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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) RENEW: Attention MBEX Members! Renewal invoices for 2025 have been emailed to all member companies. To avoid plan room disruptions, please send a check payment listed on your invoice or call Julie with credit card information (a $45 fee will apply) by December 31st.
2.) READ: ABC's latest report shows that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4-months in October from 8.6-months in September.
3.) SURVEY: Share your thoughts on current conditions in the Ninth District's construction sector by completing the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis' short survey (open through November 15th). Insights are especially wanted from those located in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Upper Peninsula / Michigan, and Wisconsin.
4.) SIMPLIFY: From a chatbot that speaks builders' language to tech that corrals massive amounts of data captured from scans, this month's offerings are aimed at making complex tasks easier.
5.) CHUCKLE: When the coffee's still hot, but the project timeline isn't. ☕🫣
"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing." - Wernher von Braun
IN BRIEF:
• Sleigh-ing It: Join us on 12/5 for Holiday Party North in Duluth
• Post-Election: What a second Trump presidency could mean for construction
• Welcome: Meet MBEX's newest members
• Referendums: Districts saw mixed results for school construction projects
• NOW HIRING: Hallberg Engineering seeks an entry-level Commissioning Technician
• Protecting Your Firm From Cybercrime, Wearables Monitoring Worker Fatigue, and a Revolutionary & Cost-Effective Brick Material: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
• Project of the Week: Moorhead chosen for $5B sustainable aviation fuel facility
• Member Benefit: Workers' comp with The Builders Group (TBG)
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Register Today for Holiday Party North | |
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Join MBEX for an evening of festive fun, networking, delicious food, and holiday cheer!
• DATE: Thursday, December 5
• TIME: 5:30pm - Cocktails | 6:30pm - Dinner | 7:00pm - Program & Door Prizes
• LOCATION: Ridgeview Country Club (Duluth, Minn.)
• COST: $45 per person
Holiday Party North is the perfect opportunity to unwind, make new connections and strengthen current relationships, and enjoy some seasonal surprises.
If you're interested in showcasing your company and gaining exposure to a targeted audience, consider becoming an event sponsor. (Sponsorships can be added to your order within the registration form. If interested in a different option not listed, please contact Don O'Connor at don@mbex.org.)
- $500 - Dinner Sponsor
- $200 - Hors d'ouevres Sponsor
- $200 - Cocktail Sponsor
- $50+ - Door Prize Sponsor
Register today to secure your spot and we'll see you in the Northland!
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What Trump's Second Presidency Could Mean for Construction | |
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With President-elect Donald Trump set to return to the White House, immigration issues are back in the national spotlight, and many in construction are wondering how his policies might impact the industry this time around.
Here’s what a few experts are saying about what could be on the horizon:
Immigration Raids and Labor Supply
If Trump sticks to his “supply-side enforcement” approach, we might see a return to worksite immigration raids, where officials show up intending to arrest undocumented workers. This differs from Biden's approach, which was more focused on whether employers were knowingly hiring undocumented workers.
There’s also talk of a spike in I-9 audits under Trump. During his last year in office, there were around 12,000 of these audits, compared to about 400 in Biden’s last year.
If enough workers are deported, this could lead to serious labor shortages in construction and other immigrant-reliant sectors like hospitality and manufacturing.
Agency Chair Replacements and Deregulations
Trump will likely appoint new chairs to several agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), with Marvin Kaplan and Andrea Lucas, respectively, being likely candidates as the only Republicans on their boards.
However, these new chairs may still find themselves as minority members on their commissions, which could limit their influence. Trump may also push for more industry deregulation, similar to his Executive Order 13771 (made in 2017), which required that two regulations be removed for every new one implemented.
And while he might aim to undo some amendments to laws like the Davis-Bacon Act (which impacts labor wages in construction), these changes can’t be reversed by a president alone—they’d need legislative support.
Slowing Regulatory Activity
The last year has seen quite a few proposed rules from agencies like the NLRB, EEOC, and the Department of Labor, covering issues from overtime pay to noncompete clauses. Not all of these rules passed, but some agencies continue to push them even after court challenges.
