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Volume 40 - 2023 | Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | www.mbex.org | |
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Happy October, MBEX-ers!
Fall is officially in full swing. While the work may slow out on the jobsite, it never fully stops.
Take time to prep your sites and equipment for cooler weather, submit your 2024 Buyers Guide and Membership Directory contract by October 15th, and make mental wellness and awareness a priority in the coming weeks (we hear the Fall Social and Self-Care Health Fair is a great place to start 😉).
October is also Careers in Construction Month, providing a great opportunity for companies to increase public awareness and appreciation for the industry and its trades, especially as skilled labor shortages continue to be a hurdle.
If we build it, they will come.
IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
• October 10: Fall Social, Self-Care Health Fair *and* National Mental Health Day
• New Sales Tax: A 1% sales tax increase went into effect on October 1
• On The Blog: We're watching the headlines so you don't have to
• Caution: Latest economic forecast shows challenging times ahead...possibly
• Softening Markets, the Digital Evolution & a 4,000-Ton Bridge: The September 2023 construction industry report, four more construction headlines, and one solar project to watch in Minneapolis
• Member Benefit: Manage your core human resources with VensureHR
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October 10th is also National Mental Health Day | |
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Did you know October 10th, the date of our annual Fall Social and first-ever Self-Care Health Fair, is also National Mental Health Day?
What better way to honor the day than to attend our event next week?!
• Event Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
• Time: 3:00pm - Doors Open & Self-Care Health Fair begins | 5:00pm - Short Program
• Venue: Pinstripes Edina Bowling & Bocce
• Price: $55 - MBEX Member | $65 - Non Member
What can you expect? Connection with fellow MBEX members and construction professionals, discovery of self-care tools to boost one's physical and mental well-being with our curated selection of Health Fair vendors, recognition of our 2023-2024 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship awardees, exciting raffles with cash prizes, delicious drinks and food, and more.
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Special Guest Speaker: Sean Haines
We're also honored to be joined by special guest speaker Sean Haines with the LIVIN Foundation.
Sean joined the LIVIN Board with over
25 years of operational experience, including 19 years as an entrepreneur running a mid-sized technology installation company before moving to Master Technology Group in Eden Prairie in 2017. Sean and his wife, Katie, started Stomp Out Suicide (a 501c3 nonprofit) after losing their daughter in 2011.
Sean will share his powerful story and how the LIVIN Foundation provides help, hope, and hugs to families and individuals in need and struggling with mental health and suicide.
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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.
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Sales Tax Increase Effective as of October 1st | |
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As of Sunday, October 1, sales tax rose by 1% across the Twin Cities metro.
Specifically, the seven counties in the metropolitan area affected are Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott, Ramsey, and Washington. In other words, whenever you spend $100 there will be an extra $1 added onto the receipt. Groceries, clothing, and prescription drugs will still remain exempt from sales taxes.
The tax increase is due to two separate measures passed during the 2023 legislative session as part of a transportation spending bill that lawmakers say will raise $560 million in the next fiscal year.
The additional revenue generated by the tax increase will be used to fund transit improvements across the metro, and a portion will also be used to fund road maintenance, and bike lane and sidewalk improvements.
Read More on MPR News | Read More on Bring Me The News
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Make the Most of These Featured Projects | |
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We're keeping an eye on the headlines so you don't have to.
Starting in October, bookmark our blog and come back at the beginning of each month where you'll find our collection of the different projects featured in the publications Finance & Commerce and the Minneapolis / St Paul Business Journal.
Visit now to see August's collection; later this month, we'll share September's collection.
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Challenges Ahead with Rising Rates, Labor Shortages | |
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The latest economic forecast shows possible challenging times ahead for contractors, with the effects from factors such as rising interest rates, inflation, labor shortages and recession risks on the horizon, according to a top economist's latest assessment.
The Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes and the ongoing labor shortage were front and center in Anirban Basu's online presentation for the Construction Executive's 2023 Q3 Construction Economic forecast.
In an online poll, 66% of contractors said the shortage of skilled labor was their top challenge in 2023. According to the ABC, there were more than 300,000 construction jobs open in 2023. The demand for skilled workers also drove up wages, which translates to an increase in consumer prices.
Read More on Finance & Commerce
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October 10 - MBEX Fall Social & POWER Self-Care Health Fair
Next week, MBEX's popular networking event offers the opportunity for members and non-members alike to socialize and mingle in a casual, yet professional, atmosphere. New this year is the first-ever POWER Self-Care Health Fair, helping attendees prioritize their physical and mental well-being. Register Here
October 15 - 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
Save the Date! 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.
