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March 10 (or MAR10, as a few folks have pointed out to me) was Mario Day! You know Mario, that mustached, red-capped Italian-American running around the Mushroom Kingdom saving Princess Peach from his archnemesis, Bowser. Fun Fact: he was originally a carpenter! 🤯 But when Mario Bros. debuted in 1983, the game took place underground, surrounded by pipes and sewer creatures, so Mario (and later his brother, Luigi) made the career pivot to plumbing. The rest is gaming history.
Now, while I can't promise any warp pipes or invincibility stars here at MBEX, I can say our members know a thing or two about building things the right way, whether that's framing it, piping it, wiring it, or supplying the materials for it. Consider this a small tribute to the laborers, the fixers, the problem-solvers, and the project heroes of the real world. No mushrooms required 🍄 🏗️ 😉
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) St. Cloud Bound - Our next Regional Member Meetup is this Wednesday (March 11) at the Crooked Pint Ale House in Waite Park from 3:00pm-5:00pm. If you're in the area, come by for free drinks and apps, and industry connections.
2.) 15 Years Running - 2025 marked the 15th consecutive year that Minneapolis' construction value hit the $1-billion mark. According to city officials, projects included affordable housing, medical facilities, and office renovations, as well as $20-million of investments.
3.) OSHA Poster Redesign - OSHA has released a new version of its poster informing workers of their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as part of the agency's "OSHA Cares" initiative. This version is available for free, but employers can continue using an older version as well.
4.) Products & Materials - Whether you're specifying products for a new construction, retrofit, or renovation, February's top 15 building products highlight the latest building materials shaping architecture and construction in 2026, from high-performance curtainwall systems and low-E glass to formaldehyde-free insulation and structural data center ceilings.
5.) Keep Up the Good Leisure - So that's why it takes so long with city permits 🫣 😂
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Inside Issue No. 10:
• Apply Today: Applications now being accepted for the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship
• Workplace To-Dos: Eight key developments to address in March
• Welcome to MBEX: Meet our newest members who joined last month
• Mixed Picture: Industry takeaways from February according to Sage Economics
• Upcoming Events: Online Plan Room Demo live with MBEX (3/19); Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses webinar (3/29); Reading Construction Documents virtual course (4/15 & 4/16); and MBEX's Spring Social (4/15)
• Five Headlines: ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator rose in February; Universities launch major facility projects nationwide; More than 300,000 new electricians needed over the next decade to meet AI-driven demand; Top concerns in 2026 for fleet professionals include rising costs and regulatory pressures; & Tips for crafting a winning construction proposal
• Project of the Week: Roseville plans $119M Minnesota State Patrol HQ
• Industry Event: Construction Seminar: Minnesota OSHA Fatality Investigations - Tuesday, March 17 - Minn. Department of Labor & Industry (St. Paul) - Presented by MNOSHA Compliance
• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of March 2-6
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Now Accepting Applications
2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship
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The next generation of skilled trades professionals, builders, estimators, project managers, and others across the construction industry is already on its way, and MBEX is proud to help support their journey.
Applications are now officially open for the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship, a program created to encourage and support students pursuing careers in the commercial construction industry.
Each year, we partner with The Builders Group Education Foundation to award multiple scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to students pursuing skilled specialty trades, such as carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, masonry, tiling, utilities, elevator technology, and plumbing. Other related fields, such as construction management, construction administration, and engineering, are also welcome to apply.
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Who Can Apply
Students interested in applying must be:
• Pursuing a construction-related field of study at an accredited trade school, technical college, or four-year university
• Entering the Fall 2026 semester as a freshman, sophomore, or junior
• Studying at a school located in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin
• Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrating a clear interest in the construction industry
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Since launching the scholarship program in 2003, MBEX has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students pursuing careers in construction, helping strengthen the workforce that will build the future of our industry.
Help Spread the Word
If you have employees, interns, family members, or students in your network who are pursuing careers in construction, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.
Applications must be submitted through the online portal, along with all required materials, before the posted deadline of Friday, May 29, 2026.
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Eight Essential Workplace Items to Review in March
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Here at MBEX, we aim to help our members stay ahead of the changes shaping our industry, including the labor and employment rule updates released by the current administration.
With rules changing quickly (and sometimes without much warning), staying compliant takes a bit of planning and a good heads-up on what actually matters.
Below is a quick rundown of key developments that took place in February, along with a checklist of the essential items to consider addressing in March and beyond.
