MBEX Weekly Bulletin 📑

Issue No. 47 • Wednesday, November 20, 2024 • www.mbex.org

Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:

1.) PAY: Renewal invoices for 2025 have been emailed to all member companies! To avoid plan room disruptions, mail check payment for the amount listed on your invoice to MBEX or call Julie with credit card information (a $45 fee will apply) by December 31st.

2.) REVIEW: The Dodge Momentum Index decreased 5.3% in October to 197.2 from the revised September reading of 208.2. Over the month, commercial planning fell 6.7% and institutional planning declined 2.0%.

3.) SIGN UP: Our next Online Plan Room Demo is this Thursday (November 21) at 9:00am. Learn the basics and ask questions of MBEX staff in this free 60-minute live session.

4.) TRACK: The rate at which construction workers got injured or became sick on the job decreased in 2023, though the raw number of injuries on jobsites increased, according to new data released on November 8th.

5.) SMILE: To cheer up hospitalized children at the Memorial Children's Hospital in South Bend, Ind., construction worker Jason Haney created an 8-foot-tall Where's Waldo and hid it every day on the jobsite for kids to find.

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney

IN BRIEF:

• Ho-Ho-Holiday Cheer: Register for Holiday Party North in Duluth on 12/5

• Deadline 12/31: Now's the time to file your Beneficial Ownership Report

• Join In: Bassford Remele offering a free Mechanic's Lien seminar on 12/11

• Investments: Taconite Assistance Area awarded $65M by IRRR

• Hiring: Hallberg Engineering seeks an entry-level Commissioning Technician

• Court Halt's the Overtime Eligibility Rule, Lack of Clarity Over Jobsite Head Gear & Five Machines Every Contractor Should Master: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break

• Project of the Week: 150-unit apartment development approved in Edina

• Member Benefit: New smartphone deals & bill credits with Verizon Business

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

Holiday Party North --- Just 2 Weeks Away!

'Tis the season to celebrate with MBEX.

Join us on Thursday, December 5, at the Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth for an evening of holiday cheer, networking, and fun.

The evening begins at 5:30pm with cocktails, followed by a delicious sit-down dinner at 6:30pm, and a short program filled with door prize giveaways at 7:00pm.

Holiday Party North is your chance to unwind, celebrate with industry peers, and build meaningful connections in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

Plus, if you're looking to spotlight your business, there's still time to grab a sponsorship package! Options include dinner, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, or door prizes, making it an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand.

Ticket Price: $45 per person

Sponsorships Available:

$500 - Dinner Sponsor
$200 - Hors d'oeuvres Sponsor
$200 - Cocktail Sponsor
$50+ - Door Prizes Sponsor

See you there!

Stay Compliant: File Your Beneficial Ownership Report by 12/31

Earlier this year, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted to fight against fraud and illegal activities.

Now, over 30-million small businesses in the U.S. (including some of MBEX's members) must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by December 31, 2024.

What You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act

The CTA requires corporations, LLCs, and other similar entities registered or operating in the U.S. to report information on their beneficial owners to FinCEN. This law takes full effect on January 1, 2025.

Reporting includes personal identifying information for beneficial owners and applicants.

Who Needs To File?

You are more than likely required to submit a BOI Report if your business has:

Less than 20 full-time employees and / or
Under $5-million in annual sales.

Larger entities with 20+ employees and over $5-million in sales are exempt. You must meet both qualifications in order to qualify for this exemption

FinCEN has also published a list of 23 entity types that are also exempt. View the exempt entity types here

Don't Miss the Deadline!

Late filings could cost up to $500 per day in penalties, so don't wait. Reports are due by December 31, 2024.

Filing is online, but be cautious about third-party filing services --- stick with trusted advisors. You can also file your BOI Report directly via the FinCEN website.

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We highly encourage and recommend all members to reach out to your legal counsel or accountant to ensure you're covered.

Official FinCEN Website

Beneficial Ownership FAQ

Mechanic's Lien Seminar: Protect Your Business Interests

Join Bassford Remele for an in-depth seminar that will walk attendees through Minnesota's mechanic's lien process, offering practical insights to safeguard lien rights and secure payment for work or supplies when payment issues arise.

Tailored for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and financial professionals, the session will break down pre-lien steps, foreclosure proceedings, and post-trial enforcement.

