MBEX Weekly Bulletin 🤳

Issue No. 31 • Wednesday, July 31, 2024 • www.mbex.org

Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:

1.) Grab that shotgun, and let the clays fly. One week to go and only 3 team spots available! Don't miss the clay-busting action on August 8th at Game Unlimited while also raising funds for the MBEX Scholarship Fund.

2.) The NLRB withdrew its 5th Circuit appeal of its joint employer final rule on July 19th, saying it would "like the opportunity to further consider the issues identified" in a district court's injunction while citing other, ongoing legislation relevant to its rulemaking.

3.) Take a look inside of the new downtown Knoxville $116-million stadium project that's under construction in Tennessee with a planned opening next April.

4.) One of the key challenges of building Olympic-specific structures in Paris for the 2024 Summer Games was integrating modern construction technologies, like 3D printing and modular construction, while preserving the iconic Parisian aesthetics alongside traditional materials like Paris stone.

5.) Save this for the next time the kids say they're bored. (Remember, safety first!)

"You will never win if you never begin." - Helen Rowland

IN BRIEF:

• Blending: Discover how to have more blend in one's day-to-day at the next MBEX POWER workshop on August 19

• Slower Spending: AIA 's newly released midyear Consensus Construction Forecast

• Tips & Tricks: Posting minority ads with MBEX

• Post-Chevron: What construction employers can expect following the Supreme Court's recent landmark ruling

• Gen-Z's Blue-Collar Influencers, OSHA's Forklift Certification & Empowering Subcontractors for LEED Success: Five construction-related headlines

• Project of the Week: Developer proposes 650 apartments in Dayton

• Member Benefit: Save on fuel with Circle K's Pro Partner Card

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend (Not Balance) In Your Life

Let's face it, working in the construction industry isn't always a walk in the park.

Whether you're crunching numbers in the office or managing chaos on the job site, we know the struggles are real. From dealing with long hours and tight deadlines to managing work-life responsibilities and breaking through those oh-so-fun gender stereotypes, it's a lot!

That's why we're inviting you to join us for MBEX POWER's next workshop, Balance vs. Blend: How to Have Blend (Not Balance) in Your Life, led by our returning speaker, Nicole Middendorf.

This event is all about shifting our mindset from trying to balance everything perfectly (which, let's be real, is impossible) to finding a way to blend our professional and personal lives in a way that works for us.

On August 19, we'll dive into:

Real talk about the unique challenges we face in the construction world.

Practical tips for blending your work and personal life without feeling like you're constantly juggling.

Inspiring stories from Nicole who found her own blend and is thriving in her career and personal life as a business owner and single mom of two.

Picture this: You're on a job site dealing with unexpected delays while also trying to remember if you RSVP'd to your kid's school event. Or maybe you're in the office, swamped with project deadlines, and just got a text that the plumbing at home decided today was the day to burst. Sound familiar? It's moments like these that highlight why we need to focus on blending, not balancing.

Let’s redefine success together and find that perfect blend

• DATE: Monday, August 19

• TIME: Workshop - 2:00pm; Happy Hour - 3:15pm

• LOCATION: Prosperwell Financial (Minnetonka)

• COST: Free!

Grab your hard hat and your favorite pair of heels (or steel-toed boots), and join MBEX POWER for an empowering afternoon where we’ll share laughs, tips, and a whole lot of support.

Can't wait to see you there!

You Might Be Wondering...what is MBEX POWER?

POWER, or Professionals Offering Women Engaging Resources, aims to empower women through educational events tackling the unique challenges they encounter on the job, by fostering connections and elevating professional and personal journeys.

From working on the jobsite, to in-office positions, and everything in-between, each workshop is open to ALL women working in construction to attend. Friends and allies of women in construction are also welcome.

AIA Sees Slower Construction Spending in '25

Spending on non-residential buildings will increase more than 7% this year, but market challenges will limit growth to 2% in 2025, according to the American Institute of Architects' newly released midyear Consensus Construction Forecast.

