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Minnesota has its fair share of claims to fame: the Mall of America, the Peanuts cartoon, the Mayo Clinic, and an indefinite number of hotdishes. But few have left a mark quite like Prince. Twenty years ago today (April 21), we lost a musical and cultural icon whose influence still runs deep.
It's hard not to think about the lasting impact he made. Not just here in Minnesota, but everywhere. In a very different way, the idea of leaving something behind that stands the test of time is one this industry knows well. The projects you take on, the partnerships you build, the work you put your name on...it all adds up.
Just a little pause today to appreciate that
(If you'd like Prince playing in the background whilst pausing and reflecting, here's a couple of playlists for you: One From Before and One From After the 1984 megahit, Purple Rain 🎶 💜 🎸)
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Member Appreciation - Have lunch on us! Registration is now open for our annual Member Appreciation BBQ on June 2. This year's BBQ will be held at The Builders Group (TBG) in Eagan, so please make note of the location change. Each member company receives 2 complimentary tickets, and additional tickets can be purchased for $20 each.
2.) Top Tech Metros - A recent CommercialCafe report found the highest-ranked metros in the Midwest for tech workers. Making the top 10 Midwestern metros where tech workforces have the strongest foundations for success are Madison, Wisc.(#1); Sioux Falls, S.D. (#4); Minneapolis, Minn. (#6); and Des Moines, Iowa (#10).
3.) Member News - The County Materials Family of Companies announced that Eric Pfeiffer has accepted the role of Executive Vice President of Prestress for County Prestress & Precast LLC, where he will be responsible for leading all operations and sales functions within the company's prestress division.
4.) New Footwear - KEEN Utility introduced several new work boot styles for its spring and summer lineup, expanding options for contractors and tradepeople and featuring design elements such as wide toe boxes, lightweight safety toes, and materials sourced from certified tanneries.
5.) Sixty-Second Video Break - When you ask your apprentice for a square... 🫣 😂
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Inside Issue No. 16:
• Event Recap: Connection, conversation & time out of the office at MBEX's Spring Social
• Adjusted Tariffs: What recent changes to Section 232 mean for steel, aluminum, and copper materials costs
• Member Benefits: Verizon Connect & Verizon Whole Office Management
• Labor Standards: Time to review prevailing wages and worker misclassifications
• Upcoming Events: MBEX Young Professionals Network (5/6); Online Plan Room Demo (5/21); closed for Memorial Day (5/25); Member Appreciation BBQ (6/2); and Twin Cities Golf Tournament (6/16)
• Five Headlines: OSHA issues revised National Emphasis Program on outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards; What the NLRB's "new (old)" joint-employer rules mean in 2026; Reaching a digital twin's true operational potential with indoor GIS; How water infrastructure gaps are reshaping industrial growth; & Wisconsin awards $50M for rural roads and bridge upgrades
• Project of the Week: Minot Air Force Base to see $5-billion in planned construction
• Industry Event: Prevailing Wage on Public Projects: What Contractors & Employers Need to Know - Wednesday, April 22 - Virtual Webinar - Presented by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of April 13-17
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EVENT RECAP: MBEX's Spring Social on April 15
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Last Wednesday, over 160 MBEX members, volunteers, scholarship recipients, Board members, and staff gathered at Midland Hills Country Club for our annual Spring Social, bringing together construction professionals from across the metro and broader region for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and a little well-earned time out of the office.
When the clock hit 3:00pm, the room filled with faces new and familiar, setting the tone for a lively and engaging event. Attendees had the chance to catch up over drinks, meet a few of our 2025-2026 scholarship recipients, take a gamble at the Wine & Spirits Pull, and enjoy a delicious dinner of chicken, beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and an array of sweet-tooth-satisfying treats.
A highlight of the afternoon was guest speaker Cecil Smith, CEO and President of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association. Smith walked through several headwinds facing Minnesota's multi-family sector (factors that are likely to slow new construction), including high interest rates, rising construction costs, increased regulation, and softer demand tied to slower population growth.
At the same time, he pointed out an interesting shift: renting is currently $1,000 per month less expensive than owning, and that gap is one of the widest it's been in the past 20 years, pushing more people towards rentals.
