|
I'm kicking this off with a little reality check, MBEXers. I recently came across a piece of advice that stuck with me: ask someone how they're doing...twice. Why? Most of us default to "I'm good" the first time, even when we're anything but. (Guilty as charged over here 🙋♀️)
It got me thinking about how often we move through our days on autopilot, especially in an industry that's always go-go-go. Between tight deadlines, jobsite challenges, and everything else on your plate, it's easy to keep things surface-level. But a little honesty and a little extra effort to check in can go a long way. Whether it's a coworker, a project partner, or someone on your crew, taking that extra moment to connect matters. And here at MBEX, that's what we're all about.
| | |
Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Bluebeam Preview - Interested in learning more about our offered Construction Estimating, Reading Construction Documents, or Bluebeam Revu courses with UChapter2? Instructor Troy DeGroot is offering a free preview of each, along with sharing learning objectives for each, on Thursday, March 26.
2.) Load Restrictions - MnDOT ended winter load increases and started spring load restrictions in the North-Central frost zone on Friday, March 20. Spring load restrictions began in the South, Southeast, Metro, Central, and North-Central zones in early March.
3.) Most Clicked - Throughout the month of February, MBEX members liked these bits of content the most:
• Barcelona's Sagrada Familia nears completion after 140 years [video]
• Important Questions Contractors Should Consider When Buying AI in 2026
[article]
• Meet the Estimators 2026 [photo album]
• Adolfson & Peterson Taps New CEO [article]
4.) DOI Investment - The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) will distribute $889-million to support critical water infrastructure across six states, funding initiatives that improve water conveyance, expand storage, and modernize backbone infrastructure. North Dakota and South Dakota were among the states chosen, receiving federal support of $108-million and $11-million, respectively.
5.) Contractor Life - It's not the work...it's the getting up 🥴 🧰 😂
-------
Inside Issue No. 12:
• Early Bird Pricing: Register by April 1 to secure lower member registration
• Industry Update: Private nonresidential slows for fourth straight month, depsite data center spending
• Spread the Word: Now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship
• Cultural Shift: How companies are being led and how teams expect to work
• Upcoming Events: Construction Estimating Principles & Application course with UChapter2 (4/14); our next Online Plan Room (4/16); Project Build's Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference (4/30 & 5/1); and Young Professionals Network (5/6)
• Five Headlines: A look at how the industry is performing without data center starts; New report shares barriers and safety gaps for women in construction; Pickleball pavements offer an opportunity contractors shouldn't ignore; Material price increases a 'real headwind' to construction activity; & Designing critical water infrastructure through connected workflows
• Project of the Week: Phase 2 of the Meadows Senior Living project approved in Savage
• Industry Event: Mock Bid Day: A Hands-On Estimating Workshop - Tuesday, March 31 - MnDOT Shoreview Training & Conference Center - Presented by MnDOT's Office of Civil Rights
• Project Download: Updated project information covering the week of March 16-20
| |
Don't Miss the Spring Social Early Bird Pricing!
| | |
If you've thought to yourself, "I want to go...but I'll register later," when it comes to the MBEX Spring Social on April 15, this is your reminder to ACT NOW.
Early bird member pricing ends April 1!
April 15 shouldn't be just another date on the calendar (it also happens to be Tax Day, but we digress). April 15 is a chance to step out of your regular day-to-day and walk away with useful information in your back pocket.
| | | | |
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Location: Midland Hills Country Club
(2001 Fulham Street, Roseville, Minn., 55113)
Cost:
• Early Bird Member - $55 (thru April 1)
• Non-Members - $70
Sponsorships: Become a Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze event sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities also available for the Wine & Spirits Pull and door prize giveaways.
| | |
This year's guest speaker, Cecil Smith, President and CEO of the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association (pictured right), is known for delivering practical, no-nonsense insights drawn from real experience in the construction industry and the multi-family sector. His presentations focus on leadership, communication, and navigating the everyday challenges that come with managing projects and people.
Beyond the program, there's real value in simply being in the room with your fellow MBEX members and industry partners. You'll hear what others are seeing in the market, pick up ideas you may not have considered, and strengthen relationships that make future projects run more smoothly. It's also a chance to give your team a break from the grind and get everyone thinking a little differently heading into the busy season.
And, of course, we'll keep things casual and enjoyable. Between the 50/50 cash raffle, the always-popular Wine & Spirits Pull, door prize giveaways, and a great setting with good food and drinks, it's an afternoon that balances business with a bit of fun.
