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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) We hosted our annual Twin Cities Golf Tournament this past Tuesday (June 18), meaning this week's Bulletin is arriving in your inbox a day later than usual. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and look for the event recap in next week's issue.
2.) Our next issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline, sent exclusively to all MBEX members with Premium Access services, will be a double issue hitting inboxes mid-July.
3.) AGC-MN's 2024 Legislative Session Summary, a comprehensive overview for the Minnesota construction industry, is now available online; check it out to see the full scope of policy changes and new laws passed this year.
4.) Home services management company Angi released its Skilled Trades in America Report, and it found that 90% of persons working in trade occupations are satisfied with their careers, at a time of growing concern over the prospect of job loss to AI platforms in other occupations.
5.) Don't be THAT crew member.
Accidents in golf happen; they're called good shots.
IN BRIEF:
• Next Week: Money matters over coffee with Nicole Middendorf
• Updates: Construction code and licensing updates
• Tips & Tricks: Different viewing options for project plans inside the Plan Room
• Pricing: Input prices drop for the first time in 2024
• Predicting Project Costs, a Big Funding Gap Between Academic and Other Post-Secondary Programs & the Most Sustainable Olympics Ever: Five construction-related headlines to know now
• Project of the Week: Blue Earth School Board decides to put new $67M PreK-6 building on the ballot
• NPP Member Benefit: Save on summer vacation plans with Priceline
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NEXT WEDNESDAY - JUNE 26:
Women, Money & Happiness with MBEX POWER
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If you're a woman in construction or an ally of women in construction, this is for *YOU*.
Imagine a morning filled with inspiration, practical insights, and the opportunity to connect with fellow powerful women from throughout the construction industry. On June 26, the MBEX POWER series presented its next workshop, Women, Money & Happiness, and it's the event you've been waiting for.
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Why This Workshop?
🔮 A Transformative Speaker
Be inspired by Nicole Middendorf, CEO and founder of Propserwell Financial (right); she knows where you are and where you want to go in your financial journey.
📝 Practical Financial Advice
Gain tools to manage your money confidently and make decisions that pave the way for success.
🧱 Build Your Network
Meet other ambitious women, share experiences, and build lasting relationships that support your growth.
💡 Exclusive Takeaways
Walk away with resources and strategies to help in achieving your financial happiness and career satisfaction.
We know you're passionate about your career and your future, and this workshop is meant to equip you with everything needed to take that next big step.
• DATE: Wednesday. June 26
• TIME: 7:30am - Check In & Breakfast, 8:00am - Presentation with Nicole, 8:45am - Audience Q & A, 9:00am - Workshop ends & continued networking
• LOCATION: The Coven - A vibrant woman-owned co-working workspace
You're just one click away from transforming your future. Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself and connect with a community of like-minded women.
See you there!
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2024 Construction Codes and Licensing Updates | |
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Below is a brief overview of some of the 2024 legislative session laws related to the Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD):
Elevator Constructor Continuing Education Changes
Effective August 1, 2024, the requirement for the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC) or International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) approvals for online elevator constructors continuing education courses is eliminated.
This change will allow the elevator industry to submit educational programs that are commonly recognized in other states to DLI for review and approval. This change should result in more opportunities for elevator constructors to fulfill their continuing education requirements to renew their licenses or registrations.
Plumbing Plan Review for Well Designs
The design and installation of wells is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health. However, the design of the water service pipe to the building is regulated by the Minnesota Plumbing Code.
Prior to the new legislation, now in effect, a well license allowed an individual to design piping from the well to the building, but the Department of Labor and Industry could not accept it as a valid license for plumbing plan review due to language in the statute.
The new legislation allows a plan designed and signed by a licensed well contractor (well license Type A) to be submitted and approved by the Department of Labor and Industry Plumbing Plan Review unit.
Apartments Over Three Stories with Single Exit Stairways
The state legislature requires that DLI study what safety measures will be required to result in apartment buildings with single exit stairways to be equivalent in occupant life safety to other types of housing in Minnesota when the subject apartment buildings are up to 75-feet-tall.
The legislation requires an extensive list of stakeholder groups to be included in the development of the study. DLI will issue a request for proposal to contract the services of a fire life-safety engineering firm to lead the study and prepare the report. The final report is due to the state legislature in December 2025.
See more CCLD updates and more in the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Summer 2024 issue of the CCLD Review.
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TIPS & TRICKS: Viewing and Downloading Project Plans | |
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The MBEX Online Plan Room allows members multiple options for viewing and downloading project plans.
When viewing a project, you'll see six red tabs across the top: Details, Bidders, Plans, Specs, Addenda & Memos, and Notes. To view the available plans for the project, click on the 'Plans' tab. (Note: if the number zero is reflected behind the word 'Plans,' that means none are currently available to view.)
Each plan is separated and grouped by trade section and is labeled with its name and index number along with the size of the blueprint. To the left of each blueprint are five different icons; each one provides a different way to view or download the document.
