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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) Happy Labor Day! MBEX will be closed for the holiday on Monday, September 2 and will return to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.
2.) A new Minnesota law that will require any company with 30 or more employees to include a pay range for all job postings is still months away from taking effect, but labor law experts are advising companies to start preparing now.
3.) July marked the 18th consecutive month of declining billings, but the drop slowed, according to new numbers released for the AIA / Deltek Architecture Billings Index on August 21st. Last month's score of 48.2 rose slightly from the June score of 46.4.
4.) Check out the 2023-2024 Membership Directory & Buyers Guide, now available online.
5.) Why you should look down --- not up --- when you're near a skyscraper
"The best way out is always through." - Robert Frost
IN BRIEF:
• Locked & Loaded: Register for Sporting Clays North on September 11
• Trending: Critical industry findings from Marcum's 2024 National Construction Survey
• Welcome: Meet MBEX's newest member companies
• Transformation: 17 design solutions for AEC firms (part 1)
• Easing Project Abandonments / Delays, Making the Most of BIM and All Eyes on the Dakota for a Major CO2 Pipeline: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
• Project of the Week: New country club planned for Brainerd Lakes area
• Member Benefit: More back-to-school savings with Hewlett-Packard (HP)
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REGISTER NOW: Sporting Clays North | |
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Join MBEX in Duluth for our next event, Sporting Clays North, on Wednesday, September 11. We can't wait to see everyone in action!
Event Details:
🗓️ DATE: Wednesday, September 11
⏰ TIME: Shoot begins at 3:00pm
📍 LOCATION: Old Vermilion Trail (6980 Old Vermilion Trail, Duluth, 55803)
💲 COST: $100 / shooter. Includes clay shoot, post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes.
Aim high and take a shot at an epic day filled with clay-breaking excitement. Whether an ace shooter or simply looking for a fun afternoon with colleagues and fellow industry professionals, this event is for you.
Teams may have a maximum of five shooters.
Sponsorships:
Put your company front and center with a prime audience. View sponsorships and their benefits within the event registration form, and sign up for the level that best fits your business.
- Dinner Sponsor: $500
- Beverage Sponsor: $250
- Station Sponsor: $100
- Door Prize Sponsor: $50+
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Marcum Unveils Critical Industry Trends in 2024 Survey | |
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Marcum LLP, a leading national accounting and advisory firm, announced the release of the 2024 Marcum National Construction Survey.
The 2024 Marcum National Construction Survey offers a detailed picture of the construction industry's challenges and opportunities, helping stakeholders make informed decisions to navigate the evolving landscape.
Key Findings include the following:
➜ Optimism Tempered by Uncertainty
The survey reveals cautious optimism among construction industry leaders. While there is a general sense of confidence, it is balanced by concerns about economic and political uncertainties, particularly in an election year.
➜ Federal Funding Impact
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), CHIPS Act, and Inflation Reduction Act are expected to fuel growth in the construction sector. Significant federal funding is earmarked for infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, and clean energy projects.
➜ Skilled Labor Shortage
The ongoing struggle to find and retain skilled labor remains a top concern for construction companies, with 29% of respondents citing it is the biggest threat to their business.
➜ Decline in Office Construction
The office construction market continues to slump due to permanent changes in the white-collar workspace, while healthcare, education, and renewable energy projects enjoy strong demand.
➜ Economic Resilience
Despite inflation and cost-of-living increases, the construction sector shows remarkable resilience with healthy backlogs and fewer bidders per job, indicating a strong demand for construction services.
➜ Cybersecurity Concerns
Cyber threats are growing in number and sophistication, making it crucial for construction companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures to protect against potential attacks.
➜ Financial Challenges
Higher interest rates and tightening credit conditions are causing project delays and cancellations, with 38% of respondents indicating that securing project financing has been a significant issue.
➜ Tax Incentives Underutilized
A significant number of construction companies are not taking full advantage of available tax incentives, with 37% of respondents not leveraging any of the eight tax incentives specified in the survey.
➜Succession Planning
Nearly half (49%) of respondents indicated that succession planning is a priority, highlighting the importance of preparing for future leadership transitions.
➜ Changing Competitive Landscape
The number of bidders per project has significantly declined, with 65% of respondents facing just 1-4 bidders on average. This represents the first time Marcum survey respondents have reported such a low level of competition for projects.
This comprehensive report provides critical insights into the construction industry's current state and future outlook based on responses from industry leaders nationwide.
