|
Volume 42 - 2023 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | www.mbex.org | |
|
Five Things To Do / Know This Week:
1.) Celebrate and participate in Construction Inclusion Week.
2.) Sign up and join us on Thursday for our Plan Room Demo webinar (it's free).
3.) Thursday is also Get To Know Your Customers Day. Ask your customers/clients what's working, what's not, and how you can better serve them to meet their needs.
4.) Whether you prefer to carve'em, bake'em, or use'em as centerpieces, locally grown pumpkins are a must-have this time of year. Don't wait until Halloween eve to get yours.
5.) Test your knowledge: What percentage of construction workers have a hearing impairment by the time they reach retirement age? (A) 24%, (B) 10%, (C) 87%, or (D) 56%. Check your answer.
Staying optimistic on Wednesday; hope you are, too!
IN THIS WEEK'S BULLETIN:
• For Sale: MBEX puts Minneapolis office building on the commercial market
• Backlog Dip: September saw a decrease in projects but confidence remains high
• How-To: Live plan room training webinar this Thursday (10/19)
• Internet For All: DEED announces $50M in funding to expand broadband
• Silica Dust, 3D Printing with Coffee Grounds & the Mega Construction Project Program: Groups seek industry diversity as reality, four more construction headlines, and one data center project to watch in Chaska
• Member Benefits: Plan for colder days with AriatCrew, Staples, Airgas, and Toptal
| |
MBEX to Sell Building: Office or Development Opportunity | |
|
After nearly a decade of discussion and consultation with multiple commercial real estate experts, the MBEX Board of Directors has decided the moment is right to sell the organization’s long-time office building in Minneapolis.
With the dramatic changes brought on by the Internet leading to our best-in-class electronic plan room, and the changes in staffing brought forward by COVID, the building is simply more than the organization needs. The Board is taking this bold action to ensure an even stronger future for MBEX as we celebrate 135 years of operation and look to the next 135 years. The plan calls for the MBEX staff to be housed in rented office space following the sale.
The sale is being coordinated by Nate Erickson and Ben Youds from Transwestern. If you have any interest in purchasing the building, or know of a company that might benefit from this space, please reach out:
• Ben Youds: (612) 359-1650 | Ben.Youds@transwestern.com
• Nate Erickson: (612) 359-1657 | Nate.Erickson@transwestern.com
View Sales Brochure Here
| |
September Construction Backlog Indicator Dips, Yet Contractors Remain Confident | |
|
Associated Builders and Contractors reported on October 10, 2023 that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 9.0 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted September 20-October 4. The reading is equivalent to one year ago.
Though it declined last month, the South continues to have the lengthiest backlog, which has been the case since October 2021. Over the past year, only the West has experienced increasing backlog.
ABC's Construction Confidence Index reading for sales and staffing levels edged higher in September. The profit margins reading fell slightly. All three readings remain above the threshold of 50, indicating the expectations for growth over the next six months.
Read ABC Press Release
| |
THIS THURSDAY: MBEX Online Plan Room Training
| |
|
This one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room from navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and utilizing bidders lists. There will be time at the end for questions and answers.
• Event Date: Thursday, October 19
• Time: 9:00am-10:00am CST
• Price: Free
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Register for the Plan Room Demo here
Learn the basics, refresh yourself on its offered tools, or explore if our plan room would benefit your business.
Registrants must be signed up no later than 8:00am the morning of October 19 to receive Zoom link and other information.
| |
DEED Announces $50M Round of Broadband Expansion Funding | |
|
After two rounds of historic investments over the past year, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched its latest effort to provide high-speed broadband to Minnesota homes and businesses that need it.
DEED has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to award $50 million in broadband grants to providers across the state.
As part of the new grant round, $30 million will go to DEED's flagship Border-to-Border Broadband Program, through which broadband provider grantees are reimbursed for up to half the eligible cost of deploying broadband infrastructure, with funding for a single project capped at $10 million.
Read More on DEED Website
| |
|
October 16-20 - Construction Inclusion Week 2023
Initially launched in 2021 as an industry-wide awareness initiative, Construction Inclusion Week aims to build awareness of the need to improve diversity and inclusion in the construction industry by providing content and resources. Learn More
October 19 - 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
October 31 - Ads for Buyers Guide & Membership Directory Due
Submit your ad artwork for the 2024 Buyers Guide & Membership Directory to Julie or Ashlee.
