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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) Only a handful of spots remain for the upcoming Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser on August 8th. Gather your team of 4-6 shooters, and register today!
2.) Gov. Tim Walz signed the Paid Leave Law in May 2023, guaranteeing almost all Minnesota employees the right to paid family and medical leave when they are unable to work due to serious health or caregiving needs. The Paid Leave Law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and employers should prioritize understanding its implications and compliance requirements.
3.) Congratulations! With 16 years of construction experience, Jaimie Zebro will take over management of Terra Construction's tenant interiors division with the retirement of Scott Anderson (who has spent nearly 46 years in the Twin Cities construction industry).
4.) North America's first three-story 3D printed structure has been completed in Canada using a special printer from the Danish construction technology firm, COBOD.
5.) Why is the HVAC contractor so worked up?
"I'm feeling very Olympic today; how 'bout you?" - "Cool Runnings". Who else is pumped for the Paris Summer Olympics kicking off on Friday?!
IN BRIEF:
• MBEX POWER: Join us on August 8th for Balance vs. Blend
• Mid-Year Update: Anirban Basu's insights from his most recent economic outlook
• Welcome: Meet MBEX's newest member companies
• Independent Contractors: What you need to know about the Minnesota Supreme Court's recent ruling on negligent selection
• Climbing Helmets vs. Hard Hats, Trends Influencing Construction Delivery Patterns & America's Aging Dams: Five construction-related headlines
• Project of the Week: Anoka seeks developer for a new mixed-use building
• Member Benefit: Fresh deals for NPP Members
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'Balance vs Blend' at the Next POWER Workshop | |
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Say good-bye to the concept of balance and embrace the idea of fulfilling blend.
• DATE: Monday, August 9
• TIME: 2:00pm - Workshop, 3:15pm - Happy Hour
• LOCATION: Prosperwell Financial (Minnetonka, Minn.)
• COST: Free!
Join us for the next POWER workshop, Balance vs Blend: How to Have Blend (Not Balance) In Your Life, where attendees will learn practical ideas to help find that perfect blend of professional and personal they're seeking in their day-to-day lives.
Our returning workshop leader and speaker, Nicole Middendorf, has been a single mother since her daughter was six months old, and her son was two. She learned the art of juggling motherhood and running a business, and she firmly believes that every woman can have it all.
What is the MBEX Women's POWER series?
POWER, or Professionals Offering Women Engaging Resources, aims to empower women through educational events tackling the unique challenges they encounter on the job, by fostering connections and elevating professional and personal journeys.
From working on the jobsite, to in-office positions, and everything in-between, each workshop is open to ALL women working in construction to attend. Friends and allies of women in construction are also welcome.
Who is Nicole Middendorf?
In 2003, Nicole boldly ventured out from her job at Morgan Stanley to establish her own wealth management firm, Prosperwell Financial. She's a financial expert, a knowledge junkie, a survivor, a single mom, and a born coach. She's the author of five books, a world traveler, a philanthropist, and a pro when it comes to public speaking. She's also the visionary behind the Live It List, a different take on one's Bucket List.
Nicole believes the world needs more people --- especially women ---- to be financially savvy, wholly independent, happy and living a life of balance. Through her writing, public speaking, coaching program and work, Nicole wants to support them on all levels.
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Workforce & Financing Woes to Persist | |
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Keeping a pulse on the wider economy and trends, Anirban Basu, the chief economist of the Associated Builders and Contractors, shared some insight on current challenges, future struggles, and some things to look forward to in a recent economic outlook.
With workforce woes and construction costs being the lead headaches for contractors, construction backlogs and public investment infrastructure were still going strong.
Key takeaways from Basu's report included:
Workforce Shortages & Skills Gap
- 60% of contractors identify skills gaps and worker shortages as the leading challenges, according to a survey conducted jointly by ABC and Sage Policy Group.
- Competing for workers with other industries such as franchises and warehouse services is exacerbating the issue.
Financing & Economic Concerns
- Availability of financing is the second largest concern for 17% of contractors, and insufficient demand was 11%.
- Predictions indicate a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September according to the bond market, but economic landing remains uncertain when looking at credit card debt, job openings, and the Fed rate.
