May has arrived, MBEXers — and with it comes all the signs of fresh starts: longer days, greener views, and, of course, the return of Minnesota’s unofficial fifth season: road construction. It’s no coincidence that Construction Safety Week also kicks off this month. It’s a timely reminder that while we’re building toward big things, safety has to come first. Nearly half of struck-by fatalities in construction involve transport vehicles, and roadway incidents continue to top the list for fatal transportation injuries in our industry. So here’s your friendly reminder: stay sharp, look out for your crews, and let’s keep safety at the top of the priority list. 🦺 🚧 🛑 | | | | |
By Ashlee
Membership & Communications Manager
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Survey Time - If you've already completed the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis' construction survey, thank you! If not, would you please kindly take a few minutes to do so? The survey takes roughly 10 minutes to complete and your feedback is critical to their real-time understanding of the sector. This survey will remain open through May 16.
2.) Safety Week - This week (May 5-9) is Construction Safety Week, and our friends at Marsh & McLennan Agency have provided a powerful tool to transform your organization's safety culture: the Psychology of Safety in Construction.
3.) Scholarship Reminder - The MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship deadline will be here before you know it (it's May 31st, by the way). Keep sharing this financial opportunity with those in your circles who might be eligible and interested in applying! Send them here to apply, or you can download / send them this flyer.
4.) Future of Construction - The first-ever 3D-printed Starbucks was built in Brownsville, Texas, and officially opened for business on April 28, 2025. This new cafe sets an exciting precedent for the way retail spaces could be built in the future.
5.) Pro Tip: double-check your specs… and your spellcheck 🫣 📋 🥸
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Inside This Issue:
• Up Next With MBEX: Plan Room Demo, Member BBQ, Twin Cities Golf
• To-Dos: Nine essential workplace updates to know about this month
• Round-Up: Reviewing MBEX's past 30 days
• Jobs Added: Despite headwinds, nonresidential construction added jobs in April
• Events: See what's all to come yet on the calendar
• Five Headlines: U.S. construction spending dips amid tariff concerns, contractors are delaying projects & cutting crews due to tariff impacts, the high costs of compressed project schedules, researchers have developed a living building material capable of self-repair, and a building permit has been taken out by Miron Construction / Ho-Chunk Nation for the 18-story, 312-room, $500-million hotel / casino / convention center project off Interstate-90 in Wisconsin
• Project of the Week: Excelsior apartment pitch to include Dock Cinema revamp
• Industry Event: Fall Protection Demonstration with 3M - May 8 (this Thursday)
• Member Benefit: Save on new devices, data plans & more with Verizon Business
| | MBEX Events Ahead in May & June | | |
Big events lie ahead for our members in May and June, including our annual Member Appreciation BBQ and Twin Cities Golf Tournament. Make sure to get yourselves and your team members signed up as these events are great networking opportunities with industry peers as well as generally great fun. Full event details can be found below, so keep scrolling!
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📅 DATE: Thursday, May 15
🕘 TIME: 9:00am - 10:00am
📍 LOCATION: Virtual Event
💲 COST: Free! Open to both MBEX Members and Non-MBEX Members
🚨 DEADLINE: Please sign-up by 3:30pm on Wednesday, May 14
| | From the Deskpad to setting up project search filters, to finding project plans & specs to adding your business to bidders lists, this live, one-hour session over Zoom with MBEX staff is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. | | | | |
📅 DATE: Wednesday, June 4
🕘 TIME: 11:00am - 1:00pm
📍 LOCATION: Minnesota Builders Exchange (1123 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, Minn., 55405)
💲 COST: 2 complimentary tickets per member company. Additional tickets can be purchased at $20 each.
| | We, together with MBEX's Board of Directors, want to show our members our appreciation for your continued support of the Exchange. Have lunch on us! Famous Dave's will be serving BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, baked beans, sweet corn, corn bread, and we'll have plenty of cold beverages on hand. Come kick back, relax, enjoy some good food and meet your fellow MBEX members. | | | | |
📅 DATE: Tuesday, June 17
🕘 TIME: Lunch @ 11:00am | Shotgun start @ 12:30pm | Dinner @ 6:00pm
📍 LOCATION: Oak Glen Golf Course (1599 McKusick Road N, Stillwater, Minn., 55082)
💲 COST: $160 per golfer | $640 per foursome
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This annual MBEX event offers fantastic opportunities for members to enjoy a day of golf, networking, and camaraderie, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful summer's day. Participants can look forward to a grilled lunch, 18 holes of golf, a post-game happy hour, dinner, and a short program that includes golf awards, raffle winners, and door prize giveaways. Sponsorships opportunities are also available.
