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Volume 44 - 2023 | Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | www.mbex.org | |
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Five Things To Do / Know This Week:
1.) Happy Halloween and/or Feliz Dia de los Muertos (depending on when you read this issue, of course 🎃 🍬 🌺 💀)!
2.) If your company hasn't already done so, please complete the 2023 AGC of Minnesota Construction Industry Assessment survey before it closes on November 3rd. One survey per company (you may have already received a survey invitation from AGC directly). This survey is intended for commercial contractors, architects, engineers or material suppliers.
3.) We're offering another Online Plan Room demo for members to learn, refresh, and ask questions on November 16. Get full details here
4.) Daylight Savings Time ends on November 5; don't forget to change those clocks and alarms.
5.) Test your knowledge: Back in 2019, the world's largest Ouija board was built in Salem, Massachusetts. Aptly name Ouijazilla, how much did this spiritual board weigh? A.) 12,000 lbs; B.) 3,000 lbs; C.) 9,000 lbs; or D.) 5,500 lbs. Check your answer
Keep grinding; the weekend is only a couple of days away!
IN THIS WEEK'S BULLETIN:
• Enroll Now: Check out our offered Bluebeam for Administrative Professionals class
• Starts Drop: Fewer megaprojects move forward, fewer starts in September
• Ho-Ho-Holiday Party North: Register today for our festive event in Duluth
• Applause, Applause: Congratulations to the 2023 Rising Young Professionals
• October Industry Report, Retrofitting Heat Pumps, & Class E Hard Hats: Five construction headlines, and one airport expansion project in Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Member Benefits: Keep workplaces and employees clean and safe with Cintas
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ONLINE CLASS: Bluebeam for Administrative Professionals | |
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Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams.
In just two hours you'll be ready to combine documents, mark for redaction, apply digital signatures and several other important administrative tasks.
• DATE: Thursday, November 16
• TIME: 3:00-5:00pm CST | 1:00-3:00pm PST
• INSTRUCTOR: Troy DeGroot, UChapter2
• PRICE: MBEX Member - $99 | Non-MBEX Member - $149
Learning objectives include (1) Extracting pages from existing documents; (2) Use Redaction to quickly clean sensitive information from documents; (3) Creating and applying digital signatures; (4) Updating page labels; (5) Applying headers and footers; (6) Search document text and visual symbols; (7) Apply stamps; and (8) Flag important content in documents.
Enroll in this Bluebeam Revu Course here
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Starts Drop 6% as Fewer Megaprojects Move Forward | |
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Total construction starts fell 6% in September to a seasonally adjusted rate of $1.2 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential starts lost 4%, residential starts declined 6$, and nonbuilding starts fell 9%.
Year-to-date through September 2023, total construction starts were 3% below that of 2022. Residential and nonresidential starts were down 17% and 7%, respectively; however, nonbuilding starts were up 25% on a year-to-date basis.
For the 12 months ending September 2023, total construction starts were unchanged. Nonbuilding starts were 22% higher, and nonresidential building starts gained 3%. Conversely, on a 12-month rolling basis, residential starts posted a 16% decline.
Read More on Dodge Construction Network
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Holiday Party North is Coming | |
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Get your festive spirit in gear because MBEX's Holiday Party North is back, and it's going to be a holly, jolly extravaganza you won't want to miss.
• DATE: Thursday, December 7
• TIME: 5:30pm - Cocktails | 6:30pm - Sit Down Dinner | 7:00pm - Short Program & Door Prize Giveaways
• LOCATION: Ridgeview Country Club (Duluth, Minn.)
• PRICE: $45 per person
🌟 Epic Networking
Connect with the best and brightest in the construction industry. Build relationships, swap stories, and make invaluable connections with your peers.
🍽️ Delectable Delights
This year's event will feature a sit-down dinner prepared by Ridgeview's culinary team that will leave you craving seconds.
🎁 Prizes Galore
Have a chance to snag some epic door prizes and giveaways that will make your holiday season even brighter.
👗 Dress to Impress
Suit and ties, glitter and glitz, and festive-wear most welcome.
Sponsorship Opportunities
If you're interested in showcasing your company's products or services and gaining exposure to a targeted audience, consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorships can be added to your order within the registration form.
Invite Industry Connections
Know someone who should be at Holiday Party North? Share the cheer and invite your industry pals. The more, the merrier!
