|
Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) RENEW: Attention MBEX Members! Statements have been emailed to all member companies who have yet to renew their memberships for 2025. To avoid plan room disruptions, mail a check for the amount due as listed on your statement or call Julie with credit card information (a $45 service fee will apply) by December 31st.
2.) REGISTER: Join MBEX staff for our next Online Plan Room Demo on Thursday, December 19. This free 60-minute session is open to current members of all skill levels as well as to those who are curious and want to learn more about our digital platform.
3.) REMEMBER: MBEX is saddened to share Nancy Blanchard, a trailblazer in the construction industry, passed away on November 27, 2024. Nancy was a co-founder of Safety Signs in 1993 alongside her husband, a founding President of the Association of Women Contractors (AWC) in 1995, and much more.
4.) READ: The construction industry added 10,000 jobs on net in November, with nonresidential construction employment increasing by 6,800 positions. Nonresidential specialty trade added the most jobs, increasing by 7,000; heavy and civil engineering added 1,500 jobs; and nonresidential building lost 1,700 jobs.
5.) RICTUS: 'Tis the season to keep drafts and Wet Bandits out 🤭❄️🎄
"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain
IN BRIEF:
• Register: Kick off 2025 by joining MBEX at its Annual Meeting & Luncheon (1/15)
• FAQ: Worker misclassification and independent contractor status explained
• Welcome: Meet MBEX's newest members
• Level Up: New UChapter2 classes offered in January
• Solicitation Request: Carl Bolander & Sons seeks bid proposals from DBE subcontractors & suppliers by 12/16 for the Link Rapid Transit project
• Overtime Pay Regulations Struck Down, Metal Roofing & Siding Trends in 2025, and a 19th Century Building Material Makes Its Comeback: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
• Project of the Week: A mixed luxury housing-fitness project pitched for Maple Grove
• Member Benefit: Exclusive deals with NPP for year-end savings
| |
MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon - January 15, 2025 | |
|
Kick off 2025 by joining us for the MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon on Wednesday, January 15th.
This signature event is your first chance to connect with fellow members, reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, and hear what’s ahead for MBEX in 2025.
• DATE: Wednesday, January 15
• TIME: 11:00am - Social & Networking | 12:00pm - Lunch | 12:30pm - Program | 1:00pm - Special Guest Speaker: Kate Bischoff, HR and Employment / Labor Law Attorney
• LOCATION: TPC Twin Cities - Blaine, Minn.
• COST: $50 per person | $275 for table of six
Here’s why you should attend:
Stay Informed
This year's Annual Meeting special guest speaker is Kate Bischoff, a Minneapolis-based human resources and employment / labor law attorney. Kate will share insights on key employment law changes coming in 2025 and how members can be best prepared.
Build Connections
Network with colleagues and industry leaders in a welcoming atmosphere and expand your construction network.
Celebrate Excellence
Join us in recognizing the contributions of outgoing board members, welcoming the newly elected 2025 Board of Directors, and awarding Volunteer of the Year and Distinguished Member of the Year.
Make this event your starting point for a productive and connected year.
Register today to secure your spot, enjoy a delicious lunch, and set the tone for success in 2025.
| |
FAQ Released on New Independent Contractor Test | |
|
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) just rolled out a new set of FAQs about worker misclassification and independent contractor status. These are meant to help clear up some confusion around the topic, but keep in mind—they’re for informational purposes only and don’t carry the weight of law.
If you’re an employer or worker, you might want to chat with a lawyer for any specific advice. These FAQs aren’t a replacement for digging into the actual laws, and they’re not all-encompassing.
For a deep dive into Minnesota’s misclassification rules, you can check out Minnesota Statutes, sections 181.722 and 181.723.
Heads up: there’s a new independent contractor test kicking in for construction and improvement services starting March 1, 2025. Until then, the old rules are still in play.
Here are just a few of the questions tackled in the newly released FAQ:
- What exactly is worker misclassification?
- If a worker’s been misclassified, what’s the employer on the hook for in terms of benefits or protections?
- What is the independent contractor test?
- What kind of penalties could an employer face for breaking the rules?
