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Volume 39 - 2023 | Wednesday, September 27, 2023 | www.mbex.org | |
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The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently issued a report on urban storm water infrastructure written by John Gulliver, principal investigator at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.
The 163-page report provides a detailed analysis of warming and weather severity trends, cost of storm water infrastructure, potential strategies and mitigation.
Ironically, this report comes shortly before a weekend that saw steady rainfall and flooding across the state. Up north, Duluth and Two Harbors saw up to 5-inches of rain, reminding many of the history-making flood of 2012.
It's a cliché for a reason: when it rains, it pours.
IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
• Early Birds Get the Better Deal: Fall Social Early Bird member pricing ends 9/29
• AIA Outlook: AIA's billing index eased modestly in August
• Go Innovative in 2024: Advertise in upcoming MBEX Blueprint publications
• 'Smart Bridges' Project: MnDOT introduces new bridge drone inspection method
• Ergonomics, AI, and E-Verify: 10 principles of on site ergonomics, four more construction headlines, and one project to watch in Duluth
• Member Benefit: Limited time offer for Verizon unlimited plans ends on 9/30
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LAST CHANCE: Fall Social Early Bird Pricing Ends Friday (9/29) | |
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MBEX members and non-members alike are invited for an afternoon of connection, rejuvenation, and learning on October 10th.
Act fast; MBEX member pricing will go up from $45 to $55 per person after Friday, September 29!
• Event Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
• Time: Doors Open & Self-Care Health Fair begins at 3:00pm | Program at 5:00pm
• Venue: Pinstripes Edina Bowling & Bocce
• Price: $45 - MBEX Member (thru Friday) | $65 - Non Member
Fall into wellness with us by securing your spot now.
🤝 Connect
Forge valuable connections with your fellow MBEX members, construction professionals, and industry leaders. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen your network in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
💪 Wellness Know-How
Our first-ever construction Self-Care Health Fair is the star of the show this year. Discover practical self-care tools aimed at boosting one's overall physical and mental well-being on-site and at home. Our Health Fair vendors include acupuncture, life coaching, physical therapy, chiropractic care, personal fitness training, mental health counseling, and massage. Explore, ask questions, and make sure to visit all stations; a special giveaway will be awarded to one lucky attendee who does.
🌟 Guest Speaker with LIVIN Foundation
As part of our journey toward mental well-being, we welcome special guest speaker, Sean Haines, to the Fall Social. Sean is on the Board of Directors for the LIVIN Foundation, and he will share his powerful story along with the work LIVIN does in providing help, hope, and hugs to families and individuals in need and struggling with mental health and suicide.
🏆 MBEX / TBG Scholarship Recipients
The 2023-2024 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship awardees will be recognized and honored at this year's event.
🎁 Prizes Galore
Feeling lucky? Participate in our exciting 50/50 and SuperCash raffles for a chance to take home cash prizes as well as other giveaways.
🍔 Delightful Eats
Savor delicious bites and beverages while you mingle and unwind.
This is more than just a social event; it's a chance to invest in your well-being and strengthen your industry connections. Let's celebrate the season, build relationships, and prioritize self-care together.
See you on October 10th - we can't wait!
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AIA Sees Softening Business Conditions in August | |
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The AIA / Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) eased modestly in August, with a score of 48.1, marking the eleventh consecutive month of essentially flat billings at architecture firms. Any score below 50.0 indicates decreasing business conditions.
This follows a period of robust growth in 2021 and 2022. While inquiries into new projects remained relatively strong in August, the value of newly signed design contracts declined for the first time since April, indicating that fewer clients signed contracts for new projects than in the prior three months.
Read AIA's Press Release
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Make Your 2024 Marketing Plan Innovative
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Innovative Publishing had a successful year producing the new MBEX Blueprint magazine, and we're excited about the opportunities we can bring you through our partnership in 2024.
This fall, the Innovative Team will contact you about advertising in our publication next year, so please keep us in mind when you make your 2024 marketing plan. You can reach out to your Innovative Marketing / Sales consultant with any questions by calling (844) 423-7272 or emailing advertise@innovativepublishing.com.
The Minnesota Builders Exchange and the Innovative team are grateful for your support of the commercial construction industry!
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MN 'Smart Bridges' Project Aims to Prevent Another Collapse | |
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Last year --- 15 years after the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed over the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis --- the Minnesota Department of Transportation introduced a new method of bridge inspection that uses drones to make the process faster, more efficient, and most importantly, safer.
While capturing still images or video by remotely operated or autonomous drones is a technique that's been around for decades, "inspection drones" are relatively new.
Armed with omnidirectional cameras and designed to be operated without the use of GPS, inspection drones allow MnDOT's Bridge Office to get close to bridges without risking anyone's safety. From drone footage, researchers generate high-quality images and 3D models of bridges, what Bridge Office engineer Ed Lutgens calls their "digital twins."
Read More on StateScoop
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October 10 - MBEX Fall Social & POWER Self-Care Health Fair
Early Bird Member Pricing Ends This Friday! 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 - Buyers Guide & Membership Directory Contracts Due
It's 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, Classified listings, and Trades listings by visiting the current digital Buyers Guide & Membership Directory. View 2023 Directory | Email Julie
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
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 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, hors d’oeuvres, networking with fellow members, door prize giveaways, and awards for the ugliest Christmas sweaters. Bring your spouse, employees, and coworkers to Ridgeview Country Club for a festive and lively event to celebrate the holiday season and the close of another business year. Save the Date!