Thank you to our event sponsors:
• Platinum Sponsor: Frattalone Companies
• Gold Sponsor: Mortenson Construction
• Silver Sponsors: Dark Horse General Contractors & Dem-Con Companies
• Bronze Sponsor: Marsh McLennan Agency
• Door Prize Sponsors: Grazzini Brothers, Tenet & St. Cloud Acoustics
| | | Come for the connections, stay for the fun, and be part of a great outing with the Midwest Builders Exchange. | | |
Private Nonresidential Construction Slows for Fourth Straight Month in January, Despite a Jump in Data Center Spending
| | |
Total nonresidential spending was virtually unchanged in January, according to an ABC analysis of data published on March 23, 2026.
Spending was down on a monthly basis in 9 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending was down 0.4%, while public nonresidential construction spending was up 0.6% in January.
"While harsh winter weather likely bears some blame," said ABC Chief Economist, Anirban Basu, "the major issue is the ongoing decline in computer / electronic manufacturing construction. With CHIPS Act-incentivized megaproject wrapping up, spending in that subcategory is down nearly 40% over the past 18-months."
Except for data centers, which saw another 2% jump in spending throughout January, there are few sources of momentum to offset the precipitous decline in manufacturing construction activity.
"This lackluster performance is especially concerning in light of the ongoing conflict in Iran," added Basu, "which will ignite materials price escalation and heighten already elevated levels of economic uncertainty."
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator rebounded slightly in February, rising 0.1-months from January's four-year low. It may be a difficult first half of 2026 for many contractors.
| | | The subcategories with level spending or growth? Conservation & Development, Highway & Street, Office, Healthcare, Lodging, Communication, Transportation, and Power. | | |
Spread the Word: MBEX Construction Scholarship Now Open
| | |
The 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship is now open, and it's a great opportunity to support the next generation of construction professionals. This program offers $1,000 to $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing careers in the commercial construction industry, whether it's in the trades or related fields like construction management or administration.
We're asking our members to help get this opportunity in front of the right people. Think interns, employees, family members, or students in your network who are planning to pursue (or are already enrolled in) a construction-related program.
| | |
| |
WHO CAN APPLY
Eligible students 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, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
• Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Demonstrating a clear interest in the construction industry.
| | |
Since launching in 2003 in partnership with The Builders Group Education Foundation, this scholarship has helped invest hundreds of thousands of dollars back into the future workforce of our industry.
If you know someone who could benefit, please pass this financial opportunity along and help them take the next step.
Applications are due Friday, May 29, 2026, and must be submitted through the online portal wth all required materials.
| |
The Cultural Shift Construction Owners Can't Ignore
| | |
There's a quiet shift happening across the construction industry, and it's not about technology, tariffs, or even labor (though those are all still very real). It's about how companies are being led and how teams expect to work.
As a large portion of the workforce edges toward retirement, the next generation stepping in brings a different set of expectations around leadership, communication, and career growth. That shift is forcing companies to take a hard look at how they operate. Not just in the field, but across their entire culture. For many, it's exposing a gap between "how we've always done it" and what today's workforce is actually looking for.
At the same time, there's a growing tendency to overcorrect. In trying to attract and retain talent, some companies are loosening standards, avoiding tough conversations, or prioritizing comfort over accountability. The reality? Culture and performance aren't opposites. The most successful contractors are figuring out how to balance both: building teams that are supported and held to a high standard.
Because at the end of the day, this isn't just a hiring issue; it's a business model issue.
Companies that get this balance right are positioning themselves for long-term growth, stronger teams, and better project outcomes. Those that don't may find themselves struggling to recruit, retain, and compete in an already tight market.
If this feels familiar, you're not alone, and it's worth a closer look. The team at Well Built Construction Consulting breaks this down in more detail, including what's driving the shift and how leading contractors are responding.