- And here’s a tricky one: If a subcontractor forgets to renew their LLC and it lapses, does that suddenly make them your employee?
For more details, take a look at the FAQs themselves or give the statutes a read. It’s always better to stay ahead of these things than deal with surprises down the line.
| |
|
The Association of General Contractors of Minnesota (AGC-MN) shared this update in their latest Weekly Update on December 6, 2024. You can view their full update, along with additional links and resources, here.
| |
NEW MEMBERS: Look Who Joined in November | |
Join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member companies of the Exchange who joined throughout the month of November: | |
Bluebeam Revu Courses Offered in January | |
|
We're thrilled to continue offering our members and fellow industry professionals a wide variety of Bluebeam Revu educational courses in 2025 through our partnership with UChapter2.
| | |
|
|
New in 2025!
Construction Estimating
Principles & Application
- Tuesday, January 14
- 12:00pm - 4:00pm CST
- MBEX Members - $350 | Non-Members - $490
| |
|
Great estimators know that to be competitive and competent in the current market, their companies must continually be in search of an edge, answering the question, “How can we approach this project differently than our competition?”
This virtual interactive half-day training will take students through two viewpoints: the estimating principles behind every bid and how technology can produce faster, more accurate estimates.
Experienced estimators will be challenged to evaluate their own systems within the framework of current trends and models with an emphasis on Bluebeam. Every topic will be discussed from various perspectives to allow estimators from across the spectrum to benefit.
Learning objectives include cost / price analysis, pricing project constraints, building flexibility into your system, managing risk within the estimate, working with PDF drawings, measurement tools, displaying and exporting data, and much more.
| | |
|
|
Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses (Bluebeam 1 - 7)
- Wednesday, January 15
- 10:30am-11:30am CST
- Free!
| |
Join instructor Troy DeGroot for this opportunity to see an introduction to each upcoming Bluebeam Revu course and their learning objectives in 2025. | | |
|
|
Reading Construction Documents
- Wednesday, January 15 & Thursday, January 16
- 1:00pm-4:00pm CST
- MBEX Members - $329 | Non-Members - $460
| |
|
From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, students will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements. Learning objectives include an introduction to construction documents, understanding industry document standards, drawing navigation, and the importance of specialty plans.
This two-part 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, and anyone in a career transition.
| |
|
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
December 12 - Mechanic's Lien: A Primer with Bassford Remele
This free, comprehensive workshop will cover everything you need to know about the mechanic's lien process from start to finish in Minnesota. This seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of mechanic's liens effectively. Sign Up
December 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders lists, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Register Now
December 25 & 26 - MBEX Closed - Christmas
MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. Our physical office will be closed on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27 (staff will be working remotely).
December 31 & January 1 - MBEX Closed - New Years
MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1 to celebrate the end of 2024 and welcome the start of 2025. MBEX will return to regular business hours on Thursday, January 2.
** January 14 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application
Great estimators know that to be competitive and competent in the current market, their companies must continually be in search of an edge, answering the question: "How can we approach this project differently than our competition?" This virtual and interactive training workshop taught by Troy DeGroot with UChapter2 is scheduled as one half-day session. Sign Up Now
** January 15 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses
Join Troy for this free opportunity to see an introduction to each upcoming course in February and learning objectives in 2025. Sign Up Here
January 15 - MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon
MBEX invites its members to our Annual Meeting and Luncheon, a premier event that brings together our vibrant construction community. We will introduce our 2025 Board of Directors and also hear remarks from special guest speaker employment law attorney Kate Bischoff about law changes coming in 2025 that will directly impact construction in Minnesota. Register Now
** January 15 & 16 - Reading Construction Documents
Designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents, this two-part online program will teach students how to navigate a project and its documentation, helping to understand the material and construction requirements. This program is open to both current MBEX Members and Non-MBEX Members. Register Now
** January 16 - 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. Not yet open for registration
| |
ATTENTION DBE SUBCONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS | |
Carl Bolander & Sons is seeking solicitations from DBE Subcontractors and Suppliers for participation on the Link Rapid Transit - Volume B & C project. | |
|
They are trying in good faith to reach project DBE and EEO goals as follows:
- DBE Subcontractor goal of 12%.
