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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) MBEX's next Online Plan Room demo, a live 60-minute session with MBEX staff covering the basics of setting up search filters, finding bidders lists, and more, is set for Thursday, October 17.
2.) Nonresidential construction spending inched up 0.4% in August 2024, marking steady growth in 19 of the past 20 months, according to ABC. Sectors like manufacturing, commercial, and public infrastructure saw the most gains.
3.) REMINDER: AGC of Minnesota is seeking responses to their 2024-2025 Construction Industry Assessment survey. The survey will close November 1, 2024. One response per company, please.
4.) From Roof Hugger's sub-framing system to the Bendheim Titanium Glass Lunar Collection, here are the top 15 products being used in the industry today.
5.) When Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V meets architecture.
"When a man tells you he got rich through hard work, ask him: 'Whose?'" - Don Marquis
IN BRIEF:
• Last Call: Will we be seeing you at the Fall Social this Thursday?
• Membership Directory: Return your contracts by October 15th
• Welcome: Meet MBEX's newest members
• Innovation: Eight AEC Firm Operations (Part 1)
• NOW HIRING: Ebert Companies seek Concrete Estimator / Project Manager
• The Impact of the Fed Interest Rate Cut on Construction, Minnesota Bans Cannabis Smoking / Vaping in Multi-Family Units, and U.S. Contractors Urge Manufacturers to Go Green: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
• Project of the Week: Niron Magentics' manufacturing plant in Sartell
• NPP Member Benefit: Save on popular Sherwin-Williams products thru 10/31
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LAST CALL: MBEX Fall Social *THIS* Thursday | |
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Time's almost up, MBEXers!
The Fall Social is just days away, happening this Thursday, October 10 at the Hilton Minneapolis / Bloomington. Don't miss your chance to join fellow industry leaders and peers for an afternoon packed with opportunities to connect, relax, and recharge.
Here's why you should be there:
🤝 Network with the Best
Forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones with professionals from across the commercial construction world. These connections could lead to your next big project or partnership.
👍 Invest in YOU
The 2nd Annual MBEX POWER Self-Care Health Fair is your ticket to learning practical ways to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Regardless of gender, self-care is for everyone. What is the Self-Care Health Fair?
👏 Celebrate the Future
Meet a few of our 2024-2025 scholarship awardees and get inspired by guest speaker Nicole Middendorf, who will share about the Live It List and how it can be applied to our lives to achieve what we want in our every day.
This is your last chance to lock in your spot and take advantage of everything this event has to offer.
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Companies Attending the MBEX Fall Social | |
- Adolfson & Peterson
- Advanced Concrete Sawing
- Alliance Bank
- Assa Abloy (Roy C Inc)
- Bassford Remele
- Brin Glass
- The Builders Group (TBG)
- Burton's Company
- Carl Bolander & Sons
- County Materials
- Dark Horse General Contractors
- Davis Mechanical Systems
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- Dem-Con Companies
- Donlar Construction
- Dziedzic Caulking
- Evolve Payment
- Frattalone Companies
- G R Promotions
- Golden Valley Supply
- Grazzini Brothers
- KLG Engineering
- Midwest Fence & Manufacturing
- Miller Brothers Excavating
- Mytech Partners
- Owen Masonry
- RJM Construction
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- RTL Construction
- Schadegg Mechanical
- Schwikert's Tecta America
- Shaw / Stewart Lumber Company
- Sonus Interiors
- Sunbelt Rentals
- Tamarack Materials
- Veit & Company
- W. L Hall
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Thank You to our Fall Social Event Sponsors | |
Membership Directory & Buyers Guide Contracts Due Soon! | |
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The MBEX Membership Directory & Buyers Guide is your go-to resource for connecting with key industry contacts.
Featuring your company ensures visibility to potential clients, suppliers, and partners in the construction sector. It’s a powerful tool for expanding your network and making it easy for others to find your services.
Each August, contracts for the upcoming directory are sent to all MBEX members, asking for updates to business information and/or listings. This is not a membership renewal.
Every member receives one complimentary company listing. For additional Classified or Trade Name listings, there is an extra charge of $15 and $10 each, respectively.
To see examples of each, please visit the following pages of our current directory (linked below):
- Membership Directory: Page 13
- Classifieds: Page 75
- Trade Names: Page 153
You can also view a sample Membership Directory & Buyers Guide contract here.
DEADLINE REMINDER: All changes or new listings must be submitted by October 15.
Even if no changes are needed, we appreciate each member returning their contract or emailing us to confirm details.
Secure your spot and make the most of this valuable opportunity!
The Membership Directory also provides great advertising opportunities beyond listings. Please contact Ashlee for more information on placing an ad in this or other MBEX publications.
