MBEX Weekly Bulletin 📋

Issue No. 33 • Wednesday, August 14, 2024 • www.mbex.org

Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:

1.) Last week's Sporting Clays Fundraiser Scholarship was a clay-smashing success! With our members participation and generosity, we raised a total of $20,000 for the MBEX Scholarship Fund. See an event recap here.

2.) Join us this Thursday (August 15) at 9:00am for an Online Plan Room Demo with MBEX staff. Whether a brand-new or long-time member, bring your questions and we'll cover the basics of navigating the plan room.

3.) Please take a few minutes to complete the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's construction truck operating cost survey by September 27. Truck owner operators, contractors and firms are all eligible to participate. Your participation in this survey ensures the minimum truck rental rates reflect your costs of doing business.

4.) From a smaller drywall robot to tech that helps builders comply with tougher green construction standards, this month's fresh offerings promise to streamline jobsites and the back office.

5.) This bulldozer simplifies roadwork by digging up all the bricks in one go.

"There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept." - Ansel Adams

IN BRIEF:

• Blending Work & Life: Embrace the blend with MBEX POWER on August 19

• Excavation Law: Changes now in effect with Minnesota's Excavation Safety Law

• Future Constructors: Meet the 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Scholarship Recipients

• Labor & Employment: Essential items to add to your August to-do list

• Owners Push Projects, Adaptive Reuse Across America & How PPE Suppliers Can Keep Up in a Rapidly Changing Industry: Five construction-related headlines

• Project of the Week: Proposed 148-Unit Apartment Building in Apple Valley

• Member Benefit: Save and switch with Verizon through NPP

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

MBEX POWER: Embrace the Art of Blending Work and Life

We get it --- whether crafting the perfect bid in the office or navigating the daily challenges on the jobsite, the demands of working in construction can be, well...overwhelming.

Long hours? Check. Tight deadlines? Double check. Balancing work responsibilities with personal life? That's the ultimate challenge.

(And let's not even get started on breaking down those pesky gender barriers.)

It's a lot to handle!

That's why MBEX POWER is thrilled to invite women in construction and their allies to our next workshop: Balance vs. Blend: Find the Blend (Not Balance) In Your Life. We're excited to have Nicole Middendorf (above) back to lead this session, where she'll share her insights on moving away from the impossible pursuit of balance and instead finding a blend that truly works.

Event Details:

🗓️ DATE: Monday, August 19

⏰ TIME: Workshop @ 2:00pm | Happy Hour & Back-to-School Activity on Prosperwell's Patio @ 3:15pm

📍 LOCATION: Prosperwell Financial (Minnetonka, Minn.)

💲 COST: Free

Here's what you can look forward to:

Honest conversations about the unique hurdles we face in the construction industry.
Actionable strategies to help blend your work and personal life without feeling like you're always juggling too much.
Motivational stories from Nicole, who is a living example of how to thrive as a business owner, single mom, and so much more.

Let's come together, share our experiences, and discover how we can redefine success by embracing a harmonious blend that fits our lives perfectly.

Bonus: Giving Back for Back to School

In addition to our workshop, MBEX POWER is teaming up with the YWCA to support students from pre-K through 12th grade as they head back to school this fall.

Want to help out? Here's how you can contribute:

Check out the school supply lists below and bring your donations to the event on August 19th or drop them off at MBEX beforehand. We'll take care of delivering them to the YWCA.
Prefer to donate online? You can make a monetary contribution by following this link: www.ywcastpaul.org/donate

We can't wait to see you there, ready to find your flow and give back while we're at it!

Click on a list to make it larger.

Changes to Minnesota Excavation Law Now in Effect

Outlined below are changes made to Minnesota Excavation Safety Laws in Minnesota Statute 216D:

Changes to Waiting Period and Start Times

Utility operators previously had 48-hours to locate underground utility lines for normal and update notices after Gopher State One Call received a request for locates.

As of August 1, 2024, the day of the request for locates will be excluded from the timeline for those notices. The 48-hour period for locating the lines will begin at 12:01 AM, the day after the request was made. This timeline will be reflected in determination of the work to begin time and date for the excavator. The 48-hour period continues to exclude weekends and holidays.

Alternately, an excavator and utility operator may agree on a mutually acceptable period for the locates to be completed and for the work on the site to begin. This agreement must be documented with Gopher State One Call.