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NEW MEMBERS: See Who Joined in July | |
Give a warm welcome to the newest member companies who joined the Exchange throughout the month of July: | |
Solutions for Architects, Engineers & Contractors (Week 2) | |
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AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up Building Design + Construction's 2024 Great Solutions Report.
Over the next few weeks, we'll share the innovations by their four categories named in the report.
This week's category: 17 Great Design Solutions for AEC Firms (Part 1)
1.) Hidden in Plain Site - This Costco is One with Nature (and the Community)
Located within the Parque La Mexicana 70-acre urban green space in the city's Santa Fe neighborhood, the 524,549-square-foot Costco Wholesale store, warehouse, loading bay, and parking structure are tucked under a sprawling active green roof that features a fútbol field, padel court, children's roller park, green roof, and multiple hybrid basketball / volleyball courts. Only one side of the building is exposed to the public. The other three sides are concealed using the existing landscape.
2.) Emory University's New Building Keeps Vibrations Under Control
In HOK's design of Emory University's eight-story, 350,000-square-foot Health Research Science Building II, they had to mitigate vibration from a trifecta of sources: (1) Site-borne vibration from a nearby rail line; (2) Wind-induced vibrations on lightweight elements of the building, such as trellis structures; and (3) Pedestrian-induced vibrations on the building's floor framing. The building hosts over 1,000 researchers and sensitive technology.
3.) HVAC System Enables Infectious Disease Isolation Space for ICU
For Lee Health Cape Coral Hospital's ICU expansion in Florida, an HVAC system was designed to enable the new addition to become a self-sustained negative-pressure wing, creating a much larger isolation patient space in the event of a pandemic or widespread infectious disease outbreak.
4.) Heat Sharing Makes Research Campus More Efficient
The $90-million, 140,000-square-foot, net-zero-ready Energy Sciences Center in Richland, Wash., meets the U.S. Department of Energy's Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings, thanks to energy efficient design strategies that included a standalone Heat Transfer Building and below-grade campus-wide heat-sharing system. The heat-transfer building uses data center waste heat to support the Energy Sciences Center that was designed to prioritize cooling and heating sources with low-carbon density.
5.) Floating MRIs Offer Design Flexibility and Patient Convenience
A vibrationally isolated "floating room" was a no-brainer design solution for all four MRI machines on this under-construction University of California Irvine Health - Irvine Medical Center campus. Locating MRIs above grade alleviates these rooms' notorious acoustic and vibration issues. Further, it protects imaging quality from the surrounding infrastructure.
6.) Stantec Delivers Six Schools in Less Than Three Years
Stantec and its project partners designed an adjustable prototype to meet the individual needs of six new schools, featuring grade-specific academic wings, STEM / STEAM labs, media labs, production studios, performance stages, indoor gymnasiums, and more. Various sustainability elements include tubular skylights and large windows to increase natural daylight.
7.) Ambitious Testing Faculty Accelerates Space Research
The first-of-its-kind concept integrates workspaces, laboratories, and testing facilities to foster collaboration and accelerate space research. By having the test facility located next to the headquarters, Intuitive Machines will benefit from lower testing setup costs, streamlined logistics, and full utilization of its manufacturing capabilities.
8.) Canada's First Net-Zero Energy Fire Station
The design of the 16,490-square-foot Windemere Fire Station reimagines the typical hose and bell tower form with a curving, south-facing roof sporting a PV array. A geothermal heating and cooling system is incorporated, as are high-performance windows and exterior doors, although the facility has significantly fewer windows than the average firehouse and uses bi-folding and quick-closing bay doors to limit heat loss.
Next week: 17 Design Solutions for AEC Firms (Part 2)
In January 2024, the Building Design + Construction editorial team invited the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms to submit their single-biggest innovation from the past 24 months. More than 80 firms responded with well more than 100 submissions. The editors selected the 41 Great Solutions.
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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
September 2 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed
The Minnesota Builders Exchange will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will be back to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.