November 23 & 24 - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving 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
December 7 - Holiday Party North
An evening featuring cocktails, a sit-down dinner, networking with fellow members, and door prize giveaways. Bring your spouse, employees, and coworkers to Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth for a festive and lively event to celebrate the holiday season and the close of another business year. Registration Will Open Wednesday, October 18.
REMEMBER: If you are an employee of a current MBEX member company, you are welcome to attend any and all MBEX events.
| |
|
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
💯 Groups Seek Industry Diversity as Reality Rather Than Goal
As construction responds to soaring global needs and seeks to turn billions in new funding into real solutions, only an expanded and diverse workforce can meet the challenges, say industry leaders. Two key events this month show much progress in AEC sector attention to diversity, equity and inclusion --- but still more to do, they note. More than 5,000 U.S. contractors and affiliate firms have committed to boost workplace culture and diversity awareness and action as part of the third annual Construction Inclusion Week event October 16-20. (Engineering News-Record - ENR)
JOBSITE SAFETY
😷 US DOL Launches Initiative to Protect Workers from Silica Dust
OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health identify silica dust exposure as a health hazard for workers involved in manufacturing, finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone, which includes the man-made, engineered artificial or cultured types. When inhaled, very small crystalline silica particles expose workers to the risk of silicosis, an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease. Unsafe silica dust exposure can also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or kidney disease. (For Construction Pros)
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
☕ 3D Printing with Used Coffee Grounds Offers a Sustainable Alternative
3D printing is a technology that's opened so much room for creativity and innovation, but in many cases, it also uses a lot of plastic. However, a group of researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder may have found a cleverly caffeinated way to make the process more sustainable. The research team has brewed up a way to turn coffee grounds combined with water, xanthan gum, and cellulose gum into a paste that can be used to print objects like flowers pots, dinnerware, and jewelry. The hope is to make 3D printing more accessible and sustainable for designers, engineers, and artists looking to create prototypes. (Thomas Insights)
FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE
📝 12 Additions to Biden's Mega Construction Project Program
The Mega Construction Project Program brings the public and private sectors together on a select group of "megaprojects," for which OFCCP provides contractors and subcontractors compliance assistance to strengthen recruitment, hiring and employment practices. The assistance focuses on removing barriers to opportunity for underrepresented communities including women, people of color, veterans and individuals with disabilities. Megaprojects are large federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more --- some part of which must be federal funding --- and that last more than one year. (Contractor magazine)
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
📢 5 Marketing Strategies for the Modern Contractor
In the competitive world of construction, effective marketing strategies are crucial for contractors to stand out, attract potential clients, and secure profitable projects. While the construction industry has traditionally relied on word-of-mouth referrals, modern marketing techniques can significantly enhance a contractor's reach and reputation. With more than 3.7 million construction businesses in the U.S., here are five ways to stand out from the crowd. (ConExpo - Con / AGG)
🦺 PROJECT TO WATCH
CloudHQ Moves Ahead with Data Center Plans
CloudHQ is getting ready to push dirt --- a whole lot of it --- in preparation for a data center project in Chaska. The 1.5-million-square-foot project requires installation of a 30-foot-berm along the north and east edges of the 72-acre development site at 2007 Schoolmaster Drive, according to a city staff report. Washington D.C.-based CloudHQ has applied for a conditional use permit to construct the north portion of the berm, which would bring in up to 350,000 cubic yards of soil. (Finance and Commerce)
| |
DBE Business Academy Program Preview
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Session
| |
|
• DATE: Wednesday, October 18
• TIME: 8:30am-9:30am
• LOCATION: Virtual Presentation
• COST: Free
| |
|
|
Attendees of the DBE Business Academy Preview will gain a broad view of the content and learn how the academy will benefit their business.
Instructors and guest speakers will highlight all eight areas, which include: The Art of Bidding & Estimating, Winning MnDOT Work, Becoming Successful, Making Money, Mastering QuickBooks, Building a Viable Business, Staying Out of Trouble, and Strategic Visibility. All 22 courses were designed with the small business owner in mind.