Marking Your Jobsite to Prepare for Utility Locates

An important part of making a request for utility locates is for the excavator to use white markings on the job site to show the utility locator where the work is happening. State law requires that white markings be provided for all excavations.

As of August 1, 2024, and prior to January 1, 2026, these markings must be physically provided on site and may also be supplemented with an equivalent electronic marking description (digital white markings).

Beginning January 1, 2026, an excavator may provide electronic markings as an alternative to the physical markings if they provide the same level of information. A utility operator may require that the excavator provide physical markings following submission of electronic marking.

Effective August 1, 2024, black markings may be used on-site during wintery conditions.

Job Activities Prior to Ticket Expiration

As of August 1, 2024, "activities in the proposed area of excavation or boundary survey must take place before the expiration date and time on the notification."

Meet Requirements for Large Projects

Effective August 1, 2024, locate requests to Gopher State One Call that involve excavation of one-mile or more in length will require a "Meet" ticket. This is a meeting to take place on site to discuss the proposed excavation, schedule utility locates, and to share other necessary information about the project.

The meeting must take place at least 48-hours after the request. An affected facility operator must attend the meet or contact the excavator before the meet and reschedule or reach a mutual agreement that the meet is not required. The excavation start time on the site must be at least 48-hours after the meeting. Both 48-hour periods exclude weekends and holidays.

Documentation regarding the meeting must be provided to Gopher State One Call.

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Continue reading about excavation law changes regarding reporting requirements for utility operators, collection of geospatial information, updates to utility marking requirements, and preliminary design and preconstruction meetings by clicking the button below.

Additional information regarding the changes to this chapter made during the 2024 Regular Session can be found on the Office of The Revisor of Statutes website.

Meet the 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Scholarship Recipients

We are proud to announce the awarding of 14 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarships to the following recipients for 2024-2025.

Congratulations to our future builders and constructors, and we look forward to welcoming them at upcoming MBEX events.

Amalia Nelson

HVAC-R

Attending Hennepin Technical College

Awarded $2,000

Benjamin Hubbard

Civil Engineering

Attending North

Dakota State University

Awarded $1,000

Broc Dollerschell

Construction Engineering

Attending Iowa

State University

Awarded $2,000

Charlie Huppert

Construction Management

Attending University

of Wisconsin - Stout

Awarded $2,000

Diteu Maloku

Architecture

Attending Dunwoody

College of Technology

Awarded $1,000

Jonas Roach

HVAC-R

Attending

Century College

Awarded $2,000

Jordan Bird

Heavy Equipment Operator

Attending Central

Lakes College

Awarded $2,000

Kai Drake

Concrete Industry Management

Attending South Dakota State University

Awarded $1,000

Nick Metzler

Construction Management

Attending Dunwoody

College of Technology

Awarded $2,000

Noah Otis

Power & Construction Engineering Technologies

Attending Dunwoody

College of Technology

Awarded $2,000

Paige Sanders

Environmental

Engineering

Attending North

Dakota State University

Awarded $1,000

Riley Cardinal

Heavy Equipment Operations & Maintenance

Attending Central

Lakes College

Awarded $2,000

Ryan Neuman

Electrical Construction Technology

Attending St. Cloud Technical

& Community College

Awarded $2,000

Trevor Beving

Heavy Equipment Operations

Attending Central Lakes College

(Staples)

Awarded $1,000

5 Essential Items To Add To Your August To-Do List

It's hard to keep up with all the recent changes to labor and employment law, especially since the law always seems to evolve at a rapid pace.

In order to help you stay on top of the latest changes and have an action plan for compliance, here is a quick review of some critical developments tracked in July and a checklist of the essential items to consider addressing in August and beyond:

☑ Get Ready for the First-Ever National Heat Safety Rule

OSHA proposed regulations on July 2nd that could soon require implementation of robust measures to safeguard your employees from extreme heat both indoors and outdoors. The proposal still needs to wind its way through a months-long administrative process and could even be derailed by new standards set by the Supreme Court that take aim at agency overreach, so follow the process closely. Here are 10 steps you should consider to prepare for the new rule.

☑ Prepare for the Impact of Latest SCOTUS Decisions

The Supreme Court issued several momentous decisions this term that will have a lasting impact on employer practices. The Justices continued to shape the workplace law landscape by ruling on an array of issues involving federal agency power, labor relations, arbitration, and employment discrimination. Here's a summary of eight SCOTUS decisions from the 2023-2024 term that impact the workplace as well as a look ahead to what employers can expect during the next term (starting on October 7th).

