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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) Sign up for the MBEX Member Appreciation BBQ on June 5. Each member company receives 2 complimentary tickets and additional can be purchased online for $20 each.
2.) While you're at it, sign up a foursome to hit the greens on June 18 for MBEX's annual Twin Cities Golf Tournament. (If you can't find 4 players, sign up as a single golfer or as a pair --- we'll take care of setting you up with a full team.)
3.) Catch up on the latest regarding the proposed underground utility bill being considered by state lawmakers; its made the cut in the final transportation policy conference committee report.
4.) Brush up that professional know-how with the Owner's Guide to Project Delivery Methods. Published by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), this great resource is for owners facing the choice of delivery methods for their projects, and for the construction / program managers whose role it is to advise owners as well as manage the design and construction process utilizing the most appropriate method.
5.) When arch enemies meet.
The new hire really nailed his first day on the job; he forgot his hammer.
IN BRIEF:
• Scholarship Reminder: Accepting applications through May 31
• Job Openings: Volatility is the name of the game in March
• By the Numbers: A look back at MBEX 's April
• Professional Development: Recapping the Construction Teachers Conference
• Expanding Prevailing Wage Mandates, Opioids in Construction & Wall Building with Autonomous Excavators: Five construction-related headlines to know now
• Project of the Week: Planned expansion for an assisted-living facility in Minnetonka
• Member Benefit: Fuel discounts (and more) with KwikTrip
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2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship | |
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Together with our partner, The Builders Group Education Foundation, we want to award multiple scholarships ranging from $500 up to potentially $5,000 to future carpenters, electricians, HVAC specialists, masons, tilers, elevator technicians, plumbers, utility workers, and all specialized trade workers, as well as future construction managers, construction engineers, estimators and construction administrators.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants for the 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship 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 a four-year university.
• Entering the Fall 2024 semester as a freshman, sophomore, or junior. Applicants completing their degree beyond the traditional four years may also be eligible.
• Studying at said accredited post-secondary institution within Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.
• Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Possess a strong passion for the construction and building industry.
• In agreeance to attend a minimum of ONE MBEX-sponsored event within the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025 semesters. For applicants awarded a scholarship who live outside of Minnesota, further discussion will be had with MBEX.
Previous scholarship recipients are more than welcome to reapply if they meet the scholarship eligibility criteria and are not entering their final semester of study.
DEADLINE
Applications are due by May 31, 2024 (no exceptions!). All applicants will be notified of results in early July.
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm on May 31, 2024, along with all supporting documents requested within the application in order to be considered. Submitting an incomplete application will disqualify an applicant from consideration.
HOW TO APPLY
Our online application portal is now open and accepting applications for the 2024-2025 scholarship. Begin your application here or click the button below.
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March Construction Job Openings Show Volatility | |
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The construction industry had 274,000 job openings on the last day of March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS.
JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting.
Industry job openings decreased by 182,000 last month and are down by 17,000 from the same time last year.
"While there are many headwinds facing the industry, including the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates, this dismal number likely reflects a statistical aberration rather than a legitimate decline in demands," said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. "We know that the construction industry added jobs at a rapid pace in March, and both backlog and contractor confidence improved for the month, according to ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index, respectively."
With construction job openings plunging in March, it marks the lowest level seen since October 2020.
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BY THE NUMBERS: MBEX April recap | |
At the start of each new month, we like looking back at the past 30 days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership goals. Numbers reflect the time period of April 1-30, 2024. | |
Total # of Projects Added (2024) | |
Total # of Projects Added (2023) | |
Total # of Projects in 2024 (YTD) | |
New Member Companies Joined | | |
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No. of Bidders Added to Bidders Lists (Members & Non-Members) | |
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Total Visitors on
Project 2024-065B
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Total Unique Visitors
on Project 2024-065B
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Project Name:
City of Becker - 2023 City Hall and Police Station - Addition and Renovation - 232055
Bid Date: May 9, 2024 at 2:00pm
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RECAP: High School Construction Teachers Conference | |
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More than 20 Minnesota high school construction teachers gathered last week for a two-day professional development conference that featured information on construction careers, a construction site tour, sharing of curriculum and tips for growing their construction programs.
Hosted at The Builders Group (TBG) in Eagan, the conference was presented by Project Build Minnesota (PBM), the nonprofit organization of which MBEX is a founding member that strives to attract Minnesota’s hard-working youth and young adults to construction industry careers.
Timothy O’Neill of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and who also spoke at MBEX's Spring Social, shared insightful data with the teachers, including the high rate of hourly pay in construction (without major educational barriers to entry) and the ability to see a career path within the construction industry.