But don't delay in registering; only 15 team spots are available.
| | Nine Essential Workplace To-Dos To Tackle This Month | | |
MBEX is here to help our members stay on top of the latest changes to labor and employment law, especially given the rapid pace at which the new administration has been moving on initiatives impacting the workplace and beyond.
For the latest changes and a compliance action plan, here's a quick review of some critical developments tracked in April and a checklist of the essential items you should consider addressing throughout May.
1.) Check Out This First 100 Days Report For Employers
The first 100 days of any new administration sets the tone for what's to come --- and in 2025, that tone has been unmistakable: bold, fast-moving, and deeply consequential for employers. That's why employers should check out this special report --- a snapshot of where things stand, where they're headed, and what your organization should be doing to keep pace.
2.) Stay Tuned for More Guidance on "Disparate Impact" Claims
For decades, employers could face liability for policies and practices that didn't intentionally discriminate but had a "disparate impact" on a group of job applicants or employees based on a protected characteristic, such as race or sex. The president is now aiming "to eliminate the use of disparate impact liability in all contexts to the maximum degree possible," according to an April 23rd executive order. Here's what you need to know about this development.
3.) Review Rollbacks on Standards for Federally Funded EV & Clean Tech Projects
The Trump administration also rescinded a key executive order that tied federal funding for clean energy and infrastructure projects to pro-union commitments --- signaling a major shift for electric mobility companies and other federally funded employers. But lingering legal obligations remain for those already under contract. Here's what you need to know about this labor shake-up.
4.) Prepare for EEO-1 Reporting to Begin
This year's collection of EEO-1 reports could begin in less than a month --- and will likely not allow employers to categorize workers as "non-binary." Private employers with at least 100 employees and federal contractors with at least 50 employees should prepare to sort company data by employee job category, as well as by sex and race / ethnicity, to turn over to the EEOC by May 20 and June 24. While these dates are not yet set in stone, the compliance window will be here before you know it. Here's what you can do to prepare.
5.) Safeguard Your Corporate Leaders Against Rising Security Threats
Executives are increasingly at risk of becoming targets of violent acts or cyberattacks such as doxing or social engineering, and your organization must think ten steps ahead to ensure the safety of your people and the future of your business. Here are four key steps to help build your executive protection programs.
6.) Consider Alternatives to the H-1B Visa for Hiring Foreign Nationals
You may be disappointed if your candidate was not selected for an H-1B visa in the recent cap lottery --- but not all hope is lost. If you employ foreign nationals, the good news is that you can explore certain short-term, long-term, and even some lesser-known solutions. Here are 11 alternatives your organization can use to retain top talent and critical staff.
7.) Review Your Accommodation Request Process
A federal appeals court recently clarified that an employee may qualify for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) even if they can perform essential job functions without such an accommodation. The 2nd Circuit's March 25th decision in Tudor v. Whitehall Central School District reinforces that the ability to perform essential job functions is relevant --- but not decisive --- in ADA failure-to-accommodate claims. Here's what employers need to know about this case.
8.) Slay Summer Hiring
As the weather gets warmer and you shift your focus to seasonal hiring, you'll want to be sure to connect with Gen Z applicants, many of whom are college and high school students in search of summer jobs. Here's your guide to hiring Gen Z this summer.
9.) Prepare For New State Sick Leave Requirements in 2025
Over the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in state-level legislation and ballot initiatives mandating employer-provided leave options for employees with strong voter support. Learn more about how your company can manage this patchwork of state laws.
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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.
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At the start of each month, we look back at MBEX's past 30-some days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership achievements.