September 9-13 - Construction Suicide Prevention Week
Every year during September --- National Suicide Prevention Month --- the construction industry dedicates a week to raising awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. Learn More
September 10 - 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 Here
September 11 - 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 Here
September 11 - Sporting Clays North
Get your shotguns locked and loaded. MBEX is proud to present its annual Sporting Clays North at Old Vermillion Train in Duluth. Join us for an epic afternoon of clay-breaking, industry networking, and a delicious meal. Register Here
September 12 - 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. Register Here
September 13 - 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
September 17 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
Learn to create and place custom punch symbols, quickly embed images or videos, and create summary reports. Register Here
September 17 - TBG Clay Shoot for the Trades
Please join TBG for a fun afternoon of shooting, camaraderie and good times with your friends from around the trades as they continue to raise funds to further the work of the TBG Education Foundation. Register individually or in groups up to five. Sign Up
September 18 - 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
September 19 - 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 Here
September 19 - 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
October 3 & 4 - 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
** October 9 - Q3 Construction Economic Update & Forecast
With less than a month before Americans head to the polls for a presidential election, ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu will share the latest on overall economic conditions as well as specific construction 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. Register Now
** October 10 - MBEX Fall Social
Featuring MBEX POWER's 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair
Join us at the annual MBEX Fall Social for an afternoon of inspiration and connection. Back again is the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair, presented by MBEX POWER, to present both members and non-members alike opportunities to explore ways to better their mental and physical well-beings. Register Now
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC REPORT
📊 Abandonments, Delays Ease Due to Anticipated Interest Rate Cut
Developers are taking a wait-and-see approach to projects, expecting that conditions are about to improve. Actual abandonments of jobs decreased 23.7% in July, according to ConstructConnect's latest Project Stress Index. Delayed bid activity ticked down 6.8%, while work put on hold also slowed by 10.6%. Overall, the Project Stress index plummeted 14.2% in July, one of the largest monthly declines ever due to the anticipated interest rate cut. (Construction Dive)
DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION
💻 How Can You Make the Most Out of BIM?
Working smarter, not harder, is the goal, and BIM is here to help. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is continually advancing with updates in scanning, data software, artificial intelligence (AI), cameras, and the emergence of digital twins. To answer the question of how the construction industry can make the most out of BIM, take a look at some case studies from clients who have had successful experiences using the technology on projects across the globe. (Construction Briefing)
CURRENTLY IN THE DAKOTAS
👀 Major CO2 Pipeline Through the Midwest Cleared a Big Hurdle; Now All Eyes are on the Dakotas'
Summit Carbon Solutions plans to bury a pipeline in northern Iowa as part of a 2,500-mile-long network across five states. The company's goal is to capture CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants and pump it roughly a mile underground near Bismarck, North Dakota. On June 25th, Iowa's utility regulators approved Summit's initial application and the right to use eminent domain, with some conditions. Now a close eye is being kept on what happens next in the Dakotas. That's because construction in Iowa cannot begin until both South Dakota and North Dakota issue permits. Meanwhile, Summit also needs permits in Minnesota and Nebraska, plus a second permit in Iowa, to complete the whole project. (Nebraska Public Media)
CONTECH
🖍️ Robotic Surveying Outlines Its Place in Construction
Proptech has a snappy technology answer to snap lines. The age-old method of multi-person crews laying out construction site dimensions by snapping chalk lines as part of the surveying process is being replaced by automated robots that are more efficient and at least as accurate, experts said. As part of the equation, such robotic development in general is being shaped by skilled labor shortages and pricing. (Commercial Observer)
HEAT SAFETY
☀️ Study on Heat Stress in Construction Resumes at Midwest Project
Research intended to gain a better understanding of the effects of heat on construction worker health is continuing, project organizers announced. The next phase of the study, set to begin this month, will involve 200 workers at a large industrial construction project in the Midwest. (Safety + Health Magazine)
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New Country Club, The Valkyrie, Planned for Brainerd Lakes Area | |
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• Read more about this project on Minneapolis-St Paul Business Journal
• Read more about this project on Finance & Commerce
A Minnesota-based development team is pushing forward with plans for a new 18-hole golf course in the Brainerd Lakes area, an unusual members-only attraction inspired by the sport's "1920s Golden Era".
The proposal by Pequot Lakes-based Valkyrie includes a clubhouse with an indoor golf simulator, restaurant and comfort station on the ninth hole called The Turn, a driving range and maintenance facilities. This project would happen on a previously undeveloped site in Home Brook Township, about 25-miles from Brainerd and three hours from Minneapolis.
The proposed 270-acre golf course would be on a larger 520-acre property, which is also home to the Getaway Lodge. The lodge already has a five-hole golf course, which will likely be developed into a nine-hole par-3 course.
The vision, according to the narrative, is to build a golf course "reminiscent of the 1920s 'Golden Era' designs modeled after C.B. MacDonald's / Seth Raynor's Chicago Golf Club or William Langford's Golf Club hear Green Lake, Wisconsin."
