|
Hey MBEXers,
As 2025 comes to a close, we want to wish our entire community, our industry partners, and fellow builders a joyful holiday season! Over the past weeks and months, we've celebrated milestones (welcoming a record-setting number of new members AND projects in the plan room), tackled challenges (hello, office and server move), and built stronger connections across the construction industry (we hosted 15 events throughout the year - whew!).
Thank you for being part of the Exchange, sharing your insights, and helping us shape the future of Minnesota's commercial construction industry.
Here's to sleighing the holidays with those that matter most, and recharging before breaking into the new year. Now, Alexa, play Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift 🎄😉🎶
PS - This is the last Weekly Bulletin of 2025. You'll see my smiling face back in your inboxes on January 7, 2026. Until then!
| | |
Holiday Office Hours
Please make note of our holiday hours over the next couple of weeks.
Our physical office may be closed, but staff will be working remotely on the indicated dates for 2026 membership renewals and other member assistance.
| | |
Renew Your Membership by December 31
Now's the time to renew your MBEX membership (if you haven't already!) and make sure your access to project information, plan room tools, and member resources continues without interruption in 2026.
To complete your renewal, mail a check to the MBEX office (located at 3800 American Boulevard West, STE 780, Bloomington, Minn., 55431) or contact Julie to pay by credit card (a $45 processing fee applies to card payments).
If you have questions or need a copy of your invoice, our team is happy to help!
| | |
Vote for the 2026 Board of Directors
Voting is currently underway for the 2026 MBEX Board of Directors, and we encourage every member company to take part in this election.
Online ballots must be submitted by 11:55pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
If you haven't already voted, be sure to cast your ballot using your company's unique login credentials. That information has been emailed to each member company's primary contact, and be aware that only one ballot per member company is permitted.
Election results will be announced at the MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon on Wednesday, January 21 (details below).
| | |
MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon - January 21, 2026
MBEX members are invited to our new year kick-off event, the Annual Meeting & Luncheon, where we gather to catch up, look ahead, and celebrate the people who make this organization what it is.
It's an easy, valuable way to stay connected to what's happening across the Exchange, your peers, and the broader construction community.
-
DATE: Wednesday, January 21
-
TIME: 11:00am - Social & Networking | 11:30am - Lunch | 11:45am - Program
-
LOCATION: Golden Valley Country Club - 7001 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minn., 55427
-
COST: $50 per person | $275 for a table of six
| | |
This year's meeting comes with something extra special: we'll be unveiling MBEX's new name and logo!
We will also be recognizing our Volunteer of the Year and Distinguished Member award recipients, thanking the outgoing 2025 Board of Directors, and announcing the full incoming 2026 Board.
We hope you'll attend and be a part of this meaningful moment for MBEX.
| | |
Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
| |
2026 INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
📋 Labor Gaps, Higher Costs Shape U.S. Commercial Construction Outlook
QBE North America has released its 2026 U.S. Commercial Construction Outlook, outlining key pressures and opportunities for the industry. The report, which is based on 2025 reports, says commercial construction faces continued labor shortages, driven by an aging workforce and immigration limits, even as overall employment remains high. Materials costs are also increasing, with average tariff rates rising to about 20%, particularly affecting steel, aluminum, and copper. (For Construction Pros)
COMMERCIAL BUILDING | LOCAL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
🧮 Minneapolis Fed Survey: Nonresidential Builders Face Tighter Pipeline, Rising Costs
Construction activity across the Federal Reserve's Ninth District declined slightly over the past six months, with nearly half of the firms surveyed reporting lower activity compared with the same period in 2024, according to results from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve's fall construction sector survey. The results show that rising input costs continue to pressure margins, with 80% of firms reporting higher costs, while only 63% said they raised prices charged to clients. (Construction Dive)
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW
📜 Expected Labor & Employment Changes for 2026
As 2026 begins, the labor and employment landscape is poised for significant changes from state-level wage increases and paid leave expansions to evolving visa rules, AI regulations, and potential federal labor reforms. Understanding these expected developments is essential for organizations aiming to stay compliant and competitive, and for workers seeking to navigate a rapidly changing work environment. (J.D. Supra | Burr & Forman)
CONTECH | HEAVY EQUIPMENT
🚚 From Autonomous Machines to Autonomous Sites
Looking back at 2025, one trend dominated the heavy construction equipment industry --- the rise of autonomous machines. Over the past year, major industry fairs have highlighted that leading manufacturers are advancing autonomous equipment, signaling a significant shift in site operations. While fully autonomous machines are not yet a reality, progress is being made to tackle common challenges and barriers --- drawing insight from industrial sectors and considering automation across the construction site as a whole. (Construction Briefing)
BUILDING PRODUCTS
🛠️ 75 Top Building Products for 2025
Bobrick's Thrislington Smart Washroom Cubicle, Construction Specialties' Lighted Blades LED lighting, Glen-Gery's SK1N terracotta facade system, Vitro Architectural Glass's Bird Safe Glass, and 71 other award-winning products are among those selected by a jury of AEC professionals for BD+C's annual "best of the best" in new and updated building products for 2025. (Building Design + Construction)
| | |
PROJECT:
City of Minneapolis Bridge 9 Pier 4 Improvements Project (Event #3937)
BID DEADLINE:
December 30, 2025 @ 2:00pm
BID SUBMISSIONS:
Quotes requested by December 29, 2025, or earlier when possible.