Starting from left to right:
1.) Red Button with a Toolbox icon - Toolbox Viewer
Clicking on this icon will open the desired plan sheet in a new browser window. This software offers the ability to put together a bid quickly and accurately with takeoff / estimating software.
2.) Orange Button with a P icon - IVS Pro Viewer
The IVS Pro Viewer program must be installed before plans will open in the program. (IVS stands for IPIN Viewing System.) A free download of IVS Pro Viewer is available here.
3.) Yellow Button with a Triangle icon - Direct Link to PDF Viewer
Clicking on this button will open the plan file as a PDF in a new browser window. From that window, you can save or download the document.
4.) Green Button with a Rectangle icon - Direct Link to TIFF File
This option allows the user to view selected plans as a TIFF image. Clicking on this icon automatically downloads the file(s) to your device. TIFF, or Tagged Image Format File, is a digitized version of a project's physical plans, allowing for quick takeoffs and estimations in your program of choice.
5.) Blue Button with a Target Scope icon - OnCenter
OnCenter is yet another estimating / takeoff software option, but to utilize it inside the MBEX Online Plan Room, you must have a version of the software already downloaded. A free limited and light version of the electronic plan viewer can be downloaded here.
Plan room users can also choose which of these five options are visible whenever viewing a project's plans. To remove one or more of the options, click on the blue button with a gear inside to the left of the plan listing. A window will pop-up titled "Choose which viewers are visible." Check or uncheck the options you want.
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Construction Input Prices Drop for First Time in 2024 | |
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Construction input prices decreased 0.9% in May due to declines in energy prices and broader slowing inflation, according to an Associated Builders and Contractor's analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on June 13th.
The drop marks the first decrease in input prices in 2024. However, both overall and nonresidential construction costs remain 2.1% and 2.2% higher, respectively, than a year ago, according to the report.
The biggest drop came from diesel prices, which fell 20% in May. On the other hand, steel mill products, copper wire and cable showed moderate price increases.
Prices dropped in two of the three energy subcategories last month. For example, crude petroleum prices tumbled 8.7% in May, while unprocessed energy materials decreased 6.6%. Natural gas prices moved 1.7% higher.
Anirban Basu, chief economist for ABC, said falling materials prices and potential lower interest rates are welcome development for the construction industry, especially as optimism around profit margins has reached its lowest level in seven months.
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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
June 20 - 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
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. Register Here
July 4 & 5 - Independence Day
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, in observance of the holiday.
July 17 - Duluth Harbor Cruise on the Sundew
Join MBEX for an evening of fun and comradery aboard the Sundew, a retired Coast Guard Cutter. Space is limited to the first 150 people who register. Members, spouses, co-workers and families are welcome to attend (children must be ages 12 and up). Register Here
July 18 - 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. Not yet open for registration
** August 7 - St Paul Saints Game with AGC
Join MBEX and the Association of General Contractors Leadership Blueprint Alumni for an afternoon of Minnesota Twins AAA baseball when the St Paul Saints take on the Columbus Clippers at CHS Field. Register Here
August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
Aim, pull, and shoot to raise fund for the MBEX Scholarship Fund at this year's annual outdoor event with MBEX at Game Unlimited. Shooter packages include the clay shoot, a post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes. Teams may have a maximum of six shooters. Register Here
August 21 - Golf North
Come and socialize with fellow MBEX members and industry professionals out on the greens of Ridgeview County Club in Duluth. 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
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CONSTRUCTION COSTS
📊 Predicting Project Costs in a Volatile Market
There are many factors that affect escalation in the construction world which include inflation, supply chain, and labor shortages. Predicting costs eliminates potential cost escalation and avoids stress throughout projects. There are several reputable industry cost indexes, such as Turner, Consumer Price Index, and CBRE, that measure the construction market to help predict construction escalation. (Building Design + Construction)
LABOR & WORKFORCE
💵 AGC Report Sees Big Funding Gap Between Academic & Other Post-Secondary Programs
As construction contractors continue to grapple with a persistent shortage of skilled workers, a new report is recommending that the federal government step up its funding for workforce training programs. The report, produced by the Associated General Contractors of America, think tank Progressive Policy Institute, and construction software provider Procore, was released on June 13th. The report says there is a wide gap between federal spending on post-secondary aid for college and other degree programs and federal spending on workforce training and development for construction and other non-academic fields. (Engineering News-Record)
URBAN TRANSFORMATION
🗼 Paris Aims to Host the Most Sustainable Olympics Ever
Hosting the Olympics in the past has typically brought big spending on new venues. But 95% of Paris 2024 will be hosted in existing buildings or temporary infrastructure. The Stade de France, which was originally built for the 1998 football World Cup, will host most events. Only one new competition venue, the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, is being built for the 2024 Olympic Games. It is solar-powered, uses natural bio-based building materials and is fitted out with recycled materials. The Athletes' Village will also generate energy from sources like geothermal and solar power. (World Economic Forum)
SUSTAINABILITY
📨 Carbon Emission Concerns Changing Delivery Requirements for Projects
Here's a fact that may be surprising: the construction or renovation of buildings accounts for approximately 39% of the total global energy-related carbon emissions each year. Embodied carbon contributes another 11%. Construction guidelines are evolving, and contractors are increasingly required to use concrete, steel, glass, and asphalt materials with lower carbon footprints than the industry average. The federal government continues to create programs that either incentivize or mandate the use of lower carbon. To remain competitive, contractors are advised to prepare for how construction is changing now. (For Construction Pros)