The conference also focused on efforts by PBM to develop work-based learning programs with schools that will allow 16- and 17-year-olds on construction job sites under appropriate supervision. MBEX member Carl Bolander and Sons was the primary sponsor of the conference and former MEBX Board Director Andy Ristrom now sits on the PBM Board of Directors along with MBEX Executive Director David Siegel. (David is also a past president of PBM.)
Along with its support of PBM, MBEX is also working actively to address the construction industry’s labor shortage through our annual scholarship program and we're currently accepting applications for 2024-2025. Please help spread the word as the deadline for submission is May 31.
Further scholarship information, eligibility rules, and the online application can be found here.
For more information about Project Build Minnesota and to learn how to become involved, please visit their website: www.projectbuildmn.org.
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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
May 14 - MN Construction Crew's 10th Annual Construction Career Hiring Event
Presented by Construct Tomorrow, this in-person event is an opportunity providing contractors a chance to meet / interview individuals that are looking for employment. Learn More
May 16 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and bidders lists, this free, one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. There will be time at the end for questions and answers. Register Here
May 21 - Crane Safety
Join Minnesota OSHA Compliance's next free construction seminar in-person or online to learn what the general contractor's roles and responsibilities are when there's a crane on site and what is required for lift plans, inspection records, operator's qualifications, training, renting, and more. Plus, learn what ASME 30.5 covers and requires. Sign Up Here
May 27 - Memorial Day
MBEX will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. Please plan any office visits and plan/spec/addenda orders accordingly.
May 31 - Deadline for 2024-2025 MBEX Construction Scholarship Applications
Qualifying students pursuing a construction-related degree at an accredited post-secondary institution in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are highly encouraged to apply for this financial opportunity. See Eligibility Rules | Apply Here
June 4 - 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
June 5 - 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
June 5 - MBEX Member Appreciation BBQ
Let MBEX treat you to lunch as a thank you for your continued membership and support! Join us for a casual afternoon of Famous Dave's barbecue, cold beverages, a handful of door prizes, and great company and networking. Each member company receives 2 complimentary tickets. Register Here
June 6 - 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
June 12 - WEBINAR: Deep Dive into Construction Work in Progress
Work in progress (WIP) is key to construction job costing, allowing contractors to proactively manage their jobs and businesses. By leveraging WIP reports, contractors can set their projects and businesses up for success. Presented by Construction Executive. Register Here
June 18 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
Join MBEX out on the greens not just to golf, but to also meet and mingle with fellow members and industry professionals. Register Here
June 26 - MBEX POWER: Women, Money & Happiness
Led by Nicole Middendorf, this fun and empowering workshop will leave attendees with actionable steps to kickstart one's journey towards financial happiness, all while uncovering the intriguing secrets of how men and women approach money. Registration opening May 15
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LEGISLATURE 2024
✔️ House OKs Bill That Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements
House File 5242, approved by a 69 to 60 vote on the House floor late on the evening of May 1st, allocates nearly $79-million in trunk highway funds to a variety of transportation projects, much of which would go to "high-priority" bridges ($40-million) and facilities improvements ($20.1-million). But union leaders and contractor representatives are paying particular attention to the bill's labor provisions, including language that would expand prevailing wage mandates to certain multi-family housing projects receiving Low-Income House Tax Credits (LIHTC) or Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Specifically, the wage requirements would apply to multi-family projects with 10 or more units funded in part with LIHTC --- a key tool for financing affordable housing --- and TIF-supported multi-family developments of 25 or more units. (Finance & Commerce)
HEALTH + WELL-BEING
💊 Opioids in Construction: How Home-Based Drug Deactivation & Disposal Saves Lives
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your workers and their families from addiction or the misuse of prescription drugs is to assist them in destroying unused medications that remain in their homes. According to the CDC, nearly 92% of all post-surgical opioid prescriptions go unused and remain available in a home for misuse, abuse or even diversion from someone who was not originally prescribed the medication. (For Construction Pros)
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
🦾 Autonomous Excavator Builds Stone Retaining Wall
Researchers at RTH Zurich have trained a modified excavator to build a 215-foot-long stone retaining wall in Switzerland. The 12-ton Menzi Muck M545, known as HEAP, or "hydraulic excavator for autonomous purpose," was equipped with satellite navigation, inertial measurement, joint angle sensors and multiple cabin- and arm-mounted LiDAR sensors and cameras to map the site and scan the building materials. (Equipment World)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
📋 Top 10 Trends in Affordable Housing
Affordable housing has historically had challenges ranging from financing to public perception, but among affordable housing developers today, there's one commonality tying projects together: uncertainty. Architecture, engineering, and construction firms share their latest insights and philosophies on the future of affordable housing. Here are the top 10 trends in the affordable housing sector. (Building Design + Construction)
CONSTRUCTION LAW
🕵️ The Unauthorized Use of Architect Drawings or Plans - Is It Theft?