Under Trump, the administration may decide to withdraw or stop pursuing some of these appeals, much like the Biden administration worked to reverse or replace rules from Trump’s first term. Some recent regulations, like those under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, might even be pulled back.
Tariffs on Chinese Materials
One of Trump’s big policies was the “America First” approach to trade, which meant more bilateral trade deals and high tariffs on Chinese imports, including construction-critical materials like solar panels, steel, and aluminum.
Trump is now proposing tariffs up to 60% on Chinese goods and revoking China’s “most-favored-nation” trade status. While it’s uncertain if he could impose such sweeping tariffs, they could raise material costs for the construction industry if enacted.
Tax Cuts
During his first term, Trump passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which simplified the corporate tax rate to a flat 21%. While many parts of this tax law expire for individuals in 2025, the corporate tax cuts are set to stay unless Congress acts.
DEI Limitations
DEI policies are likely to come under more scrutiny. Trump previously issued an executive order to restrict certain diversity and inclusion training concepts, which Biden later repealed.
Under a second Trump administration, expect the EEOC to take a narrower view on what’s permitted under DEI initiatives, potentially limiting what organizations can do under federal programs.
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This offers only a quick snapshot of potential impacts on construction with a second Trump term. We'll be staying alert for more updates as policies begin to take shape and share them over the coming months.
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We recommend reading both Construction Dive's '4 employment actions to expect under a second Trump presidency' and Construction Briefing's 'What Trump's victory could mean for U.S. construction' to dive deeper into these predictions and expert insights.
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NEW MEMBERS: Look Who Joined in October | |
Join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member companies of the Exchange who joined throughout the month of October: | |
Districts See Mixed Results for School Referendums | |
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When it came to bond referendums on Election Day 2024, districts had mixed results at polling places as voters approved slightly more than half of the questions for construction projects.
In all, seven of the 13 districts with bond questions for building or maintenance projects won voter approval for at least one question, according to the Minnesota School Boards Association.
Northfield
Voters approved $95.38-million for high school improvements that include a 120,000-square-foot addition, new HVAC systems, "strategic demolition" of existing space, and 168,559-square-feet of building renovations.
Two other questions, also successful, provide $18.725-million for a gymnasium addition, and $6.975-million to upgrade HVAC systems with geothermal technology.
The Northfield district is working with Wold Architects and Knutson Construction on its building plans. Next steps include about 12 - 15 months of planning time with construction bids going out in early 2026.
Fergus Falls
Voters rejected a $48.84-million plan to build and equip a new school for students in Grades 3-5. The new school would have replaced two outdated facilities built in the 1930s.
A $910,000 plan for soccer and baseball fields at the school was contingent on approval of the first question.
Next steps include gathering information about why the questions weren't supported, sharing that data with the school board, and "getting feedback and input from the community on a path forward."
Blue Earth Area
Voters rejected a $66.85-million bond referendum for a new elementary school and a high school addition and renovation.
The district said it needs a new PreK-6 school because portions of the existing building are approaching 100 years old, building systems are old and inefficient, and plumbing is failing. At the existing high school, air handling units are nearing the end of their life and the main entrance needs to be reconfigured to improve security, among other issues.
Next steps include seeking feedback from the community to determine why the ballot question failed and what the path forward should be.
Local Option Sales Taxes
- Chanhassen residents signed off on a half-cent tax to raise $40-million for the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center.
- Richfield voters approved a half-cent local option sales tax to pay for about $80-million of park and rec projects, including a new community center, improved Veterans Park facilities, and a new Wood Lake Nature Center building.
For the entire calendar year, the association noted, voters approved 24 of 41 requests for construction or capital project levies.
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A full list of referendum and local option sales tax results is available on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
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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 event
November 21 - MBEX 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 Now
November 28 & 29 - MBEX Closed - Thanksgiving
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to regular business hours on Monday, December 2.