Looking ahead, Smith noted a few signals to watch that could help turn the tide, including a declining 10-year Treasury rate, stronger population and job growth, and potential changes in government policy and tax structure.
• Curious to dive in a little deeper, or couldn't attend the event? Download Smith's presentation deck here.
Beyond the program, the event delivered on what MBEX does best: creating space for members to connect in a relaxed setting. The 50/50 cash raffle and Wine & Spirits Pull added to the energy, bringing a little extra excitement to the afternoon. Congratulations go out to Greg Grazzini (Grazzini Brothers) for holding the winning 50/50 raffle ticket and to Craig Mueller (Commercial Drywall) for taking home Minnesota United tickets for the Loons vs.LAFC matchup on Saturday, April 25.
We'd like to give our event sponsors one more shout-out. Thank you for your support of the Spring Social and MBEX's mission in building relationships that make the work happen on- and off-site:
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WINE & SPIRIT PULL SPONSOR:
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DOOR PRIZE SPONSORS:
Grazzini Brothers & Company, RMS Rentals, Scaffold Services, St. Cloud Acoustics & Tenet
| | Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's Spring Social a great success! We're already looking forward to the next one. | | | Save the date for the Fall Social on October 8, 2026, at the Rush Creek Golf Course in Maple Grove. | | |
What Adjusted Steel, Aluminum & Copper Tariffs Mean
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Tariffs are back yet again, and they're more than a policy headline. Contractors are feeling the ripple effects, with material costs climbing and pricing volatility creeping back into the conversation after a relatively stable stretch.
Announced April 2 and effective as of April 6, recent adjustments to Section 232 tariffs raised costs on steel, aluminum, and copper and are reshaping how they're hitting construction projects.
Instead of just taxing raw materials, the updated approach now applies tariffs to the full value of certain finished products, which can drive costs up faster (and less predictably) than before. Everything from structural steel to equipment and prefabricated components could now carry a higher price tag, depending on how and where they're sourced.
Here's the tricky part: the impact isn't uniform. Some products may see modest increases, while others could jump significantly based on how much metal they contain and whether they qualify for lower tariff rates tied to domestic sourcing.
For example, a key provision known as the First Sale Rule allows importers to calculate tariffs based on the earliest transaction in a supply chain for a project, potentially lowering duties. But construction procurement, which often relies on distributors and bundled materials, makes that tough to do.
Bottom line: this isn't necessarily only about higher costs. It's about less predictability. In a market where timing and margins already matter more than ever, that uncertainty can be just as impactful as the price increases themselves.
| | | Though the change aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability, contractors on the ground say the direct effects on construction projects will vary widely. | | |
MEMBER BENEFITS:
Verizon Connect & Verizon Whole Office Management
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New member savings have been added through our partnership with National Purchasing Partners (NPP).
Take advantage of these offers by logging in to the NPP portal and using your MBEX membership to activate the discount.
• Not yet an NPP member? Joining is 100% free, and there is never an obligation to buy.
Bonus: When you enroll via MBEX's special sign-up page, we receive a small royalty that helps further support our member services.
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VERIZON CONNECT
Fleet Telematic & Safety Solutions
Receive exclusive savings on Verizon Connect's fleet management solutions, including GPS tracking and AI-powered dashcams.
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These tools increase visibility into your fleet's daily operations with a dashboard, reports, alerts, and a live map. Verizon Connect helps you track vehicles and assets in the field, boost productivity, control costs, improve safety, and coach drivers toward safer driving habits.
MBEX Members who join NPP can save up to 31% on fleet management solutions, and even more on selected additional features.
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VERIZON WHOLE
OFFICE MANAGEMENT
Managed IT Services & Support
With everything else that small businesses have on their plates, technology services shouldn't be one of them.
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Verizon's Whole Office Management offers a comprehensive, business-grade IT support solution for office tech and software. Get one team of experts, one phone number to call, one monthly bill --- all with no long-term commitment.
MBEX Members who are also NPP members can receive:
• Streamlined Support: Work with a dedicated team of experts for your IT support needs, always just a call away.