Numbers reflected below share data from the date range of April 1-30, 2025.
| | Total # of Projects Added (April 2025) | | Total # of Projects Added (April 2024) | | Total # of Projects YTD (Jan. 1-April 30) | | New Member Companies Joined | | | | |
No. of Members & Non-Members
Added to Bidders Lists
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Top 10 Most Viewed Projects (April 1-30, 2025)
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(1.) City of Oak Grove -
New City Hall & Fire Station 1
• Total Visitors: 8,528
• Total Unique Visitors: 500
• Bid Date: May 6, 2025
• Project Location: Oak Grove, Minn.
• Project Category: Local Government
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-074F
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(2.) Rosemount High School - Additions & Renovation - Rosemount / Apple Valley /
Eagan School District - ISD 196
• Total Visitors: 5,976
• Total Unique Visitors: 476
• Bid Date: June 24, 2025
• Project Location: Rosemount, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Addition / Remodeling
• Project ID: 2024-12B0
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(3.) City of Anoka -
Municipal Dispensary
• Total Visitors: 4,916
• Total Unique Visitors: 389
• Bid Date: April 22, 2025
• Project Location: Anoka, Minn.
• Project Category: Local Government
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-0654
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(4.) Aeon Exodus -
Renovation & Addition
• Total Visitors: 4,867
• Total Unique Visitors: 377
• Bid Date: April 11, 2025
• Project Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
• Project Category: Residential
• Project Type: Addition
• Project ID: 2025-0578
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(5.) Falcon Ridge Middle School - Renovations - Rosemount / Apple Valley / Eagan School District - ISD 196
• Total Visitors: 4,318
• Total Unique Visitors: 388
• Bid Date: April 22, 2025
• Project Location: Apple Valley, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
• Project ID: 2025-00A4
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(6.) Morris Area Schools - Elementary School - Addition
& Renovations
• Total Visitors: 3,815
• Total Unique Visitors: 339
• Bid Date: April 15, 2025
• Project Location: Morris, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Remodeling
• Project ID: 2025-05FA
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(7.) Raymie Johnson Estates - Renovation
• Total Visitors: 3,499
• Total Unique Visitors: 326
• Bid Date: April 15, 2025
• Project Location: Oak Park Heights, Minn.
• Project Category: Residential
• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
• Project ID: 2025-0600
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(8.) City of Paynesville -
Liquor Store
• Total Visitors: 3,424
• Total Unique Visitors: 303
• Bid Date: April 17, 2025
• Project Location: Paynesville, Minn.
• Project Category: Retail Facility
• Project Type: New Construction
• Project ID: 2025-063A
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(9.) City of Wayzata -
Klapprich Park - Warming House
• Total Visitors: 3,211
• Total Unique Visitors: 302
• Bid Date: April 29, 2025
• Project Location: Wayzata, Minn.
• Project Category: Educational
• Project Type: Expansion
• Project ID: 2025-06A9
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(10.) Plymouth Truck Station - Renovation - Minnesota Department of Transportation
• Total Visitors: 2,896
• Total Unique Visitors: 306
• Bid Date: April 10, 2025
• Project Location: Plymouth, Minn.
• Project Category: Local Government
• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
• Project ID: 2025-062E
| | Nonresidential Construction Added Jobs in April | | |
The construction industry added 11,000 jobs in April, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released on May 2, 2025.
Nonresidential construction employment increased by 8,000 positions on net, with growth in 2 of the 3 subcategories. Nonresidential specialty trade added the most jobs, increasing by 4,900 positions, while nonresidential building added 3,600 jobs. Heavy and civil engineering lost 500 positions for the month.
The construction unemployment rate rose to 5.6%, while unemployment across all industries remained unchanged at 4.2% in April.
"Despite weak construction spending data for March and several economic headwinds, including high interest rates, tight lending standards and trade policy uncertainty, backlog remains sufficiently elevated to keep industry employment growing for the time being," said ABC Chief Economic Anirban Basu.
"That said, April is likely to be the last month of economic data largely unaffected by tariffs and tariff-related uncertainty," said Basu. "The reference period for today's [May 2] report is the pay period through April 12, which may exclude staffing decisions, or project cancellations or delays, related to recent trade policy developments. While the economic outlook has worsened in recent weeks, it remains unclear how the economy will respond in the coming months."