Construction Costs & Bidding
- Construction input costs have risen by 2.1% year-over-year, surpassing bid prices.
- Contractors need to increase bid prices significantly to maintain margins as input prices rise faster than bid prices.
Public Infrastructure Investment
- Public sector investment is still going strong due to acts like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS Act.
- Manufacturing saw the biggest chunk of spending with 198.1%, followed by sewage and waste disposal at 66.8%, and water supply at 65%.
Softening in Private Construction
- Private construction projects, especially multi-family and office buildings, are continuing to soften due to the work-from-home trend.
- The Architecture Billings Index indicates a significant decline in private project billings. In May, the Index was at 42.4, which Basu said was the worst in years. The Midwest region was hit hardest with a 41.7 rating.
- Demolition contractors, however, might have work ahead of them if / when banks decide offices are no longer worth maintaining.
One of the bright spots in the commercial construction sector will be data centers, Basu said, as the federal government unbundled the facilities from office construction.
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NEW MEMBERS: See Who Joined the Exchange in June | |
Join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member companies of the Exchange who joined throughout the month of June: | |
What You Need to Know About the Minnesota Supreme Court Decision on Negligent Selection of Independent Contractors | |
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The Minnesota Supreme Court recently issued a landmark decision recognizing the tort of "negligent selection of an independent contractor."
This development holds significant implications for businesses that engage independent contractors. The case in question is Pedro Alonzo, et al. v. Richard Menholt, et al.
CASE BACKGROUND
The case arose from a personal injury incident involving Pedro Alonzo, who was severely injured in a truck accident caused by Alberto Lopez, a driver employed by Braaten Farms --- a subcontractor for Menholt Farms. Lopez had a suspended license and a history of driving infractions, which were not investigated by Braaten Farms or Menholt Farms before his employment.
COURT'S DECISION
1.) Recognition of Tort: The Minnesota Supreme Court officially recognized the tort of negligent selection of an independent contractor. This means businesses in Minnesota can now be held liable for failing to exercise reasonable care in selecting competent and careful independent contractors.
2.) Duty of Care: The court emphasized that principals (those who hire independent contractors) must exercise reasonable care to ensure that the contractors they hire are competent and careful. The extent of this duty depends on the nature of the work and its associated risks.
3.) Proximate Cause: To prevail on a claim, plaintiffs must prove that the principal's negligence in selecting the contractor was a proximate cause of their injuries. This implies that the harm must stem from a quality in the contractor that made it negligent for the principal to entrust the work to them.
IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESSES
1.) Potential Liability: Failure to adequately vet independent contractors could result in liability for any harm caused by the contractor's negligence.
2.) Legal Counsel: Businesses should consult with legal counsel to understand the full implications of this decision and to develop or update contractor selection policies.
3.) Operational Adjustments: Companies may need to review and possibly revise their policies and procedures regarding the hiring and monitoring of independent contractors to ensure compliance with this new legal standard.
Please note that the information provided in this MBEX article is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with your business's attorney or legal advisor before taking any actions based on the content of this update.
