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Congratulations to Jon Schindel, who has joined The Builders Group (TBG) as their new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He joins TBG from Schindel Segat Mendoza, PLLC Law Firm, where he was a Partner.
Jon brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success as a corporate attorney. In addition to his experience, Jon represented TBG for many years and worked with several group-insured companies in Minnesota. Therefore he has a strong background and knowledge of TBG's business.
As TBG looks to the future, Jon's role of COO has been established as part of their succession planning to work closely with Stu Thompson and move into the CEO role upon Stu's retirement.
We greatly look forward to our continued partnership with TBG and to working with Jon in the days and months to come.
IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
• Happening Next Thursday: Join MBEX for its annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser
• CCLD Updates: Review the latest CCLD changes in 2023
• World Wide Web Day: 7 easy and effective ways to update your website
• Granted: One million dollars in LEAP grant funding now available
• Four Times Stronger than Steel: Glass-coated DNA, and five more construction headliners worth reading
• Member Benefit: New offers with Verizon help members save on new phones, unlimited 5G plans and more.
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NEXT WEEK: Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
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Let's lock and load for a fantastic cause!
In just ONE WEEK, we're thrilled to host the Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser, exclusively for our valued members.
• DATE: Thursday, August 10
• TIME: Mandatory Safety Talk at 12:15pm | Shooting begins at 12:30pm
• LOCATION: Game Unlimited Hunting Club (871 County Road E, Hudson, WI 54016)
• COST: $170 per shooter | Package includes a cook-out lunch, the clay shoot, a post-shooting social, steak dinner, and awards & prizes program.
This event combines clay shooting with MBEX's dedication to supporting the next generation of industry leaders. Expect a challenging and fun-filled sporting clays course, opportunities to showcase your shooting skills, networking and bonding with fellow members, delicious food and refreshing beverages, raffle prizes, awards, and more.
Members will not only experience a day of camaraderie, but also contribute to an essential cause. All proceeds from this event go directly towards our Scholarship Fund, helping deserving students entering the construction workforce pursue their dreams.
Limited spots are still available, so act fast! To secure your spot, register now.
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2023 Construction Codes and Licensing Legislative Updates | |
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Below is a brief overview of the 2023 legislative sessions laws related to Construction Codes and Licensing (CCLD). Take time to review, and make sure you're prepared for how they may affect your business.
AS OF MAY 25, 2023
Window Cleaning Safety
Removes existing statutory window cleaning safety requirements and replaces them with a requirement that the DLI commissioner adopt rules that require window cleaning safety features that comply with a nationally recognized standard using expedited rulemaking.
Adult Changing Stations
Requires the DLI commissioner adopt rules that require adult-size changing facilities as part of the State Building Code using expedited rulemaking.
AS OF JULY 1, 2023
Commercial Energy Code Improvements
Adds additional targets to the adoption of new model commercial energy codes such that the commercial energy code in effect in 2036 and thereafter achieves at least an 80% reduction in annual net energy consumption, using the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 as a baseline. This change also requires a report by January 15th of the year following each new code adoption.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
The Minnesota DLI is directed that the building code shall require a minimum number of electric vehicle ready spaces; electric vehicle capable spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations within or adjacent to new commercial and multi-family structures that provide on-site parking, excluding residential structures with fewer than four units.
CCLD Fee Reduction and Reimbursement
(1) Reduces fees paid by individuals and businesses in the construction industry when they need to reinstate a license following a license revocation, suspension or voluntary termination.
(2) It also allows DLI to refund Contractor Recovering Fund fees when a residential building contractor or remodeler license is not approved.
Solar Installers Licensed as Residential Building Contractors
Requires that solar installers be licensed residential building contractors, resulting in solar installers paying into the Contractor Recovery Fund and giving consumers who hire licensed solar installers that ability to make claims to the fund.
AS OF AUGUST 1, 2023
Safe Housing for the Elderly and Vulnerable Adults
Adds assisted living facilities, including assisted living with dementia care facilities, to the list of state-licensed facilities, giving DLI the authority to provide building and plumbing plan review and inspection services during the construction phase of these facilities.
CCLD POLICY AND TECHNICAL
CCLD policy and technical changes are located in Article 11 of the law and include:
Effective as of May 25, 2023
• exempting certain load control receivers from inspection for a limited amount of time (Section 51 & 52)
Effective as of July 1, 2023
• enabling an applicant for a license to submit a new application for the license 30 days from the date of a failed exam (Section 44)
• requiring certain refrigerants not to be prohibited by code (Section 45)
• establishing certain elevator licensing exemptions (Sections 46-48)
• allowing a licensed master electrician to be qualified as a technology systems contractor (Section 49)
• updating the Board of Electricity and Board of High-Pressure Piping composition (Sections 50 & 55)
• clarifying residential building contractor licensing exemptions to enhance consumer protection with respect to house flippers (Section 53)
• provides reciprocity with other states with respect to the licensure of high-pressure pipefitters if approved by the Board of High-Pressure Piping Systems (Section 54)
• updating boiler inspection parameters to ensure that inspections occur as needed to maintain safety (Section 56)
Effective as of January 1, 2024
• new provisions for the establishment of micro-unit dwellings at sacred communities (Section 57)
Read more in the Summer 2023 issue of the CCLD Review
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ON THE BLOG:
7 Simple Ways to Enhance your Business Website
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A professional and user-friendly website is a crucial element for any business' success, including construction companies.
