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Issue No. 11 β’ Wednesday, March 13, 2024 β’ www.mbex.org | |
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Four Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Our next Online Plan Room demo is Thursday, March 21 at 9:00am. Whether a newly joined member or in need of a refresher, we want you to sign up and join us.
2.) Congratulations to M.A. Mortenson Co.'s top leaders, Chairman David Mortenson and CEO Dan Johnson, as they have been recognized by Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal as the 2024 Executive of the Year.
3.) MBEX is selling two large format printers: an OCE 350 black and white plotter, scanner, and printer; and a Canon IPF 765 Color plotter printer. Both are in excellent condition, having been regularly maintained. If interested in purchasing, please contact Don O'Connor for more information: don@mbex.org | (218) 722-2836
4.) The National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) new joint employer rule has been deemed too broad and lacking in clarity by United States Judge J. Campbell Barker, who vacated the NLRB's new joint employer rule. Judge Barker had postponed the rule's effective date until March 11, 2024, prior to vacating it.
Working in construction is like being in a gym all day but without the fee.
IN BRIEF:
β’ Specs: The next Construction Reading Documents class is March 20 & 21
β’ Overturned: An update on CTA reporting requirements for small businesses
β’ New Members: See who joined MBEX in February
β’ AELSLAGID: 2024-2026 renewal window for licenses/certificates opens next month
β’ Nonresidential Employment Increased, More Cloud Storage for AEC & DOE Program Advances Cost-Effective Commercial Windows: Five construction headlines, and proposed road projects that St. Paul's new sales tax will fund.
β’ Member Benefit: Save on contractor prices with Sherwin-Williams
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SIGN UP: Reading Construction Documents | |
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From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, class participants of this Reading Construction Documents course will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements.
β’ DATES: Wednesday, March 20 & Thursday, March 21
β’ TIME: 10:30am-1:30pm CST (both dates)
β’ LOCATION: Online only
β’ PRICING: Members - $329 | Non-MBEX Members - $460
Designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents, this two-part online program is perfect for: apprentices, entry-level tradespersons, project coordinators, assistant project managers, new project managers, estimators, specialty sales representatives, entry-level architectural or engineering designers, or anyone in career transition looking for a refresher.
Learning objectives include an introduction to construction documents, understanding industry document standards, drawing navigation, and the importance of specialty plans.
This course is taught by Troy DeGroot with UChapter2, and is open to both MBEX Members and non-MBEX Members alike.
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Feel free to share class information with others who might be interested in enrolling.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: Corporate Transparency Act Overturned by Federal Court - Required Reporting Paused | |
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Last week we reported on a recent and new Federal Regulation --- known as the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)--- requiring businesses with 20 full-time employees or those businesses with less than $5-million in sales to report any and all individuals who could be (or are considered) beneficial owners of the organization to the U.S. Department of Treasury and its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Since then, a Federal District Court in Alabama struck down the law, ruling that it is unconstitutional.
Federal District Court Judge Liles Burke issued a stinging rebuke of the law, temporarily blocking beneficial ownership reporting requirements for small businesses that took effect on January 1, 2024. The ruling stems from a legal challenge filed in 2022 by the National Small Business Association alleging that the CTA violates a laundry list of constitutional protections.
While the beneficial ownership reporting requirements on small businesses are blocked for now, the U.S. Department of Justice is expected to appeal the ruling using an expedited process that will send the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
MBEX will continue to monitor developments on this issue and report any additional updates and/or next steps as they are made available.
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New Members Welcomed in February | |
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Join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member companies who joined the Exchange throughout the month of February:
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4Seasons Roofing
Roofing Contractor
Howard Lake, Minn.
APX Construction Group
General Contractor
Mankato, Minn.
Aspen Contracting
Roofing Contractor
Minneapolis, Minn.
CΒ² Electric Inc
Electrical Contractor
Hugo, Minn.
CoBeck Construction Co
General Contractor
St. Paul, Minn.
Convergint Technologies
Technology Integrator
Blaine, Minn.
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Crete & Co
Concrete Flatwork
& Poured Walls
Bemidji, Minn.
Faribo Plumbing & Heating Inc
Plumbing Contractor
Faribault, Minn.
Fluid-Aire Dynamics
Piping & Systems
Burnsville, Minn.
G M H Asphalt Corporation
General Contractor
Chaska, Minn.
The Garland Company
Roofing & Waterproofing - Manufacturer
Minneapolis, Minn.
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Hopkins Roofing
Roofing Contractor
Pella, Iowa
Ironmark Building Company
General Contractor
Minneapolis, Minn.
Modern Companies
Mechanical Contractor
Blaine, Minn.
Platinum Standard Elevator
Elevator Contractor
Cambridge, Minn.
Synergy Electric
Electrical Contractor
Montrose, Minn.
