It might only be mid-May, MBEXers, but these temps over the past few days are giving full-on mid-July vibes. Not that I'm complaining --- summer is my favorite season (construction season, too, let's be honest). That said, it's already hitting triple digits down in Houston --- and that's in the shade! 😅 As things heat up here, let's not forget the basics: stay hydrated, wear lightweight gear, and if you're feeling off, take five in the shade or AC. I'll be sharing more heat safety tips as we roll into actual summer, but for now, keep the water bottle handy and maybe go easy on the lattes...at least until after lunch 😉 💧 🦺 🧋 | | | | |
By Ashlee
Membership & Communications Manager
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Last Call For Survey - If you have not yet taken the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis' construction survey, now is the time. This survey closes on Friday (May 16), so after Friday, I'll stop bothering you about it (at least until the fall when the next survey comes around 😊). If you have already taken said survey, this one's for you.
2.) Sign Up - Our next Online Plan Room Demo is this Thursday (May 15). Join MBEX staff live for one-hour to learn or refresh yourself on the basics, like navigating the Deskpad (the plan room's homepage), setting up a project search filter, adding your company to a bidders list, and more. Please register in advance by 3:30pm on Wednesday, May 14.
3.) Congrats, A&P! - Adolfson & Peterson Construction, continuing its expansion in Minnesota, has named Brad Hendrickson as the firm's new Chief Operating Officer.
4.) Level Up - The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched LEED V5, the latest version of its flagship LEED green building program. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
5.) Watch: In case you haven't heard, the new Pope's a Midwesterner. Oh, the possibilities 😂 ⛪ 🚜 🏈
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Inside This Issue:
• Scholarship: Deadline to apply is Saturday, May 31
• Legislature: Senate Committee unveiled its billion dollar bonding proposal
• Tips & Tricks: Email multiple companies via the Online Plan Room
• In Memory: Remembering Hammon "Tom" Becken; memorial service information
• Events: Online Plan Room Demo, Memorial Day holiday, Member BBQ
• DBE Notice: Market & Johnson seeks DBE subcontractor & supplier quotes
• Five Headlines: U.S. and China agree to temporary slashing of tariffs, top 10 killer construction contract clauses, EPA to end Energy Star Program under Trump administration, data center construction surging amid supply chain constraints, & world's largest timber structure revealed
• Project of the Week: $56M affordable housing project reviewed in Cottage Grove
• Industry Event: Big Lake Schools Youth Apprenticeship & Career Fair - September 18
• Member Benefit: Exclusive limited-time savings across NPP brands
| | MBEX Scholarship Deadline Fast Approaching! | | There's still time (18 days, to be exact) for folks to apply for the 2025-2026 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship. Applications are due by 11:55pm on Saturday, May 31. | | |
Together with our partner, The Builders Group Education Foundation, we want to award multiple scholarships ranging in value from $500 - $5,000!
And, in addition to the scholarship's financial award, we'll also provide invitations to all our upcoming social events, such as our Young Professional Network (YPN) events, and educational opportunities.
Who Should Apply?
All aspiring carpenters, electricians, HVAC specialists, masons, tilers, elevator techs, plumbers, heavy machinery operators, and other specialized trade workers, along with construction managers, construction engineers, estimators, and construction administrators.
Eligibility Requirements
A handful of eligibility requirements need to be met in order to apply for this scholarship opportunity and those are as follows:
- Applicants must be pursuing a construction-related field of study at an accredited post-secondary educational institution, be it at a trade school, a two-year technical or community college, or four-year university.
- Applicants must be entering the Fall 2025 academic semester as a freshman, sophomore, or junior. Students completing their degree beyond the traditional four years of study may also be eligible to apply.
- The accredited post-secondary institution in which the applicant is studying at must be located within the states of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.
- Applicants must be maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Applicants must possess and be able to demonstrate a strong passion for the construction and building industry.
- If awarded a scholarship, applicants must agree to and attend a minimum of ONE MBEX-sponsored event(s) during Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026. (For applicants living outside of Minnesota who may be awarded a scholarship, further discussions will be had with MBEX staff.)
One Frequently Asked Question
Can previous scholarship recipients reapply?
