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Issue No. 44 β’ Wednesday, October 30, 2024 β’ www.mbex.org | |
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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) REGISTER: Join fellow construction pros and builders for an evening of celebration as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2025 at Holiday Party North.
2.) PLAN: National Apprenticeship Week is November 18-24. Celebrate by attending an Apprenticeship Week event, including a virtual Registered Apprenticeship Panel on November 22.
3.) SUBMIT: AGC of Minnesota's 2024-2025 Construction Industry Assessment Survey closes on November 1st. If you or someone at your company hasn't already, please make your submission by end-of-day Friday.
4.) ORDER: Print or order Minnesota's free, updated mandatory minimum-wage poster (scroll down to Required Posters, then Minimum Wage Rates). Effective January 1, 2025, Minnesota's minimum-wage rate for all employers increases to $11.13 an hour.
5.) DRESS UP: Don't leave your passion for building and construction behind when choosing a Halloween costume π π¬ π¦
"Quality is everyone's responsibility." - W. Edwards Deming
IN BRIEF:
β’ In Session: Learn Bluebeam Revu in December with UChapter2
β’ AIA Index: Firms continue to report a decline in billings in September
β’ Membership: Spread the news about our year-end New Member special
β’ Beige Book: Current economic conditions for the Federal Reserve's Ninth District
β’ The Rise of Smart Cities, Three Key Factors to Watch in the Industry Post-Election, and Wooden Skyscrapers: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
β’ Project of the Week: Big projects on the 2024 ballot throughout Minnesota
β’ Member Benefit: Workers' comp with The Builders Group (TBG)
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Bluebeam Revu Courses in December | |
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Open to both MBEX Members and non-members, these three classes will set you up for success in one of construction's most popular AEC software programs.
With functionality for Design Review, Estimating, Collecting Field Data, and others, Bluebeam is not your average PDF software.
All classes are taught by Troy DeGroot with UChapter2.
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Baseline Basics
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- Tuesday, December 3
- 10:30am-12:30pm
Whether you're opening Bluebeam Revu for the first time or you've used it for years, this class will ensure a higher baseline knowledge. Attendees will learn interface navigation including menu drop-downs, 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 speed and accuracy.
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Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
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- Wednesday, December 4
- 10:30am-12:30pm
With Revu's intuitive measurement tools and customizable interface, turn your highlighters into data rich takeoff tools. Attendees will start out going through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List.
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Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
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- Thursday, December 5
- 10:30am-12:30pm
After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic) course, attendees will move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Did you know you can export to an Excel spreadsheet or even link directly to that Excel template file full of formulas you've been using for years?
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Cost for MBEX Members is $110 per class and non-MBEX Members is $165 per class. | |
September's Architecture Billing Index Update | |
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The Architecture Billings Index for September 2024 shows demand continues to soften, with an ABI score of 45.7 (below 50 indicates a decline).
REGIONS
The Midwest (45.0) and West (42.6) saw the steepest declines, while the South (49.5) held steady. The Northeast landed in the middle at 46.4.
FIRM SPECIALIZATIONS
Billings declined across sectors: multi-family residential (41.7), commercial / industrial (44.2), institutional (48.5), and mixed practice (47.8).
INTEREST RATES & INFLATION
Job growth was particularly strong in construction, where 25,000 new positions were added, including 17,000 nonresidential specialty trade contractors.
Architecture firms, on the flip side, saw a decline by 1,300 positions from July to August.
With inflation easing, the Fed reduced interest rates, potentially sparking demand recovery. It's also being predicted that the Fed will make two additional cuts of 25 basis points each before the end of the year.
PROJECT FOCUS
Over one-third of firms reported rising demand for reconstruction projects like renovations and retrofits, pointing to a focus on rebuilding rather than new builds.
Common upgrades included interior elements (such as flooring / walls / ceilings), lighting, HVAC and mechanical, and building automation / control systems. Exterior replacements or upgrades included roofing, windows, glazing, facades, and cladding.
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Special Offer for New MBEX Members | |
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There's never been a better time to join the Minnesota Builders Exchange!
Sign up as a first-time member now, and you'll receive the rest of 2024 completely free --- plus, all of 2025 at our current membership rate.
This exclusive offer is designed to help you maximize the value of your MBEX membership, giving immediate access to everything we offer, from our Online Plan Room to industry events and valuable networking opportunities.
Why Join?
Joining MBEX means becoming part of a network that's dedicated to supporting and advancing your business. With instant access to our resources and services, you can tap into project leads, bid documents, member discounts, and more --- right from the start.
Who Can Join?
From small firms to industry veterans, MBEX membership offers benefits that cater to every corner of Minnesota's building and construction industry.
Take advantage of this limited-time offer to kick off your membership with unbeatable value. Join us before the end of the year and get your first months on us, all at our 2024 membership rate!
Already a Member?