The "challenging lending market for construction projects, continued weakness in commercial property value, and ongoing softness in billings at architecture firms contribute to the slowdown," AIA said in a press release.

In this report, AIA predicts the following:

Commercial facilities activity will be flat this year and next year;
Manufacturing will increase 14% and stabilize in 2025; and
Institutional construction will see a more than 10% gain this year and slow to 4% in 2025.

"The disparity in sector performance highlights the uneven economic conditions and ongoing market uncertainties," AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker said in the release. "Despite the challenges, specific sectors like manufacturing construction are showing strong ongoing activity from the surge in projects that started during the pandemic, while most institutional sectors are seeing reasonably healthy gains, fueled by the education market."

The above text is from an article published on Finance & Commerce's website on July 17, 2024 and written by Brian Johnson.

Read the Full AIA Mid-Year Construction Forecast

TIPS & TRICKS: Placing Minority Ads with MBEX

If you're bidding a project and need to run a minority ad, MBEX can help.

Advertise your DBE, MBE, SBE, and DBE sub-bids ads in the Weekly Bulletin, on our website, www.mbex.org, and on the Deskpad of the Online Plan Room.

Run an ad for one or more weeks at a cost of $10 / week or $200 / year for unlimited ad placement.

If interested in running an ad, please send the following information to Ashlee at ah@mbex.org:

1.) Type of Minority Business(es) being sought (MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE, etc.)

2.) Name of Project - include Bid Package # if applicable

3.) Project Owner

4.) Bid Date & Time

5.) Contact Person's Name and Email

6.) Company Name

7.) Company Business Address

8.) Company Phone Number

9.) How long you'd like your ad to run in the Weekly Bulletin, online, and on the plan room's Deskpad OR list the specific dates you'd like the ad to run within the Weekly Bulletin (published weekly on Tuesday evenings).

Questions can also be sent to ah@mbex.org.

Want to view a past minority ad shared by MBEX? Take a look here.

What Construction Employers Can Expect in the Next Phase Following the Demolition of Chevron

The Supreme Court's recent landmark ruling that gives employers a powerful tool to fight back against regulatory overreach will have a broad impact on just about every area of workplace law --- and every industry.

Inside this article, we focus on what construction employers can expect in the post-Chevron world and provides three steps these employers can take to stay ahead of the curve following the overruling of the decades-old Chevron doctrine.

What Happened?

SCOTUS overturned the famous Chevron doctrine on June 28th, holding that courts may not defer to an agency's interpretation of an ambiguous federal statute. In Loper Bright, the Court said that from now judges "must exercise their independent judgement" when ruling on cases involving agency rules, regulations, guidance, or other actions.

In plain English, this ruling gives the courts --- not administrative agencies --- the power to say what the law actually is. You can read about it here, including the different ways that the workplace law landscape may soon change.

How Does This Impact Construction Employers?

Federal agencies that often regulate the construction industry, such as the Department of Labor (DOL), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have become increasingly aggressive in their positions and enforcement actions.

The end of Chevron means:

Less Regulatory Power. The DOL, OSHA, MSHA, EPA, and other agencies will have less power to mold their own agendas because courts will have the final say on whether an agency's interpretation of the law should be upheld or struck down. Note, though, that unless a specific regulatory action is successfully challenged in court, nothing is stopping these agencies from continuing vigorous enforcement measures.

New Employer Toolset. This change should level the playing field for employers as agency actions are more effectively challenged in court. Construction employers and their advocates are now in a better position to push back against overly burdensome regulations and government overreach that could hinder business operations --- such as OSHA's proposed national heat safety rule once its finalized.

3 Practical Tips for Construction Employers

Construction employers are encouraged to take these three steps to remain agile during this period of uncertainty.

1.) Stay Informed and Proactive. Ensure your legal team or external counsel provides regular updates on significant court decisions and regulatory changes. Staying ahead of the curve will allow you to anticipate and prepare for potential impacts.