1.) Prepare for Shifting Independent Contractor Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor released a highly anticipated proposal that should soon make it easier for businesses to engage with independent contractors (including freelancers and gig workers) while providing clearer lines on what aspects of the working relationship can trigger employee status. Here's what you need to know and four steps to prepare
2.) Learn More About OSHA's Safety Champions Program
OSHA announced the launch of a voluntary, self-guided initiative outlining several core practices employers should incorporate into their workplace safety and health plans. Rather than another compliance checkbox, this program represents a shift away from harsh enforcement-based compliance toward encouraging proactive risk management and prevention. Here's how to decide if your company should participate
3.) Breathe a Sigh of Relief Over the Latest in NLRB's Joint-Employer Saga
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a new final rule on February 26 officially restoring a business-friendly joint-employer rule from President Trump's first term, which had essentially been back in place since 2024 after a court struck down a controversial Biden-era rule that aimed to replace it.
4.) Take Stock of Your Non-Competes
The Federal Trade Commission recently signaled that it is still pursuing an aggressive enforcement agenda when it comes to "abusive" noncompete agreements. Here are the biggest takeaways and next steps for employers
5.) Manage AI Responsibly
Last month, the DOL released a roadmap for training workers for AI literacy. Here are also recommended reads covering best employer practices for using AI-driven tools to screen resumes, moderate job interviews, scan candidates' social media, and boost employee engagement and retention.
7.) Finalize Preparations for H-1B Cap Registrations
The FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period opened on March 4, and the traditional lottery has been replaced with a wage-weighted selection system, thanks to a new rule from the Department of Homeland Security that took effect February 26. Is your business ready?
8.) Get Answers to Your Top GLP-1 Questions
The rise of prescription medications used for weight loss has reshaped conversations about employer-sponsored health benefits. Here is an employer FAQ on GLP-1 drugs in the workplace.
| | | The information provided here is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with an attorney or legal advisor before taking any actions based on its content. | | |
Meet Our Newest Members from February
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February was a busy month at MBEX, with 14 new companies joining and plugging into our community. From exploring new project opportunities to building relationships with partners across the Midwest commercial construction industry, these members are getting connected.
Every new member company strengthens the network that makes MBEX work, bringing fresh expertise, new perspectives, and more opportunities for collaboration across the industry.
Help us extend a warm welcome to the newest companies to join Midwest Builders Exchange:
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Key Economic Signals for Commercial Construction
February 2026 Insights from Sage Economics
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Sage Economics' February update paints a mixed but informative picture, one where contractors remain cautiously optimistic, but where lending conditions, sector shifts, and market volatility are still influencing the pace of work.
Below are a few of the most relevant takeaways for commercial contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, and suppliers, along with why these trends matter for MBEX members navigating the Midwest construction market.
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Contractor Optimism Remains Surprisingly Strong
Despite softer construction data in recent months, many contractors remain confident about their own near-term outlook. According to the ABC Construction Confidence Index, only 13% of contractors expect their sales to decline over the next six months, a significant improvement from late 2025.
However, there's an interesting twist: while contractors feel positive about their own businesses, 46% believe other contractors may see sales decline during the same period.
This suggests optimism is still present, but it's tempered by uncertainty about broader market conditions.
Why This Matters for MBEX Members:
Confidence can drive bidding activity and investment, but market caution means competition may tighten. Staying ahead of early project opportunities, especially through tools like our Online Plan Room, can help firms secure work while others remain hesitant.
• See Pages 11-12, "Does Contractor Optimism Check Out?"
Nonresidential Construction Shows Signs of Softening
Construction spending rose in December, but the increase was driven entirely by residential construction. Meanwhile, private nonresidential construction spending fell and is now down 1.8% year-over-year.
A major factor behind this shift is the unwinding of the recent manufacturing construction boom. Spending in that segment is now 16% below its August 2024 peak, creating a drag on overall nonresidential activity.
Why This Matters for MBEX Members:
If manufacturing projects continue to slow, contractors may see more competition for other types of commercial work. Diversifying project pipelines and tracking emerging sectors, such as healthcare, education, or infrastructure, can help offset shifts in manufacturing demands.
• See Page 39, "Friday - Construction Spending"
Lending Conditions Remain Tight for Construction Projects
Financing conditions remain a key hurdle for development. According to the latest banking survey, fewer than 9% of banks loosened lending standards for construction and land development loans, indicating that financing remains difficult to secure for many projects.
Banks appear to be taking a cautious stance due to lingering economic uncertainty, even as loan demand stabilizes.
Why This Matters for MBEX Members:
Tighter lending standards can slow project starts and delay developments. Contractors should expect longer pre-construction timelines and stay engaged with owners early to understand project financing status.
• See Pages 5-6, "Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey - SLOOS"
Energy Prices are Creeping Up Again
Fuel costs are beginning to tick upward. Diesel prices have risen about $0.40 per gallon over the past month, while gasoline prices have also climbed.