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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
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 12 - Dunwoody Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament
The Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament helps pave the way to a brighter future for students at Dunwoody College of Technology. Participation and support directly benefits students who might not otherwise be able to attend Dunwoody. Sign Up Here
** August 15 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders lists, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Register Here
August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Balance in your Life
Say good-bye to the concept of balance and embrace the idea of fulfilling blend in MBEX POWER's next workshop with Nicole Middendorf. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to find that perfect blend of professional and personal they're dreaming of. Register Here
August 21 - Golf North
Come and socialize with fellow MBEX members and industry professionals out on the greens of Ridgeview County Club in Duluth. Register Here
August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses
Don't miss this opportunity to see an introduction to each upcoming Bluebeam Revu course offered in September and their learning objectives with instructor Troy DeGroot with UChapter2. Register Here
September 9-13 - Construction Suicide Prevention Week
Every year during September --- National Suicide Prevention Month --- the construction industry dedicates a week to raising awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. Learn More
September 10 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
Attendees will learn interface navigation including menu dropdowns, toolbars, various tool panels, keyboard shortcuts and a few recommended settings. While learning various markup and measurement tools, several tips and tricks will be shared to increase accuracy and speed. Register Here
September 11 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
Attendees will go through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List. Register Here
September 11 - Sporting Clays North
Get your shotguns locked and loaded. MBEX is proud to present its annual Sporting Clays North at Old Vermillion Train in Duluth. Join us for an epic afternoon of clay-breaking, industry networking, and a delicious meal. Register Here
September 12 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic) course, attendees will move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Register Here
September 13 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
This course will not only improve consistency and accuracy in document management, but it will eliminate all the time wasted navigating through drawing sets and wondering who has the latest drawings. Register Here
** September 17 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
Learn to create and place custom punch symbols, quickly embed images or videos, and create summary reports. Register Here
September 17 - TBG Clay Shoot for the Trades
Please join TBG for a fun afternoon of shooting, camaraderie and good times with your friends from around the trades as they continue to raise funds to further the work of the TBG Education Foundation. Register individually or in groups up to five. Register Here
** September 18 - Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals
Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams. Register Here
** September 19 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows
Yes, there are tools in Bluebeam Revu for Civil Designers and Engineers! Not only will students learn navigation and markups, but also work flows like Calibrating Plan & Profile drawings with different X-Y scales, ideas for Cut & Fill calculations, combining several PDFs into one large area map, and adding images. Register Here
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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JOBSITE SAFETY
⛑️ Climbing Helmets vs. Construction Hard Hats
As with any personal protective equipment (PPE) on the worksite, it is important to consult with a safety manager to ensure head protection meets required safety standards while enabling a worker to have what is needed to complete the necessary job tasks. Head protection that meets the ANSI / ISEA Z89.1 standard also complies with OSHA regulations. (Iron Pros)
CONSTRUCTION DELIVERY
📬 Five Trends Influencing Today's Construction Delivery Patterns
From continuing labor shortages to ready-to-deploy tech solutions, a range of forces is currently influencing project delivery across the U.S. It takes agility, flexibility and creative operating strategies for construction executives to keep projects on schedule and within budget. Here are some of the latest construction trends to help your company stay ahead of this dynamic sector's ever-changing curve. (Construction Executive)
INFRASTRUCTURE
🚨 America's Aging Dams Are a Catastrophe Waiting to Happen
Minnesota's century-old Rapidan Dam captured the national spotlight when its partial failure destroyed a home and prompted county officials to demolish an adjacent store. Yet it's just one of hundreds of dams across the Upper Midwest in similar or worse condition, according to an analysis of federal data by Inside Climate News. Most of America's dams are more than 60 years old, leading to complications like sediment build up. That was the case with the Rapidan Dam. Too much sediment caused the water to flow around the dam's west side, eroding much of the land. (Wired)
CONCRETE INNOVATIONS
🤨 Researchers Create Ultra-Strong 'Edible Concrete' Construction Material '3x Stronger Than Concrete'
Scientists from the University of Tokyo have been working on concrete derived from food waste. Organic materials like coffee grounds, banana peels, Chinese cabbage, and orange skins are dried and compressed, and the resulting mixture is mixed with water and seasonings and compressed in a high-temperature mold. When tested, this material far exceeded expectations for bending strength, and incredibly, it also remained edible, with salt or sugar added to the mixture to help improve taste without compromising strength. It also resists rot, fungi, and insects, and taste or strength saw no deterioration after being exposed to air for four months. (The Cool Down)
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
💸 Elevator Regulations Responsible for Some of Ballooning Multi-Family Costs
Codes and regulations for elevators in the United States are a key factor in inflating costs of multi-family development, argues a guest columnist in the New York Times. A basic four-stop elevator costs about $158,000 in New York City, compared with about $36,000 in Switzerland, the columnist points out. In addition, elevator standards are harmonized across Europe, but in North America, nearly 100 separate boards and jurisdictions regulate elevator safety. (Building Design + Construction)
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Anoka Seeks Developer Partner for New Mixed-Use Building | |
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Read more about this project on Finance & Commerce
The city of Anoka wants to team with a commercial developer to construct a 30,000-square-foot building on the city-owned, 1.7-acre redevelopment site at East Main Street and Seventh Avenue. Located on a highly visible intersection, the site is cleared and ready for development.