Details

Date: Thursday, December 12
Time: Seminars - 12pm-4pm | Happy Hour & Networking - 4pm-5pm
Location: Bassford Remele, 100 South 5th Street, Suite 1500, Minneapolis, Minn. (Free Parking!)

Enhance your understanding of lien laws, protect your bottom line, and optimize operations.

Agenda Highlights

Registration & Lunch: 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Educational Sessions: 12:30 - 4:00pm
Happy Hour & Networking: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Credits

Earn 3.0 hours of continuing education for residential building contractors or legal CLE credits in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Please register by December 2.

Download Flyer

Over $65M Invested in the Taconite Assistance Area

The Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) has awarded an estimated $65.8-million in projects that are expected to grow existing businesses, modernize public works and infrastructure, and expand broadband, child care, healthcare, housing, outdoor recreation and mining.

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Public Works Grants: $4,560,000

City of Aitkin - $400,000

To construct a new municipal water tower.

City of Aurora - $500,000

To construct a new water treatment facility in Aurora, which is Phase III of the new East Range water system that will eventually serve the communities of Aurora, Town of White, Biwabik, and Hoyt Lakes.

City of Aurora - $200,000

To upgrade sewer lines and construct new storm sewer for a mix of residential and commercial properties.

City of Calumet - $300,000

To upgrade the interior and exterior of city hall including a new roof, electrical wiring, and LED lighting, ADA cement steps / ramp, ADA chair lift or elevator, ventilation and duct work, new insulation and room expansion for additional event and storage space.

City of Crosby - $400,000

To replace aging water lines in alleys.

City of Ely - $500,000

To upgrade city-wide street infrastructure in a residential neighborhood.

City of Eveleth - $100,000

To replace a watermain line that serves 35 residential properties, one business, and Eveleth / Virginia Municipal Airport.

City of Eveleth - $500,000

To upgrade the HVAC at the Eveleth Community Recreation and Office Building.

City of Grand Rapids - $180,000

To upgrade the infrastructure to support the redevelopment of two vacant commercial buildings in downtown that will be converted into a restaurant and a bar with apartments.

City of Grand Rapids - $130,000

To construct, relocate, and upgrade utilities to support the redevelopment of a vacant downtown building that will be converted to an elevated casual dining restaurant.

City of Hibbing - $600,000

To upgrade city hall including windows and lintel replacement and stone and brick repair.

Hibbing Public Utilities Commission - $500,000

To construct and upgrade 10,800-linear-feet of watermain, 56 gate valve replacements, and 19 fire hydrants.

City of Hoyt Lakes - $250,000

To upgrade Hoyt Lakes Arena with new entry doors, vertical wheelchair lifts, bleachers and site concrete and parking lot improvements.

Broadband Infrastructure Grants: $617,000

Paul Bunyan Communications - $400,000

To construct fiber optics for 420 unserved and underserved households in Field, Alango, and Sturgeon Townships in rural St. Louis County.

Paul Bunyan Communications - $217,000

To construct fiber optics for 96 unserved and underserved households in the city of Mountain Iron and Great Scott Township areas in rural St. Louis County.

Child Care Development Grant: $400,000

City of Coleraine - $400,000

To construct the infrastructure for a new 9,500-square-foot child care learning facility that will be licensed for 96 full-time equivalent children including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age.
The center will help address the regional needs of business and industry located in Coleraine, Grand Rapids, Cohasset and LaPrairie as they work to attract and retain workforce.

Regional Trails Grant: $1,000,000

City of Chisholm

To construct Phase III of Redhead Mountain Bike Park, including the design and construction of a pump track, skills course, bathrooms and other related trailhead amenities.

Flood-Impacted Lands: $6,180,000

Flood Mitigation for Embarrass Diversion Channel

To support ongoing repairs to the areas located within the Giants Ridge Recreation Area that were damaged by the flood that occurred on June 18, 2024.
Repairs include, but not limited to, engineering, slope stabilization, long-term design, mitigation, restoration, land maintenance and construction.

Funds are also being allocated for Business Development Loans ($1,633,500), Taconite Economic Development Fund Rebates ($8,784,583), Natural Resources Research Institute ($2,000,000), Iron Range Higher Education Account ($1,382,719), and Mineral Article Legislation / 2024 Tax Omnibus Bill Projects ($39,230,000).

Read Full IRRR Press Release

IRRR is funded through taxes paid by Minnesota's mining industry. The projects reviewed support the agency's fiscal year 2025 spending plan which funds projects in business, community and workforce development in the Taconite Assistance Area.

