index Up for Third Consecutive Month, Reflects Planned Megaprojects
The U.S. Expansion Index for October 2025 was 1.08 and reflected an 8% year-over-year increase in planned construction investment, continuing three months of consecutive growth. Industrial, Military, and Commercial sectors saw notable expansion, while Educational, Residential, Community, and Medical sectors faced ongoing declines in planned investment. Construction activity remained geographically concentrated, with 15 states showing growth. (ConstructConnect News)
BUSINESS MATTERS | DIGITAL TOOLS
💻 The Digital Jobsite: Why Contractors Are Going Paperless
The digital revolution is transforming the way construction firms operate, and going paperless is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. While many large contractors have embraced digital tools, smaller contractors and subcontractors often lag, clinging to traditional paperwork for critical business practices. This article explores the benefits of going paperless, identifies the hardest-to-digitize processes, and provides practical solutions for making the switch. (Construction Business Owner)
JOBSITE & WORKER SAFETY
☢️ New Guide to Help U.S. Contractors Facing 'Unprecedented Liability' on Forever Chemicals
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has compiled a guide to outline the key issues for construction companies to raise regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) before projects start. Two PFAS compounds --- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) --- were designated as hazardous substances by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The rule not only exposes contractors to clean-up costs but also drives up costs on current and future projects to manage potential contamination without a path to compliance, according to the AGC. (Construction Briefing)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | CONSTRUCTION RENTAL EQUIPMENT
💵 Will Artificial Intelligence Increase the Prices of Construction Materials, Equipment & Labor?
As more players in the construction industry adopt AI, it may lead to some potentially unexpected outcomes for contractors, like higher material, equipment, and labor costs. Earlier this year, several construction companies filed class-action antitrust lawsuits against the largest equipment rental providers in the United States, alleging a conspiracy to artificially inflate equipment rental prices. Specifically, the plaintiffs allege these providers illegally conspired to increase prices by sharing real-time, confidential data through the "Rouse Rental Insights" (RRI) program. Many large construction equipment rental providers use RRI to share pricing data from individual line items on invoices. (The National Law Review)
CONTECH | ROBOTICS
🏗️ 'World's Most Advanced' Bricklaying Robot Assembles 360 Blocks Per Hour for Faster Homes
FBR Limited announced its new and upgraded robot, which can lay bricks, has completed factory acceptance testing in its facility in Western Australia. The company says that in tests, Hadrian demonstrated improved reliability and accuracy. FBR claims that the bricklaying robot can lay up to 360 blocks per hour at its peak performance. In the test, the robot was able to build a 751-block structure at an effective rate of over 285 blocks per hour. Hadrian can be operated by a team of just two individuals, one Hadrian operator and a telehandler operator. (Interesting Engineering)
| | Mississippi River Learning Center Plans Advance in St. Paul | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Plans are heating up for the proposed Mississippi River Learning Center, an estimated $60-million project that would bring new recreational and learning opportunities to a riverside site near Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul.
An Environmental Assessment Worksheet released on October 14th revealed that the city of St. Paul and its project partners (which include the Great River Passage Conservancy (GRPC), National Park Service (NPS), and Mississippi Park Connection) are taking comments on the project through November 13th.
On its website, the city describes the proposed Mississippi River Learning Center as a "one-of-a-kind space for hosting environmental learning" on an underused, city-owned 25-acre site that's "situated within the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Dakota People."
A signature feature of the project is the proposed 21,000-square-foot "welcome station."
Located at the top of a bluff between Shepard Road and Crosby Farm Road, the two-story welcome station would include office space for the Mississippi Park Connection, a ranger station, restrooms, and more.
Also included are an 11,000-square-foot "regional learning center" with spaces for classrooms and events, a 12,000-square-foot marina and cafe, and an 8,500-square-foot boathouse.
Architecture firm VJAA and landscape architects at TEN x TEN are overseeing design.
The design is about 95% complete, and the goal is to have final construction documents and final design done by the end of the year. Construction could begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and "progress through 2036," according to the EAW.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by VJAA of the two-story Mississippi River Learning Center located at the top of a bluff between Shepard Road and Crosby Farm Road in St. Paul. | | |
MSP Construction Projects Overview
Presented by The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)
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Join The Metropolitan Airports Commission's (MAC) Construction Preview event, where attendees will hear about opportunities related to more than $2-billion in construction projects at Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) over the next three years.
Attendees will get a first-hand preview of major projects, learn how to bid and contract with the MAC, explore eligibility in small business programs, and network with established and growing construction companies.
| | Benefit of the Week: The Builders Group (TBG) | | |
Every construction crew runs better when its people are healthy and protected. That's where The Builders Group (TBG) comes in.
TBG provides member companies with access to top-quality, affordable insurance programs designed specifically for Minnesota's construction industry.
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As a member-owned, self-insured workers' compensation fund, TBG understands what it takes to keep job sites safe and costs manageable.
But they go beyond workers' comp.
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MBEX members can also access exclusive health insurance options, helping companies support their teams while staying competitive in a tight labor market.
TBG also offers hands-on safety resources, training programs, and risk management tools to help prevent injuries and lower claims. In short, they're not just an insurance provider; they're a partner in building a safer, healthier construction community.
Want to learn more about how TBG can support your business? Visit their website or contact them by calling (651) 389-1140
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 10/13/2025 - 10/17/2025: 61
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 10/13/2025 - 10/17/2025: 10
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 10/21/2025: 263
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/21/2025: 4,193
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 10/15/2025 - 10/21/2025.
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
• October 29 - The Construction Jobsite of the Future [WEBINAR]
• October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN)
• November 4 - AI & Automation in the Construction Industry [WEBINAR]
• November 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL CLASS]
• November 11 & 12 - Construction Talent Acquisition Conference with Project Build Minnesota
• November 12 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL CLASS]
• November 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
• November 27 & 28 - MBEX Closed - Thanksgiving
• December 2 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• December 3 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• December 4 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• December 18 - Holiday Party 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, BUILD Renewables; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company
MBEX STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator / Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & Plan Room Support; Shauna Baska - Project Reporter & Bidders Lists; Ka Yang - Addenda & Apparent Lows; Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil & Michelle Siegel - Project Reporters; Don O'Connor - Independent Event Planning Contractor
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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