REMEMBER: 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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🚧 Construction Industry Report: September 2023
Contractors confident and softening markets. Most indicators remained flat, continuing to indicate growth. Costs reversed their recent trend and increased slightly. Architecture and design firms report softening demand and billings. (Trimble Construction)
Producer Price Index: 1.5% change
Up 1.5% from July 2023 | Down 0.2% from August 2022
Construction Backlog Indicator: 9.2 months
Down 1.1% from July 2023 | Up 2.2% from August 2022
Architecture Billings Index
Billings decreased to 47.9 | Design Contracts decreased to 48.1
Construction Confidence Index
Staffing increased to 60.7 | Sales increased to 58.1 | Profits increased to 55.8
Construction Spend: $1.97 trillion
Up 0.7% from July 2023 | Up 6.8% from August 2022
💻 The Digital Evolution: How + Why We Must Embrace the Shift
In our constantly-evolving industry, we see technological advancements rapidly becoming integrated into every aspect of construction. As the CEO of International Code Council, I [Dominic Sims] am acutely aware of the profound benefits that digital tools and solutions bring to contractors, reshaping practices, streamlining processes and yielding undeniable advantages. Digital tools will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the construction industry. (Contractor magazine)
⛔ New Model Challenges Widespread Mistreatment of Construction Workers
For decades, the combination of weak labor law enforcement, complicated hiring systems and profiteering contractors has left nonunion construction workers like Alvaro Chavez --- who make up 88% of the country's 8.7 million people in construction --- with little recourse when cheated at work. Rather than fight each case one by one, a worker's center, three labor unions and community groups tried a new approach. Last fall, they began a campaign in Minneapolis-St. Paul to stop mistreatment of all construction workers, union or not, on their own. (Capital & Main)
⏲️ DOL Proposes $55k Overtime Rule Threshold
The U.S. Department of Labor proposed an increase of the minimum salary threshold for overtime eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act to $1,059 per week, or $55,068 per year, the agency announced. In a press email, DOL said the updated regulations would expand overtime eligibility to some 3.6 million workers. DOL's proposal also would increase the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees to $143,988 per year. The proposal outlines an automatic update provision for future overtime thresholds beyond what is included in the proposed rule and would not make changes to the FLSA's "duties test" for determining overtime eligibility. (Construction Dive)
🚚 4,000-Ton Bridge Moved in 42 Hours
Armac Demolition has demolished a 4,000-ton motorway bridge in just 42 hours --- 14 hours ahead of schedule, as part of the United Kingdom's HS2 (High Speed) rail project. The two-span bridge over the M42 motorway measured 40 meters long and 10 meters wide. Armac had only a 56-hour road closure window in which to take down the structure, but competed the demolition early by working all through the day and night, with multiple demolition machines. (International Construction)
🦺 PROJECT TO WATCH
Minnesota Approves Giant Solar Energy Project Near Minneapolis
Minnesota officials approved plans for the expansion of a solar energy project on September 21 that a utility says will be one of the largest in the country with the capability of powering more than 150,000 homes. The state Public Utilities Commission approved Xcel Energy's expansion of the Sherco Solar project, adding a 250-megawatt array to a 460-megawatt array now under construction. The utility says all phases of the project will be finished by 2025. (Associated Press)
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The Xcel Energy solar farm in Chisago County. | Photo: Brian Peterson, Star Tribune | |
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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2023 Fall Seminar
Legislative + Rulemaking Updates & International Building Code (IBC) Townhomes
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• DATES / TIMES:
- Thursday, October 12 - in person only in Shoreview - 8:00am
- Wednesday, October 18 - online only via Webex - 8:00am
• COST: $85 per session in person, $45 per session online
Register Here
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The 2023 Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and Construction Codes and Licensing Division's (CCLD) Fall Seminar will focus on IBC townhouses, updates to the Commercial Energy Code and legislative and rulemaking updates.
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, and more.
The IBC 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.
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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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Giving businesses the freedom
to succeed with payroll and
PEO services
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Let VensureHR manage your core human resource functions to enhance your business performance and gain cost efficiencies.
MBEX members (who are also NPP members) will receive preferred pricing on customized solutions that supports payroll, benefits, risk management, and other HR functions.
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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 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2023: 84
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 9/25/2023 - 9/29/2023: 9
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 10/3/2023: 324
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/3/2023: 3,889
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 9/27/2023-10/3/2023.
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
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