Your ticket to the most memorable night of the year awaits, so mark your calendars and secure your spot today.
Reserve Tickets to Holiday Party North here
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Congratulations, Rising Young Professionals | |
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Finance & Commerce recently announced their fifth annual class of Rising Young Professionals in Minnesota. These flourishing stars of business have demonstrated leadership and determination in their industries.
As a number of this year's honorees are also employees of MBEX member companies, we wanted to give them a special shout-out. Please join us in congratulating the following:
• Kori Shingles, JE Dunn Construction
• Payton Hosch, Kraus Anderson Construction
• Paul Noll, Kraus-Anderson Construction
• Peyton Kringlie, LS Black Constructors
• Zae Sellers, Mortenson
Congratulations to these Rising Young Professionals, and to all receiving this recognition. Rising Young Professional awardees will be recognized at a celebration and networking event on December 7 at the Lumber Exchange Center in Minneapolis.
See all Rising Young Professionals on Finance & Commerce
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November 16 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and bidders lists, this free, one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. There will be time at the end for questions and answers. Register Here
November 16 - Bluebeam for Administrative Professionals (online class)
Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams. In just two hours you’ll be ready to combine documents, mark for redaction, apply digital signatures and several other important administrative tasks. Register Here
November 23 & 24 - Thanksgiving - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday, and will return to regular business hours on Monday, November 27.
November 27 & 29 - 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
November 28 - 2nd Annual Summit on Mental Health in Construction
The Minnesota Construction Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Coalition is proud to host their annual summit focusing on substance use and mental health in construction. This Summit is open to anyone in the construction industry from field personnel to executive leadership. Register Here
December 7 - Holiday Party North
Join MBEX for a night of festive cheer and networking at Holiday Party North in Duluth. As winter blankets the Northland in its snowy splendor, come gather with fellow construction industry professionals for an evening of celebration and camaraderie. Register Here
January 10 - MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon
Save the date for the first members-only event of the new year. The MBEX Annual Meeting provides members the opportunity to enjoy lunch and socialize with fellow industry professionals, congratulate new incoming Board Members, recognize those leaving the Board, all while actively observing annual meeting protocol. This event is open to ALL current MBEX members.
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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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
📋 Construction Industry Report: October 2023
Most construction indicators remain flat, with the exception of a significant decline in starts and the Architecture Billings Index. (Trimble Construction)
Producer Price Index: 0.2% change
Up 0.2% from August 2023 | Up 0.3% from September 2022
Construction Backlog Indicator: 9 months
Down 2.7% from August 2023 | Up 2.7% from September 2022
Architecture Billings Index
Billings decreased to 44.8 | Design contracts decreased to 46.2
Construction Confidence Index
Staffing increased to 62 | Sales increased to 58.3 | Profits decreased to 54
Construction Starts: $1.2 trillion
Down 6% from August 2023 | Up 15% from September 2022
HEATING + RETROFITS
♨️ Heat Pumps are Hot, but Commercial Retrofits Face Cold Realities
Heat pumps are gaining recognition across many parts of the U.S. for their energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared with other building heating and cooling options. Facility managers looking to deploy heat pumps in existing buildings have concerns about cost --- despite the availability of federal incentives --- as well as the significant work and disruption that can come with retrofits. (Smart Cities Dive)
LABOR + SAFETY
⛑️ What Types of Construction Jobs Require a Class E Hard Hat?