Absolutely! As long as they are meeting the scholarship's eligibility requirements as listed, they are more then welcome to reapply.
Tell Everyone You Know (We Mean It)
Please help us spread the word by sharing this scholarship opportunity with those you know, like graduating high school seniors, current college students, family friends, colleagues who are going back to school, students of your own classrooms, and so on.
Send them to our website at www.mbex.org/scholarships, or download and email them our scholarship packet.
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Questions can be directed to Ashlee at ah@mbex.org or (612) 381-2631 during regular business hours.
| | LEGISLATURE 2025: Billion Dollar Bonding Proposal | | |
The Chair of the Senate Capital Investment (Bonding) Committee unveiled a $1.35-billion bonding proposal ($1.3-billion general obligation and $48-million trunk highway bonds).
The bonding proposal includes funding for, but not limited to, the following:
- Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR)
- Library Construction Grants
- Perpich Center for Arts Education Asset Preservation
- Dam Safety Repair and Reconstruction
- State Trail Maintenance
- Natural Resources Betterment of Buildings
- Blue Earth County - Rapidan Dam
- Statewide Drinking Water - Contamination Mitigation
- Local Road Wetlands Replacement Program
- Minnesota Zoo - Animal Hospital & Asset Preservation
- ADA Capital Tunnel Accessibility Upgrades
- Capitol Area Security Upgrades - Phase 3
- National Sports Center Asset Preservation
- Duluth Hangar Design
- BCA Southern Minnesota Regional Office and Laboratory
- BCA Bemidji Regional Office and Laboratory Expansion
- Major Local Bridge Replacement Program
- Port Development Assistance Program
- Township Roads
- Highway Railroad Grade Crossings - Installation and Replacement
- Inflow and Infiltration Grant Program - Public Infrastructure
- St. Peter Water and Sewer Construction
- Anoka Miller Building Regional Treatment
- Early Childhood Facilities
- Minneapolis Veterans Home - Building 16 Remodel
- Rush City Education and Programming Expansion
- Lino Lakes Treatment and Programming Space Expansion
- Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program
This bill is significantly higher than the Governor's $700-million proposal and the House budget targets include funding a $700-million bill, although a specific proposal has not been released.
Still Left To Do
While several more budget bills moved through the House and Senate this past week, a few budget bills will roll in this coming week. A joint budget target agreement is also waiting to be reached between the Governor and leadership in the House and Senate.
The big issues holding things up continue to be pausing unemployment insurance for hourly school employees, delaying implementation of the Paid Family and Medical Leave law and modifying the Earned Sick and Safe Time law, health coverage for undocumented individuals, and funding the reinsurance program.
Next Week
The constitutional deadline for adjournment is May 19th, so it's crunch time. Several budget bills still need to pass the House and Senate (taxes, education, workforce, health, finance, bonding) and conference committees need to find agreements.
We thank AGC for its coverage of the 2025 Minnesota legislative session.
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TIPS & TRICKS:
Email Multiple Companies Directly via the Online Plan Room
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Save time (and clicks) with this simple step-by-step guide on how to email all companies listed on a project's bidders list --- or just a few --- at once directly from the Online Plan Room.
Here's how step-by-step:
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1.) Find your project. Do so by searching with the Project ID via the Quick Search Bar located on the Deskpad, checking your tracked projects (found under 'Projects'), or browsing the full list of projects out for bid (also under 'Projects').
2.) Click the Bidders tab. Once you've located the project, click on the Bidders tab to find the Bidders List. This is a listing of both MBEX member and non-member companies who have either added themselves or have been reported to MBEX as interested in bidding the project.
3.) Select your contacts. Check the box next to a division header (like Electrical or General) to select the full section, or individually select companies of interest.
4.) Click the orange button. Found on the left-hand side of the screen in the vertical menu bar, the button features an envelope icon.
5.) Write your message and send. Upon clicking the orange button, a blank email will automatically open with all selected addresses pre-loaded in the BCC line (your email address will also automatically pre-load into the 'To' field). Once you've written your email, hit 'send,' and then repeat Steps 1-5 as needed.
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Yes, it's really that easy!