While prices remain historically moderate, even modest increases can impact transportation, material delivery, and heavy equipment operating costs.
Why This Matters for MBEX Members:
Rising diesel prices can quietly increase jobsite costs, from equipment operation to freight. Contractors may want to revisit project estimates, fuel surcharges, or contingency budgets to account for potential volatility.
• See Pages 5 ("Oil Stuff"), 18 ("Monday - Oil Stuff"), 28 ("Tuesday - Oil Stuff"), & 37 ("Oil Stuff")
Labor Market Signals are Mixed
Employment data delivered a mixed message. Overall, U.S. payroll employment grew by 130,000 jobs in January, which was stronger than expected.
At the same time, hiring activity across several industries remains uneven, suggesting the broader labor market is still fragile.
One notable trend within construction: women accounted for 12,000 of the 14,000 construction jobs added in 2025, pushing their share of the workforce to a record high.
Why This Matters for MBEX Members:
Labor shortages remain a challenge across the industry. Expanding recruitment pipelines, including efforts to attract more women and underrepresented groups into construction careers, will be key to sustaining workforce capacity.
• See Pages 1-3, 6 ("ADP Employment Report"), 13-16, & 20 ("BLS Jobs Report")
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The Bottom Line
February's economic signals suggest a construction market that's still moving forward, but cautiously. Contractors remain optimistic, yet tighter lending, shifting spending patterns, and cost pressures are shaping how projects move from planning to groundbreaking.
For MBEX members, staying informed and staying connected to early project opportunities remains one of the best ways to navigate what's shaping up to be another dynamic year for commercial construction.
| | | The information above was compiled and summarized from Sage Economics' email updates distributed February 1-28, 2026. Note that more recent reports may offer updated insights, and MBEX members are encouraged to review the latest data as part of their due diligence. | | | |
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 or updated event
March 11 - Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
We're coming to a city near you in March 2026! In partnership with the Electrical Association, the Minnesota Concrete Council, and The Builders Group, we hope you'll join us for a casual get-together to network with fellow members and connect with these organizations. Register
March 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders list, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Register
March 26 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses [WEBINAR]
Join instructor Troy DeGroot (UChapter2) for an introductory preview to each upcoming Bluebeam Revu course offered in April and May, and their learning objectives. Get your questions answered to ensure you enroll in the appropriate courses for your skillset and workflows. Sign Up
April 14 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL COURSE]
This half-day interactive and virtual training, crafted by the industry experts at UChapter2, is built for estimators who want to sharpen their approach and gain a competitive edge. This course encourages attendees to ask the critical question: "How can we approach this project differently than our competition?" Sign Up
April 15 & 16 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL COURSE]
This two-day course covers the fundamentals of how to read and understand construction documents. From identifying title block information to reviewing floor plans, elevations, and combing through specification sections, course attendees will learn how to navigate a full set of drawings and interpret material and construction requirements with clarity. Sign Up
April 15 - MBEX Spring Social - Member Early Bird Pricing thru 4/1
The MBEX Spring Social brings members together for an easygoing afternoon of mingling, networking, and strengthening connections with fellow industry professionals. This year's event features special guest speaker Cecil Smith, President & CEO of the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, opportunities to meet the 2025-2026 scholarship recipients, the popular Wine & Spirits Pull, and exciting door prize giveaways. Register
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC REPORT
🏀 Construction Backlog Indicator Rebounds in February
ABC reported on March 10 that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.1-months in February, up 0.1-months from January but down 0.2-months from February 2025. Backlog increased sharply in the Middle States: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Notably, the Middle States is the only region with a backlog higher than one year ago. (Associated Builders & Contractors)
INDUSTRY TRENDS | ACADEMIC CONSTRUCTION
🎒 Universities Launch Major Academic Facility Projects Nationwide
Universities and community college executives are investing heavily in new academic facilities and modernized learning environments. Aging infrastructure, growing enrollment in many regions, and the need for more workforce-aligned programs are prompting institutions to rethink how campus space supports teaching, research, and student engagement. Such projects include a $52-million plan at South Dakota State University in Brookings to construct a new academic building to support the Ness School of Management and Economics, and a $78.9-million project at Winona State University in Minnesota to replace outdated facilities as well as Gildemeister and Watkins Halls. (Government Market News)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | LABOR & WORKFORCE
⚡ Dire Electrician Shortage is a 'Life or Death' Threat to the AI Data Center Boom
Projections suggest that more than 300,000 new electricians are needed over the next decade to meet AI-driven demand, particularly as a large share of today's workforce is approaching retirement. Nearly 30% of union electricians are between the ages of 50 and 70; about 20,000 electricians are expected to retire each year. That means that to meet the lofty expectations around AI, the country needs hundreds of thousands of incoming workers. And Big Tech and local electricians' unions are pulling out all the stops to find and train them. (Fortune)
FLEET MANAGEMENT
🚛 Aging Fleets, Rising Costs & AI Hesitation Shape 2026 Fleet Outlook
Fleetio has released its 2026 Fleet Benchmark Report & State of Fleet Management, analyzing data from 1.2-million vehicles and feedback from more than 600 fleet professionals. Among the top concerns cited were rising costs (54.4%), regulatory pressures (46.1%), electric vehicle transition challenges (35.1%), and technician shortages (32.5%). Artificial intelligence adoption remains limited, with fewer than 6% reporting broad implementation. (For Construction Pros)
BIDDING WORK
🎉 What Makes a Winning Construction Proposal?
