☃️ MBEX Weekly Bulletin

Issue No. 49 • Wednesday, December 10, 2025 • www.mbex.org

‘Tis the season…for slow-moving traffic, snow-packed boots, and windshield wipers working overtime. As I put the finishing touches on this week’s issue from the comfort of my couch (yes, I did sneak out early yesterday to beat the weather 😇), the snow is falling and reminding me just how quickly winter gets to work. I hope you’re all navigating the office, the jobsite, and everywhere in between with plenty of caution...and maybe an extra hot coffee or two (a shot of peppermint doesn't hurt!). Winter has its (many) challenges, but a little patience goes a long way in getting everyone home safely. Stay warm out there, MBEXers!

By Ashlee

Membership & Communications Manager

Five Things To Know & Do This Week:

1.) Renew By December 31 - Have you renewed your MBEX membership for 2026 yet? The end of the year will be here before any of us know it. To avoid plan room disruptions, either call Julie to renew over the phone or send a check (to our new address!) by the 31st.

2.) Check In - As holiday festivities fall into place this year, make sure to take a close look at the people around you. Among the twinkling lights and boisterous parties, someone you care about may be going through a difficult time. Don't be afraid to extend a hand and offer support.

3.) Sleighers Gonna Sleigh - If you find yourself in or near Duluth on December 18th, come get up to snow good at Ridgeview Country Club for Holiday Party North. Expect plenty of laughs, a great sit-down dinner, even greater company, and a few holiday surprises.

4.) Workplace Law Changes - The following key changes to Minnesota workplace laws officially take effect January 1, 2026:

Minimum wage will increase to $11.41 an hour.
Most employees must be allowed to receive a paid 15-minute break every 4 consecutive hours worked and an unpaid 30-minute meal break when working 6 or more consecutive hours.
Minnesota Paid Leave begins, providing paid, job-protected time off to care for oneself or a family member.

5.) Weather Talk - Every seasoned Minnesotan once the temp drops below 40°.

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Inside This Issue:

• Register Now: Join MBEX for our first event of 2026

• To-Dos: Eight key workplace law updates you'll want to have on your radar this month

• Renewal Reminder: Renew your MBEX membership by December 31

• Sage Economics: Commercial construction holds steady amid cooling economy

• More Events: Bassford Remele's Key Provisions When Negotiating a Contract seminar; our next Online Plan Room Demo; Holiday Party North, & MBEX Holiday Closures

• Five Headlines: AGC-MN survey reveals Minnesota contractors are less optimistic for 2026; AI adoption reaches a turning point in commercial contracting; Walmart and other retailers to 3D-print more than 12 full-scale projects; Higher pay for skilled workers fuels increasing rebuilding costs; and OSHA's Top 10 cited safety standards for 2025

• Project of the Week: Massive historic preservation repairs for Split Rock Lighthouse and Historic Fort Snelling

• Industry Event: Ahead of the Bid: How to Find State and Local Construction Work - Wednesday, January 7 - MnDOT Shoreview Training & Conference Center - Presented by MnDOT's Civil Rights Office - DBE Academy

• Member Benefits: The Builders Group (TBG) Workers' Comp Coverage is one benefit that keeps on giving

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

REGISTER: MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon

The MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon provides a unique opportunity to partake in authentic, engaging, and positive community-building for attendees to support the power of our construction community.

Date: Wednesday, January 21

Time:

• 11:00am - Registration & Social

• 11:30am - Lunch Served

• 11:45am - Program

• 1:00pm - Event concludes

Location: Golden Valley Country Club (7001 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minn., 55427)

Cost: $50 per person | $275 per table of six

This event is one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to stay connected to what's happening across the Exchange, your industry peers, and Minnesota's commercial construction community.

And this year comes with something extra special: we're unveiling MBEX's new name! You'll also be there as we recognize our Volunteer of the Year and Distinguished Member award recipients, thank the outgoing 2025 Board of Directors, and officially welcome the 2026 Board.

It's a meaningful moment for the Exchange, and we'd love for you to be a part of it.

Expect great conversation, a room full of familiar faces, and an afternoon that sets the tone for the year ahead.

Save Your Seat Now

Event Sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from $100 - $500. View further details within the event's registration form. Questions should be directed to Melanie at melanie@mbex.org or (612) 381-2628.

Eight Essential Workplace Items On Your December To-Do List

At MBEX, we’re committed to helping our members stay ahead of the changes shaping our industry, including the rapid updates coming out of the administration on labor and employment rules.