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NEW MEMBERS: Look Who Joined in September | |
Join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member companies of the Exchange who joined throughout the month of September: | |
Eight AEC Firm Operations | |
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From AI ChatBots to low-carbon cement to top-down residential building methods, there is no shortage of AEC innovations facing the industry.
Next week, we'll wrap up the innovations highlighted in the Building Design + Construction's 2024 Great Solutions Report.
This week: Eight AEC Firm Operations (Part 1)
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In January 2024, Kimley-Horn launched its student loan repayment match program. The initiative is structured to help employees build their retirement savings while paying down their student loans. Once an employee reaches their one-year anniversary, the firm will "double-match" the employee's 4% 401(k) contribution with an 8% company contribution. | | |
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From embodied carbon algorithms to noise calculation tools, from construction sequence animations to rapid structural prototyping for project feasibility, WSP designers can search their web-based Global Innovation Platform database for solutions using tags such as Equipment and Methods, Business Process, Design Tools, and Digital Solutions—and do so by practice area, project type, or innovations. | | |
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Messer Construction's Urban Workforce Development Initiative (UWDI) starts with a 12-week paid "work hardening" program through Easterseals Redwood Building Value. The training reinforces nontechnical job skills --- teamwork, punctuality, safety, having the right tools every day --- and exposes candidates to the reality of jobsite conditions without having to be on one. | | |
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Workers on a Robins & Morton jobsite were drinking water at a rate of at least eight pallets of single-use bottles per month. To lower that plastic waste and create a more sustainable construction site, as well as reduce the estimated $50,000 spent annually on single-use bottles, the GC developed a water-bottle refill station prototype called Water on Wheels. | |
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Next Week: Eight AEC Firm Operations (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
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
LAST CALL! 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
October 14-18 - Construction Inclusion Week
Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) amplifies awareness while celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the industry to spearhead change. Become involved and participate by planning your company's and firm's own internal activities. Learn More
October 17 - 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 Now
November 21 - 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. Not yet open for registration
November 28 & 29 - MBEX Closed - Thanksgiving
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to regular business hours on Monday, December 2.
December 3 - 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
December 4 - 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 Now
December 5 - 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
December 5 - Holiday Party North
As winter blankets the Northland in its snowy splendor, come gather with fellow construction industry professionals for an evening of celebration and camaraderie as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2025. Save the Date!
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Ebert Companies is a professional and long-standing commercial general contractor that is currently seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual for their Concrete Estimator / Project Manager position in their Self-Performing Division.
The ideal candidate must be:
- Positive
- Self-motivated
- Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Compensation includes a health and dental benefits package; health and flexible spending accounts; life, long- and short-term disability insurance; 401(k) with match program; and holiday and vacation time.
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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FEDERAL RESERVE
✂️ The Impact of the Fed's Interest Rate Cut on Construction and Manufacturing
Business owners continue to process the news from the Federal Reserve, which decided on September 18th to cut interest rates by a 0.5 percentage point. Higher interest rates mean a higher cost for borrowing, which can slow construction projects and manufacturing investments. What does that mean for the construction industry and for heavy equipment manufacturing? (For Construction Pros)
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
🚭 Minnesota Bans Cannabis Smoking and Vaping in Multi-Family Housing Units
Minnesota recently enacted a first-in-the-nation statewide ban on smoking and vaping cannabis in multi-family properties, including individual living units. The law has an exemption for those using marijuana for medical purposes. (Building Design + Construction)
SUSTAINABILITY
♻️ Major US Contractors Urge Materials Manufacturers to Go Green
A collective of major U.S. construction contractors has written an open letter to building material manufacturers, urging them to give clear data on their products' environmental impact. The contractorsCAN (Carbon Action Network) group wrote to manufacturers, calling on them to take a "proactive stance" in promoting environmentally friendly practices and called obtaining Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) a "crucial step" in that direction. (Construction Briefing)
CONSTRUCTION LAW INSIGHTS
⚖️ The Site Report - Construction Industry Insights - Issue 9
The September 2024 issue of The Site Report explores and recaps the following topics: (1.) A new law reorganizes the Building Code Council and appointment authority for North Carolina; (2.) OSHA's proposed nationwide workplace heat safety standard; (3.) How the need for speed can lead to problems on projects, according to engineers; (4.) A Kentucky district judge partially blocked DOT's DBE program; (5.) Low-carbon materials a 'huge opportunity' to green the transportation sector following DOT's release of $800-million to reimburse builders for using cleaner construction products; and (6.) Litigation Trend - Indemnity Clauses. (J. D Supra)
JOBSITE DISCOVERIES
🫡 Crews Unearth Piece of DC History Underneath National Mall --- By Accident
Construction crews doing renovation work on the Smithsonian Castle along Jefferson Drive uncovered an artifact, completely by accident. There appeared to be a hole in the ground under the road on Jefferson Drive, which went straight down about 30 feet. Upon further inspection, the artifact is a "drainage cistern" built in 1847 that was once used to collect rainwater. (WTOP News)
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Niron Magnetics to Get 79-Acres for Manufacturing Plant | |
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Read more on Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
Niron Magnetics, a Minneapolis-based company that's developing magnets made without rare-earth materials, plans to acquire 79-acres of land in Sartell for a new manufacturing plant.