A winning construction proposal does two things at once: it proves you can do the job and makes it easy for the client to choose you over your competitors. With nonresidential construction starts surging each month, owners and general contractors are sifting through more proposals than ever. These range from simple price sheets to highly detailed plans that outline every project risk. For complex jobs, the lowest price rarely guarantees a win. It ultimately comes down to value, clarity, and confidence. If you want to secure more of the right projects, you need a reliable strategy. (ConstructConnect News)
| | $119M Minnesota State Patrol HQ Planned in Roseville | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
On March 4, the Roseville city commission signed off on rezoning and land use requested for the planned $119-million, 81,100-square-foot Minnesota State Patrol building, which will rise on a recently acquired site at 1500-1550 Highway 26.
Designed by Leo A Daly, the new building will include a public lobby, classrooms, firearm training lanes, secured vehicle storage, fitness areas for officers, and spaces for storage, de-escalation and crisis intervention training.
The new headquarters will be a "working building" housing administrative and support staff during business hours, as well as providing an appropriate foundation for state law enforcement and the State Patrol.
Minnesota's natural resources inform the building's design. Specifically, the building's exterior will highlight "natural landscapes that represent the varied biomes of Minnesota, including the Prairie Pothole, North Shore rock faces, The Driftless and Big Woods areas," according to the project narrative.
The project will make good use of natural light and include bird-safe glass, among other sustainable features. Natural plantings will "green up" the site.
The project is funded with two appropriations: the state's 2025 transportation bill ($97-million in construction money) and the Legislature's awarding $22.5-million in 2024 for design and land acquisition.
Next steps include city council review on March 23, followed by demolition of an existing building and construction later this year.
When the new building opens in Summer 2028, it will consolidate state patrol operations currently housed in six locations throughout the metro area, serving residents in Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Scott, Carver, Anoka, Isanti, Chisago, and Washington Counties.
Track this project inside the Online Plan Room:
- Project ID: 2026-04EC
- Category: Local Government
- Type: New Construction
- Phase: Pre-Bid - No A/E
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering of the planned Minnesota State Patrol headquarters planned for Roseville by Leo A Daly. | |
CONSTRUCTION SEMINAR: Minn. OSHA Fatality Investigations
Presented by MNOSHA Compliance
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DATE: Tuesday, March 17
TIME: 7:00am - 8:30am
LOCATION:
COST: Free
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Join MNOSHA at their next Construction Seminar to hear an overview of MNOSHA Compliance and a discussion about common fatalities experienced in Minnesota. Crushed-by, fall, confined space, and workplace violence accidents will all be discussed, as well as case studies from OSHA fatalities.
Presenters from MNOSHA Compliance include:
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James Krueger, Director
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Kevin Sundet, Safety Supervisor
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Maia Mann, Senior Industrial Hygienist
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Matt Lucas, Safety Director
There will also be time for questions and further discussion.
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 3/2/2026 - 3/6/2026: 123
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 3/2/2026 - 3/6/2026: 40
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 3/10/2026: 467
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 3/10/2026: 1,374
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 3/4/2026 - 3/10/2026.
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
• March 11- Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
• March 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• March 26 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Revu courses [WEBINAR]
• April 14 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL COURSE]
• April 15 & 16 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL COURSE]
• April 15 - Spring Social
• April 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
• April 30 & May 1 - Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference
• May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
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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.
2026 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Vice President - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Treasurer - Allie Brady, Veit USA; Past President - Heidi Sedlacek, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
2026 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; Harry Rothstein, Weidner's Mechanical Contractors; Jim Rothstein, Erickson Electric; and Alanna Soukkala, Marsh McLennan.
MBEX STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator / Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & Plan Room Support; Shauna Baska - Project Reporter & Bidders Lists; Ka Yang - Addenda & Apparent Lows; Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil & Michelle Siegel - Project Reporters; Don O'Connor - Independent Event Planning Contractor
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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