Issue No. 8 • Wednesday, February 21, 2024 • www.mbex.org

 
 

Five Things To Know & Do This Week:


1.) MBEX is coming to Mankato, St. Cloud, and Fargo next week to meet and speak with industry professionals in each area. Come join us for free appetizers and drinks, network with fellow regional contractors, ask questions, and learn how the Exchange can serve your business.


2.) The MBEX Women's POWER series is returning in 2024 and revisiting familiar topics from our first year. But this time, each workshop will be guided by none other than the incredible Nicole Middendorf, the CEO of Prosperwell Financial and the visionary behind the Live It List. Save the date of Monday, April 2 for our first workshop; more details coming in next week's Bulletin.


3.) Congratulations, Kraus-Anderson! The Minneapolis-based builder has acquired Sonoran Crest Construction, helping KA expand in the Southwest U.S., which has a growing demand for new healthcare projects. It will be led by Jaki Scott, a decade-plus veteran of the company.


4.) It's National Engineers Week (2/18-2/24). A few simple ways to celebrate could include site visits with the project engineering team, hosting knowledge-sharing sessions regarding innovative engineering solutions, or sending thank-you notes to the engineers you often work with and acknowledge their contributions on a recent project.


5.) Test Your Knowledge:

According to a recent National Center for Education Statistics survey, what is the average age of a main instructional school institution?


A.) 32 years

B.) 49 years

C.) 56 years

D.) 78 years



See the Answer




If this whole construction thing fails, we have a solid Plan B in becoming comedians because we always nail the punchline.




IN BRIEF:


• On the Road: MBEX is hitting the road and coming to a city near you

• In The Spotlight: Asset preservation is a top priority in the 2024 legislative session

• Sneak Peek: A glimpse inside the latest Pre-Plan Pipeline

• Tax Time: Set your business up for success in 2024

• Construction Planning Inches Higher, the Rise of Renewable Diesel, and Recognizing the Opioid Crisis: Five construction headlines, and a redevelopment plan that includes an eight-story hotel near Allianz Field

• Member Benefit: Workers' Comp with The Builders Group

 

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

 

NEXT WEEK: Mankato, St. Cloud & Fargo

Picture this: You, MBEX, and a bunch of other industry professionals, hanging out, chatting, and sharing ideas.


Sound good? We thought so!


Why should you clear your schedule for a couple of hours and join us on one of these upcoming dates (listed below)? Here are three compelling reasons:


1.) Networking Galore

Ever heard the phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who your know?" It's cliché for reason because its true. These events are prime networking opportunities. You'll meet other MBEX members, industry peers, and maybe even make some new friends. Who knows? Your next big project or collaboration could be just a handshake away.


2.) Free Food & Drinks

Yep, you read that right. We've got you covered when it comes to snack and beverages. Not only do you get to schmooze and mingle, but you also get to do it on a full stomach. Win-win.


3.) Inside Info

Wondering what MBEX has been up to lately? Or maybe you have some ideas on how we can better serve you. Either way, these events are the perfect chance to get the inside scoop and share your thoughts. And if you're not a member yet, you can learn all about the perks and benefits of joining the MBEX community.


Please kindly RSVP so we can properly plan food and drink orders at each location (there's nothing worse than running out of food):


• February 27: The Pub 500 - Mankato - Register Here

• February 28: Granite City - St. Cloud - Register Here

• February 29: Jasper Hotel - Fargo - Register Here

• March 6: Mr. D's Bar & Grill - Duluth - Register Here

• March 7: Sawmill Saloon - Virginia - Register Here


Each gathering will be from 3:00pm-5:00pm at the listed location.


We look forward to these great get-togethers and greater conversations.


See you there!

 

Asset Preservation Takes Early Bonding Spotlight

The Valentine's Day meeting of the House Capital Investment Committee wasn't exactly a lovefest, but committee members from both parties were cordial as they agreed on at least one thing --- asset preservation should be a big part of a 2024 bonding bill.


Up for review at the meeting was Governor Tim Walz's $982-million bonding recommendation, also known as the 2024 Infrastructure Plan, which includes $441-million for asset preservation --- 45% of the total package.


The asset preservation line item addresses needs at state buildings and college campuses throughout Minnesota. Most of it would go to the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State University systems ($103-million each) and state agencies ($224-million).



Compared to 2022, state agency requests are up 16% and local government requests are up 102%.



More on Finance & Commerce
 
 

Peek Inside Issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline

Each month, MBEX members with Premium Access services receive a comprehensive review of projects in their formative stages across Minnesota.


How many projects? It varies from issue to issue. There were 86 projects across 54 cities and counties featured in the January / February 2024 issue.



Take a look inside this teaser of the latest issue to get an idea for the kinds of projects highlighted each month.


• Not a Premium member?

Contact us to upgrade today.


• You are a Premium member, but not receiving this publication?