Construction Employment Statistics: April 2025
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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 or updated event
May 8 - 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
May 15 - 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. Register Here
May 26 - Memorial Day
MBEX will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
June 4 - Member Appreciation BBQ
Join MBEX for a casual afternoon of Famous Dave's barbecue, cold beverages, a handful of door prizes, and great company and networking. Register Here
June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
Gather a foursome of golfers for a day out on the greens at Oak Glen's course in Stillwater for a par-tee with MBEX, fellow members, coworkers, and clients, complete with a grilled lunch, 18-holes, happy hour, awards and door prize giveaways, and dinner. Register Here
** June 19 - 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. Not yet open for registration
** July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
Join MBEX for an evening sailing on Lake Superior, and see the Duluth-Superior Harbor, Lift Bridge, canal, and city as may not have before. Space is limited to the first 150 people who register. Register Here
** August 20 - Golf North
Come socialize and network on the greens of Duluth's Ridgeview Country Club for what we FORE-see as a great event. Golf packages include lunch, 18 holes of golf, golf carts, post-golf social, dinner, and short awards program. Register Here
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
📉 U.S. Construction Spending Dips Amid Tariff Concerns
The latest U.S. Census Bureau data indicates construction spending pulled back in March as economic uncertainty fosters trepidation. While showing gains, the numbers were significantly below growth realized the year prior. In its analysis of the latest report, AGC of America noted the drop in demand coincides with growing uncertainty regarding the impacts of tariffs, particularly concerning material costs and demand for new projects. (Finance & Commerce)
TARIFFS
✂️ Trade War Fallout: Contractors are Delaying Projects & Cutting Crews
Plant-Tours' April 2025 survey of 500 managers and executives in manufacturing, construction and related sectors found that 59% of construction professionals cited product-cost increases as the top unexpected impact of tariffs, while 52% have delayed or canceled projects due to pricing uncertainty. Nearly half (45%) of companies reported workforce reductions of 5-10% tied to tariff pressures. (Roofing Contractor)
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
💰 The High Cost of Compressed Schedules
Simply put, schedule compression is the desperate attempt to complete the same amount of work in a significantly reduced timeframe. It's the construction equivalent of trying to cram five pounds of sand into a ten-pound bag --- a recipe for mess, inefficiency, and ultimately, failure. While the pressure to deliver projects faster is ever-present, the path to achieving true efficiency is not in frantic acceleration, but in building a solid foundation from the outset. (For Construction Pros)
INNOVATION
🩹 Self-Repairing Buildings? Engineers Make Living Concrete in Construction Breakthrough
A team of researchers have developed a living building material composed of fungal mycelium and bacterial cells capable of self-repairing and surviving for extended periods. Unlike conventional construction materials, this bio-based composite remains viable for weeks, opening up new possibilities for regenerative architecture. The material is produced at low temperatures and relies on living cells, making it a potentially groundbreaking solution for reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. (Interesting Engineering)
CURRENTLY IN WISCONSIN
🛎️ Ho-Chunk Casino Building Footprint Keeps Expanding
Miron Construction and the Ho-Chunk Nation in April took out a building permit for the 18-story, 312-room hotel that will be the dominant landmark in the $500-million casino / convention / hotel project off Interstate 90. Miron and Ho-Chunk estimated the construction cost of the hotel at $185.1-million. Ho-Chunk has now taken out four building permits in 2025, for the casino and related developments --- the casino, the foundation for the hotel, the foundation for the parking garage, and now the hotel itself. All together, the permits estimate the construction cost at $293.7-million. There is one major component that Miron still has to apply for a permit --- the convention center. (Beloit Daily News)
| | Excelsior Apartment Pitch Would Include Dock Cinema Revamp | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
About a year ago, Mithun Cos. was pitching a hotel property on a currently vacant lot that overlooks Lake Minnetonka's Excelsior Bay.
After receiving mixed feedback from the city, the Wayzata-based development company is back with another proposal. This time, it's looking to build a mixed-use, 43-unit apartment building that will also incorporate a "reimagining" of the Dock Cinema next door, planning documents show.
