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Volume 37 - 2023 | Wednesday, September 13, 2023 | www.mbex.org | |
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Did you know nine out of the ten tallest skyscrapers currently under construction are in China? Each comes close to measuring 500 meters tall, and no future skyscraper will they ever be built higher than that due to China banning the construction of buildings over that height.
1.) Greenland Jinmao International Financial Centre - Nanjing, China - 499.8 meters
2.) HeXi Yuzui Tower A - Nanjing, China - 498.8 meters
3.) Fuyuan Zhongshan 108 IFC - Zhongshan, China - 498 meters
4.) China International Silk Road Center - Xi'an, China - 498 meters
5.) Tianfu Center - Chengdu, China - 489 meters
6.) Shanghai North Bund Center - Shanghai, China - 480 meters
7.) Wuhan Chow Tai Fook Center - Wuhan, China - 475 meters
8.) Torre Rise Tower - Monterrey, Mexico - 475 meters
9.) Bund Fosun Center - T1 Wuhan, China - 470 meters
10.) International Land-Sea Center - Chongqing, China - 458 meters
Merdeka 118, the world's second tallest building located in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, is due to open its doors towards the end of this year, clocking in at a total height of 680.9 meters. In comparison, the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is 830 meters high.
Here in the United States, the One World Trade Center in New York is the tallest skyscraper, topping off at a height of 541 meters.
IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
• Celebrate Fall: Join MBEX on October 10 at Pinstripes
• Recap: Looking back at Sporting Clays North on September 6
• Self-Care Health Fair: Why mental and physical self-care is crucial
• Buyers Guide: Contracts for 2024 have been sent
• Funded: Minnesota projects funded by the federal infrastructure bill, and five more construction headlines
• Member Benefit: This Verizon offer ends September 30
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Where You Should Be On October 10 | |
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Register now for a vibrant afternoon of connection and wellness education at the annual MBEX Fall Social and first-ever POWER Self-Care Health Fair on Tuesday, October 10 at Pinstripes Edina Bowling and Bocce.
Don't delay; early bird member pricing ends on Friday, September 29!
Open to both MBEX members and non-members alike, join fellow professionals in the construction and building industry for an enriching experience that combines networking and rejuvenation.
Early bird tickets are available for MBEX members now at $45 per person; non-member tickets are $65 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Why should you attend?
🌱 Self-Care Health Fair
The MBEX Women's POWER series brings to the annual event its first-ever Self-Care Health Fair. Attendees can explore a variety of wellness stations designed to provide practical tools for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. From stress reduction techniques to chiropractic care, attendees will find valuable resources to enhance their overall health and well-being on a day-to-day basis.
🤝 Networking
Connect with industry peers, fellow builders, contractors, architects, and suppliers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Share insights, discuss upcoming projects, and build valuable relationships that go beyond business.
🎓 2023-2024 Scholarship Recipients
Meet this year's awardees of the MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship! Each will be recognized and celebrated, and attendees are encouraged to introduce themselves and help in building the students' professional networks.
🎁 Raffles + Door Prizes
The 50/50 and SuperCash raffles are back! Purchase tickets at the event for the chance to win cash prizes, as well as several major door prizes. Those who visit each Health Fair station will also be entered into a special drawing for a one-of-a-kind giveaway.
🍻 Food Stations + Refreshments
Savor delicious bites while mingling and unwinding, and indulge in seasonal treats and beverages to celebrate the fall season.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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EVENT RECAP: Clays North in Duluth | |
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Shortly after the Labor Day holiday, MBEX traveled north to Old Vermillion Trail in Duluth for the annual Sporting Clays North event. Duluth displayed its typical moody weather, but the competition and comradery was warm and friendly. Eighty shooters took to two different courses to show off their aim, and awards were given for high scores and more. Congratulations to all!
High Scores - Hunter Course:
Erik Eklund - Jamar Company - 40
Jessica Lind - St. Germain's Glass - 36
High Scores - Club House Course:
Ryan Linn - A W Kuettel - 47
Vanessa Weller - Jamar Company - 16
1st Time Shooter: Alanna Soukolla - Marsh McLennan Agency - 20
Low Scores:
Cameron Shepard - North Shore Bank - 10
Kaylee Peterson - Jamar Company - 15
Hunter Raffle Package Winner: Matt Zupertz, American Engineering and Testing
50/50 Raffle Winner ($275): Tim Nelson, St Germain's Glass
Twins Tickets Winner: Ryan Linn, A W Kuettel
Door Prize Winners:
John Abdo, Mike Billings, Phil Bologna, Garrett Bunkowski, Mike Carlson, Scott Drennan, Bryan Fulda, David Fulda, Paul Gregoire, Rick Hanson, Jordan Hren, Brian Jackson, Warren Killstrom, Jessica Lind, Lance Lind, Jason Little, Bill Lowry, Ben Mandelin, Darren Neubauer, Pat Noonan, Jason Norman, Ben Norton, Sean Ochis, Matt Olin, Jason Olsen, Tom Peterson, Connor Rudd, David Salo, Kyle Severin, Joshua Seville, Clay Shelton, Jason Stampohar, Dan Walczynski, Jason Welles, and Bret Westman
We also want to extend a big thank you to Burt and the staff at Old Vermillion Trail for hosting, Paul Zwak for cooking everyone a fabulous dinner, and the following event sponsors for their support:
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Hunter Raffle Package
& Station Sponsor
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Door Prize Sponsors
American Engineering Testing, A W Kuettel, Contract Tile & Carpet, Grazzini Brothers, Jamar, Johnson Carpet One, St. Germain's Glass, and Sorlie Acoustics
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ON THE BLOG: Why Mental & Physical Well-Being is Crucial | |
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It's a familiar sight: Men and women clustered at a job site, hard hats and safety vests on and clearly visible. This standard image showcases a commitment to the physical safety of its workforce, a necessary aspect of any construction company.