These shifts can impact your crews, your business, and your compliance responsibilities, so keeping tabs on what’s new is more important than ever.

Here are the key workplace law updates and upcoming deadlines you’ll want to have on your radar this month:

1.) Prepare for Regulatory Action to Ramp Up

The U.S. government finally reopened on November 13th, so now's the time to gear up for agencies to resume normal operations, and in some cases, with more power than they had before the shutdown. As regulatory action and oversight surge back into motion, here's what to expect.

2.) Winterize Your Workplace Compliance Efforts

Is your business prepared for cold-weather safety and winter leave requests? When snow or ice makes it difficult for staff to travel to work or forces you to close your operations altogether, you may be obligated to pay certain employees. Here are a few important reminders for the colder months ahead.

3.) Stay Warm on OSHA's Proposed Heat Safety Rule

The DOL is now reviewing extensive feedback it received during a post-comment hearing period on OSHA's regulatory proposals regarding heat exposure in the workplace. Many employers expressed concern about the scope and one-size-fits-all nature of the rule. Here's the latest on the proposed heat standard and what's next.

4.) Support Multi-Cultural Holiday Celebrations

While employees should feel included year-round, the holidays offer a unique opportunity to blend different cultural, religious, and secular traditions into a respectful and welcoming environment. Whether your employees are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, another cultural observance, or none at all, you can take practical steps to respect employees from all backgrounds.

5.) Follow the National AI Regulatory Debate

President Trump recently renewed his call for a federal standard block or curb states from passing their own AI-related laws. In a social media post on November 18th, the president urged Congress to once again pursue legislation to block state-level AI regulation. Here's what employers should expect and do to prepare now.

6.) Preview Senate Republicans' Latest Labor Reform Proposals

A group of key Senate Republicans introduced a slate of bills that, if passed, would significantly reform U.S. labor law and change the landscape for employers across the country. Here's what to know about the legislative package introduced on November 10th.

7.) Save Yourself Time With This Cheat Sheet on 2026 IRS Limits

The IRS rolled out its 2026 retirement plan dollar limits on November 13th, marking the final regulatory release of annual adjustments that will impact all kinds of employee benefits next year. Since these updates are scattered throughout the year among different agencies and across various formats, here's one convenient place to find them all.

8.) Learn How to Seek Out New Hires with the Right AI Skills

Businesses are increasingly requiring "AI literacy" from their new hires, especially for positions that have nothing to do with technology. The challenge for employers is nailing down the specific competencies they should be looking for. Here's how to define the skills you should be seeking and hire workers with AI literacy.

Dig In Further

The information provided here is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with your business's attorney or legal advisor before taking any actions based on its content.

In Case You Need One More Reminder 😉

With only a few weeks of 2025 to go, now’s the time to lock in your MBEX membership for 2026 and keep your access to projects, connections, and resources running without interruption.

The renewal deadline is December 31, and securing your membership early means one less thing on your plate heading into the new year.

Your MBEX membership isn’t just another annual fee; it’s thee business tool. It keeps you plugged into the project leads that move work forward, the industry network that opens doors, and the education and support that keep your team sharp. In short, it’s the competitive advantage our members count on.

Renewing is quick and flexible, and we’ve made it easy no matter how your company handles payments:

Mail a Check

Note the new address - 3800 American Blvd W, STE 780, Bloomington, Minn., 55431.

Pay by Phone

Call Julie at (612) 381-2627 with your credit card.
Heads up: a $45 processing fee will apply.

Have questions about your invoice? Need a copy resent? Julie’s your go-to and happy to help. Contact her at juliem@mbex.org.

Secure your membership now, stay connected all year long, and head into 2026 knowing your MBEX benefits are right where they should be --- working for you.

Commercial Construction Holds Steady Amid Cooling Economy

November 2025 Insights from Sage Economics

Each month, MBEX reviews economic updates from a variety of trusted sources, including Sage Economics, to keep our members informed about the evolving construction landscape.

Headlines from Sage throughout November point to an economy still finding its footing, with mixed signals but clear implications for commercial construction firms across the U.S. and here at home.

Below, we break down the highlights most relevant to commercial builders, subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers.

Economy Slowing, But Not Stalling

Sage noted that the U.S. economy continues to grow but at a slowing pace. Firms across industries report “status quo” activity, meaning it's not worsening, but it's not accelerating either. Bankruptcy filings increased slightly, signaling financial pressure among weaker firms. Still, most businesses describe conditions as stable, and wage growth remains strong.