☑ Check Out This Post-Chevron Employers' Resource Center

The Supreme Court's landmark decision overturning Chevron deference gives employers a powerful tool to fight back against regulatory overreach and will have a broad impact on just about every area of workplace law. This Resource Center collects construction attorney thought leadership on the groundbreaking ruling and provides employers with guidance on how to adjust to this new era.

☑ Stay Ahead of the AI Curve After Latest Deepfake Scam

A prominent cybersecurity training company just fell victim to an increasingly common scam when it hired a remote worker who turned out to be a North Korean cybercriminal that used AI deepfake tools to fake his identity and infiltrate the organization. Here are 10 things you can do to ensure you don't fall for the same scam.

☑ Don't Let Your Guard Down Even After Labor Board Dropped Joint Employer Rule

The controversial joint employer rule that would have made it far easier for workers to be considered employees of more than one entity is dead once and for all, since the NLRB dropped its appeal on July 19th. But you can now expect the Board to turn up the pressure through aggressive investigations, unfair labor practice charges, enforcement actions, and through exercise of its traditional decision-making authority in an attempt to reshape this area of law without formal rulemaking. Here's what you can do to prepare for these turbulent times.

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.

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 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 - Sold Out!

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this upcoming golf event out on the greens of Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth. Sign Up for Sponsorships

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 2 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

The Minnesota Builders Exchange will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will be back to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.

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. Sign Up 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 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo

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

October 3 & 4 - Reading Construction Documents

Designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents, this two-part online program is perfect for apprentices, entry-level tradespersons, project coordinators, assistant project managers, new project managers, estimators, specialty sales representatives, entry-level architectural or engineering designers, or anyone in career transition looking for a refresher. Register Here

** SAVE THE DATE: October 10 - MBEX Fall Social

Featuring MBEX POWER's 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair

Join us at the annual MBEX Fall Social for an afternoon of inspiration and connection. Back again is the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair, presented by MBEX POWER, to present both members and non-members alike opportunities to explore ways to better their mental and physical well-beings. Registration will open at the end of August

View Full 2024 MBEX Event Calendar

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES

Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.

ECONOMIC REPORTS

📋 Owners Push More Projects Into Planning

The Dodge Momentum Index, a benchmark that measures nonresidential construction planning, climbed 7.9% in July due to notable increases across several commercial and institutional segments, according to the Dodge Construction Network. Commercial planning, fueled by data center work, jumped 6.8% in July, while institutional planning, which includes education, life sciences and healthcare, surged 11.1% over the month. The potential Federal rate cut in September is becoming increasingly more likely, alongside slower inflation and weaker labor market conditions, and is likely driving owners and developers to remain optimistic about 2025 market conditions, pushing more projects into the planning queue. (Construction Dive)

SUSTAINABILITY

♻️ What's Old is New: Adaptive Reuse Across America

A courthouse in New Orleans. An office building in Washington D.C. A newspaper headquarters in Chicago. All three are enjoying new lives after being transformed by adaptive-reuse projects --- part of a growing trend that might offer a solution to the nation's housing shortage. A significant driver of such conversion projects is their environmental friendliness. (Construction Executive)

JOBSITE SAFETY

🦺 How PPE Suppliers Can Keep Up in a Rapidly Changing Construction Industry

A growing trend of safety awareness among contractors and legislators is clear. The new generation simply does not accept lacking standards of workplace safety like before. In this industry, change is often driven by worker demands on their employers. At the same time, reports from the likes of OSHA shine a spotlight on the safety hazards and risks in the construction industry, which increases pressure to change, as evidenced by the latest mandate for OSHA's own workers to wear a Type II helmet. These two forces work together to start driving a transition toward safer practices. (For Construction Pros)

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

🔦 Latest Trends in Laser Scanning Technology for the Construction Industry

Laser scanning is versatile and finds applications across various construction processes, including surveying, component manufacturing, construction monitoring, maintenance, and the restoration of heritage buildings. This technology consolidates the collection, documentation, and analysis of 3D data for as-built buildings and infrastructure when integrated with other construction technologies. (AZO Build)

CURRENTLY IN WISCONSIN

🌳 US City Developing 'Tallest' Mass Timber Building, Again

The City of Milwaukee, Wisc., recently announced it intends to build the tallest mass timber structure in the world with the help of developer The Neutral Project, but this may feel like déjà vu for some. That's because Milwaukee is already home to the largest mass timber building --- Ascent MKE --- and is currently constructing The Edison, which --- once completed --- would exceed the current recordholder. (Construction Briefing)

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

148-Unit Affordable Apartment Building Proposed in Apple Valley

St. Paul-based Real Estate Equities appears to have the inside track in a competition to purchase and redevelop a city-owned former transit site in Apple Valley.