The construction industry is one of enormous physical labor, including significant physical stress. However, mental stress has just as much of an impact on the safety of construction workers and at all levels. Whether managing projects in an office or working tirelessly on-site, the importance of both mental and physical well-being cannot be overstated. These two pillars of health are not just beneficial but are absolutely crucial for the success and longevity of every construction worker's career.
In this week's blog, we delve deeper into the significant benefits of prioritizing one's mental and physical well-being, not just for professional reasons, but personally, too. Read More
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2024 Buyers Guide Contracts Have Been Sent
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It's already that time of year; contracts for the 2024 Buyers Guide & Membership Directory have been emailed to all member companies.
This is the time to update your company's contact information, such as mailing addresses, phone numbers, websites, etc. with MBEX. It's also a prime opportunity to update listings (or add new ones) within the Classifieds or Trades sections.
Review your company's current information (starting on page 13), Classified listings (starting on page 73) and Trades listings (starting on page 155) by visiting the digital 2023 Buyers Guide & Membership Directory. Current listings will also be included in your contract for your review. Contact Julie with questions or if your company did not receive its contract.
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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. Register Here
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
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
Save the Date! December 7 - Holiday Party North
An evening featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, networking with fellow members, door prize giveaways, and awards for the ugliest Christmas sweaters, all in the grandeur of the Greysolon Ballroom in Duluth. Bring your spouse, employees, and coworkers for a festive and lively event to celebrate the holiday season and the coming close of another business year.
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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Engineering & Construction Innovations Inc. (ECI) is seeking qualified MCUB vendors for the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services 2023 Forcemain - Siphon - River Crossing - Outfall Inspection project (Project #805506, Contract #23P122).
Quotes must be submitted to ECI by September 18, 2023. The project bids on September 19, 2023.
Please send quotes to Ron Sweep via email or via facsimile to (651) 298-9113.
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Engineering & Construction Innovations Inc
7002 6th Street North
Oakdale, Minn., 55128
An Equal Opportunity Employer
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💲💲 Here's the Minnesota Projects Funded Through the Federal Infrastructure Bill
The Minnesota Department of Transportation expects to receive up to $4.7 billion, while Twin Cities transportation projects will receive up to $1.2 billion. Even without the matching funds in place, various government entities still managed to receive $620 million in discretionary funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation --- primarily the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Rail Administration and the Federal Highway Administration --- to implement projects that include making roadways safer, reconnecting communities cleaved by highways, eliminating at-grade railroad crossings and implementing technologies to enhance how people get around. (Minnesota Reformer)
👷🏾👷🏿♀️ Comment Now on Recommended DBE Program Contracting Goals
The Metropolitan Council invites public comment on the recommended Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program goal for U.S. Department of Transportation-assisted contracts for 2024-2026. The recommended program goal is 13.4%. As a recipient of federal transportation dollars through the U.S. Department of Transportation, The Met Council is required to establish three-year goals for contracting with DBEs. (Metropolitan Council)
🌊 Rising Flood Risks Threaten Many Water & Sewage Treatment Plants
The rainfall that walloped Vermont last month hit Ludlow so hard that floodwaters carried away cars and wiped out roads. Thankfully, the facility that keeps the village's drinking water safe was built at elevation and survived. But its sewage plant fared less well. Flooding tore through it, uprooting chunks of road, damaging buildings and sweeping sewage from treatment tanks into the river. Even now the plant can only handle half its normal load. It's not just Ludlow. Water infrastructure across the country is vulnerable as climate change makes storms more unpredictable and destructive, flooding low-lying drinking water treatment plants and overwhelming coastal sewage systems. (Finance & Commerce)
👍 Backlog Indicator Steady in August; Contractors Remain Confident
ABC reported today (September 12) that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 9.2 months in August, down 0.1 months, according to a member survey conducted from August 21 - September 6. The reading is 0.5 months above the August 2022 level. Backlog decreased on a monthly basis for all categories of company size except for those with more than $100 million in annual revenues, while only the smallest two revenue categories have higher backlog than in August 2022. (Associated Builders and Contractors)
🤔 Think Your Construction Site is Insured? Think Again.