Help us grow our community by sharing this special offer with other general contractors, trade contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers who would benefit from joining the Exchange.
Download our flyer to send or have them visit www.mbex.org/join-now.
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Ninth District Economic Snapshot - October 2024 | |
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Economic activity in the Ninth District dropped a bit since the last Beige Book report.
Jobs grew slightly, though demand for new hires is cooling off. Prices ticked up modestly, and wage growth stayed steady. Manufacturing took a moderate hit, and construction dipped. Sectors like consumer spending, energy, and agriculture held steady, while residential real estate was quiet and commercial real estate saw a slight uptick. Results were mixed for minority- and women-owned businesses.
NOTE: Below are captures of information from the October Beige Book report related to the construction sector. Find the full economic report below. Information from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis begins on page 36.
WORKER EXPERIENCE
Delays in construction projects have made it tough for electricians to find steady work.
CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE
Construction slowed, though big projects like data centers and infrastructure kept it from dropping more. Some in the industry are feeling pressure on margins with fewer opportunities. The recent rate cut may encourage some delayed projects to restart, but the upcoming election has others in "wait and see" mode. Permits for single-family homes grew across much of the District, except in the Twin Cities, which saw a notable drop.
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing saw a moderate drop, with more companies reporting lower orders than those seeing increases. However, most expect sales to rise in the coming month. Manufacturing activity contracted in Minnesota and South Dakota in September, while it rose in North Dakota.
MINORITY- AND WOMEN-OWNED ENTERPRISES
These businesses showed mixed results, with half reporting lower profits and few seeing increased hiring demand. Most expect stable or improving sales, though less than half are paying more for labor and materials compared to the previous month.
The Beige Book is a Federal Reserve System publication about current economic conditions across the 12 Federal Reserve Districts, intending to characterize the change in economic conditions since the last report. Reports are published eight times a year.
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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 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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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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BUILDING INNOVATIONS
π§ Smart Cities on the Horizon: What's Next for Real Estate and Construction?
The rise of smart cities is transforming the construction industry, prompting a shift from traditional building methods to more collaborative, data-driven approaches. Construction firms are increasingly tasked with integrating technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT-enabled devices, and wireless infrastructure such as 5G and Wi-Fi 6 to support the interconnected nature of smart cities. (Forbes)
INDUSTRY FORECASTING
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3 Key Factors Affecting the Construction Industry Post-Election
Even with my [Dennis Howard] nearly 30 years in this industry, it's difficult to put together a concrete picture of what's to come. Certainly, the last three years of "unprecedented times" have reinforced that. However, what I can do is share a brief review of recent conversations from jobsites to help identify some of the most important things to watch for. Consider the following three factors affecting the industry in the coming post-election months. (For Construction Pros)
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
πͺ΅ Sustainable Building Effort Reaches New Heights with Wooden Skyscrapers
Mass timber is an appealing alternative to energy-intensive concrete and steel, which together account for almost 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Though experts are still debating mass timber's role in fighting climate change, many are betting it's better for the environment than current approaches to construction. It relies on wood, a renewable resource. (Knowable Magazine)
CONTECH
π Technology, Cybersecurity, and the Threat to National Security
Countries across the globe, including right here in the U.S., are seeing a need for increased infrastructure investment due to a growing population and demand for technology-related facilities --- and the lack of a highly-skilled workforce is leading to project delays and cancellations, major cost overruns, rework, and quality and safety concerns. (Construction Executive)
SURVEYING + DRONES
π· Q & A: How Drones are Transforming Processes in the Construction Sector
In brief, drones are used mostly for their ability to provide unprecedented access and monitoring capabilities on an active jobsite. But they're capable of providing more. Matthew Swinney, head of image sensing solutions at Sony Europe, shares his views on the current role of drones in the construction sector and the developments the industry might see in the future. (Construction Briefing)
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Voters Get Say on Big Projects in Chanhassen, Other Cities | |
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Read more about this project on Finance & Commerce
Minnesota communities are heading to the polls on November 5th to decide on local sales tax measures that would fund a range of community projects, from public safety facilities to recreational centers.
One of the largest projects is the proposed $79.7-million, 300,000-square-foot Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center, which would feature a walking track, two sheets of ice, a 3,500-seat arena / multi-purpose venue, a field house with courts and turf, an indoor playground, dance studio, fitness studio, community room spaces and a restaurant.
The city is working with BKV Group and Kraus-Anderson on design and construction planning.
If voters approve a half-cent sales tax increase, it would generate $40-million toward this facility, with the rest coming from property taxes, naming rights, and other sources.
Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center isn't the only project riding on voter support on November 5th:
WINDOM
Seeking a local sales tax increase for a $5-million plan to mitigate flooding.
STEARNS COUNTY
Seeking a local sales tax increase for a proposed $325-million justice center.
ROSEVILLE
- Seeking $64-million for a new Public Works and Parks Facility.