| | | According to NCCER research conducted in 2025, approximately 41% of the current construction workforce is projected to retire by 2031. That's a mere 5 years away... | | | |
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 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 16 - 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
April 30 & May 1 - Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference
This two-day conference engages secondary and post-secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators of the construction trades in cutting-edge professional development supported by the industry. Learn More
** May 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
This session teaches attendees how to navigate menus, toolbars, panels, shortcuts, and key settings. Attendees will also get hands-on with markup and measurement tools, plus insider tips that boost speed, accuracy, and proficiency. Sign Up
** May 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
This session introduces standard measurement tools and markup customization options to help convert highlighters into powerful takeoff tools. With emphasis on the Markups List and workflow tips, this session helps estimators improve speed and accuracy from day one. Sign Up
May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
The MBEX YPN brings together construction professionals at the early stages of their careers, from college students and interns to recent grads and those new to the industry. Come enjoy snacks, drinks, door prizes, and great conversation with fellow young professionals from across the construction industry. Register
** May 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
Learn to create custom columns, embed formulas, organize information, and export or live-link Excel templates. Sign Up
| | |
Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
| |
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
📊 How the Construction Industry is Performing Without Data Center Starts
Data centers dominate (but distort) the Nonresidential Building picture, where starts grew in 2025. But strip out Offices, nearly 90% of which is data center spending, and that rate drops. Several subcategories are surging under the radar, using a 12/12 rate of change through February 2026. Manufacturing (104%); All Other Civil Construction (110%); Dams, Canals & Marine (36%); and Power Infrastructure (30%) all show strong momentum. Leaders who rely on headlines risk missing sizable, data-backed growth opportunities across the broader construction landscape. (ConstructConnect News)
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION | JOBSITE SAFETY
🦺 Report Highlights Barriers & Safety Gaps for Women in Construction
The State of Women in Construction 2026 report from Stack Construction Technologies emphasizes jobsite conditions that directly affect safety and retention beyond cultural factors. Key concerns include access to properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), adequate facilities, and protections against harassment --- all of which contribute to a safer and more inclusive work environment. (OH&S - Occupational Health & Safety)
PICKLEBALL PAVEMENTS | SPORTS SURFACING
🎾 Pickleball Pavements - Opportunity Contractors Can't Ignore
At first glance, sports surfacing can look deceptively familiar to asphalt and pavement maintenance contractors. The work still starts with a base. It still involves surface preparation, crack repair, coatings, and striping. Across the country, pavement contractors are discovering that the same fundamentals they apply to parking lots, roadways, and athletic surfaces can open the door to a rapidly growing market: sports surfacing, and most notably, pickleball courts. (Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction)
MATERIALS PRICES
🪙 Material Price Rises Could Be a 'Real Headwind' to Construction Activity
Construction input prices in the U.S. increased by 1.3% in February, as the cost of key resources like oil, copper, lumber, and steel increased even before the impact of the Middle East conflict. Overall construction input prices were 3.1% higher than a year ago in February, with non-residential input prices 3.7% higher. All three energy categories increased, with natural gas and unprocessed energy materials prices up 10.9% and 6.0%, respectively, while crude prices were up 4.7%. (Construction Briefing)
AEC | WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
🌊 Designing a Water-Resilient Future Through Connected Infrastructure
Water infrastructure is one of the most important systems most people never see. Buried beneath streets and behind treatment plant walls, it protects public health, supports economic activity, and underpins climate resilince in ways that are often invisible. Until something fails. Yet despite its central role in the built environment, water is often managed through fragmented engineering workflows. Over time, these disconnects limit visibility, slow decision-making, and make resilience harder to acheive. (Autodesk)
| | Savage Backs Second Phase of Meadows Senior Living Project | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
The Savage City Council approved a developer's agreement for the Meadows Senior Living - Phase 2 building, which will add 72 independent living units to an existing 152-unit building at 6555 Loftus Lane.
The council signed off on a preliminary plat, final plat, site plan, building design review, and other project approvals in February.
Designed by Momentum Design Group, Meadows Living - Phase 2 will be connected by skyway to the existing facility, "allowing the new residents to access the amenities in the existing building," which includes 70 independent living units, 43 assisted care units, and 39 memory care units.
A project narrative reveals that the buildings "are intended to function cohesively." Indoor and outdoor amenity spaces will be shared between the two buildings and their connection will provide a more seamless transition to higher levels of care for residents when needed.
The new skyway features a "little more architectural design from both buildings."
The council has concerns about the initial design, but was satisfied with the reworked design.
The applicant hopes to begin construction by late spring / early summer.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by Momentum Design Group showing the Meadows Senior Living - Phase 2 building, which will add 72 independent living units to the existing building, in Savage. | |
Mock Bid Day: A Hands-On Estimating Workshop
Presented by MnDOT's Office of Civil Rights
| | |
Learn by doing in this interactive bid workshop by stepping into the role of a prime contractor.
This exercise uses a previous MnDOT construction project, and attendees will estimate a contract in the morning, working in small groups to refine their estimate using plans, special provisions, and subcontractor and supplier quotes. The bid "opening" is midday.
Then, learn from the evaluation and discussion of major line items, and compare class bids to the actual bids received for the project.
Experienced estimators will be present to help attendees improve their estimating skills.
Seats are limited for this workshop.
Required Pre-Work: Watch two one-hour pre-recorded videos online. These videos cover the project's construction plans and special provisions. They will be provided to registered attendees once their registration is submitted.
Questions about this workshop? Please email SBRC@drbteam.com.
| | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 3/16/2026 - 3/20/2026: 121
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 3/16/2026 - 3/20/2026: 30
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 3/24/2026: 543
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 3/24/2026: 1,696
| | |
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 3/18/2026 - 3/24/2026.
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.
| | |
UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• 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 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• May 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
• May 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
| |
| |
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, Holden Insurance Agency.
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
| | | | |