2.) Enhance Legal and Compliance Resources. Consider expanding your in-house legal team or increasing collaboration with external legal counsel. Actively foster compliance by assigning a member of your team to review resources, identify areas where changes are proposed, and ensure real-time tracking of regulatory changes. Legal counsel can also help determine if you have any new arguments to challenge agency actions (such as OSHA or MSHA citations) and advise you on the level of risk associated with taking different stances under certain rules.

3.) Advocate for Clarity and Fairness. Actively participate in industry and trade associations, which will lead the way in providing resources and advocacy support to help navigate the shifting regulatory landscape. Hand in hand with these organizations, you can engage with policymakers and advocate for clear, fair, and predictable regulatory frameworks. Effective advocacy can help shape regulations that support the growth and stability of the construction industry.

The Supreme Court's blockbuster decision marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for employers in the construction industry. By staying informed and actively engaging in advocacy, employers can effectively navigate this period of change.

Please note that the information provided in this MBEX article is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with your business's attorney or legal advisor before taking any actions based on the content of this update.

Dive Deeper with J. D. Supra

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 event

August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser

Only 3 team spots remain! Aim, pull, and shoot to raise fund for the MBEX Scholarship Fund at this year's annual outdoor event with MBEX at Game Unlimited. Register Here

August 12 - Dunwoody Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament

The Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament helps pave the way to a brighter future for students at Dunwoody College of Technology. Participation and support directly benefits students who might not otherwise be able to attend Dunwoody. Sign Up Here

August 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. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Register Here

August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Balance in your Life

Say good-bye to the concept of balance and embrace the idea of fulfilling blend in MBEX POWER's next workshop with Nicole Middendorf. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to find that perfect blend of professional and personal they're dreaming of. Register Here

August 21 - Golf North

Come and socialize with fellow MBEX members and industry professionals out on the greens of Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth. Register Here

August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses

Don't miss this opportunity to see an introduction to each upcoming Bluebeam Revu course offered in September and their learning objectives with instructor Troy DeGroot with UChapter2. Register Here

** September 2 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

The Minnesota Builders Exchange will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will be back to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.

September 9-13 - Construction Suicide Prevention Week

Every year during September --- National Suicide Prevention Month --- the construction industry dedicates a week to raising awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. Learn More

September 10 - 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

September 11 - 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 Here

September 11 - Sporting Clays North

Get your shotguns locked and loaded. MBEX is proud to present its annual Sporting Clays North at Old Vermillion Train in Duluth. Join us for an epic afternoon of clay-breaking, industry networking, and a delicious meal. Register Here

September 12 - 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

September 13 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

This course will not only improve consistency and accuracy in document management, but it will eliminate all the time wasted navigating through drawing sets and wondering who has the latest drawings. Register Here

September 17 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

Learn to create and place custom punch symbols, quickly embed images or videos, and create summary reports. Register Here

September 17 - TBG Clay Shoot for the Trades

Please join TBG for a fun afternoon of shooting, camaraderie and good times with your friends from around the trades as they continue to raise funds to further the work of the TBG Education Foundation. Register individually or in groups up to five. Register Here

September 18 - Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams. Register Here

** September 19 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo

September 19 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows

Yes, there are tools in Bluebeam Revu for Civil Designers and Engineers! Not only will students learn navigation and markups, but also work flows like Calibrating Plan & Profile drawings with different X-Y scales, ideas for Cut & Fill calculations, combining several PDFs into one large area map, and adding images. Register Here

View Full 2024 MBEX Event Calendar

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES

Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.

LABOR + WORKFORCE

🤳 Gen Z's Blue-Collar Influencers are Spilling the Tea on Jobs in the Trades

Is social media going to inspire the next generation of tradespeople? Help end the stigma surrounding trade school? Make blue-collar careers the cool choice? It started with a group of trailblazing entrepreneurs in landscaping, lawn care, plumbing and contracting. They focused on long-form content on YouTube, Facebook, and increasingly Instagram, to train their fellow business owners on the craft and help educate them on the business side --- pricing, customer service, hiring, etc. Fast-forward to 2024, and while those communities continue growing and thriving, we're now seeing the addition of younger tradespeople coming online and adding short-and-sweet behind-the-scenes and trend-driven content to the mix. They're making blue-collar go viral and reaching audiences beyond their industry peers. (Fast Company)

JOBSITE SAFETY

🚧 What is OSHA Forklift Certification?