December 3 - 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 Now
December 4 - 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
December 5 - 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 Now
December 5 - Holiday Party North
As winter blankets the Northland in its snowy splendor, come gather with fellow construction industry professionals for an evening of celebration and camaraderie as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2025. Register Now
December 11 - 2025 Construction Economic Forecast
Designed with commercial construction contractors in mind, Anirban Basu's 60-minute presentation is customized for Construction Executive readers to help them manage and grow their business by focusing on relevant economic indicators, including materials prices, jobs and unemployment reports, construction wages, the most recent ABC Construction Confidence Index and Construction Backlog Indicator reports, and the hottest market sectors and regions. Sign Up
December 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. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Registration Not Yet Open
December 25 & 26 - MBEX Closed - Christmas
MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. Our physical office will be closed on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27 (staff will be working remotely).
December 31 & January 1 - MBEX Closed - New Years
MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1 to celebrate the end of 2024 and welcome the start of 2025. MBEX will return to regular business hours on Thursday, January 2.
SAVE THE DATE: January 15 - MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon
MBEX invites its members to our Annual Meeting and Luncheon, a premier event that brings together our vibrant construction community. This is more than just a meeting; it's an opportunity to be at the forefront of the building industry's latest trends and innovations.
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Hallberg Engineering is searching for an entry-level Commissioning Technician. In this developmental position, the technician learns to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications. The Commissioning Technician is responsible for providing commissioning services related to the project's mechanical systems in all phases of the construction process. They will keep the Commissioning Agent or Department Manager of the assigned projects informed as to ongoing construction issues.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical or Associate Degree in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical design from an accredited technical institute.
- General understanding of all mechanical and electrical systems.
- Must have the ability to utilize computer software, applications, and / or web portals to effectively manage projects.
- Must be able to move about the work area and travel to work-sites as needed or required.
- Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record to travel to project sites.
- Must be capable of managing multiple projects and project teams.
See job description for full listing of preferred qualifications.
Hallberg Engineering offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Life, Medical, and Dental Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Flexible Benefit Package
- Flexible Work Schedule
- Optional Hybrid Schedule
- Paid Time Off
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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SECURITY
⚠️ How Firms Can Protect Themselves Against Mounting Cybercrime
Many construction firms aren't well equipped to protect themselves adequately from cyberattacks. Mitigating the risk requires an organization-wide focus on the worsening problem, backed by a detailed strategy to guard against the risk and respond fast should a breach occur. Here's what construction firm owners and their teams need to know. (Construction Business Owner)
SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
⌚ Wearables Can Monitor Fatigue
More than 42% of U.S. workers are sleep deprived and say they are too tired to function at their job, according to a survey released by the National Safety Council in 2019. By 2020 that number went up to 77%. Technology has a large role to play, and in this case, fatigue monitoring wearables use a range of sensor technology or visual cues to asses a worker's fatigue and impairment levels. (EHS Today)
BUILDING SYSTEMS
🧱 This Brick Material is Revolutionizing the Budgeting & Building Process
MCFR combines the toughness of mineral composites with the flexibility of fiber reinforcement. It delivers enhanced structural integrity while offering benefits like superior fire resistance, better insulation and a reduced environmental impact. These qualities make it ideal for contractors looking for a reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional materials in large-scale builds. (Construction Executive)
INFRASTRUCTURE
🌎 The Year of the Bridge: Will the Trend to Modernize the World's Aging Infrastructure Continue?
It should come as no surprise to the construction industry that 2024 is shaping up to be 'The Year of the Bridge.' Driven by record government investment in bridge and transportation projects, the segment is buoyed by some of the biggest and most expensive bridge builds in human history. North America --- led by the U.S. --- is constructing billion-dollar bridges from coast to coast led by a transportation construction boom. (Construction Briefing)
GOVERNMENT & REGULATIONS
📊 From Taxes to Tariffs, Here's How Trump's Victory Could Affect Businesses
While exact policy details will become more clear over time --- and some may depend heavily on the yet-to-be-determined race to control the House of Representatives --- experts say Trump's first administration and his platform offer some early indications of changes that businesses can expect. (The Business Journals)
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Plans Unveiled for $5B Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility | |
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Read more on Twin Cities Business
DG Fuels announced that it has chosen Moorhead, Minn. for the site of its $5-billion sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) manufacturing facility.
The facility, which expects to start production in 2030, will employ 650 people and produce about 193-million gallons of SAF --- about half of all the fuel consumed at MSP Airport in a given year.