Insurance isn't a fun topic. No one gathers around the water cooler to discuss the latest insurance options for contractors. The real problem? Most contractors are underinsured and don't know where to begin to look for gaps. With an ever-changing legal landscape, knowing the importance of overlooked insurance coverages can ensure contractors and their workers are protected when the unexpected happens. (CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365)
🦺 LOCAL HEADLINE
Utilities Hope to Break Ground on Superior Gas Plant Next Spring
Several power providers hope to begin construction next spring on a roughly $700 million gas-fired power plant in Superior, Wisc. despite regulatory hurdles and opposition from environmental groups. On Thursday, August 17, Minnesota Power signed a project labor agreement with the Northern Wisconsin Building and Construction Trades Council as part of plans to build the 625-megawatt Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior. The project was first proposed in 2017, but it's been the subject of multiple legal challenges and environmental reviews. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
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An artist's rendering of the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior. Rendering courtesy of Minnesota Power. | |
Construction Contracts
Open to AGC Members & Non-Members who purchased the 2023 AGC contracts
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• DATE: Friday, September 15
• TIME: 9:00am-10:30am
• LOCATION: AGC Office (525 Park St, STE 110, St Paul, 55103) or online via Zoom
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Huge changes in the law require form contracts to be updated and creates a dilemma regarding whether to use an in-house form or an industry form. To date, as best they know, the AGC-MN form contracts are the only contracts updated for the new laws.
Two construction law firm attorneys who serve on AGC-MN's contracts committee, Kyle Willems from Bassford Remele and Jevon Bindman from Maslon LLP, will present and answer questions.
The will explain how AGC-MN contracts work in general and compare with other industry forms, such as ConsensusDocs and AIA particularly, with an emphasis on the big three contracts (owner, subcontractor, and material purchase), explanation of other contracts, and the use of drop downs instead of numerous versions. They will also discuss how the AGC-MN contracts address the new laws (duty to defend, wage theft, IRA, Buy America, Davis-Bacon), and explain the theories, strengths and weaknesses of these new terms, and how new laws can impact practices, create new costs and landmines to avoid. They will also offer tips on how to negotiate contracts with owners, generals and subcontractors, particularly in addressing the new laws.
Contact Mike Schechter at (952) 210-3506 or by email with questions. Register Here
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Health Hazards in Construction
Presented by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
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• DATE: Tuesday, September 19
• TIME: 7:00am - 8:30am
• LOCATION: In-person at the MnDOT Training and Conference Center (Shoreview) or virtually via Microsoft Teams
• PRESENTER: Janet Keyes, certified industrial hygienist and an AIHA fellow
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Health hazards on construction sites are often overlooked, but are as damaging to workers as safety hazards. The free Focus Four for Health guidance document, developed by the American Industrial Hygiene Association's (AIHA's) Construction Committee in 2020, targets four prevalent health hazards in construction: air contaminants; heat; material handling; and noise.
This free Minnesota OSHA Compliance Construction Seminar will include descriptions of the four hazards and an overview of how these hazards can be addressed. Join in person or virtually. Download Focus Four for Health | Register Here (registration not needed if attending in-person)
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How Prefabrication is Shaping Multi-Family Developments
Presented by Wells Concrete
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• DATE: Thursday, September 21
• TIME: 11:00am
• LOCATION: Online
• PRESENTERS: Jim Clapper - Regional Sales Manage & Ever Esparza - Project Manager
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Multi-family developments are complex buildings, with many design considerations at the onset. When it comes to the design and construction, development decisions are driven by ROI, speed of construction, site constraints and appearance.
To meet these drivers, prefabrication offers many options ranging from architectural cladding, to parking, to total precast, a highly durable architectural and structural solution. In this webinar, experts will provide valuable insights on the options available and how to bring a project to life. Register Here
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Take advantage of this special offer
on Verizon Business Unlimited Plans. Offer ends September 30.
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Business Unlimited Pro 5G Plan
• $40 / line
• Unlimited Premium Network Access
• 200 GB mobile hotspot (5G Ultra Wideband / 5G / 4G LTE data)
• New Lines Only
• 4 included Travel Pass days per month
Business Unlimited Plus 5G Plan
• $35 / line
• 100 GB Premium Network Access
• 100 GB mobile hotspot (5G Ultra Wideband / 5G / 4G LTE data)
• New Lines Only
• 2 included Travel Pass days per month
Other Benefits
• Save $5 / month for a year
• G5 Ultra Wideband
• 1080p Video on 5G / 4G LTE
Not on unlimited? No problem --- eligible businesses can still receive a corporate discount of 22% off Verizon monthly access fees.
This offer is available through our member benefit provider, National Purchasing Partners (NPP). To get started, enroll your business for free at mynpp.com/association/mbex.
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 9/4/2023 - 9/8/2023: 69
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 9/4/2023 - 9/8/2023: 3
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 9/12/2023: 302
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 9/12/2023: 3,638
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 9/6/2023-9/12/2023.
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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