SEND QUOTE TO:
Chris Kester, Chief Estimator
| |
| |
The work consists of the repair of Pier 4 of the Burlington Northern Bridge No. 9 over the Mississippi River near River Mile 853.0. The repairs of Pier 4 consist of the installation of micropiles within a permanently filled protection caisson, construction of a pile cap on top of the caisson fill, and sealing the Pier 4 pier cap.
Opportunities for subcontracting and supply include (but are not limited to):
- Surveying & Project Documentation
- Field Office & Administrative Support Facilities
- Fencing & Gates
- Traffic Control
- Hydro-blasting
- Aggregate Supply
- Ready-Mix Concrete
- Erosion& Sediment Control
- Trucking & Hauling
- Material Supply (bar, steel, anchors, aggregate, etc.)
- Portable Facilities (restrooms, handwash stations, etc.)
- Painting & Coating
- Electrical & Lighting
Project plans and specs can be found inside the Online Plan Room:
- Project Name: City of Minneapolis Bridge 9 Pier 4 Improvements
- Project ID: 2025-12E3
- Project Category: Bridge
- Project Type: Improvements
| | |
PROJECT:
Metropolitan Council 1-MN-310 Interceptor Siphon Rehabilitation Project (No. 809203, Contract 24P236A)
BID DEADLINE:
January 7, 2026 @ 2:00pm
BID SUBMISSIONS:
Quotes requested by January 6, 2026,
or earlier if possible.
SEND QUOTE TO:
Chris Kester, Chief Estimator
| |
| |
The project includes siphon structure rehabilitation, dual 36" CIPP lining, temporary wastewater conveyance, sitework, storm sewer modifications, traffic control, paving, landscaping, erosion control, and restoration as defined in the project documents.
Opportunities for subcontracting and supply include (but are not limited to):
- Traffic Control
- Excavation, Backfill, & Aggregate Supply
- Dewatering / Conveyance
- Construction Staking
- Pavement Sweeping
- Pavement Marking
- Curb & Gutter
- Sewer Cleaning, CCTV & CIPP support
- Concrete, Polymer Concrete, & Structural Rehabilitation
- Storm Sewer Pipe & Drainage Structures
- Erosion & Sediment Control
- Landscaping, Turf Establishment & Restoration
- Bituminous Pavement Milling & Paving
- Fencing & Temporary Barriers
- Trucking & Hauling
- Surveying & Project Documentation
- Material Supply (pipe, castings, erosion materials, aggregate, etc.)
- Portable Facilities (restrooms, handwash stations, etc.)
- Snow Removal Services
- Field Office & Administrative Support Facilities
All quotes will require a signed letter of intent to be submitted with the prime bid.
Project plans and specs can be found inside the Online Plan Room:
- Project Name: 1-MN-310 Interceptor Siphon Rehabilitation - Metropolitan Council
- Project ID: 2025-11FC
- Project Category: Local Government
- Project Type: Rehabilitation
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 12/15/2025 - 12/19/2025: 75
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 12/15/2025 - 12/19/2025: 12
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 12/23/2025: 300
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 12/23/2025: 5,025
| | |
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 12/17/2025 - 12/23/2025.
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.
| | |
UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• December 24, 25 & 26 - MBEX Closed - Christmas
• December 31 & January 1 - MBEX Closed - New Year's
• January 15 - Online Plan Room Demo
• January 21 - Annual Meeting & Luncheon
• February 4 - Meet the Estimators
• March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: Duluth
• March 11- Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
• April 15 - Spring Social
| |
| |
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, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota; 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, BUILD Renewables; 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
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
| | | | |