There is a large pool of individuals who need to be forklift certified in order to operate such machinery. While forklifts are often used for construction processes, they are also used in warehouses and stores that you might not expect. Not all forklifts are the same and the variety that requires certification includes Class I and Class VII. With such a wide assortment of forklift types, there are many differing hazards to consider and be aware of. It's important to note, too, that all operators must be at least 18 years old, according to Federal law. (Iron Pros)

BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

♻️ 5 Steps to Empower Subcontractors for LEED Success

Ensuring the entire project team, especially subcontractors and trade partners, is on the same page regarding a project's sustainability goals is crucial to LEED certification. LEED --- the most widely used green building rating system --- provides framework for creating and certifying healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Achieving LEED certification, however, is contingent on more than just builders' desires and readiness. It requires close collaboration with subcontractors who perform between 70% and 90% of construction work on any given project. (Construction Business Owner)

MID-YEAR INDUSTRY FORECASTS

📈 Construction Spending Expected to Rise, Despite Labor and Materials Snags

Through the remainder of the year, total cost growth is projected to be modest, and matched by an overall increase in construction spending. That prediction can be found in JLL's 2024 Midyear Construction Update and Reforecast, released on July 16th. Still, the trajectory of interest rates "continues to elude forecasters," observes JLL, "making 'higher for longer' the correct operating paradigm." Yet despite financial constraints, JLL expects cost growth and development to continue. (Building Design + Construction)

OFFICE-TO-APARTMENT CONVERSIONS

🔁 Minneapolis' Plan to Speed Up Office-to-Residential Conversions

Minneapolis wants to make it easier --- and cheaper --- for developers to convert office towers, schools, and other buildings into apartments and condos. Council members Katie Cashman and Michael Rainville, who each represent parts of downtown, have introduced an ordinance specifically for conversions that would speed up review times by 1-2 months, do away with the need for a public hearing, and temporarily exempt converted buildings from an affordable housing policy. Time is money for developers, and speeding up the process will cut costs, said Cashman. (Axios Twin Cities)

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Maple Grove Developer Proposes 650 Apartments in Dayton

Michael Elzufon of Rush Creek Development LLC hopes to begin construction as soon as next spring on the 180-unit first phase of Parkway Neighborhood development. Eventually, he hopes to bring 650 apartment units to a 67-acre site wedged between I-94, the Dayton Interchange, Brockton Lane North / County Road 101, and Rush Creek in Dayton.

The developer is also planning a commercial parcel and a trail connection. Located in the southwest corner of Dayton, the development site is surrounded by the city of Rogers to the west, Corcoran to the southwest, and Maple Grove to the South.

Construction would play out in phases, based on market demand. Elzufon said he expects to develop the site at a pace of about 100 to 110 housing units per year.

The first two project phases will create a "year-round multi-functional outdoor recreation an community engagement area known as Parkway Park, and a 180-unit Parkway Apartments building," according to the Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Subsequent phases will bring a 140-unit medium-density project and up to 330 units of "high-density, market-rate age-restricted apartments."

ABOVE PHOTO: The first phase of Rush Creek Development's Parkway Neighborhood development in Dayton would be 180 apartments. (Rendering: Kaas Wilson Architects)

INDUSTRY EVENTS

The Culture Climb: How to Build a Work Culture that Maximizes Your Impact | Presented by Minnesota Concrete Council

DATE: Thursday, August 8

TIME: 7:30am - Breakfast; 8:00am - Young Professionals Interview; 8:30am - Presentation by Jaime Taets

LOCATION: Midland Hills Country Club (2001 Fullham St, Roseville, 55113)

COST: $60 / person. Includes breakfast and a copy of the book, The Culture Climb, which will be received at the event.

