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Volume 34 - 2023 | Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | www.mbex.org | |
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Summer isn't ready to leave just yet. The sun blazes on, and we find ourselves in the midst of yet another scorching heat wave. While projects must continue as scheduled, it's crucial to prioritize your and your crew's well-being amidst the rising temperatures.
• Hydrate Often - Keep a water bottle within reach at all times and make it a habit to take regular sips throughout the day. Keep ahead of dehydration!
• Shaded Breaks - Whenever possible, schedule breaks in shaded areas to give your body a chance to cool down.
• Lightweight Clothing - Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics to help your body regulate its temperature and allow sweat to evaporate, keeping you cooler.
• Cooling Accessories - Think about wearing a cool towel around your neck or a cooling cap under your hard hat / helmet.
• Use Ventilation - Position yourself near fans or create cross-ventilation by opening windows or doors (if possible) to help create a comfortable working environment.
The safety and well-being of both yourself and your workers is of the utmost importance. These simple yet effective tips will help manage the challenging work to be done with these forecasted high temps while ensuring everyone's health remains a top priority.
IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
• ICYMI: Meet the 2023-2024 MBEX / TBG Scholarship Recipients
• Changes A'Coming: DOL offers free compliance seminars for prevailing wages
• Sneak Peek: The Pre-Plan Pipeline August issue featured 95 projects
• Going Up: Construction backlog increased to 9.3 months in July
• Might Be Time: Signs that it's time to replace your work boots, and five more construction headlines worth reading
• Member Benefit: Outfit the whole team with Ariat Crew
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Here are the 2023-2024 MBEX / TBG Scholarship Recipients | |
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Last week, we shared the awarding announcement of thirteen MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarships, ranging from $1,500-$2,000, to the following well-deserving recipients for 2023-2024. Congratulations to all, and we look forward to having them attend MBEX events throughout the next year to meet with our members and grow their networks as they begin their construction careers.
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Bridget Womack
$2,000
Occupational Health and Safety with a Construction Emphasis
Attending University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
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Hans Stelpflug
$1,500
Bachelor of Science in Construction
Attending University of Wisconsin - Stout
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Owen Hill
$2,000
Studying Electrical Construction Technology
Attending St. Cloud Technical and Community College
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Hans Lagerquist
$1,500
Bachelor of Science in
Civil Engineering
Attending University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
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Riley Corrigan
$2,000
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Attending University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
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Cale Denk
$2,000
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Attending University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
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Quinn McCalla
$1,500
Associate Degree in Carpentry
Attending Alexandria Technical & Community College
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Paige Sanders
$1,500
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
Attending North Dakota State University
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Yones Abdullah
$2,000
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Attending Dunwoody College of Technology
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William Goehle
$1,500
Bachelor of Science in
Civil Engineering
Attending University of Wisconsin - Madison
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Jordan Rodenborg
$1,500
Associate Degree of Applied Science in Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Attending Dunwoody College of Technology
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Anthony Alioto
$1,500
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Attending Minnesota State University - Mankato
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Liam McVety
$2,000
Associate Degree in Carpentry,
Welding Technology & Industrial Business
Attending Iowa Central
Community College
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Learn more about the MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship: | |
DOL to Host Compliance Seminars for Davis-Bacon Rule Change | |
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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will host compliance seminars in September, the agency announced on August 11, in an effort to educate contracting agencies, contractors, unions, workers and other stakeholders on the final rule "Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations".
On September 13 and 14, these free seminars will give participants an overview of the recent DBRA changes and give them a chance to ask questions or clarify concerns. It's part of the agency's efforts to raise awareness on federal prevailing wage requirements and prompt compliance among federal contractors and subcontractors.
As money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS Act, and Inflation Reduction Act flows to states and jurisdictions, the DOL updated the DBRA for the first time in 40 years. The changes will go into effect on October 23, 2023. Read More
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Sneak Peek at August's Pre-Plan Pipeline
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MBEX members with Premium Access services have an additional benefit: the Pre-Plan Pipeline!