First, check your spam / junk folder. If not found there, contact us to doublecheck you're on the correct mailing list.

 
 

How to Position Yourself for Success in 2024

Well into the new year, construction business owners must pivot their focus to a critical task: tax planning.


The landscape for 2023 was shaped by legislative updates from the last few years that may still substantially influence tax obligations. It is essential for construction business owners to engage in comprehensive discussions with their tax advisors to navigate complex tax laws.


Typically, year-end tax planning provides an opportunity not only to discuss tax matters but also to consider broader financial implications stemming from non-tax developments. This is particularly relevant as we enter an election year and as the details of potential legislative changes remain uncertain.


Several key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire or "sunset" in 2025, and business leaders should be cognizant of these timelines.


Now is the time to understand those implications and consider strategies to help mitigate the potential tax risks.



Some of the key provisions expiring include the following: individual tax rates reset to higher rates, the standard deduction reset to a lower amount, and the gift and estate tax exemption reset to a significantly lower amount.



Read More on Construction Business Owner
 

Did you know...a valuable benefit of membership with MBEX automatically makes every employee of a member company a member, meaning you are welcome to attend any and all MBEX events.


** indicates a newly added event



February 27 - Member Road Show: Mankato

Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at The Pub 500. Register Here


February 28 - Member Road Show: St. Cloud

Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at Granite City. Register Here


February 29 - Member Road Show: Fargo

Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at the Jasper Hotel. Register Here


March 3-9 - Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction (WIC) Week celebrates and promotes the role of women throughout the construction industry. Learn More


**March 4 - Speed Mentoring (WIC Week)

Kick off Women in Construction Week with Dunwoody and the MBEX Women's POWER series! Join us for a fast-paced and empowering speed mentoring session where you can connect and gain valuable insights with up to five mentors from the design, construction, and engineering worlds. This event is open to students and emerging professionals in the Design, Engineering, and Construction disciplines. Register Here


March 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

Whether opening Bluebeam Revu for the first time or you've used it for years, this class will ensure a higher baseline knowledge. Register Here


March 6 - Baseline 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

With Revu's intuitive measurement tools and customizable interface, turn your highlighters into data-rich takeoff tools. Register Here


March 6 - Member Road Show: Duluth

Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at Mr. D's Bar & Grill. Register Here


March 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

After finishing the Bluebeam 2 course, students will move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Register Here


March 7 - Member Road Show: The Iron Range (Virginia)

Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at the Sawmill Saloon in Virginia. Register Here


March 8 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

This course will not only improve consistency and accuracy in document management, but it will eliminate all the time wasted navigating through drawing sets and wondering who has the latest drawings. Register Here


March 12 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

Learn to create and place custom punch symbols, quickly embed images or videos, and create summary reports. Register Here


March 13 - Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams. Register Here


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 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


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


**Save the Date - April 2 - POWER Workshop #1

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. And we're kicking things off with Women, Money, and Happiness.


**Save the Date - April 17 - MBEX Spring Social

Join us for an evening out with fellow construction business owners, executives, and industry professionals that includes a special speaker, drinks and delicious food, cash raffles benefiting the MBEX Construction Scholarship fund, and more.

 
View Full 2024 MBEX Event Calendar
 
 
 

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

📈 Construction Planning Inches Higher Despite Commercial Weakness

The Dodge Momentum Index inched 0.1% higher in January amid weakness in commercial construction, according to the Dodge Construction Network. While commercial planning dropped 1% over the course of the month, institutional planning, which includes education, life sciences and healthcare projects, improved 2.1%. (Construction Dive)



SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION

⛽ The Rise of Renewable Diesel

To fully understand the potential of renewable diesel and its role in what's expected to be a greener, more sustainable future for the construction industry, it's important to understand what's expected of the fuel in both the near term and the long term. (Construction Business Owner)



TACKLING THE BIG ISSUES

💊 Construction Leaders Recognizing & Responding to the Opioid Crisis

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) began expressing concern about opioids to its members in 2015-2016. The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) Spring 2018 edition of TAUC's Construction User magazine was devoted to the opioid issue with the theme "Confronting the Opioid Crisis: What Contractors Can Do Today." See how three leaders within the industry are recognizing and responding to this growing crisis. (For Construction Pros)



ROBOTICS ON THE JOBSITE

🤖 SkyMul Robot Aims to Automate Concrete Prep Work

SkyMul is designing a robot capable of completing the layout for rebar placement and post tensioning cables, as well as tying the thousands of ties required in rebar preparation for cast-in-place concrete applications. (Equipment Journal)



SOFTWARE + TECHNOLOGY

👨‍💻 Fully Integrated: End-to-End Construction Cloud Solutions

Managing various facets of a project in isolation --- from preconstruction to financial management and operations --- can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies. Cloud duties created a unified ecosystem that helps businesses manage an array of functions. (Construction Executive)



🦺 PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Minnesota United Owner Plans 8-Story Hotel Near Allianz Field

The owner of the Minnesota United, which last month bought several parcels of land just outside the team's home at Allianz Field in St. Paul, is laying the groundwork for long-planned redevelopment of the Midway neighborhood. The Pioneer Press reports that the first project in that development will be an eight-story, 160-room hotel on University Avenue. The hotel will include a restaurant and meeting spaces, a four-story commercial building with retail and office uses, two pavilion-style restaurants and additional public open space, according to the development team's narrative. (Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal)

An undated courtesy architectural rendering shows a proposed eight-story hotel to be built by Allianz Field.