For over a decade, Jaime Taets has been the go-to consultant for executive teams hoping to untangle their issues and improve their businesses --- profits, strategies, and services --- along the way.

And throughout that time, Jaime has learned that most business problems are actually people problems. To get at the root cause, leaders must go deeper than the business layer with questions that are rooted in culture and people.

In her innovating and groundbreaking new book, The Culture Club, thought leader Jaime Taets not only challenges and inspires other leaders of organizations to prioritize their work culture, she also provides an actionable and approachable plan that can be fully implemented into a business model and help to positively transform the workplace atmosphere.

Alumni & Friends Dunwoody Golf Tournament

Presented by Dunwoody College of Technology

DATE: Monday, August 12

TIME: Starting at 11:00am

LOCATION: Edinburgh Golf Course (8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park, 55443)

COST: $200 / golfer

The Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament helps pave the way to a brighter future for students at Dunwoody College of Technology. All net proceeds from the tournament go to support scholarships for students pursuing degrees in careers in the technical and high-skill trade fields.

Each golfer's registration includes a box lunch, dinner, golf cart, and greens fees.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Benefit of the Week: Circle K Pro - Fleet Fuel Savings

MBEX Members can take advantage of Circle K's competitive fuel rebate and much more.

Accepted at over 6,000 Circle K and Holiday locations and with no monthly card fees, the Circle K Pro Partner Card offers greater savings, more control, security, Level III data, and is always convenient.

GREATER SAVINGS

Save on administrative time and eliminate paper receipts. Prevent unauthorized fuel purchases and easily track every gallon purchased by your drivers. In addition, save 30-cents for 90 days on every gallon, and then after the those 90 days, save 7-cents on every gallon when fueling at Circle K or Holiday locations.

Circle K's rebates are cumulative; the more you fuel, the more you save! The rebate also applies to all gallons and fuels types purchased at any Circle K or Holiday location.

MORE CONTROL

Help prevent unwanted spending with pre-set controls and alerts. Your online account allows you to set these limits and flags any transactions outside of those set guidelines.

SECURITY

Know which driver is buying what, where, and when. A unique Driver ID is required with every purchase to add a level of security that helps protect against lost or stolen cards.

LEVEL III DATA

Unlike standard credit cards, the Circle K Pro Partner Card captures Level III line-item data, requiring the driver to input a driver ID and odometer mileage. This allows you to track fuel expenditure and better facilitate analysis for your vehicle.

If you're ready to get started with a Circle K Pro Partner Card or would like more information, please contact our Circle K Account Representative, Brian Korb: brian.korb@circlek.com or (984) 389-1759.

PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 7/22/2024 - 7/26/2024: 86

• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 7/22/2024 - 7/26/2024: 11

• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 7/30/2024: 325

• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 7/30/2024: 2,843

DOWNLOAD HERE

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 7/24/2024-7/30/2024.

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.

The MBEX Weekly Bulletin brought to

you in part by The Builders Group (TBG).

UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS

• August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser

• August 12 - Dunwoody Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament

• August 15 - Online Plan Room Demo

• August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Blend in Your Life

• August 21 - Golf North

• August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses

• September 2 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

• September 9-13 - Construction Suicide Prevention Week

• September 10 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

• September 11 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

• September 11 - Sporting Clays North

• September 12 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

• September 13 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

• September 17- Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

• September 17- TBG Clay Shoot for the Trades

• September 18- Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

• September 19 - Online Plan Room Demo

• September 19- Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows

Connect with the Builders Exchange:

Revisit Past Bulletins:

July 24 - No. 30 | July 17 - No. 29 | July 10 - No. 28 | July 3 - No. 27

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.

2024 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction; Vice President - Heidi Sedlacek, KLJ Engineering; Treasurer - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Past President - Greg Grazzini, Grazzini Brothers | 2024 DIRECTORS: Allie Brady, Veit; Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Jason DuVal, Tenet; Chuck Geisler, Iron Eagle Industrial Services; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company | STAFF : David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator/Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Director; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Misty Hall, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters

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Member Directory

MBEX Blueprint : Issue 2