The apartment building would be three stories, with the bottom floor designated for retail. The retail floor would have about 5,600-square-feet of commercial space.
The building is proposed at 10 Water Street, and the proposed unit spread includes 13 one-bedrooms, 9 one-bedrooms with a den, 12 two-bedrooms, 6 two-bedrooms with a den, and 1 three-bedroom apartment.
The Dock Cinema would be designed as a potential community space with plans to restore the upper-level theater. Mithun Cos. plans to team up with a local nonprofit to operate the theater, which will allow for screenings of local films, special Q&As with filmmakers and allow space for community events.
The Dock Cinema was previously known as the Tonka Theater, and according to documents, would be renovated to bring back its original marquee.
The restoration of the historically designated Dock Cinema comes with an asterisk. A back section of the theater would need to be demolished. Neither a demolition nor partial demolition of a contributing building in the historic district has ever been approved.
The Excelsior Heritage Preservation Commission did not act for or against recommending approval but rather moved to ask the city staff to draw up a resolution that was reflective of the discussion had by the commissioners. The resolution will be reviewed by the commission at its next meeting on May 27th to be sent to the city council.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by Tushie Montgomery Architects showing the proposed 43 apartments and revamped historic Dock Cinema building in Excelsior. | | |
Fall Protection Demonstration with 3M
Presented by AGC of Minnesota
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An excellent introduction to fall protection awareness, the 3M Fall Protection Truck Demo provides hands-on training and demonstrations of fall protection equipment and safety practices. Highlights include the ABCD's of fall protection, fall clearance, and proper work practices, including proper harness fit.
Attendees will get a powerful demonstration of how fall protection equipment actually works to protect you in a fall event, simulating falls with various connectors. 3M's fall protection experts will answer questions and share best practices.
The presentation will be an hour long, so feel free to bring a chair if you'd like.
This is a great opportunity especially for teams / sites / companies that aren't in a position to host separate stand downs. Perfect for supervisors who oversee work at heights, users who work at heights, safety leaders, and everyone in between.
This event will be held rain or shine --- check the event page (found by clicking the light blue 'Register Here' button above) for updates if severe weather is anticipated.
| | Benefit of the Week: Verizon Business | | |
Verizon and National Purchasing Partners (NPP) are partnering together to assist small and medium-size businesses.
Check out how MBEX members can save big on new devices, data plans, and more.
| | Joining NPP is free and there's no obligation to buy. You'll receive an email to confirm your NPP membership once you've signed up. | | | |
Up to $1,000 Off
New phones? Amazing. New phones up to $1,000 off? Even better. Get a free phone or up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in & select Business Unlimited plan, helping boost your productivity.
Tablet & Laptop Deals
Now's your chance to save big on select tablets and laptops. Drive business forward with $100 off select laptops and tablets.
5G Business Internet for $69 / Month
Your business is growing --- it's time to level up with a new plan. Upgrade to Verizon 5G Business Internet services for as low as $69 per month, with a 10-year price guarantee.
New Mobile Plans for $25 / Month
Get exactly what you want and pay only for what your company and employees need. Verizon My Biz Plan is a revolutionary new way to build smartphone plans, starting at only $25 per month. Plus, you can qualify for savings on a new smartphone purchase when you buy add-ons such as premium connectivity, device security, and international access.
Sign up with NPP for free to activate these Verizon offers and more. Enroll your business here: https://mynpp.com/association/mbex/
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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 royalty to further support our member services.
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 4/28/2025 - 5/2/2025: 96
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 4/28/2025 - 5/2/2025: 22
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 5/6/2025: 418
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 5/6/2025: 2,281
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 4/30/2025 - 5/6/2025.
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
• May 8 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• May 15 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 26 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
• June 4 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
• June 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
• August 14 - Sporting Clays Fundraiser
• August 20 - Golf North
• September 10 - Sporting Clays North
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Connect with the Builders Exchange: | | |
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.
2025 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Heidi Sedlacek, KLJ Engineering; Vice President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Treasurer - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Past President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction
2025 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; Allie Brady, Veit; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Amanda Eiynk; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company
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 for MBEX
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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