Class E rated safety helmets are designed to protect construction workers from high voltage up to 20,000 volts (phase to ground). In its November 2022 bulletin, the Center for Construction Research and Training notes the construction sector has a disproportionately high number of fatal electrical injuries compared to other U.S. industries, accounting for 49% of all fatal and 24% of non-fatal electrical injuries from 2011 to 2020. Learn about the different types of jobs and activities requiring this level protection. (Iron Pros)
CONSTRUCTION TECH
🚀 3D Printing Could Shake Up Construction Industry & Bring Tech to the Moon
A young CEO who started a 3D-printing business to create what he believes are faster, cheaper, more hurricane-resistant and environmentally-friendly homes, is also working with NASA to pioneer 3D printing on the moon. By the end of the decade, a printer from Jason Ballard's company, Icon, is scheduled to fly to the moon to test print part of a landing pad as part of a partnership with NASA. Closer to home, Icon hopes its 3D-printing technology can eventually help address a serious housing deficit in the U.S. (CBS News)
SUSTAINABILITY
♻️ Three Ways That Automation is Sustainable Construction
Automation innovations can address sustainability challenges in many ways. Autonomous solutions improve building efficiency and decrease onsite worker time, reducing construction pollution. In fact, research has found that progressive construction firms, which are defined as using four or more automated systems, are 58% more likely to experience sustainability improvements and waste reduction than their moderate counterparts. (For Construction Pros)
🦺 PROJECT TO WATCH
Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to Get $1B Upgrade Next Year
If you need to regain some confidence in Twin Cities public officials, take a look at the Metropolitan Airports Commission. It is having no trouble making decisions nor affording them. At the MAC's recent State of the Airport luncheon, leaders explained the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport will undergo about $6 billion of construction and expansions between now and 2040. The first $1 billion of it will be spent next year, in a frenzy of activity that will transform the Delta concourses in Terminal 1. That spending also covers an addition to Terminal 2, which means two new gates for Sun Country and the expansion of two others that the local airline uses. (Star Tribune)
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Minneapolis-St Paul’s terminal | Image: Metropolitan Airports Commission | |
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ACI Certification Classes
Minnesota Concrete Council Continuing Education
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DATES:
• November 2: ACI Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification Class
• November 2: ACI Post-Installed Concrete Anchor Installation Inspector Certification Class
• November 15: ACI Concrete Flatwork Associate and Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher Certification Review and Written Examination
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The ACI Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification is required by the Minnesota Building Code as well as MnDOT.
The performance of any post-installed adhesive anchor relies on the correct installation of the anchor. Research has shown that if not mixed properly or if cleaning procedures are not followed per manufacturer's instructions, the anchor will fail. Prevent unnecessary problems in the future and get your installers certified. Not all post-installed adhesive anchors are created equal so understand the differences.
Information on class cost, how to register, and more can be found here.
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An Introduction to Construction Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Boards
Webinar presented by Construction Executive
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DATE: Wednesday, November 15
TIME: 1:00pm CST
LOCATION: Online
COST: Free
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The complexity and long-term nature of construction projects create a level of uncertainty, and it is impossible to resolve every detail and foresee external factors that may create a dispute at the outset. The AAA-ICDR Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Board (DARB) Procedures are designed to avoid and resolve potential disputes at the project stage, focusing on real-time resolution, utilizing construction industry experts available throughout the project.
This webinar will discuss the benefits of a DARB on a construction project; how and why it works (and when it does not work); how to set up a DARB, including selecting the right members; and what differentiates a DARB from other dispute-resolution processes.
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Mental Health in the Construction Industry
Construction Seminar presented by Minnesota OSHA Compliance
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DATE: Tuesday, November 21
TIME: 7:00am-8:30am
LOCATION: Online via Microsoft Teams or In-Person at the MnDOT Training and Conference Center (Shoreview, Minn.)
COST: Free
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This seminar's discussion will center on mental health in the construction industry and what you can do to help, what you should look for and how you can respond, as well as how the industry can better address the issue. More event details can be found here.
Rob Dahl of Holmes Murphy Construction will lead the discussion. Rob has more than 30 years of construction experience in production, safety and risk management. Before his current position, Dahl spent 18 years with national insurance carriers in consulting and regional director roles. He has also worked for contractors as a laborer, carpenter, superintendent, safety engineer and safety manager. He is a QPR Gatekeeper and certified in adult Mental Health First Aid.
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Benefit of the Week: Cintas | |
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Create clean and safe workspaces for your teams with the help of Cintas
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Through our partnership with National Purchasing Partners (NPP), MBEX members can save on uniform services, safety products and more through Cintas!
MBEX Members and their companies receive:
• Up to a 65% discount on services
• Discounts on safety products
• Top brands available for rental include Carhartt, The North Face, and Chef Works
• Flame-resistant uniforms and FRC head and hand protection
• PPE, face mask laundry services, spray services and other essential facility services available
Sign up with NPP for free to activate this offer and many more. Enroll your business here: https://mynpp.com/association/mbex/
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NPP is a member benefit provider of the Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX), offering savings on products and services that businesses and employees use every day. Restrictions many apply. See www.mynpp.com for details.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 10/23/2023/2023 - 10/27/2023: 66
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 10/23/2023 - 10/27/2023: 3
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 10/31/2023: 294
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/31/2023: 4,189
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 10/25/2023-10/31/2023.
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 & Shauna Baska, 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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