- Also seeking $12.7-million for a License and Passport Center.
RICHFIELD
Voters will decide on an $80-million plan that includes:
- $45-million for a community center;
- $26-million for a Woodlake Nature Center facility; and
- $9-million for pool improvements at Veterans Park.
FAIRMONT
Voters will consider a local option sales tax to raise $20-million for construction of a new ice arena connected to a future community center.
- The community center and ice arena could be built as one project with funding from two different sales tax sources, and the combined cost, including all funding sources, is about $50-million.
RICE COUNTY
A 0.375% sales tax to pay for a $48-million, 83,000-square-foot public safety center will be on the ballot.
- This project would include a 76-bed jail, the county's Emergency Operations Center, offices, and more.
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WINONA COUNTY
A local sales tax will be on the ballot to pay for a new $28-million detention center.
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ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering of the proposed Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center at the intersection of Highway 212 and Powers Boulevard in Chanhassen. (BKV Group) | |
Building Better Construction Contracts: Crafting Effective Arbitration Clauses | Presented by Construction Executive Webinar Series | |
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DATE: Wednesday, October 30
TIME: 2:00pm CT | 3:00pm ET
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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With disputes being an almost inevitable aspect of large-scale construction projects, construction professionals need to be equipped with the tools to address potential conflicts early and efficiently, while minimizing disruptions to project timelines and budgets.
By attending this webinar, youβll learn:
- Best practices for implementing ADR processes tailored to construction disputes;
- How to use industry-standard forms, documents such as AIA and ConsensusDocs, and how to modify these documents or create custom ADR clauses to better align with the specific needs and challenges of their projects;
- How to control costs with fixed time and cost rules to build in safeguards for controlling expenses and keeping projects on track;
- Critical aspects of ADR, including selecting the locale of proceedings, setting appropriate time limits, determining the number and qualifications of neutrals, and addressing limitations on discovery;
- The risks and benefits of specific contract provisions, such as the delegation of arbitrability decisions to arbitrators and the potential pitfalls associated with carve-out clauses that may limit the effectiveness of the ADR process;
- Advanced topics like joinder and consolidation of parties in multi-party disputes, the form of arbitral awards and the emerging trend of private appellate review for added layers of dispute-resolution oversight; and
- How technology, like AI tools, can further optimize the management of disputes, offering faster analysis and enhanced decision-making capabilities throughout the ADR process.
This webinar is designed to provide construction professionals across all sectors with a deep understanding of alternative dispute-resolution provisions within construction contracts and to be prepared to handle the complexities of ADR in the context of construction disputes, ensuring that both time and cost considerations are effectively managed.
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Prevailing Wage Essentials
Presented by Construction Executive Webinar Series
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DATE: Wednesday, November 6
TIME: 1:00pm CST | 2:00pm EST
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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Prevailing wage in construction is complicated due to variations in wage rates across different regions and the diverse scope of construction projects.
Understanding prevailing wage is crucial because it ensures fair compensation for workers, maintains a level playing field among contractors and promotes the quality and safety standards essential for the construction industry's integrity and sustainability.
In this webinar, you'll learn:
- The definition of prevailing wage and what the Davis-Bacon Act entails;
- How to accurately determine prevailing wage rates; and
- Common challenges and strategies to mitigate compliance risks.
With the right resources and software, emerge equipped with the knowledge to ensure your construction projects adhere to prevailing wage requirements, fostering a culture of compliance and excellence in your organization.
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Benefit of the Week: Workers' Comp with The Builders Group (TBG) | |
Representing over 650 construction companies in Minnesota and insuring nearly 35,000 Minnesota construction workers, The Builders Group provides access to affordable, high-quality workers' comp tailed to their specific needs. | |
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They have a partner who fully understands their risks and is committed to helping them lower costs, create safer workplaces and take better care of their workers.
As a member of TBG, you'll have access to their tailored safety programs and work comp solutions designed for the construction industry, including:
- Safety Services Association
- Claim Services
- 24 / 7 NurseCare Hotline
- Pay-As-You-Go Premiums
- Cross Border Coverage
- USL&H
- Safety Services Training Center
- TBG Board Room & Classrooms
When you become a member of TBG, you're investing in your business and the industry. You'll have the tools and understanding to reduce risks, manage claims, and get workers back on the job faster.
Contact TBG 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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β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 10/21/2024 - 10/25/2024: 90
β’ Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 10/29/2024: 329
β’ Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/29/2024: 3,875
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 10/23/2024-10/29/2024.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
ο»ΏNotice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTSο»Ώο»Ώ
β’ November 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ November 28 & 29 - Closed for Thanksgiving
β’ December 3 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
β’ December 4 - Bluebeam 2: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
β’ December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
β’ December 5 - Holiday Party North
β’ December 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ December 24 & 25 - Closed for Christmas
β’ December 31 & January 1 - Closed for New Years
β’ 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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