As part of the proposed project, the city would use 8,000- to 10,000-square-feet of space on the main floor for the municipal liquor store. Additional space, owned by a private developer, would be available for lease or sale to commercial, retail or office users. The site is in a mixed-use zoning district, which allows for a variety of commercial and retail uses, according to the city.
The city hopes to find a partner in the next few months, then move forward with development and open the new liquor store in early 2026.
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ABOVE PHOTO: The city of Anoka hopes to combine a city-owned liquor store and new private-sector commercial space under the same roof as part of a public-private redevelopment project on the city-owned, 1.7-acre site at East Main Street and 7th Avenue. (Rendering: Oertel Architects) | |
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MCC Networking & Lawn Bowling
Presented by Minnesota Concrete Council (MCC)
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DATE: Wednesday, July 24
TIME: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
LOCATION: Brookview Golf & Lawn Bowling (316 Brookview Parkway South, Golden Valley, MN 55426)
COST: $50 / person
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Come on out to Brookview Golf & Lawn Bowling for food, drinks, lawn bowling and yard games.
This event is geared to be a fun, casual networking event. Enjoy some time being outside playing some games while getting to know other people in the industry.
This event will occur rain or shine with a room rented indoors to either cool off or avoid the rain.
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Ask the Expert: Mastering Revu in Record Time
Presented by Bluebeam
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DATE: Thursday, July 25
TIME: 10:00am-11:00am
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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Curious what it takes to go from a beginner to expert in Bluebeam Revu? Join a Bluebeam training manager online to learn new tools and tips to simplify your workflows, boost collaboration, and improve overall efficiency.
Learn how to:
• Improve your setup processes to make working and collaborating on documents more seamless;
• Use under-utilized features to simplify marking up a page or even multiple pages at the same time;
• View, search, and share project markup data quickly; and
• Easily tackle revisions with confidence using a variety of easy-to-use tools.
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Benefit of the Week: Fresh Deals with NPP | |
Check out the latest and freshest deals MBEX Members can take advantage of by joining National Purchasing Partners (NPP). There is no cost to join and zero obligation to buy. | |
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Take advantage of savings with ODP Business Solutions on items such as Copy Paper 20 lbs / 10 RM.
NPP Price: $39.99 | Regular: $192.00
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Take advantage of savings with Sherwin-Williams on items such as ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape.
NPP Price: $3.99 | Regular: $5.79
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Top-tier and exclusive pricing on safety supplies and equipment, like industrial gases, safety equipment, welding supplies, workwear, and more. | |
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22% off monthly access fees, 35% discount on select accessories, and special promotions on equipment. | |
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Upgrade to Verizon 5G Business Internet services for as low as $69/month for a limited time, with a 10-year price guarantee. | |
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Getting approved through myAutoLoan.com saves time and money, up to $1,900. No fees, no obligation to use myAutoLoan's lenders or loans. | |
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Activate savings with Batteries Plus Bulbs to take advantage of Duracell Battery #SLA12-5F.
NPP Price: $12.54 | Regular: $37.99
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Activate savings with PODS to take advantage of up to 10% off initial delivery, first month's storage, and the cost of long distance transportation. | |
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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. NPP 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 7/15/2024 - 7/19/2024: 72
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 7/15/2024 - 7/19/2024: 10
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 7/23/2024: 316
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 7/23/2024: 2,764
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 7/17/2024-7/23/2024.
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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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX) does not assume responsibility for its completeness or accuracy. You are urged to check your own sources in addition to the information contained in this publication. This issue contains plans and other bidding information received prior to and including the date noted above. The project data within this newsletter is intended for member company's and their employees use only.
2024 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction; Vice President - Heidi Sedlacek, KLJ Engineering; Treasurer - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Past President - Greg Grazzini, Grazzini Brothers | 2024 DIRECTORS: Allie Brady, Veit; Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Jason DuVal, Tenet; Chuck Geisler, Iron Eagle Industrial Services; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company | STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator/Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Director; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Misty Hall, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters
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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