Download our PDF guide by clicking the image on the right and become a bulk-emailing wizard in less than 2 minutes.
| | | Remembering Hammon "Tom" Becken | | On behalf of the Becken family, we share the following news with our construction community: | | |
It is with profound sadness that we [Tom's family] share the news of Tom Becken's passing. Tom has been a trailblazer in the construction materials industry and his legacy will continue to live on for generations. Tom dedicated over 68 years of service to Cemstone and TCC Materials. His leadership and innovation guided us through challenges, great triumphs, and successes.
Tom grew the family business from just a few aggregate, packaging, and ready-mix plants into the thriving businesses they are today. His hard work, intelligence, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been the cornerstone of who we are. Tom was more than the owner; he was a dad, brother, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a mentor, and a friend.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14th at Gethsemane Lutheran Church (2410 Stillwater Road East, St. Paul, 55119) from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 15th at Gethsemane Lutheran Church at 10:30am. A lunch reception will follow at Inwood Oaks (484 Inwood Avenue North, Oakdale, 55128) from 12:00pm-2:00pm. The funeral service will also be livestreamed to Inwood Oaks.
All Cemstone and TCC Materials employees are welcome to attend.
Tom's obituary was published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minneapolis Star Tribune on Sunday, May 11th and Tuesday, May 13th, and at www.bradshawfunderal.com.
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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
May 15 - 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
May 26 - Memorial Day
MBEX will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
June 4 - Member Appreciation BBQ
Join MBEX for a casual afternoon of Famous Dave's barbecue, cold beverages, a handful of door prizes, and great company and networking. Register Here
** June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament - **Teams are 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. Sign Up for Sponsorship | 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. Not yet open for registration
** July 4 - 4th of July
MBEX will be closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday.
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 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.
MBEs, WBEs, and SBRAs are encouraged to submit bid proposals.
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The Project is comprised of two (2) primary components as follows:
PFAS FACILITY
Work generally includes construction of a new 27-foot by 36-foot treatment facility housing two 12-foot diameter, 40,000-pound GAC vessels for removal of PFAS. The proposed equipment would be fully housed within a new modular building. The building housing the GAS vessels will be located adjacent to the existing Well 10 building. The building will be wood framing studs with fiber cement lap siding provided by a pre-engineered manufacturer. Interior process piping shall consist of ductile iron and PVC and ranges in size from 2-inches to 12-inches, including butterfly valves with both manual and electric actuators.
SITE WORK
Work shall also include construction required outside of the physical building structure or facility including, but not limited to, raw water influent lines, finished water effluent piping, other site utilities, site grading, new sanitary manholes, site driveways, curb and gutter replacements, and paving, additional site electrical components, and landscape improvements associated with the project.
Substantial Completion: May 1, 2026 | Final Completion: June 1, 2026
• PROJECT: Stillwater Wellhead 10 PFAS Treatment Facility
• BID DEADLINE: Requesting bids by May 19, 2025 at 2:00pm
• 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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TARIFFS
⚠️ U.S. & China Agree to Temporarily Slash Tariffs in Bid to Defuse Trade War
The United States and China took a step on Monday (May 12) to defuse the trade war between the world's two largest economies, agreeing to temporarily reduce the punishing tariffs they have imposed on each other. Despite the White Houses' bluster, the Trump administration backed off, for now, from its steepest tariffs, and agreed to hold more formal talks with Beijing after companies and consumers started showing signs of economic strain. (New York Times | Can't read the article via the link above? Click here)
RISK MANAGEMENT
⏰ Top 10 Killer Construction Contract Clauses: No Damages For Delay
Those familiar with the construction industry know that construction projects are seldom, if ever, completed within the time originally anticipated at the project's outset. Fortunately, prime contractors and lower-tier subcontractors are often permitted to seek additional costs stemming from owner-caused delays --- commonly referred to as compensable delays. However, the presence of a no damages for delay clause in a contract can significantly impede a contractor's and subcontractor's ability to pursue claims for compensable delay. (J. D Supra | PilieroMazza)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
⌛ EPA to End Energy Star Program
The Trump administration will end the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program that has set energy efficiency standards for more than three decades. The program's most recent annual report says that since its inception, Energy Star standards and products have saved 5-trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4-billion metric tons, and avoided over $500-billion in energy costs through 2023. (Building Design + Construction)
MARKET & FORECASTS
🛜 Data Center Construction Surges Amid Supply Chain Constraints
The data center industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by soaring demand for computing power, artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, and increasing private equity investment. However, this expansion is placing immense pressure on the supply chain, with concerns over whether the sector can meet capacity demands while maintaining cost and schedule discipline. It may be that something has to give as data center construction is expected to grow immensely over the next five years. (Construction Briefing)
INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE
🌳 1.2-Mile-Long World's Largest Timber Structure 'Grand Ring' Unveiled
The Grand Ring, a huge 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) circular wooden walkway, showcases innovative engineering and design. Constructed primarily from local Japanese cedar and cypress, with some imported Scots pine, the structure was built for the ongoing Osaka 2025 Expo in Japan and it serves as a key feature of the event. Guinness World Records recognized it as the planet's "largest wooden architectural structure" on March 4, 2025. (Interesting Engineering)
| | Cottage Grove Reviews $56M Affordable Housing Project | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Like other metro-area communities, Cottage Grove has identified a need for more affordable housing. Real Estate Equities hopes to do its part with a nearly $56-million project.