- EEO goal of 15% people of color / Indigenous people utilization of total project labor hours, and 9% in Female utilization of total project labor hours.
PROJECT DEADLINE
Send your proposals by end of day, Monday, December 16 to John Caroon. (The project bids Tuesday, December 17.)
Please also complete the second page of the packet found here and send to John to share if your company will participate in this request for bids or not.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Street reconstruct of 2nd Street Southwest (approximately 2.9-miles) for Bus Rapid Transit. Project start date is March 1, 2025.
The project is to follow the requirements of Build America, Buy America Act.
The work shall include, but is not limited to: Mobilization, Erosion and Sediment Control, Traffic Control, Site Demolition / Tree Clearing, Earthwork and Drainage, Underground Utilities, Bituminous Paving / Patching, Concrete Work, Retaining Wall, Bridge Enhancement, Landscaping, Site Lighting and Electrical, and Signage / Pavement Marking.
NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE?
If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to John Caroon at johnc@bolander.com or (612) 366-4531.
Carl Bolander and Sons LLC is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Company.
| |
|
Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
| |
EMPLOYMENT LAW
⛔ Court Strikes Down 2024 Overtime Pay Regulations
On November 15, 2024, the Eastern District of Texas invalidated the newly established overtime pay regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in 2024. This decision affects both workers and employers nationwide, and employers should take immediate steps to ensure compliance with existing overtime pay regulations.(J. D. Supra | Whiteford Law)
2025 OUTLOOK
📝 Metal Roofing and Siding Trends for Manufacturing Companies in 2025
There are several significant trends that manufacturing experts see playing out in 2025. Central State Manufacturing shares insights with Construction Executive that show how these trends build on business findings from the current year and what the company is hearing from its partners and customers. For next year, eight significant trends emerge. (Construction Executive)
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
🧰 This Ancient Building Material is Making a Comeback
Used since the 19th century --- typically as a rural, rustic building material --- straw has been a DIY solution for affordable, earth-friendly construction. But a new wave of contemporary straw designs, as well as more industrial-scale efforts to expand the availability of straw as a building material, have modernized this traditional method of making a home for warehouses and other large facilities. (Fast Company)
LABOR & WORKFORCE
🤨 What To Do If Immigration Agents Come to Your Jobsite
Last month, President-elect Donald Trump named Tom Homan as his "border czar," and Homan has promised that the incoming administration will increase workplace raids as part of its broader immigration plan. Construction, an industry that relies on foreign-born workers, could certainly be among those targeted by jobsite raids, and contractors need to prepare for the possibility of unannounced visits from federal agents, lawyers say. (Construction Dive)
JOBSITE SAFETY
🦾 How Hard Should Construction Robots Be Allowed to Hit Human Workers?
If construction robots aren't able to detect their human worker counterparts on a site accurately enough, then it's important to know how hard they can bump into them without causing harm. That was the starting point for a new study that aims to improve safety for human workers as robots and co-bots become a more common sight on construction jobsites for all sorts of tasks including bricklaying, road paving, drywall installation and demolition. (Construction Briefing)
| |
Life Time Pitches Luxury Housing-Fitness Mix in Maple Grove | |
|
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Life Time wants to bring luxury apartments to the city of Maple Grove in addition to a high-end fitness club --- a mixed-use concept that the company has advanced in other states but not in Minnesota.
The Chanhassen-based company is seeking city approvals for the proposed development, which includes a 90,000- to 120,000-square-foot health and wellness facility, and 200-385 apartments within the 100-acre Minnesota Health Village development site near Interstate 94 and Highway 610.
The fitness building and apartments would rise on 17.5-acres at the northeast corner of the Minnesota Health Village site. Ryan Cos. US Inc. is the master developer of Minnesota Health Village.
Life Time still has some hurdles to clear in the city entitlement process, but it's off to a good start. On December 2nd, the Maple Grove City Council swiftly approved a planned unit development concept stage plan, and preliminary and final plat.
A development stage plan is expected to be submitted early next year. The plan will include more details about the building, parking, engineering, and more.
