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The world's longest elevated pedestrian loop officially opened to the public at the end of July right here in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail takes guests 32-feet above the ground and provides new views and experiences with the zoo's wildlife, hardwood forest, and wetlands. It was turned into a walkway after repurposing 1.25 miles of a former monorail structure. It also utilizes nearly 1,000-tons of new structural steel, which reinforces angles, walkway frames, and handrails around the curves in the trail.
The loop's design was led by Minneapolis-based Snow Kreilich Architects alongside engineering firm Buro Happold with landscape architecture and urban design practice by TEN x TEN. The project's construction leader was PCL.
IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
• Recap: A perfect Duluth evening aboard the Sundew
• Ouch: New OSHA requirements for reporting injuries and illness
• On the Blog: Five reasons to attend MBEX events
• Hired: Nonresidential construction employment up in July
• Next-Gen Welders: Introducing students to welding with VR headsets, and five more construction headlines worth reading
• Member Benefit: Save on uniforms and facility services with UniFirst
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Sundew Harbor Cruise - Recap
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It was a gorgeous and perfect Duluth evening on August 2nd for MBEX members, volunteers, several Board members, and staff as the retired Coast Guard cutter, Sundew, sailed Lake Superior and its harbor at sunset.
Attendees enjoyed beautiful views of the Duluth shoreline, including the Glensheen Mansion, dinner and drinks, and great company. A very special and appreciative thank you to Jeff and Toni Foster, owners of the Sundew, and their operating crew of volunteers.
We also want to thank our event sponsors: The Builders Group (TBG), Schaefer Acoustics, and Northern Industrial Insulation.
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OSHA's New Injury and Illness Submission Requirements | |
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Earlier in July, OSHA announced a new rule expanding submission requirements for injury, illness data provided by employers in high-hazard industries.
Currently, establishments with 20-249 employees in certain high-hazard industries and establishments with 250 or more employees in industries that must routinely keep OSHA injury and illness records are required to electronically submit their OSHA 300A.
As of January 1, 2024, facilities with over 100 employees are going to be required to submit both OSHA 300 and OSHA 301 information in additional to the OSHA 300A. Learn More
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ON THE BLOG:
5 Reasons to Dive into MBEX Events
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Minnesota Builders Exchange events are the gathering spots for those who know they every connection can lay the foundation for success.
Whether you're new to MBEX or have been a member for decades, if you haven't dipped your toes into these networking waters yet, here are five rock-solid reasons why you should jump in, hard hat and all. Read More
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Nonresidential Construction Employment Up in July | |
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Nonresidential construction employment increased by 10,600 positions on net, with growth in two of the three subcategories. Nonresidential building added 10,500 positions, while heavy and civil engineering added an additional 2,200 jobs. Nonresidential specialty trade lost 2,100 jobs on net.
The construction unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in July. Unemployment across all industries declined from 3.6% in June to 3.5% last month. Read More
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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 our members 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
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.
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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💲💲 Biden's Infrastructure Boom is Being Held Back by High Construction Costs
While it appears the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates has finally started to slow down inflation, the cost of construction materials has yet to drop. Construction projects continue to struggle under high material costs, causing delays and increased project expenses. According to research from Gordian, construction materials have seen significant price increases since 2020. This accounts for around 82.5% of materials affected. Meanwhile, construction news outlets report that metals like steel and aluminum have experienced substantial price hikes (long-term wise). (Markets Insider)
🕹️ Lincoln Electric Inspires Next-Gen Welders with VR Headsets
The Voyage Arc Virtual Realty Welding Headset is an interactive, immersive classroom platform that introduces students to welding fundamentals. The tool is designed to spark interest in careers involving welding by enabling tech-savvy students to learn in a virtual setting that many of them already enjoy in real life --- an amusement park. Along with the immersive experience, the Voyage Arc headset incorporates video gaming elements to keep the student motivated. (Iron Pros)
🤖 Autonomous Robots for Solar Installation Gain Traction
As the United States pursues a wholesale shift from a fossil fuel-based energy system to one defined by renewables, it is an all-hands-on-deck scenario to stay on track to meet climate goals. Some of these hands may turn out to be robotic. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) projects a demand of 800,000 new solar workers by 2030 to build the projects the United States needs to be on pace with its decarbonization plan. However, 44% of solar industry employers report it is "very difficult" to find qualified applicants, said the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). (PV Magazine)
💵 What is a Funded Payroll?