CURRENTLY IN WISCONSIN
🪧 Equipment Operators on Strike at Wisconsin Construction Sites
Hundreds of heavy equipment operators in Wisconsin have been on strike since June 1st, affecting construction sites in the southeastern part of the state. Members of the Local 139 of the International Union of Operating Engineers called the strike after they rejected a new contract offer and subsequent counteroffer. The union is seeking higher wages, citing rising inflation. The strike follows the May 31st expiration of the Area I Master Building Agreement. (Equipment World)
🦺 PROJECT OF THE WEEK
New Blue Earth Area Building to be on Ballot
The Blue Earth Area School Board made a big decision during their meeting on June 10th, which will lead to having the question of whether to build a new PreK-6 building on the ballot of the November 6th General Election. The ballot question will read: "Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 2860 (Blue Earth Area Schools) to be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $66,845,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including he construction and equipping of a new PreK-6 elementary school facility and additional gymnasium; construction of additions, renovations, and improvements to the existing high school site and facility; and the decommissioning of the existing elementary / middle school facility." Besides the new school, it also include several other major projects at the high school and about $1.5-million for the demolition of the current school. (Faribault County Register)
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The Blue Earth Area School Board OK'ed putting nearly $67M for
projects on the November 6th ballot to be voted on by residents.
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Building Smarter: Leveraging Generative AI for Enhanced Contractor Efficiency | Presented by Marcum Accountants & Advisors | |
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DATE: Thursday, June 20
TIME: 12:00pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event via Zoom
COST: Free!
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Join Marcum for a webinar crafted exclusively for construction contractors looking to enhance operational efficiency and elevate their business success.
Embark on an enlightening journey into the transformative world of Generative AI, with a spotlight on its profound impact across construction, business and more.
Get the necessary guidance and confidence to navigate the complex decisions surrounding ESOPs and private equity. Ensure the lasting success of your company by exploring how to create a meaningful and beneficial ownership transition.
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Proposed FHWA and FTA DBE Goals - Public Hearing
Presented by MnDOT
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DATE: Monday, June 24
TIME: 1:30pm-2:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event via Zoom
CONTACT: Sean Skibbie
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MnDOT invites public comment on the proposed statewide goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation in highway and transit contracts for federal fiscal years 2025-2027.
A public hearing is scheduled to discuss the goals and methodology and receive public comment.
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2024 Mid-Year Construction Economic Update & Forecast
Presented by Construction Executive
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DATE: Wednesday, July 10
TIME: 1:00pm-2:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free!
SPEAKER: Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors
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Anirban Basu returns for a review of the first half of 2024 and a look toward 2025 and beyond. As always, he will offer insights on challenges facing the industry, sharing data and insights on labor expenses, materials pricing, market-sector growth and construction spending, as well as the latest on inflation and continuing potential for recession.
This will be a 60-minute presentation, followed by 30-minutes of live Q & A. Questions may be submitted in advance when registering for this webinar.
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Benefit of the Week: Priceline Partner Network | |
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It's time for summer vacation...or maybe it's summer work. Either way, MBEX Members can get special travel discounts on hotels from Priceline at mynpp.com.
Enjoy special pricing from Priceline Partner Network throughout the year, but summer is one of the best times to get away. Find the perfect spot to enjoy the weather and save some money while you're at it. Package your hotel, rental car and flight for savings of up to 25% off Priceline "On Sales" hotels.
Don't need a flight? No problem! Book multiple hotels and any hotel / rental car combinations to achieve this exclusive NPP discount.
If you're already a member of National Purchasing Partners, log in and book your next trip today.
The Priceline Partner Network connects with all major airlines, all major rental car brands and more than 700,000 hotels around the globe. Priceline features a vast catalog of travel content to help plan your next adventure.
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National Purchasing Partners (NPP) is a trusted savings and solutions provider for businesses and their employees. NPP delivers negotiated contract pricing for leading-edge products. Membership is free and there is no obligation to purchase.
If your MBEX member company is not already an NPP member, enroll today and enjoy the buying power of large corporations.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 6/10/2024 - 6/14/2024: 93
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 6/10/2024 - 6/14/2024: 24
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 6/19/2024: 323
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 6/19/2024: 2,405
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 6/12/2024-6/19/2024.
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
• June 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
• June 26 - MBEX POWER: Women, Money and Happiness
• July 4 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
• July 5 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
• July 17 - Duluth Harbor Sundew Cruise
• August 7 - St Paul Saints Game with AGC
• August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
• August 19 - MBEX POWER: Balance vs Blend - How to Have Blend in Your Life
• August 21 - Golf North
• September 11 - Sporting Clays North
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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; 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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