Real Estate Equities, which has been developing residential properties since 1972, is proposing 148 affordable apartments and 237 parking stalls, including 149 underground and 88 surface spaces. Unit sizes range from one- to three-bedrooms. Proposed amenities include an outdoor patio, a playground, dog run, fitness center and a clubroom.

Blaine Barker, senior development associate at Real Estate Equities, said the company builds its affordable housing to "a market-rate standard," with features such as granite countertops, in-unit laundry, and stainless-steel appliances.

ABOVE PHOTO: Real Estate Equities wants to build a 148-unit affordable housing project at this city-owned former transit location at the southeast corner of 155th Street and Gaslight Avenue in Apple Valley.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Designing Healthy Buildings with Concrete

Presented by Minnesota Concrete Council

DATE: Wednesday, August 21

TIME: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION: Virtual Event

COST: Free

Concrete is a durable material that is well known for its strength and resilience and ability to protect the lives, livelihoods and lifestyles of people and communities. Part of that equation is contributing to safe and healthy spaces in which occupants can live and work.

This presentation with Jim Schneider, LEED AP (PCI Mountain States), will discuss how concrete can be used to create safe and healthy spaces.

Prevailing Wage 2024 Seminar

Presented by U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division

DATE: Thursday, August 29

TIME: 10:00am - 4:30pm (CDT)

LOCATION: Virtual Event

COST: Free, but registration is required.

This day-long seminar will cover the ins-and-outs of prevailing wage rules on federally-funded projects, offering sessions on a variety of compliance topics and using breakout rooms so participants can choose the sessions that are most useful to them.

Registration is not required for individual sessions.

Below is the tentative agenda and will be updated in the weeks leading up to the seminar date.

AGENDA

10:00am-10:15am | Introductions and Overview

10:30am-11:30pm

• Main Room - Davis-Bacon Coverage Issues

• Breakout Room - Service Contract Act Coverage Issues

11:45pm-12:45pm

• Main Room - Davis-Bacon Wage Determinations and Conformances

• Breakout Room - Service Contract Act Wage Determinations

1:00pm-2:00pm

• Main Room - Davis-Bacon Wage Survey Process

• Breakout Room - Office of Labor Management Standards Overview

2:15pm-3:15pm

• Main Room - Apprenticeship Requirements

• Breakout Room - Price Adjustments

3:30pm-4:30pm

• Main Room - Davis-Bacon Certified Payrolls

• Breakout Room - Executive Order 13706 - Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors

MEMBER BENEFITS

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5G Business Internet Starting at $69 / month

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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.

PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 8/5/2024 - 8/9/2024: 82

• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 8/5/2024 - 8/9/2024: 5

• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 8/13/2024: 316

• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 8/13/2024: 2,998

DOWNLOAD HERE

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 8/7/2024-8/13/2024.

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.

The MBEX Weekly Bulletin brought to

you in part by The Builders Group (TBG).

UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS

• August 15 - Online Plan Room Demo

• August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Blend in Your Life

• August 21 - Golf North - Sold Out! - Sponsorships Available

• August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses

• September 2 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

• September 9-13 - Construction Suicide Prevention Week

• September 10 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

• September 11 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

• September 11 - Sporting Clays North

• September 12 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

• September 13 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

• September 17- Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

• September 17- TBG Clay Shoot for the Trades

• September 18- Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

• September 19 - Online Plan Room Demo

• September 19- Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows

• October 3 & 4- Reading Construction Documents online class

• October 10 - MBEX Fall Social - featuring the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair

Connect with the Builders Exchange:

Revisit Past Bulletins:

August 7 - No. 32 | July 31 - No. 31 | July 24 - No. 30 | July 17 - No. 29 | July 10 - No. 28

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 Director; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Misty Hall, Janet Margheim, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters

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Member Directory

MBEX Blueprint : Issue 2