One of the largest expenses for any construction company is payroll, and the management of construction payroll can be complicated and very time consuming. An Employer of Record (EOR) payroll service can provide contractors an opportunity to grow their business through a "funded payroll" service. In addition to the EOR administering your payroll and all related items, including, but not limited to national, state and local reporting, an EOR will advance your payroll thereby allowing you to re-invest your capital to grow your business. (For Construction Pros)
👷 The Iconic American Hard Hat Job that has the Highest Level of Open Positions Ever Recorded
The construction sector is a fundamental backbone of the nation --- without structures created by construction workers, Americans would have nowhere to eat, sleep, work, or live. And yet, the industry is currently battling the highest level of unfilled job openings ever recorded. According to an outlook from ABC, construction firms will need to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2023 to meet the demand for labor. However, for workers seeking construction jobs, the timing has never been better. (CNBC - State of Freight)
⚡ HAPPENING LOCALLY
Proposed Minnesota High-Voltage 180-Mile Power Line Could Cost $1 Billion
Minnesota Power and Great River Energy are proposing to build a 180-mile transmission line from northern to central Minnesota. The project is one of several new high-voltage power lines utilities want to build across the Upper Midwest in the next several years. It was one of 18 transmission projects approved last year by the midcontinent Independent System Operator, which operates the Midwest's electric grid. (MPR News)
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This map shows where the new power line would go, if approved. Provided by Northland Reliability Project | |
How to Reduce Hand Injuries in Construction | |
• DATE: Wednesday, August 9
• TIME: 1:00pm CST | 2:00pm EDT
• LOCATION: Online Webinar
• SPEAKER: Ian Lanpher, Hand Safety Specialist - Superior Glove
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Hand injuries are the number one preventable injury in the workplace. Despite plentiful PPE, preventable hand injuries still occur at very high rates among industries where subcontractors are a key part of the workforce.
As a prime contractor, how can you achieve the compliance and accountability necessary to reduce these preventable injuries when your workforce isn't exactly yours? The good news is that you and your subcontractors want the same thing: safe, well-run and productive jobsites.
In this webinar, you'll learn: (1) How to protect workers from hand injuries, improve hand safety culture and save on related costs; (2) How other prime contractors have built successful hand safety programs; (3) Practical tips on how to build a hand safety program specific to subcontractors; and (4) How to get subcontractor buy-in on your hand safety program. Register Here
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• DATE: Tuesday, August 15
• TIME: 3:00-5:00pm
• LOCATION: 700 Meadow Lane North, Minneapolis, Minn., 55422
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Mortenson invites prospective trade partners and W/MBE firms to attend their 2023 Annual Minneapolis Trade Partner Open House.
Meet project managers, estimators, design phase managers, and other leaders from the Mortenson organization. Learn more about their business, how to connect with them, their supplier and workforce diversity programs, and upcoming projects. A brief program will be held from 3:30-4:00pm. RSVP Here | Download Event Flyer
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Fall 2023 Workshop - Public Fleet Management Certificate
American Public Works Association - Minnesota Chapter
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• DATE: Tuesday, September 12 or Wednesday, September 13
• TIME: 7:15am - 4:00pm both days
• LOCATION: Plymouth Community Center (14800 - 34th Ave N, Plymouth, Minn., 55447)
• COST: $250 per person. Includes materials, breakfast, lunch and breaks
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The APWA-MN chapter is offering the Public Fleet Management Certificate for the 2023 Fall Workshop. The workshop will be offered two consecutive days; choose one workshop day, September 12 or September 13.
This one-day workshop is for new and experienced fleet managers and those aspiring to become fleet managers. The program will provide an overview of the many skills and areas of knowledge fleet managers need to be successful, including organization structures, communication, procurement, purchasing, finance, and fleet operations.
Email Mary Detloff with questions. Learn More + Register
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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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Receive up to 60% off rental and lease rates with uniforms and facility services. | |
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MBEX Members who are also NPP members enjoy specially negotiated rates from UniFirst, a full-service employee uniform and facility services provider. Benefits include:
• 30%-60% off rental and leasing rates
• Negotiated lost / damage costs
• Discounted personalization and setup charges
• 20% off UniFirst Workwear Direct catalog purchases
• Free pressing of all work shirts
Nearly 2 million people go to work each day in a uniform hygienically cleaned, finished and delivered on a regular schedule by UniFirst.
Sign up today to schedule an on-site consultation and learn how to keep your employees, your facility and your bottom line looking great.
Join NPP to Start Saving | Learn More about UniFirst
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 7/31/2023 - 8/4/2023: 93
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 7/31/2023 - 8/4/2023: 6
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 8/8/2023: 334
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 8/8/2023: 3,234
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 8/2/2023-8/8/2023.
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
• August 10 - Sporting Clays Fundraiser -
Teams full; sponsorships available
• August 23 - Golf North
• 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
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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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