The DBE Business Academy is free for DBE, TGB, and Veteran-Owned businesses and provides a multi-level program with beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. The academy Fall 2023-Spring 2024 session is scheduled to begin in late November.
If you have any questions about the DBE Business Academy, please contact Shannel Baker at sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com or (952) 446-7898.
| |
How Insurance and Technology Work Together to Greatly Reduce Risk Webinar Presented by ForConstructionPros.com
| |
|
• DATE: Wednesday, October 18
• TIME: 11:00am CST
• SPEAKER: Jess Simpson Stephens, Technology Partnerships Manager, Tenna
| |
|
|
With the emergency of new construction technologies delivering comprensive data to contractors, the future of risk management is bright. It's important for safety professionals today to be aware of construction technology solutions that are now available and know how they can leverage the acquired data as a conduit to not only improve safety and risk mitigation in the field but also gain unexpected value from their insurers.
In this session, you'll:
1.) Learn why good safety programs encompass more than just worker safety;
2.) How safe equipment operation and careful equipment management play a major role in improving safety and reducing risk;
3.) Understand how contractors are successfully using telematics to address safety and risk management to improve their insurance-related pain points;
4.) Learn how to identify methods for measuring safety with real operational and performance data; and
5.) Examine how insurance providers and technology companies have teamed up to benefits contractors with greater ROI.
| |
19th Annual Greater Minnesota SADBOC Government Procurement Fair | |
|
• DATE: Thursday, October 26
• TIME: 9:00am - 3:00pm
• LOCATION: University of Minnesota - Duluth (Kirby Student Center, 1120 Kirby Drive, Duluth, 55812)
• COST: Registration is free.
| |
|
|
Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend.
The fair will provide an opportunity for small businesses to learn about special programs designed to provide better access to the government marketplace. A trade show will open throughout the day in additional to a variety of workshops including Basics of Selling to the Government, Federal Certifications, SAM.gov Registration, Contracting with the State of Minnesota and TG/ED/VO Certification, etc. You will have 8 workshops in 2 tracks to choose from, along with the opportunity to visit with 20+ representatives from State and Federal Government Agencies, Large Businesses, and Resource Providers on the trade floor.
The event is free and open to all businesses --- registration is required.
| |
|
OSHA Construction Safety Outreach
10-Hour Course Day (1 of 2)
| |
|
• DATE: Tuesday, October 31 (lunch provided) and Wednesday, November 1
• TIME: 7:00am-3:30pm (Tues), 7:00am-11:00am (Wed)
• LOCATION: The Builders Group (Eagan)
| |
|
|
COST:
• $100 per person for TBG Members
• $120 per Association member
• $275 per non-member of TBG
• FREE - Starting in 2022 as a benefit of the TBG Safety Service Association, all members will have two free OSHA 10 registrations per year. Once those two free registrations are used, the cost to participate will then be $100 per member.
This class will provide an in-depth look at compliance and safety issues related to the OSHA training curriculum set forth for the OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety class. Topics include Fall Protection, Electrical Safety, Excavation Safety, Hand/Power Tools, and several more topics necessary to complete the course objectives.
Registration closes Tuesday, October 24. Cancellations must occur ten days before the event for a refund.
| |
|
Check out the latest NPP Member Benefits and start saving.
| | |
|
|
Give your crew the best this holiday season with company-branded hear from
Ariat. Order early for on-time holiday
delivery. Find Your Fit
| | |
|
Stock up on health and wellness essentials to reduce illness in the office this year. Hand sanitizer, tissues and more. Keep Everyone Healthy | | |
|
Get what you need for the winter weather ahead. Airgas has top-performing winter projects for high productivity in low temperatures. Prep the Team | | |
|
Toptal is an exclusive network of the top freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers and project managers in the world. Find Top Talent | |
|
These offers are available through our member benefit provider, National Purchasing Partners (NPP). To get started, enroll your business for free at mynpp.com/association/mbex.
| |
PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
|
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 10/9/2023/2023 - 10/13/2023: 77
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 10/9/2023 - 10/13/2023: 5
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 10/17/2023: 326
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/17/2023: 4,051
| |
|
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 10/11/2023-10/17/2023.
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.
| |
|
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
| | | | |