Press release published on November 12, 2024.

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 event

November 21 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo

From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders lists, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Register Now

November 28 & 29 - MBEX Closed - Thanksgiving

MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to regular business hours on Monday, December 2.

December 3 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

Attendees will learn interface navigation including menu dropdowns, toolbars, various tool panels, keyboard shortcuts and a few recommended settings. While learning various markup and measurement tools, several tips and tricks will be shared to increase accuracy and speed. Register Now

December 4 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

Attendees will go through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List. Register Now

December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic) course, attendees will move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization.

December 5 - Holiday Party North

As winter blankets the Northland in its snowy splendor, come gather with fellow construction industry professionals for an evening of celebration and camaraderie as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2025. Register Now

December 11 - 2025 Construction Economic Forecast

Designed with commercial construction contractors in mind, Anirban Basu's 60-minute presentation is customized for Construction Executive readers to help them manage and grow their business by focusing on relevant economic indicators, including materials prices, jobs and unemployment reports, construction wages, the most recent ABC Construction Confidence Index and Construction Backlog Indicator reports, and the hottest market sectors and regions. Sign Up

** December 12 - Mechanic's Lien: A Primer with Bassford Remele

This free, comprehensive workshop will cover everything you need to know about the mechanic's lien process from start to finish in Minnesota. This seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of mechanic's liens effectively. Sign Up

December 19 - Online Plan Room Demo

December 25 & 26 - MBEX Closed - Christmas

MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. Our physical office will be closed on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27 (staff will be working remotely).

December 31 & January 1 - MBEX Closed - New Years

MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1 to celebrate the end of 2024 and welcome the start of 2025. MBEX will return to regular business hours on Thursday, January 2.

** January 15 - MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon

MBEX invites its members to our Annual Meeting and Luncheon, a premier event that brings together our vibrant construction community. This is more than just a meeting; it's an opportunity to be at the forefront of the building industry's latest trends and innovations. Register Now

View 2024 / 2025 MBEX Event Calendar

NOW HIRING

Hallberg Engineering is searching for an entry-level Commissioning Technician. In this developmental position, the technician learns to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications. The Commissioning Technician is responsible for providing commissioning services related to the project's mechanical systems in all phases of the construction process. They will keep the Commissioning Agent or Department Manager of the assigned projects informed as to ongoing construction issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

Technical or Associate Degree in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical design from an accredited technical institute.
General understanding of all mechanical and electrical systems.
Must have the ability to utilize computer software, applications, and / or web portals to effectively manage projects.
Must be able to move about the work area and travel to work-sites as needed or required.
Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record to travel to project sites.
Must be capable of managing multiple projects and project teams.

See job description for full listing of preferred qualifications.

Hallberg Engineering offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Life, Medical, and Dental Insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Plan
Flexible Benefit Package
Flexible Work Schedule
Optional Hybrid Schedule
Paid Time Off

View Job Posting

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES

Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

⚖️ Court Halts DOL's Final Rule Expanding Eligibility for Overtime

Last week, a U.S. District Court judge struck down the Department of Labor's (DOL) final rule that extended overtime pay protections to a significant number of American workers. The Eastern District of Texas held that the DOL exceeded its statutory authority when it issued the final rule in April 2024. The court estimated that the July 1, 2024 change converted one-third of American employees to non-exempt (i.e. eligible for overtime). The court's ruling vacates the DOL's final rule entirely and nationwide. The ruling also vacated the July 1, 2024 salary threshold. (Bassford Remele)

LABOR & SAFETY

⛑️ Confusion, Lack of Clarity Over Head Gear Poses Safety Risks

A recent study conducted by Neenah, J. J. Keller & Associates, and the International Safety Equipment Association, found that although 72% of respondents believed they understood the differences in head protection types, there were significant misconceptions. For instance, 59% of study respondents incorrectly thought safety helmets offer more protection than hard hats, and 80% believed that only helmet-style protection could provide impact resistance on all sides. (Construction Dive)

JOBSITE EQUIPMENT

🚧 Top 5 Machines Every Contractor Should Master

Whether you're a project manager looking to refine operational efficiency or a seasoned operator aiming to get the most out of your equipment, here's a closer look at the top five construction machines you should know inside and out --- and how to make them work harder for you. (Con Expo | Con / AGG)