Wolf River Electric
Electrical Contractor
Isanti, Minnesota
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2024-2026 AELSLAGID Renewals are Around the Corner | |
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The renewal window for Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design (AELSLAGID) licenses and certificates opens next month. ALL licenses and certificates will expire on June 30, 2024, regardless of date issued.
Do not defer any longer confirming that you have the required professional development hours (PDHs) completed before you must renew.
When renewals open, you will need:
β’ Your PDH hours;
β’ Your license or certificate number;
β’ The last four digits of your ID number (for most, that is your social security number); &
β’ Your credit card information*.
*If using a corporate card, remember on the payment screen that the information (except email address, which can be your own) must match the card itself, regardless of what your browser may autofill. Correct as necessary. The Board retains no credit card or payment information in the payment screens, so anything that might appear in the payment screens is a factor of your own browser settings.
If you have a change of address, be prepared to provide it.
If you exclusively use a PO Box for mail (do not receive mail at a physical street address), note that the Board cannot accept your renewal without having a recently received / updated physical street address on file. To make your renewal process smooth, now is the time to email the Board your physical street address. With that on file, they can accept your renewal.
REMINDER: There is no grace period with license / certificate expiration. If you need to practice / hold out in Minnesota, you will need to renew.
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A valuable benefit of an MBEX membership is invitations to our social and educational events; by being an employee of a member company, you too can take advantage and attend any and all MBEX-sponsored events.
** indicates a newly added event
March 14 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows
Yes, there are tools in Bluebeam Revu for Civil Designers and Engineers! Not only will students learn navigation and markups, but also work flows like Calibrating Plan & Profile drawings with different X-Y scales, ideas for Cut & Fill calculations, combining several PDFs into one large area map, and adding images. Register Here
March 20 & 21 - Reading Construction Documents
Designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents, this two-part online program is perfect for apprentices, entry-level tradespersons, project coordinators, assistant project managers, new project managers, estimators, specialty sales representatives, entry-level architectural or engineering designers, or anyone in career transition looking for a refresher. Register Here
March 21 - 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
** April 2 - POWER Workshop #1: Making It In a Male-Dominated World
In 2024, the upcoming MBEX Women's POWER workshops are revisiting familiar themes from last year, but this time, they will be guided by none other than the incredible Nicole Middendorf, CEO of Prosperwell Financial and the visionary behind the Live It List. Register Here
** Save the Date - April 17 - MBEX Spring Social
Join us for an evening at the TPC Golf Club in Blaine, Minn. with fellow construction business owners, executives, and industry professionals that includes a special guest speaker, drinks and delicious food, cash raffles benefiting the MBEX Construction Scholarship fund, and more.
** April 18 - 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. Not yet open for registration
** Save the Date - June 5 - MBEX Member Appreciation BBQ
Let MBEX treat you to lunch as a thank you for your continued membership and support! Join us for a casual afternoon of Famous Dave's barbecue, cold beverages, a handful of door prizes, and great company and networking. Each member company receives 2 complimentary tickets.
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ECONOMIC REPORTS
π οΈ Nonresidential Employment Increased by 23,000 in February
The construction industry added 23,000 jobs on net in February, according to an ABC analysis of data released on March 8th by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 215,000 jobs, an increase of 2.7%. Heavy and civil engineering gained the most jobs, increasing by 12,500 positions. Nonresidential specialty trade and nonresidential building added 7,400 and 4,300 jobs, respectively. (Associated Builders and Contractors)
INDUSTRY TRENDS
πΎ AEC Firms Require 50% More Cloud Storage Than Before
The 2024 AEC Data Insights Report highlights the latest trends focusing on the AEC industry's shift from local to cloud storage and collaboration solutions, which is said to have seen exponential growth over the years. The surveyed companies' data storage requirements have increased at an average compounded annual growth rate of 50.3%. (Construction Briefing)
WINDOWS + DOORS
π’ DOE Launches $2M Prize to Advance Cost-Effective, Energy-Efficient Commercial Windows
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOE) has launched the American-Made Building Envelope Innovation Prize - Secondary Glazing Systems, a program offering up $2-million to encourage production of high-performance, cost-effective commercial windows. The inaugural prize targets novel solutions for commercial window upgrades to enable equitable decarbonization and optimize building envelopes for electrification, according to a DOE news release. (Building Design & Construction)
APPRENTICESHIPS
π© Government-Registered Apprenticeship Programs Not Keeping Up with Industry Needs
At the current rate of participation and completion, federal and state government-registered apprenticeship programs (GRAP) will fail to meet the construction industry's short- and long-term skilled workforce needs, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of recently released U.S. Department of Labor data. ABC estimated that the construction industry's federal and state GARPs had about 250,000 apprentice participants and yielded just 40,000 to 45,000 completers in fiscal year 2023. (Construction Business Owner)
2024 ELECTIONS
π³οΈ State of Construction for the 2024 Elections
As we move into 2024 and more projects start breaking ground thanks to federal funding, voters will have a chance to see firsthand the impact of infrastructure funding in their local communities. How each candidate responds to the challenges and successes that lie ahead for the construction industry will surely impact not only campaigns but the entire infrastructure sector for years to come. (CONEXPO CON / AGG)
π¦Ί PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Here are the First Projects St. Paul's New Sales Tax will Pay For
St. Paul's 1% sales tax takes effect on April 1st, and city leaders have unveiled which projects they'll pay for first --- including a rebuild of Grand Avenue, plus dozens more improvements to parks. The first streets project to get sales tax funding will be a $13-million rebuild of Grand Avenue between Fairview and Snelling that, among other repairs, would add raised pedestrian crossings near Macalester College. Construction would last through 2025. Next up will be reconstructions of Jackson Street, Earl Street, Pelham Boulevard, and a portion of University Avenue east of the State Capitol. (Axios Twin Cities)
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Proposed road projects St. Paul's sales tax hike would fund. | |
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Winning MnDOT Work - 202 Preparing the Tools
ο»ΏPresented by DBE Business Academy
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DATE: Thursday, March 14
TIME: 8:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION: Attend Online - link provided when you register
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COST: Free
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In this intermediate-level class, learn from MnDOT experts as they discuss useful tools and valuable lessons. Topics include alternative MnDOT contracting methods, small business contracting opportunities, prevailing wage, bid opportunities, and how to do business with MnDOT.
Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
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Construction Seminar: What is a MEWP?
Presented by Minnesota OSHA Compliance
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DATE: Tuesday, March 19
TIME: 7:00am - 8:30am
LOCATION: Attend Online only
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COST: Free
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Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) have many generic and interchangeable nicknames: aerials; aerial work platforms; access equipment boom lifts; booms; scissors; and more. MEWPs can also be deadly and introduce specific safety hazards.
Join Minnesota OSHA Compliance at its next online-only Construction Seminar to hear presenter Jay Tyrrell, Northern Safety LLC, discuss MEWP-related training, inspections, ANSI, and why crews and operators are complaining about the new equipment.
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Working with Unions: What Contractors Should Know
Presented by North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
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DATE: Wednesday, March 27
TIME: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
LOCATION: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (730 Olive St., St Paul, MN 55130)
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COST: Free
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Many contractors have considered partnering with unions, but aren't sure what that would entail for their business. Other contractors have already signed a union contract, but would like more insight on how to manage that relationship and what it means.
In this session, attendees will hear from a labor lawyer who represents contractor interest, a union representative, and an administrator of the union fringe benefit funds. They will review union structures and related terminology, tips for paying union fringe funds, and best practices for working with unions.
They will also answer questions and concerns that the audience may have about being or becoming a union contractor.
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Benefit of the Week: Sherwin-Williams | |
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Explore your next project potential
and save with NPP's Pro Buy Specials through our partnership with Sherwin-Williams.
With Sherwin-Williams,
MBEX Members receive:
β’ Negotiated discounts on chemical coatings, architectural coatings, industrial coatings, paint supplies / rollers, and more.
β’ Expert support and resources at 4,900 stores nationwide.
MBEX Members can also take advantage of exclusive pricing for a limited time on popular products, such as 3M Scotch Contractor Grade Masking Tape (#2020), Purdy 9" Revolution Frame rollers, SuperPaint with Air Purifying Technology, Purdy Marathon 9" x 1/2" Roller Covers, ProBlock Gray Primer, General Purpose Washed Recycled Painter's Rage (40-lbs box), and more. See full flyer here
These exclusive prices are valid March 1 - April 30, 2024.
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NPP (National Purchasing Partners) is a member benefit provider of the Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX), offering savings on products and services that businesses and employees use every day.
Start saving by enrolling your business with NPP for free to activate this offer (and others like it) here: https://mynpp.com/association/mbex/. Restrictions many apply.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 3/4/2024 - 3/8/2024: 93
β’ Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 3/12/2024: 368
β’ Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 3/12/2024: 1,041
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 3/6/2024-3/12/2024.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
ο»ΏNotice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTSο»Ώο»Ώ
β’ March 14 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows
β’ March 20 & 21 - Reading Construction Documents online course with UChapter2
β’ March 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ March 27 - 2024 Q1 Construction Economic Update & Forecast
β’ March 28 - DOT Hazardous Material & Hazardous Waste Management Training Seminar
β’ April 2 - POWER Workshop #1 - Making It in a Male-Dominated World
β’ April 17 - MBEX Spring Social
β’ April 18 - Online Plan Room Demo
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Connect with the Builders Exchange: | |
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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are 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.
2024 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction; Vice President - Heidi Sedlacek, Bituminous Roadways; Treasurer - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Past President - Greg Grazzini, Grazzini Brothers | 2024 DIRECTORS: Allie Brady, Veit; Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Jason DuVal, Tenet; Chuck Geisler, American Engineering Testing; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; 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; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Janet Margheim, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - 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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