A business' website is often the first point of contact with potential clients, and it plays a big role in shaping their perception of your brand and can also play a huge part in one's marketing plan. To make the most of your company's online platform, take advantage of seven simple but effective ways to improve your business' website. Take a few minutes to read our blog, and apply them to your website today. Read More
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Submit a Proposal for a 2024 LEAP Grant | |
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Exciting news from Apprenticeship Minnesota at the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)! Grant funding is now available for Labor Education Advancement Programs (LEAP).
We're talking about a cool $1 million in funding, available from October 1, 2023 (or whenever the contract is ready to start) until June 30, 2025. These grants will be awarded on a competitive basis
What is LEAP and what is this funding to be used for?
LEAP is geared towards assisting in the participation and/or retention of people of color, Indigenous people, and women in registered apprenticeship programs. This funding will help in various ways, including outreach, education, assessments, preparation, support services, training, and more. The goal of LEAP is to show these groups registered apprenticeships are a fantastic career opportunity, to encourage them to enroll into these programs, and to stick with them throughout the program.
Community-based and non-profit organizations, including 501(c)3 and 501(c)5 statuses, as well as Minnesota Tribal governments, are eligible to submit proposals. Don't wait; the deadline to submit a written proposal to DLI is August 18, 2023 at 11:59pm CST.
Have questions or need technical assistance? Contact Betsy Adamson at DLI by calling (651) 284-5196 or sending an email.
Good luck, and submit those grant applications: Learn More about LEAP | Apply Now
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August 2 (Wednesday) - Harbor Cruise Aboard the Sundew
Join MBEX aboard the Sundew, a retired Coast Guard Cutter, for a sunset cruise on Lake Superior and an evening of fun and comradery. Space is limited to the first 150 people; don't delay! Register Here
August 9 (Wednesday) - St. Paul Saints with AGC
Space at this event is now sold out. Please contact Merry Beckmann if you'd like to be on the wait list or purchase a sponsorship.
August 23 (Wednesday) - Golf North
Socialize and network on the greens of Ridgeview County Club in Duluth for what
we FORE!-see to be a fantastic event. Register Here
September 4 (Monday) - Labor Day
MBEX will be closed in observance of the holiday. Please plan accordingly.
September 6 (Wednesday) - Sporting Clays North
Get your shotguns locked and loaded. MBEX is proud to present its annual Sporting Clays North, and we can't wait to see you all in action. Register Here
September 11 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents (online class)
From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements. This class is taught by Troy DeGroot with UChpater2. Register Here
Remember, if you are an employee of a current MBEX member company, you are welcome to attend any and all MBEX events.
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📋 Construction Industry Report: July 2023
Most indicators fluctuated slightly this month - mirroring the public's view of the economy. Overall, most measurements show growth in the industry. (Trimble Construction)
Producer Price Index: 0.6% change
Down 0.6% from May 2023 | Up 3.7% from June 2022
Construction Backlog Indicator: 8.9 months
No change from May 2023 | Up 2.3% from June 2022
Architecture Billings Index
Billings decreased to 50.1 | Design Contracts increased to 52.7
Construction Confidence Index
Staffing decreased to 60.2 | Sales decreased to 58.7 | Profits decreased to 53.2
Construction Spend: $1.92 trillion
Up 1% from April 2023 | Up 2% from May 2022
🤕 Department of Labor Announces Rule Expanding Submission Requirements for Injury, Illness Data
The U.S. Department of Labor announced on July 17, 2023, a final rule that will require certain employers in designated high-hazard industries to electronically submit injury and illness information --- that they are already required to keep --- to the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The final rule takes effect on January 1, 2024, and now includes the following submission requirements: (1) Establishments with 100 or more employees in certain high-hazard industries must electronically submit information from their Form 300-Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, and Form 301-Injury and Illness Incident Report to OSHA once a year. These submissions are in addition to submission of Form 300A-Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. (2) To improve data quality, establishments are required to include their legal company name when making electronic submissions to OSHA from their injury and illness records. (United State Department of Labor - OSHA.gov)
⌨️ Contractor Completes 60% of Project Planning Using BIM
Tecklenburg, a long-established construction company with a history dating back to 1878, started their Building Information Modeling (BIM) journey three years ago. Their primary objectives were to streamline planning processes, identify and resolve potential issues in advance, and improve efficiency.