Recently, the California Court of Appeals in Simmons v. Ehm Architecture (No. D080702, 2023 WL 8888228) held that an owner giving his architect's plans to another architect without the first architect's consent for the new architect to complete the project constituted theft. This alert addresses architectural copyrights generally, and the potential impact the decision in Simmons may have on owner-architect agreements, especially for those who may use the American Institute of Architects (AIA) B101-2017, the standard form agreement between owners and design professionals for building design and construction administration services. (J D Supra)
🦺 PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Minnetonka Assisted-Living Facility Plans 81-Unit Expansion
Stonecrest Living, the Minnetonka-based operator behind The Landings of Minnetonka, is proposing to expand its existing facility with a 4-story, 81-unit addition. Stonecrest presented a sketch plan to the city's Planning Commission this first week of May. Units in the new addition would include studios and one-bedroom units, according to the concept plan. The building addition would replace an existing 5-stall garage on the property. (Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal)
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The operator of The Landings of Minnetonka is proposing an 81-unit expansion, which can be
seen on the right side of this rendering. (Image: MJStudio Architects via City of Minnetonka)
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Change Orders Focus Seminar
Presented by MnDOT / DBE Academy
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DATE: Thursday, May 9
TIME: 8:30am-10:30am
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free!
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Sometimes things come up on a project that were unexpected.
Learn about the necessary paperwork to get paid for the work that wasn't part of the original contract. The topic will be covered from the subcontractor's perspective as well as the prime contractors' perspective.
Questions about this seminar should be directed to srice@imoconsultinggroup.com.
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Diverse Trade Partner Expo
Presented by Ryan Companies
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DATE: Tuesday, May 14
TIME: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION: Ryan Companies
(533 South 3rd Street, Minneapolis, 55415)
COST: Free!
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The Expo is for Minority, Women, Veteran and Disadvantaged Business trade partners and suppliers. Come learn more about Ryan and upcoming Ryan projects and to connect with estimators, sector leaders, and project managers.
2:00pm - Networking
2:20pm - Ryan Update for 2024: Market Overview & Upcoming Ryan Projects
2:50pm - Meet & Greet with Industrial, Multi-Family, Retail, Healthcare, Tenant Improvement, and Life Sciences Estimators, Sector Leaders and Project Managers
3:50pm - Raffle
Ryan Companies, US Inc., is a Union General Contractor. Whether you are signatory to a Union or not, you're invited to come and discuss future possibilities.
Questions should be directed to Cheryl Schmitt: (612) 492-4381 or cheryl.schmitt@ryancompanies.com.
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Regional Economic Conditions: Construction Sector Outlook
Presented by Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
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DATE: Tuesday, May 21
TIME: 9:00am-9:30am
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free!
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How are current conditions in the construction sector? How are interest rates affecting construction activity? What's the outlook for the spring and summer building season across the Ninth District?
Join Regional Outreach Director Ron Wirtz for a live webinar discussing the results from an April survey of activity levels, challenges, overall conditions, and outlook in the construction sector.
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Benefit of the Week: KwikTrip Fuel Discount Program | |
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MBEX Members can save 7-cents per gallon of gasoline and diesel at KwikTrip and KwikStar locations through KwikTrip's fuel discount program.
Additional discounts and features include:
• 10% off most in-store purchases, including car washes and auto supplies;
• Access to KwikTrip programs, such as Data Tracker, Extended Fleet and its Business Plus Mastercard;
• Customized security and restrictions;
• Ability to track all transactions;
• Detailed expense reporting;
• Online account management; and
• Much more!
Ready to get started? Contact Tanner Benson with questions or to apply (do not apply online): tbenson@kwiktrip.com or (608) 793-4826.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 4/29/2024 - 5/3/2024: 93
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 4/29/2024 - 5/3/2024: 21
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 5/7/2024: 422
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 5/7/2024: 1,846
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 5/1/2024-5/7/2024.
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
• May 14 - MN Construction Crew's 10th Annual Construction Career Hiring Event
• May 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 21 - Crane Safety [MNOSHA Construction Seminar]
• May 27 - MBEX Closed (Memorial Day)
• May 31 - Deadline for 2024-2025 MBEX Scholarship Applications
• June 4 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• June 5 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• June 5 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 6 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• June 12 - Deep Dive into Construction Work in Progress [Webinar]
• June 18 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
• June 26 - MBEX POWER: Women, Money and Happiness
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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, American Engineering Testing; 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; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Branch Manager; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Janet Margheim, 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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