Each month, Premium members receive a comprehensive review of projects in their formative stages across Minnesota. Just how many projects? It varies from issue to issue, but August's contained a whopping 95 projects still in the developmental stages. Take a Look.
Already a Premium member but not seeing the Pre-Plan Pipeline? First, check your spam/junk folder. If not found there, email Ashlee so she can doublecheck you're on the mailing list (or add you if not!).
Only have Basic access services but want to upgrade to Premium so you too can receive this monthly publication? No problem! Contact Ashlee to get started.
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Construction Backlog Indicator Up in July | |
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Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 9.3 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 20 to August 4. The reading is up by 0.6 months since July 2022.
The South remains the region with the highest level of backlog, despite being the only region with lower backlog on a year-ago basis. Backlog gains in July were concentrated in the commercial and institutional category.
ABC's Construction Confidence Index reading for profit margins and staffing levels moved higher in July, while the reading for sales fell slightly. All three readings remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months. Read More
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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 our members in action. Register Here
September 11 & 13 - Reading Construction Documents (online class)
Enrolling now! 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
SAVE THE DATE: October 10 - MBEX Fall Social & POWER Self-Care Health Fair
This widely-popular networking event provides an opportunity for attendees to socialize and mingle with other industry representatives in a casual, yet professional, atmosphere. New this year is the first-ever POWER Self-Care Health Fair, opening the full event to both MBEX members and non-members. More information coming soon.
October 16-20 - Construction Inclusion Week 2023
Construction Inclusion Week is the first effort to harness the collective power of general contractors, specialty contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. 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
NOTE: 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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📋 On Heels of Big State Construction Package, Another $7.4B in Requests Await
After Minnesota lawmakers this year approved a $2.6 billion capital investment package --- the largest in the state's history --- local governments and state agencies have submitted more than $7.4 billion in requests for projects that could receive consideration when the 2024 Legislature convenes. The project descriptions delivered to the sate run more than 2,200 pages alone. (MPR News)
👓 The Basics of Contract Interpretation: A Primer for Non-Lawyers in the Construction Industry
Every first year law student in the U.S. takes a course on the Law of Contracts. It's a rite of passage where lawyers-to-be learn all about things like consideration and legally-enforceable promises. And as lawyers, they also learn that there are generally-accepted rules on how to interpret contracts. Some of those rules even have fancy Latin phrases like "expressio unius est exclusion alterius." While every state has its own unique set of laws, the basic rules of contract interpretation are largely consistent throughout the U.S. Here are some of the common rules adopted by many jurisdictions that any non-lawyer in the construction industry should be aware of. (JD Supra)
🥾 Signs You Should Replace Your Construction Work Boots
The importance of wearing proper work boots on a construction site cannot be overstated. Work boots keep the worker safer, comfortable, and help in job performance. Thus, it is critical to be mindful of signs that it is time to replace those construction work boots. Replacement of protective footwear is required when footwear no longer meets the manufacturer's specifications. This could include issues such as sole separation or significant component wear, according to North Carolina State University. (Iron Pros)
⚠️ Latest Version of Elevator Safety Code Has More Than 100 Changes
A new version of ASME A17.1 / CSA B44, a safety code for elevators, escalators, and related equipment developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, will be released next month (September). The code is updated every three years and the latest version includes over 100 revisions, such as flood detection operation, hoistway lighting, remote interaction operation (RIO) integration, and more. (Building Design + Construction)
🎓 More H.S. Graduates Saying "No" to College and "Yes" to Trades
Surveys show more Americans are skipping college. There are plenty of alternative career options, including the trades. Cole Gostovich, 23, is getting plenty of opportunities to get his hands dirty as he installs gutters on a damp, wet morning. He and other tradespeople were working on a project for Lindus Construction at a home in North Minneapolis. (CBS News)
🏗️ LOCAL HEADLINE
$221M Overhaul Planned for Hastings Veterans Campus
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs' Hastings campus has long provided homes and services for people who served in the military. But the outdated residential buildings on the campus --- a former state hospital dating to the early 1900s --- are showing their age. Six of the 20 buildings are beyond their "useful life" and deferred maintenance needs up to $24 million, the department says. What's more, security is "difficult to maintain," a public road separates residents from services, and rooms are "double occupancy" with bathrooms down the hall. (Finance & Commerce)
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The campus overlooks the Vermillion River at 1200 18th Street East. | |
Legislative & Rulemaking Updates and
International Building Code (IBC) Townhomes
2023 Fall Seminar - Minn. Department of Labor and Industry
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• DATE: September 13, 19, 25 | October 4, 12, 18
• TIME: All sessions start at 8:00am
• LOCATION: In-person at various locations and online via Webex.