They decided to use the construction of a district police building in the Rhine-Erft district as their first major BIM-supported project, and Tecklenburg used Nemetschek's BIM solutions. The project saw 60% of planning completed using Allplan, significantly reducing the planning phase duration and resource requirements compared to traditional methods. (International Construction)
🚇 'Underground Climate Change' Can Damage Building Foundations, Civil Infrastructure
When the ground gets hotter, it can expand and contract, causing foundations to move and sometimes crack. This is becoming known as "underground climate change" and can lead to damage of building foundations and infrastructure, according to a researcher at Northwestern University. The study was focused on Chicago, which has a predominantly clay subsurface that can contract when heated. (Building Design + Construction)
🧬 Glass-Coated DNA is 4x Stronger but 5x Less Dense Than Steel
Strong, lightweight materials are in demand for their application in lightweight body armor, better medical devices, and safer, faster cars and airplanes. However, traditional metallurgical techniques have reached a limit in recent years, and materials scientists have had to resort to new ideas to develop new lightweight high-strength materials. Now, scientists and researchers from the University of Connecticut (U-Conn), report that by building a structure out of DNA and then coating it with glass, they have produced a very strong material with very low density. (Interesting Engineering)
☀️ AND ONE MORE Solar Panel Company Plans $145M Factory in Twin Cities
Canadian solar panel maker Heliene Inc. will spend $145 million to open a plan in the Twin Cities, its second in Minnesota. The company has not yet selected a site in the Twin Cities, said Martin Pochtaruck, president of Heliene, but plans to create 470 jobs and start production in late 2024. Heliene is currently seeking 300,000-square-feet of existing industrial space for the plan. The $145 million budget will pay for equipment and ancillary services. (Star Tribune)
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President of Heliene Inc. Martin Pochtaruck shows off a completed solar panel built
at the company's Iron Range plant. Photo by Derek Montgomery for MPR News.
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Dual-Training Pipeline: Pipeline 101 | |
• DATE: Tuesday, August 22
• TIME: 9:00am - 10:00am CST
• LOCATION: Online event
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This webinar will walk attendees through the basics of employment-based training, and share tips and advice about how to set up a dual-training initiative at your company.
The Pipeline team will offer resources developed to support on-the-job training and partnerships with education providers. It is intended for people new to Pipeline as well as those who would like a refreshed about the program. Speakers include Alana McDevitt (DLI), Dan Solomon (DLI), Kathleen Gordon (DLI) and Erik Holtan (DLI). Register Here
Contact the Pipeline team by calling (651) 284-5355 or email them with questions.
Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline exists to support employers in creating or enhancing a competency based, earn-and-learn dual-training approach to meeting their workforce needs. With Pipeline, workers receive a combination of related instruction paired with on-the-job training.
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The Builders Group - Clay Shoot for the Trades | |
• DATE: Tuesday, August 29
• TIME: 1:00pm-5:30pm
• LOCATION: Game Unlimited (Hudson, Wisc.)
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The TBG Education Foundation is hosting their annual clay shoot with dinner and
awards to celebrate the work that has been done for the future of the trades! Join
TBG for a fun afternoon of shooting, camaraderie and good times with friends from around the trades as funds are raised to further the work of the Foundation. Sign up
as an individual or in groups up to five. Register Here
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4th Annual Sunbelt Rentals Sporting Clays Shoot
Benefiting the Gary Sinise Foundation
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• DATE: Tuesday, September 19
• TIME: Registration - 11:30am | Shooting - 1:00pm | Dinner - 5:30pm
• LOCATION: Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club (Prior Lake, Minn.)
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Join Sunbelt Rentals for a day of fun and friendly competition as they fundraise on
behalf of their partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. Register as an individual,
a four-shooter team, a five-shooter team, or a six-shooter team by September 9, 2023. Registration includes shotgun shells, a t-shirt, and dinner. Download Flyer | Register Here
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Verizon and NPP partner to assist small and medium size businesses. | |
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MBEX Members who are also NPP Members (membership is free with no obligations), can benefit from the latest Verizon offers by finding savings on new phones, access to an exclusive deal on Unlimited 5G plans and more.
Save on the Latest Devices
Receive a credit of $100 with a new smartphone and number transfer to Verizon, or add a new line to an existing account. With special pricing from Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo, your business can upgrade to the most reliable 5G network in America.
New and Existing Customers
New customers get $200 off a new phone. Existing customers save $100 on a phone when adding a line.
Go Unlimited
Exclusive deals on Business Unlimited plans from Verizon. Save $5/month for a year and discover the business benefits of unlimited data plans.
Join NPP to Start Saving | Learn More about Verizon Offers
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 7/24/2023 - 7/28/2023: 89
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 7/24/2023 - 7/28/2023: 33
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 8/1/2023: 332
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 8/1/2023: 3,146
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 7/26/2023-8/1/2023.
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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The information in this bulletin was 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.
2023 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Greg Grazzini, Grazzini Brothers & Co; Vice President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction; Treasurer - Heidi Sedlacek, Bituminous Roadways; Past President - Randy LaFaive, Market & Johnson | 2023 DIRECTORS: David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Jason DuVal, Tenet; Chuck Geisler, American Engineering Testing; Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; Andy Ristrom, Carl Bolander & Sons; 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; Don O'Connor, Duluth Branch Manager; Ka Yang, Peggy Esboldt, Janet Margheim, Wes Morden & Shauna Baska, Project Reporters
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