The Sartell City Council signed a purchase agreement with the company for the public land, located on the east side of Fourth Avenue South. At the site, Niron plans to build a 150,000-square-foot plant, according to an announcement.
The company said they have a goal to begin construction in 2025, but didn't share details.
The new site will allow Niron to help boost the domestic supply of the magnets and manufacturing capacity. Niron expects to pursue additional phases in the future at the site, but what that might include is unclear.
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PICTURED ABOVE: Rendering of a Niron Magnetics plant building via ARPA-E Energy. | |
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North Central NEBB 48th Annual Educational Seminar
Presented by National Environmental Balance Bureau (NEBB)
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DATE: Thursday, October 10
TIME: 7:00am-3:45pm
LOCATION: DoubleTree by Hilton (2540 Cleveland Ave, Roseville, 55113)
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North Central NEBB, a chapter of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau, will be holding its Annual Recertification Seminar on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The purpose of the seminar is to keep NEBB contractors up to date on new practices, equipment, and issues surrounding the industry.
- 7:00am - NEBB Members Only Registration and Breakfast
- 7:05am - Annual Meeting & Election
- 7:30am - Guest Registration, Breakfast and Vendor Display
- 8:00am - Seminar Commences
- 11:45am - Lunch and Vendor Display
- 3:45pm - Seminar Concludes, Sign Out, and Vendor Display
This seminar was approved by NEBB National for six (6) Continuing Education credits.
If interested, please reach out to northcentralchapter@nebb.org.
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Building Better Construction Contracts: Crafting Effective Arbitration Clauses | Presented by Construction Executive | |
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DATE: Wednesday, October 30
TIME: 2:00pm CST
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
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This webinar is perfect for construction pros looking to get a better handle on the ins and outs of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in construction contracts. It'll help you navigate the complexities of ADR, so you can manage disputes without letting time and costs spiral out of control.
In this session, you'll learn:
• How to tailor ADR processes to fit construction projects and keep things running smoothly.
• Tips on using standard forms (like AIA and ConsensusDocs) or customizing ADR clauses to suit your project's specific needs.
• Strategies for keeping costs down and staying on schedule by setting clear time and cost rules.
• Key factors in choosing where and when ADR happens, how many people need to be involved, and what qualifications they should have.
• The pros and cons of certain contract clauses, like leaving key decisions to arbitrators or using carve-out clauses that could impact the ADR process.
• Advanced topics, like dealing with multiple parties in a dispute and how to handle awards or even private appellate review for extra oversight.
• How technology, including AI tools, can speed up dispute management and improve decision-making during ADR.
It's a great opportunity to level up your skills and get better prepared for handling disputes in your construction projects.
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Benefit of the Week: Sherwin-Williams | |
Now through October 31, 2024, MBEX Members can save on popular products from Sherwin-Williams. | |
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Below are a few examples of prices MBEX Members can access once their business is enrolled with National Purchasing Partners (NPP); it's free with zero obligation to buy!
ScotchBlue Painter's Tape Original Multi-Surface #2090
- NPP Price: $3.99 - $19.89
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Retail Price: $5.79 - $27.09
Dickies Painter's Pants and Shorts
- NPP Price: $18.79 - $21.99
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Retail Price: $24.99 - $29.99
Contractor Series Canvas Drop Cloths
- NPP Price: $18.99 - $45.99
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Retail Price: $25.49 - $62.99
Sher-Max Urethanized Premium Elastomeric Sealant
- NPP Price: $3.99
- Retail Price: $5.39
Explore more savings available thru October 31st with Sherwin-Williams here.
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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 kickback to further support our member services.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 9/30/2024 - 10/4/2024: 77
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 9/30/2024 - 10/4/2024: 7
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 10/8/2024: 305
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 10/8/2024: 3,623
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 10/2/2024-10/8/2024.
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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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• October 9 - Q3 Construction Economic Update and Forecast
• October 10 - MBEX Fall Social - featuring the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair
• October 14-18 - Construction Inclusion Week 2024
• October 17 - Online Plan Room Demo
• November 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• November 28 & 29 - MBEX Closed for Thanksgiving
• December 3 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• December 4 - Bluebeam 2: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• December 5 - Holiday Party North
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Connect with the Builders Exchange: | |
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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, Madison Gentil, 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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