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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🤨 New Reports See Mixed Bag for Construction Economy
In its Midyear Construction Trends reports, released in early September, commercial real estate and investment management company Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) said financing constraints "have driven a rapid decline in construction starts over the last quarter...As interest rates are expected to peak near year-end 2023, construction starts will continue slowing well into 2024." On a positive side, as supply chains stabilize, building material costs are growing at a slower rate. (Finance & Commerce)
✔️ Bill Would Mandate E-Verify Nationwide, Raise Minimum Wage
Titled the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, the bill proposes a phased expansion of E-Verify that would require employers with 10,000 or more employees to use the system beginning six months from the date of enactment. Smaller employers would be categorized based on the size of their workforces, and each category would have a corresponding deadline to begin using E-Verify, an online federal system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the U.S. (Construction Dive)
🪑 The 10 Basic Principles of Ergonomics
Whether you work sitting or standing, these 10 basic principles of ergonomics can help you evaluate the tasks you do every day and make simple changes that make a big impact. Although the principles of ergonomics are often applied to work environments, you can also use them at home, in your car, or on the go to improve your overall well-being. (For Construction Pros)
📑 Navigating Challenges in Construction Administration
Construction Administration presents its fair share of challenges in the architectural industry, from managing clients' change of heart in the midst of construction to dealing with contractors that are reluctant to revise their work. There's a fine balance to maintain in ensuring the client's satisfaction with the final product, advocating for their needs, and attempting to guide their decisions before construction begins. It can be a demanding task to balance the administrative role with redesigning segments of the project, yet the journey is just as critical as the destination. (Building Design + Construction)
🔗 Six Ways Contractors Can Implement AI Tools
An AI "smart assistant" can analyze a lot more data and do calculations quicker than a person could. It can even learn from experience to improve its predictions and recommendations, making AI an invaluable tool for streamlining operations and reducing unexpected complications onsite. Here are six of the best methods for contractors to leverage AI tools. (Contractor)
🦺 PROJECT TO WATCH
Downtown Duluth Office Building to get Apartment Conversion
A developer is planning to overhaul of a downtown Duluth office building, converting the top five floors into apartment units while making an adjoining plaza the "most-Instagrammable spot in Duluth." The News Tribune has a report on the proposal from Brian Forcier, the CEO of Duluth-based Titanium Partners, who outlined plans for the Ordean building near the intersection of Superior Street and Fifth Avenue. The project, currently estimated at around $8 million, would convert the top five floors of the building to about three dozen apartment units, which Forcier said would fetch "workforce-type housing" rates. (Minneapolis / St Paul Business Journal)
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The Ordean Building in downtown Duluth where a developer is
planning to convert the office property's top five floors into rental units.
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The Contractor's Guide to Maximizing Profit with Modern Project Technology Webinar presented by Construction Executive
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• DATE: Wednesday, October 4
• TIME: 2:00pm EST | 1:00pm CST
• COST: Free!
Register Here
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Contracting is a competitive landscape where how well you operate determines your success. To grow profits and remain competitive, contractors must ensure maximized efficiency across their portfolio. But how?
The secret lies in achieving a holistic mindset across your organization that seeks to improve project performance, not just during execution but from the earlier stages of planning.
This webinar will explore how technology is supporting needed visibility into reliable, mission-critical data to drive enhanced project performance and efficiency. With more accurate measurement, greater predictability and faster insights, business leaders are empowered to:
• Retain up to 85% ROI from their enterprise project performance tools
• Scale down project management and controls headcount
• Reduce total capex out-turn
• Minimize cost of capital
• Improve stakeholder confidence
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Supplier Diversity Expo
Hosted by the University of Minnesota's Office for Supplier Diversity
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• DATE: Tuesday, October 10
• TIME: 8:00am - 4:00pm
• LOCATION: St. Paul River Centre (175 Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, 55102)
Register Here
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The University of Minnesota Supplier Diversity Expo is hosted by the Office for Supplier Diversity and provides an excellent opportunity for University decision makers, diverse business owners, majority-owned firms, and community partners to:
• Connect and network;
• Identify new suppliers;
• Discuss business opportunities, including B2B;
• Form joint ventures to maximize inclusion on University construction, goods, and services contracts.
Reduced exhibitor fees are available for Targeted Businesses (BIPOC-, disabled-, or woman-owned).
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Addressing the Construction Skilled Labor Shortage
Organized by Ramsey County
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• DATE: Tuesday, October 24
• TIME: 9:00am - 11:00am
• LOCATION: International Institute of Minnesota (1694 Como Ave, St Paul, 55108)
• COST: Free!
Register Here
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This event will provide insight and access to opportunities for contractors to learn about the variety of areas where they can legally employ international students and workers who are skilled and ready for the construction industry. By attending this event you will learn about the opportunities, process, timelines, and strategy when incorporating and accommodating international students and graduates within your organization.
This event is for construction contractors / employers, HR professionals and senior leadership who are currently embracing this opportunity or looking to be a champion of this work within their own company or the industry.
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Save on two unlimited plans
by Verizon. Act fast; offer is only valid through September 30, 2023.
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Your business deserves more from its unlimited plans.
For a limited time, eligible members can save on two UNLIMITED plans by Verizon Wireless: Business Unlimited Plus and Business Unlimited Pro. See how unlimited data and mobile hotspot connectivity can take your business to the next level.
Not on unlimited? No problem --- eligible businesses can still receive a corporate discount of 22% off Verizon monthly access fees and 35% off select accessories.
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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.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 9/18/2023 - 9/22/2023: 85
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 9/26/2023: 309
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 9/26/2023: 3,801
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 9/20/2023-9/26/2023.
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
• October 10 - Fall Social & POWER
Self-Care Health Fair
• October 15 - 2024 Buyers Guide & Membership Directory Contracts due
• October 16-20 - 2023 Construction Inclusion Week
• November 27 & 29 - Documents
Reading Class (online) with UChapter2
• December 7 - Holiday Party North
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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; 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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