A signature feature of the development proposal is the apartment concept. The luxury apartments would rise on the west end of the Life Time development site, with the fitness club on the east side. Life Time would own and operate the apartment building.
| |
PICTURED ABOVE: Life Time plans to build a 90,000- to 120,000-square-foot health and wellness facility and 200-385 apartments within the 100-acre Minnesota Health Village. (Map courtesy of City of Maple Grove) | |
|
2025 Construction Economic Forecast
Presented by Construction Executive
| |
|
DATE: Wednesday, December 11
TIME: 1:00pm CST | 2:00pm EST
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
| |
|
|
With the U.S. presidential election decided, the Federal Reserve starting its rate-cutting cycle and volatility over large parts of the world, economist Anirban Basu returns to update contractors on the latest economic conditions and make his predictions for the year to come.
Designed with commercial construction contractors in mind, Basu's presentation is customized for Construction Executive readers to help them manage and grow their businesses by focusing on relevant economic indicators, including materials prices, jobs and unemployment reports, construction wages, the most recent ABC Construction Confidence Index and Construction Backlog Indicator reports, and the hottest market sectors and regions.
This is a 60-minute presentation followed by 30-minutes of live Q & A.
| |
|
Mechanic's Lien: A Primer
Presented by Bassford Remele
| |
|
DATE: Thursday, December 12
TIME: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION: Bassford Remele
(100 South 5th Street, STE 1500, Minneapolis, 55402)
COST: Free
| |
|
|
This comprehensive seminar with Bassford Remele will cover everything you need to know about the mechanic's lien process from start to finish in Minnesota. This seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of mechanic's liens effectively.
Attendees will learn crucial strategies to preserve their lien rights and efficiently collect payment for work performed or supplies provided when payment is not made.
- 12:00-12:30pm: Registration and Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:30pm: Pre-Lien Considerations
- 1:45pm-2:45pm: Foreclosure of the Lien and Trial Considerations
- 3:00pm-4:00pm: Post-Trial Enforcement and Considerations
- 4:00pm-5:00pm: Happy Hour and Networking
Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor or supplier, this seminar will provide valuable insights to protect your interests and improve your bottom line. For those in the financial services sector, this seminar will delve into the complexities of how mechanic's lien foreclosure proceedings impact financial institutions.
Bassford Remele offers complimentary parking at its location.
| |
Benefit of the Week: Exclusive NPP Deals | |
|
Staples Business Advantage
Stock up on products to keep employees safe and healthy during cold & flu season, like Purell Hand Sanitizer (12 oz) at NPP's price of $6.17.
| |
|
|
Verizon Business
Take 22% off monthly access fees and more on a variety of Verizon Wireless services for business.
| |
|
|
ODP Business Solutions
Take advantage of free shipping with $35 minimum orders.
| |
|
|
Ariat Crew
Deck out the team with discounted program pricing and free ground shipping on all orders.
| |
|
|
National Purchasing Partners (NPP) is a trusted savings and solutions provider for businesses and their employees. By leveraging the purchasing power of more than 350,000 members, NPP can provide top discounts and special B2B pricing to businesses of all sizes. NPP members enjoy exclusive deals on a catalog of useful items for both work and play. Membership is free and there is never an obligation to purchase.
Plus, when you enroll via our special NPP sign-up page, MBEX receives a small royalty to further support our member services.
| |
PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
|
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 12/2/2024 - 12/6/2024: 87
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 12/2/2024 - 12/6/2024: 12
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 12/10/2024: 325
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 12/10/2024: 4,334
| |
|
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 12/4/2024-12/10/2024.
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.
| |
|
UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• December 12 - Mechanic's Lien: A Primer
• December 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• December 24 & 25 - Closed for Christmas
• December 31 & January 1 - Closed for New Years
• January 14 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application
• January 15 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Revu Courses (Bluebeam 1-7)
• January 15 - Annual Meeting & Luncheon
• January 15 & 16 - Reading Construction Documents
• January 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
• February 11 - Regional Member Meetup: Rochester
• February 18 - Regional Member Meetup: Duluth
• February 25 - Regional Member Meetup: Fargo / Moorhead
• March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
| |
Connect with the Builders Exchange: | |
|
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; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters; Don O'Connor - Duluth Manager
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
| | | | |