• Business-Grade IT Expertise: From onboarding and offboarding employees to the support of office software.
• Peace of Mind: With Verizon supporting your IT environment, worry less about tech headaches and more about what you do best.
• Predictable Cost: For $55 per month, cover your IT support needs with a flat, predictable monthly fee, avoiding the expense of in-house staff, multiple service contracts, or hourly fees.
| | 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. | |
Key Labor Standards for Minnesota's Construction Industry
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As construction activity ramps up across Minnesota, now is an ideal time for employers and employees to review key labor standards.
Below, we highlight important labor standards issues in the construction industry, including prevailing wages and worker classification.
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PREVAILING WAGES: What to Know This Construction Season
The prevailing wage is the minimum hourly wage employers must pay certain workers who work on construction and public works projects funded with state dollars. The prevailing wage includes the employer's cost of benefits.
In addition:
• The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) sets the prevailing-wage rates based on wages paid for similar work in the county or region where the project is located.
• An annual statewide survey determines prevailing wage rates. The current prevailing-wage survey ends June 5, 2026.
• Employers working on projects where the prevailing wage applies must submit certified payroll reports.
• If an employer pays less than the prevailing wages, DLI requires payment of back wages to workers and may assess damages and penalties for failing to comply with the law.
How can someone file a complaint about an employer they believe is paying less than the prevailing wage? Contact the Prevailing Wage unit at (651) 284-5091 or dli.prevwage@state.mn.us.
WORKER CLASSIFICATION: Getting It Right
Misclassifying employees as independent contractors remains a common and problematic issue in construction and other industries.
What is worker misclassification?
Misclassification occurs when an employer classifies, represents, or treats a worker who is an employee under the law as an independent contractor or fails to classify, represent, or treat an employee as an employee.
Considerations When Classifying a Worker
• State law and rules establish a factor and element test to determine worker classification.
• Employers that misclassify workers as independent contractors may face penalties and owe back wages and other compensatory damages, regardless of intent.
• DLI and other state agencies provide resources and FAQs to help employers and employees understand worker classification requirements.
| | | This information is from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's 'Wage and Hour Bulletin' (April 2026). View the issue online here. | | | |
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
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
** May 21 - 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
May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday. We will return to regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26.
** June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ
Join MBEX's Board of Directors and staff over lunch so we can show our membership our appreciation for their continued and on-going support. Lunch will be catered by Famous Dave's, and this year's BBQ will be hosted at The Builders Group in Eagan. Register
June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
An annual summer event that offers fantastic opportunities for members to enjoy a day of golf, networking, and camaraderie at the Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. Enjoy lunch, 18 holes of golf, a post-game happy hour, dinner, and a program that includes team awards, raffle winners, and door prize giveaways. Register
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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HEAT HAZARDS | JOBSITE SAFETY
🥵 OSHA Updates Emphasis Program on Heat Hazards
OSHA has issued a revised National Emphasis Program on outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards. The updated NEP, published on April 10, is set to expire in 2031. It includes a revised list of 55 "high-risk" industries. It also features information on how agency investigators will evaluate heat illness and injury prevention programs and guides issuing citations. (Safety + Health Magazine)
EMPLOYMENT LAW
⚖️ What the NLRB's "New (Old)" Joint-Employer Rules Mean for Employers
In February 2026, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) once again reshaped the joint-employer landscape by reinstating a narrower, more employer-friendly standard. For businesses that rely on subcontractors, staffing agencies, or franchise models, the shift carries meaningful, real-world consequences. The NLRB's 2026 rule returns to a more restrictive framework, requiring proof that an alleged joint-employer exercises "substantial direct and immediate control" over the essential terms and conditions of another company's employees. In practice, this means control over core functions such as hiring and firing, discipline, supervision, and the setting of wages and schedules. (The Work Week with Bassford Remele)
DIGITAL TWINS
🗺️ Indoor GIS and the Role It Plays in Operational Digital Twins