Site preparation could start as early as fall 2024, followed by tree clearing and other construction activities in 2025, according to an Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Course and clubhouse work could wrap up in the spring or early summer of 2026.
The plan is still going through the Cass County permitting process and the project is up for environmental review with a 30-day public comment period through September 19th. The goal is to do a soft open in 2025, according to a membership brochure.
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ABOVE PHOTO: A new private country club has been proposed by Valkyrie Golf Course Corp. in the Brainerd Lakes area, designed by Scott Hoffman. The project includes maintenance facilities and a clubhouse with a great room, bar, locker rooms, and golf swing simulator. (Rendering: Valkyrie Golf Course Corp.) | |
Building Tomorrow: Key Insights from the 2024 Marcum National Construction Survey | Presented by Marcum LLP | |
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DATE: Thursday, August 29
TIME: 1:00pm CDT | 2:00PM EDT
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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Join Marcum LLP for an exclusive virtual panel discussion, Building Tomorrow: Key Insights from the 2024 Marcum National Construction Survey, following its highly anticipated release.
Moderated by Joe Natarelli, Marcum's National Construction Industry Leader, this session will feature Marcum's Regional Construction Industry leaders from across the country as they bring the critical insights from the report to life. They will explore key survey results, highlighting the issues that matter most to your market and provide actionable insights to prepare your business for tomorrow's construction landscape.
This panel presentation will highlight key topics from this year's survey, including:
- A never-before-seen leading cause of project cancellations and delays;
- Smart money moves for an increasingly tight lending environment; and
- Historically underutilized tax credits and incentives.
Secure your spot and receive a complimentary copy of the 2024 National Construction Survey.
For more information, please contact jordan.difranco@marcumllp.com.
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Work Smarter, Not Harder: How AI is Impacting Construction
Presented by Construction Executive
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DATE: Wednesday, September 25
TIME: 1:00pm CT | 2:00pm ET
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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From enhancing project planning and design to optimizing resource allocation and improving safety protocols, AI is quickly becoming an integral part of modern construction.
Advanced algorithms and machine-learning models are enabling more accurate predictions and better decision making, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs. As AI continues to evolve, its applications in construction are expanding, offering solutions that were once considered science fiction.
This discussion with industry experts will delve into the transformative effects of AI on all aspects of construction. They’ll explore how AI-powered tools are streamlining tasks, such as site inspections and equipment maintenance, through real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance.
AI's impact on the future workforce will also be a key focus of the discussion. As AI automates repetitive tasks and handles complex analyses, the role of construction professionals is shifting towards more strategic and creative endeavors. This evolution requires a workforce that is skilled in both traditional construction practices and advanced technological competencies. Industry experts will discuss the importance of upskilling and reskilling initiatives to prepare the workforce for this new era of construction, ensuring that workers can thrive in an AI-enhanced environment.
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Benefit of the Week: Back to School with Hewlett-Packard | |
As the school year approaches, it’s time to gear up with the best tools for success. | |
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We’re here to remind you that as an MBEX member, you have exclusive access to incredible savings on Hewlett-Packard products through our partnership with National Purchasing Partners (NPP).
MBEX members who are also NPP members receive up to 35% off with free shipping year-round through the HP Employee Purchase Program.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your tech, equip your team with the latest laptops, or stock up on essential accessories, HP has you covered with top-of-the-line products at unbeatable prices.
Plus, with the ease of NPP, accessing these savings is a breeze.
Why HP?
Innovative Technology
Stay ahead with HP’s cutting-edge solutions designed to boost productivity and creativity.
Reliability
Trust in HP’s reputation for delivering quality products that last.
Exclusive Discounts
Enjoy special pricing only available to MBEX members.
If your employer is not already an NPP member, encourage them to sign up for free today.
(On top of HP products, NPP business members also have access to special pricing and top-tier discounts from a variety of name brands, such as Verizon, Staples, Sherwin-Williams, and more.)
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National Purchasing Partners (NPP) is a trusted savings and solutions provider for businesses and their employees. NPP delivers negotiated contract pricing for leading-edge products. NPP membership is free and there is no obligation to purchase.
If your MBEX member company is not already an NPP member, enroll today and enjoy the buying power of large corporations.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 8/19/2024 - 8/23//2024: 88
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 8/19/2024 - 8/23/2024: 13
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 8/27/2024: 323
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 8/27/2024: 3,174
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 8/21/2024-8/27/2024.
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.
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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.
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, Misty Hall, 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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