SAF is considered a "low-carbon" transportation fuel, and can be produced from organic materials such as agricultural biomass and used cooking oils. DG Fuels said the Moorhead facility would produce SAF from agricultural and wood waste.
Though the facility is expected to take about four years to construct and won't be online until then, the announcement marks a significant development for business leaders in Minnesota aiming to position the state as a leader in the nascent market for sustainable transportation fuels.
Led by local economic development group Greater MSP Partnership, they're hoping to make Minnesota a "hub" for SAF.
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PICTURED ABOVE: DG Fuel's 3,000-acre site along the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, Louisiana, its first US-based clean energy complex for production of SAF. (Oil & Gas Journal) | |
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Addressing Mental Health & Suicide in Construction
Presented by Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
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DATE: Tuesday, November 19
TIME: 7:00am - 8:30am
LOCATION:
COST: Free
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The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation.
Suicide deeply impacts workers, families and communities. Fortunately, like other workplace fatalities, suicides can be prevented. Everyone in the construction industry has a role to play in suicide prevention.
Join this Construction Seminar's presenter, Ray Stenglein, president and chief executive officer of Your Wings of Hope, for a presentation with time for questions, answers, and input.
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Mechanic's Lien: A Primer
Presented by Bassford Remele
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DATE: Thursday, December 12
TIME: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION: Bassford Remele
(100 South 5th Street, STE 1500, Minneapolis, 55402)
COST: Free | Register by December 2
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This comprehensive seminar with Bassford Remele will cover everything you need to know about the mechanic's lien process from start to finish in Minnesota. This seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of mechanic's liens effectively.
Attendees will learn crucial strategies to preserve their lien rights and efficiently collect payment for work performed or supplies provided when payment is not made.
- 12:00-12:30pm: Registration and Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:30pm: Pre-Lien Considerations
- 1:45pm-2:45pm: Foreclosure of the Lien and Trial Considerations
- 3:00pm-4:00pm: Post-Trial Enforcement and Considerations
- 4:00pm-5:00pm: Happy Hour and Networking
Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor or supplier, this seminar will provide valuable insights to protect your interests and improve your bottom line. For those in the financial services sector, this seminar will delve into the complexities of how mechanic's lien foreclosure proceedings impact financial institutions.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in your industry and optimize your business operations.
Bassford Remele offers complimentary parking and asks those interested to register by Monday, December 2.
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Benefit of the Week: Workers' Comp with The Builders Group (TBG) | |
You don't need to settle for workers' compensation being another profit-draining cost. | |
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When you become a member of The Builders Group (TBG), you're investing in your business and in the industry. You'll have the tools and understanding to reduce risk, manage claims, and get workers back on the job faster.
As a member of TBG, you'll have access to their tailored safety programs and work comp solutions designed for the construction industry.
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Safety Services
TBG has a Safety Services team dedicated to creating customized safety training and implementation plans for its members, along with underwriters and Claims Specialists for work solely with construction-related companies. TBG provides one line of coverage and tailored construction safety training, making them the leaders of their industry.
Claim Services
TBG's proactive approach to claims management delivers personal, compassionate attention --- helping the injured worker get the right care at the right time, returning to work as soon as possible while providing the highest quality of care.
TBG NurseCare Line
TBG's complimentary NurseCare Hotline for their members provides 24 / 7 access to professional medical advice and reporting. This service accurately assesses workplace injuries and ensures the right care level is provided, improving outcomes while reducing workers' compensation injury costs.
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Find out why MBEX Members choose The Builders Group by contacting them today, and make workers' comp work for you: (651) 389-1140 | www.tbgmn.com
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 11/4/2024 - 11/8/2024: 74
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 11/12/2024: 327
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 11/12/2024: 4,034
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 11/6/2024-11/12/2024.
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.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• November 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• November 28 & 29 - Closed for Thanksgiving
• December 3 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• December 4 - Bluebeam 2: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• December 5 - Holiday Party North
• December 11 - CE's 2025 Construction Economic Forecast
• December 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• December 24 & 25 - Closed for Christmas
• December 31 & January 1 - Closed for New Years
• January 15 - Annual Meeting & Luncheon
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Connect with the Builders Exchange: | |
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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, Madison Gentil, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters
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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