BUSINESS PRACTICES

📋 The Four Paradigms of Construction Scheduling

While basic, task-based scheduling methods were once the norm, a more sophisticated approach is required to address the growing complexities of modern construction. The need for on-demand, accurate and efficient scheduling optimization is driving this evolution faster and further than ever before. (Construction Executive)

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

💧 Cities, States Say They'll Need More Help to Replace Millions of Lead Pipes

States, cities, and water utilities agree that the lead pipes need to go to ensure safe water for residents. But they say they may struggle to do so in the 10-year window required under the new federal rule, and they fear some ratepayers will be hit with massive cost increases to pay for the work. (Stateline)

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Edina OKs 150-Unit Apartment Development

Read more on Finance & Commerce

A 150-unit apartment building located at 7200 France Avenue has been given the green light by the Edina City Council.

The City Council voted on November 6th to approve the preliminary site plan and a zoning ordinance amendment for the property, according to city planning documents.

The apartment building is a second phase of an overall development, the first phase of which is located next door at 7250 France Avenue and will ultimately become an office property.

At the August 20th meeting of the City Council, the site plan and amendment were tabled over council members' concerns around the number of stories on the property.

Before the building was solely apartment units, it was a mixed-use development, with 10,000-square-feet of retail space as well as apartment units. The decision to nix the retail space was to reduce traffic to the site to match the "neighborhood's preferences for something quieter" as well as the low demand for retail space.

PICTURED ABOVE: Orion Investments and Afton Park Development plan to build a 150-unit apartment building as the second phase of a development at 7200 France Avenue in Edina. (Rendering: ESG Architecture & Design)

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Let's Bowl into 2025!

Presented by American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)

DATE: Wednesday, December 11

TIME: 4:00pm - 7:00pm

LOCATION: AMF Southtown Lanes

(7941 Southtown Center, Bloomington, 55431)

COST: Free

View Flyer

Join the local Viking Chapter of the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) for an evening of bowling, food, and good company.

RSVPs are requested by December 4th to ckluznik@aspevikingchapter.com.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Benefit of the Week: Verizon Business

Members of National Purchasing Partners (NPP) get exclusive savings on new phones, tablets, and laptops --- plus an exclusive deal on 5G Business Internet.

But act fast --- these Verizon deals expire soon!

Switch and Save

Get a $100 bill credit when you purchase a new smartphone and bring your number to Verizon. See the latest deals on Apple, Samsung, and Google devices.

Time to Upgrade?

Get a new phone with all the bells and whistles. Upgrade to the Apple iPhone 14 128GB for $5 / month or the Google Pixel 8a for $0 / month. (Newer Apple and Google Pixel models also available for higher per month fees.)

Tablet and Laptop Deals

Keep business moving with $100 off select laptops and tablets. Click through for models and details.

5G Business Internet Router

Get a select Verizon Business Internet Gateway router included with your 5G Business Internet Plan, starting at $69 / month.

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National Purchasing Partners (NPP) is a trusted savings and solutions provider for businesses and their employees. By leveraging the purchasing power of more than 350,000 members, NPP can provide top discounts and special B2B pricing to businesses of all sizes. NPP members enjoy exclusive deals on a catalog of useful items for both work and play. Membership is free and there is never an obligation to purchase.

Plus, when you enroll via our special NPP sign-up page, MBEX receives a small kickback to further support our member services.

PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 11/11/2024 - 11/15/2024: 85

• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 11/11/2024 - 11/15/2024: 13

• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 11/19/2024: 340

• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 11/19/2024: 4,115

DOWNLOAD HERE

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 11/13/2024-11/19/2024.

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

• November 21 - Online Plan Room Demo

• November 28 & 29 - Closed for Thanksgiving

• December 3 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

• December 4 - Bluebeam 2: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

• December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

• December 5 - Holiday Party North

• December 11 - CE's 2025 Construction Economic Forecast

• December 12 - Mechanic's Lien: A Primer

• December 19 - Online Plan Room Demo

• December 24 & 25 - Closed for Christmas

• December 31 & January 1 - Closed for New Years

• January 15 - Annual Meeting & Luncheon

Connect with the Builders Exchange:

Revisit Past Bulletins:

Nov. 13 - No. 46 | Nov. 6 - No. 45 | Oct. 30 - No. 44 | Oct. 23 - No. 43 | Oct. 16 - No. 42

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, KLJ Engineering; 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, Iron Eagle Industrial Services; 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; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Director; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters

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