 

INDUSTRY EVENTS

 

Safety Programs Focus Seminar | Presented by Minnesota's Department of Transportation - Civil Rights office

DATE: Wednesday, February 28


TIME: 8:30am-10:30am


LOCATION: Attend Online - link provided when registered



COST: Free!

 
Register Here


Your workers are one of your most valuable assets. Learn how to develop and implement a safety and health program for your company. Learn where to find additional resources and tools to help reduce on-the-job injuries to your employees, partners, and the general public (as applicable).


Questions should be directed to srice@imoconsultingroup.com.

 

Win More Women-Owned Contracts in 2024

Presented by GovWin from Deltek

DATE: Tuesday, March 6


TIME: 1:00pm CST | 2:00PM EST


LOCATION: Online



COST: Free!

 
Register Here


The federal government implemented the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and the Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs in February 2011.


Despite competing against many of the other small business programs for federal dollars, the WOSB and EDWOSB programs have some unique rules and regulations on how the programs are used.


Highlights include:

• History of the WOSB program and how to become a WOSB / EDWOSB

• How WOSB differs from other socioeconomic programs managed by the SBA

• Trends on WOSB / EDWOSB programs and spending

• Spotlight opportunities for WOSB / EDWOSB firms to successfully leverage the programs

 

Air Barrier Symposium | Presented by ABAA in partnership with CSI Minneapolis-St. Paul & BEC Minnesota

DATE: Tuesday, March 12


TIME: 9:00am-2:00pm CST


LOCATION: Boy Scouts Base Camp (Fort Snelling, Minn.)



COST: CSI Member - $25 | Non-CSI Member - $50

 
Register Here


Join CSI - Minneapolis / St Paul, ABAA, and BEC - Minnesota for a half-day event with multiple presentations, tabletops, and lunch.



9:00am-9:30am

Sign In & Welcome


9:30-10:30am

Whole Building Testing is Coming: Do Not Fear It


10:30am-10:45am

Break


10:45am-11:45am

Why of Commissioning: A Look at the Process and How it Can Mitigate Risk


11:45am-12:45pm

Lunch & Visitor Vendor Tables


12:45pm-1:45pm

Groundhog Day: Reoccurring Field Installation Issues with Air Barriers



Full session descriptions can be found here or download the event flyer.


Contact Tamara Foncerrada with questions: (339) 206-1142 | tamara@airbarrier.org

 
 

MEMBER BENEFITS

 

Benefit of the Week: Worker's Compensation with TBG

 

The Builders Group (TBG) provides work comp solutions tailored exclusively to the construction trades to help them lower costs by working safer, smarter, and more profitably.


As a self-insured fund, contractors, builders, remodelers, subcontractors and suppliers are not just members of TBG, they're also owners.

Program features include:


• State-of-the-art hands-on Safety Training Center

• Safety services classroom

• On-demand safety video library

• NurseCare Line available 24/7

• Proactive Claims Management Team

• Flexible payment options

• Online payment center


Find out why MBEX members choose TBG by contacting them today and make workers' comp work for you: (651) 389-1140 | www.tbgmn.com

 
 

PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES

 

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 2/12/2024 - 2/16/2024: 106

• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 2/20/2024: 427

• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 2/20/2024: 767

 
DOWNLOAD HERE
 

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 2/14/2024-2/20/2024.


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.

 
 
 
 

The MBEX Weekly Bulletin brought to

you in part by The Builders Group (TBG).

 
 

UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS

• February 27 - Member Road Show: Mankato

• February 28 - Member Road Show: St. Cloud

• February 29 - Member Road Show: Fargo

• March 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

• March 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

• March 6 - Member Road Show: Duluth

• March 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

• March 7 - Member Road Show: Virginia

• March 8 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

• March 20 & 21 - Reading Construction Documents online course with UChapter2

• March 21 - Online Plan Room Demo

• April 2 - POWER Workshop #1 - Women, Money & Happiness

• April 17 - MBEX Spring Social

 

Connect with the Builders Exchange:

LinkedIn  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube  Twitter
 

Revisit Past Bulletins:

February 14 - No. 7 | February 7 - No. 6 | January 31 - No. 5 | January 24 - No. 4

 
 

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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