• COST: $85 per in-person session | $45 per online session
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The 2023 Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Construction Codes and Licensing Division's (CCLD), Fall Seminar will focus on IBC townhouses and legislative and rulemaking updates. Each session includes seven hours of continuing education credit for building officials.
The legislative and rulemaking updates will provide the latest information about the Technical Advisory Groups' rulemaking process and other recent legislative changes including code requirements for adult-sized changing facilities, window cleaning safety, electric vehicle charging stations, updates to the Commercial Energy Code and more.
The IBC townhouses portion of the seminar will consist of code provisions that apply to constructing townhouses under the 2020 Minnesota State Building Code.
Commonly asked questions and answers for iMS, the new software platform for CCLD's Licensing unit, will also be discussed.
Contact Chad Payment by email or phone for more information. Register Now
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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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Learn About Developments at OSHA Affecting
the Construction Industry
For Members of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) only
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• DATE: Wednesday, September 20
• TIME: 2:00pm ET / 1:00pm CST
• LOCATION: Online
• Speaker: Alka Ramchandani-Raj, Shareholder, Littler Mendolson
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Attendees will hear discussion regarding recent developments affecting workplace safety in the construction industry, such as increased Occupational Safety and Health Administration penalties and enforcement, as well as regulatory actions.
Regulatory actions that the speaker will discuss include: (1) Improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses final rule; (2) Worker walkaround representative designation process (or Union Walkaround) forthcoming proposed rule; (3) Heat injury and illness prevention in indoor and outdoor settings small business advocacy review panel; (4) Personal protective equipment in construction proposed rule; (5) Procedures for the Use of Administrative Subpoenas forthcoming interim final rule; and (6) Infectious diseases forthcoming proposed rule. Register Here
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Solutions for outfitting your team | |
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Outfit your crew in durable work apparel and footwear from Ariat with a dedicated account manager who can help you customize your apparel choices with the company's logo on products known for their integrity and quality. They make the whole process easy by putting the services you need to outfit your team in one place.
MBEX members who are also NPP members get access to:
• Negotiated discounted program pricing
• Custom embroidery services
• A customizable online ordering portal
• Free ground shipping on every order
Ariat Crew can handle a wide range of consumers --- teams looking for uniforms, sponsored athletes, groups in need of member apparel, and crews looking for one-the-job gear and reliable footwear, such as work pants and shorts, headwear, jackets, vests, 6" lace ups, 8" lace ups, pull-on's, and safety shoes.
Sign up with NPP for free to activate this offer and many more. Enroll your business | Learn more about Ariat Crew
NPP is a member benefit provider of MBEX, offering savings on products and services that businesses and employees use everyday.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 8/14/2023 - 8/18/2023: 87
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 8/14/2023 - 8/18/2023: 3
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 8/22/2023: 327
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 8/22/2023: 3,407
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 8/16/2023-8/22/2023.
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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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• September 4 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed
• September 6 - Sporting Clays North
• September 11 & 13 - Documents
Reading Class (online) with UChapter2
• October 10 - Fall Social & POWER
Self-Care Health Fair
• October 16-20 - Construction Inclusion Week
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Connect with the Builders Exchange: | |
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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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