When people talk about digital twins, the focus often starts with visualization. We see highly detailed 3D models, accurate building geometry, and rich design data brought to life on screen. Those elements matter, but they are only the starting point. From an infrastructure life cycle management perspective, a digital twin reaches its true potential when it becomes operational and actively supports the day-to-day reality of operating a building or campus. That is where indoor GIS, or Geographic Information System, comes in. (ESRI - Architecture, Engineering & Construction)
INDUSTRIAL GROWTH | WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
🚱 Water Infrastructure Gap is Reshaping U.S. Industrial Growth
The conversation about constraints on U.S. industrial growth tends to circle the same variables. Power availability. Labor markets. Land costs. Permitting timelines. Water rarely leads that conversation, and that is starting to create real problems for companies that did not see it coming. The issue is not whether water exists. Most U.S. industrial regions have water. The issue is whether local systems can source it, treat it, move it, and discharge it at the scale that modern industrial demand requires. Across much of the country, the answer is uneven in ways that only become visible once a project is already in motion. (E+E Leader - For a Sustainable Tomorrow)
ROADS & BRIDGES | WISCONSIN
🏗️ Wisconsin Awards $50M for Rural Road, Bridge Upgrades
The first round of Wisconsin's Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) grants, totaling $50-million, will fund 29 projects in 28 counties, supporting repairs to paved local roads, bridges and culverts, and upgrades to weight-restricted routes that can limit the movement of heavy equipment and harvested goods. With funding now in place, these projects are expected to move into design and construction, generating demand for contractors specializing in rural road rehabilitation, bridge and culvert work, as well as materials such as aggregate and asphalt. A second round of funding is expected in 2026, with applications opening on April 27 and due by June 29. (Government Market News)
| | $5B in Construction Planned at Minot Air Force Base | | |
Read more on ConstructConnect
A decades-long, $5-billion wave of construction is headed for Minot Air Force Base (MAFB) and its surrounding missile fields.
The anticipated wave positions North Dakota's only dual-wing nuclear installation as an active defense construction market in the Upper Midwest over the next 10 to 15 years, according to the Minot Daily News.
MAFB's modernization program will reshape the installation and its missile fields over the next decade and beyond.
The base is preparing to host two nuclear modernization programs:
1.) The LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, which will replace the aging Minuteman III system. Sentinel work, which spans MAFB and missile sites across several counties, is scheduled from FY 2026 through FY 2040 and carries more than $2-billion in construction funding.
2.) The AGM-181 Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile for B-52 bombers. The LRSO program will add five major renovation projects between FY 2026 and FY 2033, with more than $150-million identified for B-52-related construction.
Even before Sentinel and LRSO reach peak activity, MAFB is already managing a sizable construction backlog.
The 5th Civil Engineer Squadron is overseeing more than 400 current projects, focused on roofing, HVAC, paving, and facility renovations across the installation. That ongoing work represents more than $980-million in prepared construction, with activity described as continuous rather than episodic.
Together, these programs reinforce Minot's role in the U.S. nuclear triad and set the stage for demand in heavy civil, nonresidential building, and specialized defense construction work.
MAFB is a U.S. Air Force installation in Ward County, North Dakota, about 13 miles north of Minot via U.S. Route 83.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Minot Air Force Base, established in 1957, supports over 5,500 active-duty personnel and their families. | |
Prevailing Wage on Public Projects:
What Contractors & Employers Need to Know
Presented by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
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DATE: Wednesday, April 22
TIME: 10:00am - 11:00am
LOCATION: Virtual Webinar
COST: Free
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Join Minnesota DLI for a webinar on prevailing wage requirements for public construction projects.
This session is designed specifically for employers, contractors, and contracting authorities who play a key role in public project compliance.
In this webinar, you will learn:
• The fundamentals of Minnesota's prevailing wage laws
• How wage determinations are established and applied
• Key employer compliance responsibilities
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid costly mistakes
Whether you're bidding on public projects, overseeing contracts, or managing payroll, this session will help you navigate prevailing wage requirements with confidence.
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 4/13/2026 - 4/17/2026: 108
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 4/13/2026 - 4/17/2026: 53
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 4/21/2026: 466
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 4/21/2026: 2,239
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 4/15/2026 - 4/21/2026.
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 Director.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• 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)
• May 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
• June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Midwest 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 Director; 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
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