Up for sketch plan review at last week's Cottage Grove City Council workshop meeting was the developer's plan for a 164-unit workforce housing project on a site wedged between Hadley Avenue and 100th Street.
The council didn't take formal action, but the project will go before the planning commission May 19th for site plan review, rezoning and a comprehensive plan amendment. The project would go before the City Council for final approval in June.
City documents reveal that the developer requested roughly $1-million in tax increment financing assistance for the project, which includes 35 one-bedroom, 86 two-bedroom, and 43 three-bedroom units, with 148 underground and 164 surface parking stalls.
Proposed amenities include a fitness center, dog run, playground, granite countertops, EV car charging stations, clubroom with outdoor patio, and more.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by Real Estate Equities of the proposed 164-unit workforce apartment project in Cottage Grove. | | |
Big Lake Schools Youth Apprenticeship & Career Fair
Presented by Big Lake High School
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DATE: Thursday, September 18
TIME: Arrival between 7:30am-9:30am | Students between 10:15am-2:30pm
LOCATION: Big Lake High School (501 Minnesota Avenue, Big Lake, 55309)
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Industry Representatives & Business Partners:
You're invited to the Big Lake Schools' 8th Annual Career Fair --- an exciting opportunity to connect with the next generation of thinkers, makers, leaders, and doers.
This event brings together hundreds of professionals representing a wide range of industries --- from skilled trades and healthcare to business, education, public service, STEM, and beyond.
Big Lake High School invites businesses to join them and help students better understand the opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. What kind of work happens within your company? What careers are available? What are the benefits? And what paths lead there?
The connections made at this event often lead to follow-up opportunities — businesses returning to speak with targeted student groups or welcoming students on site for facility tours. Then, for some students, the capstone: EXPERIENCE. Through Big Lake's work-based learning program, upperclassmen may have an opportunity to work on-the-job or even become a Youth Apprentice, working with businesses while earning high school credit. These experiences are coordinated in partnership with Big Lake High School’s work-based learning team, allowing students to leave school early to begin their workday, gaining industry-relevant skills in a real-world setting.
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To learn more about this Career Fair, contact Wade Olson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator with Big Lake High School, by calling (763) 262-5117 or emailing w.olson@biglakeschools.org.
| | Benefit of the Week: Exclusive Deals to Explore | | |
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.
Explore the limited time offers currently running across NPP's partner brands below, and start saving for your business, your staff, and yourselves!
| | | | Free Enrollment & Training on Impac Fleet's Universal Fleet Fuel Services. Enjoy NPP Savings | | | | |
3% Discount on Orders & Free Shipping. Learn More
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Explore these membership discount offers and others by vising MBEX's website.
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 5/5/2025 - 5/9/2025: 78
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 5/5/2025 - 5/9/2025: 32
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 5/13/2025: 407
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 5/13/2025: 2,384
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 5/7/2025 - 5/13/2025.
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
• May 15 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 26 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
• June 4 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament - Teams Sold Out | Sponsorships Available
• June 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• July 4 - 4th of July - MBEX Closed
• July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
• August 14 - Sporting Clays Fundraiser
• August 20 - Golf North
• 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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