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Issue No. 24 β’ Wednesday, June 12, 2024 β’ www.mbex.org | |
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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) A huge thank you to the 200+ members and industry partners who joined us last Wednesday for our annual Member BBQ. It was a gorgeous day filled with great weather, greater ribs, and the greatest company.
2.) Only 2 team spots remain for our Twin Cities Golf Tournament on June 18 (one week away!). Stop puttering around, gather a foursome, and register now.
3.) A new loon-themed playground complete with swings, slides, and inclusive play structures is expected to open this month in St. Paul's Minnesota United Village. The theme was inspired by the Minnesota United soccer team, also known as the Loons.
4.) FAZR linear acoustic ceiling solution, TensoSky ETFE film cladding, and 10mm textured EcoGlass are some of the top building products across the building sectors this month.
5.) If you're a runner and looking for a fresh new playlist, this one's built just for you.
Accidents in golf happen; they're called good shots.
IN BRIEF:
β’ Coffee's On Us: Join us the morning of June 26 for the next MBEX POWER workshop
β’ More Jobs: ABC's May jobs and unemployment report
β’ New Members: Look who joined throughout the month of May
β’ Workplace Laws: Review some critical developments tracked last month
β’ Minnesota's Quest for State-Wide Pipe Replacements, Highway Work Zone Crashes, and Skyscrapers Used as Giant Batteries: Five construction-related headlines to know now
β’ Project of the Week: Milwaukee County to Issue RFP for $490M Courthouse Project
β’ Member Benefit: Work safer, smarter, and more profitably with TBG
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UPCOMING: Women, Money & Happiness on June 26 | |
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Are you ready to take charge of your financial future and boost your happiness? Then make sure you join us on June 26 for the next MBEX Women's POWER workshop, Women, Money & Happiness.
This dynamic event is designed to empower women throughout the construction industry, providing tools and insights needed to achieve financial success and personal fulfillment.
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β’ DATE: Wednesday, June 26
β’ LOCATION: The Coven (St. Paul, Minn.)
β’ TIME: Registration - 7:30am, Workshop Begins - 8:00am, Attendee Q & A - 8:45am, Event Ends - 9:00am
β’ COST: Free!
What's in store for attendees (beyond complimentary coffee and a light breakfast π)?
π An Inspiring Speaker
Hear from Nicole Middendorf (right), CEO of Prosperwell Financial, who will share her strategy for success as well as discuss the differences between men and women when it comes to money matters.
Who is Nicole Middendorf? Nicole believes the world needs more people --- especially women --- to be financially savvy, wholly independent, happy, and living a life of balance. In 2003, she boldly ventured out from Morgan Stanley to establish her own wealth management firm. She is also the author of five books, a world traveler, a philanthropist, and a public speaking pro. She is also the visionary behind the Live It List, a different take one one's Bucket List.
π‘ Actionable Insights
Learn practical tips for managing your finances, investing wisely, and making informed decisions that align with your goals.
π€ Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded women within the construction industry, exchange ideas, and continue building a supportive network.
π Exclusive Resources
Receive valuable resources and materials to help you continue your journey towards financial empowerment and happiness.
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This workshop isn't just about money; it's about taking control of your life, finding balance, and creating a future that excites you (and meeting fellow women in construction along the way). Whether you're looking to dive deeper into financial ventures or simply gain more confidence in your financial decisions, this event is for you.
Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. Register today and join us for a morning of inspiration, learning and growth. (And coffee. Always coffee β)
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Nonresidential Construction Adds 17,100 Jobs in May | |
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Nonresidential construction employment increased by 17,100 positions on net in May, with growth registered in all three major subcategories.
Nonresidential specialty trade added the most jobs, with employment increasing by 13,000 positions. Nonresidential building and heavy and civil engineering added 3,000 and 1,100 jobs, respectively.
Construction unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in May. Unemployment across all industries rose from 3.9% in April to 4.0% last month.
On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has increased by 251,000 jobs, an increase of 3.1%.
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"Despite perpetual fears of recession and the dislocating impacts of high borrowing costs, the U.S. nonresidential construction industry is adding jobs rapidly and will continue to, according to ABC's Contractor Confidence Index," said Anirban Basu, ABC's chief economist.
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NEW MEMBERS: Here's Who Joined in May | |
Join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member companies of the Exchange who joined throughout the month of May: | |
Essential Workplace Law Items on Your June To-Do List | |
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It's hard to keep up with all the recent changes to labor an employment law, especially since the law always seems to evolve at a rapid pace.
In order to ensure you stay on top of the latest changes and have an action plan for compliance, here is a quick review of some critical developments tracked in May and a checklist of essential items you should consider addressing in June and beyond.
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βοΈ Beat the Heat
As temperatures rise, so do the stakes for employees as OSHA pushes for a stringent new heat rule. Learn more about the latest developments and how you can protect workers during the hottest months of the year.
βοΈ Refresh Your Grasp on Child Labor Laws Before Hiring Teens this Summer
Youth employment typically grows during the summer months --- especially in the hospitality industry. Here are eight things you should know about hiring teens this season.
βοΈ Get Ready for Phase I of the New Federal Overtime Rule
Starting July 1, the DOL's salary threshold for the so-called "white collar" exemptions from the federal OT requirements will rise to $43,888 (and will jump to nearly $59k at the start of 2025).
Make sure you determine if this change makes any of your salaried workers newly eligible for overtime pay and keep up with lawsuits seeking to block the rule. Here are 10 steps you can take to prepare and your top three questions about challenges to the rule.
βοΈ Prepare for the EEOC's Pregnancy Accommodation Rules to Take Effect on June 18
The agency's new rule requires employers to accommodate applicants and workers who need time off or other modifications for an abortion procedure or recovery. While at least 19 states are asking courts to block the rule, you should plan to comply unless a court decides to halt it. Click here for the top eight things you need to know.
βοΈBrace for the Effects of OSHA's New "Walkaround" Rule --- But Watch for Updates
OSHA's new rule (effective as of May 31st) may give labor unions an advantage in their organizing efforts. This rule is also being challenged in federal court by a coalition of business groups but remains in effect unless a court decides to halt it. Here are key employer FAQs about the new rule.
βοΈMaximize How AI is Used in the Workplace
A new report revealed that most knowledgeable workers use AI for work purposes and most do so in secret. And federal leaders released guidance and proposals last month relating to AI in the workplace.
Learn how to utilize your employees' untapped AI skills and more about the White House's recommended employer best practices and the Senate's new AI roadmap.
βοΈ Don't Sleep on AI Legislation at the State Level
Colorado just enacted a landmark AI law that prohibits employers from using AI to discriminate against their workers. The sweeping new law is set to take effect in 2026 --- and other states could follow suit. Click here for the law's key points and why employers nationwide should take notice.
βοΈ Review Workplace Arbitration Agreements in Light of SCOTUS Ruling
If your business is sued and the claims are subject to arbitration, you might hope for a court to dismiss the lawsuit. But a May 16th SCOTUS decision held that judges must pause court proceedings at a party's request while the arbitration plays out. Click here for key findings and four proactive steps you can take to ensure compliance with this latest development.
Please note that the information provided in this MBEX article 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 the content of this update.
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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
June 18 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament - Limited Team Availability!
Join MBEX out on the greens not just to golf, but to also meet and mingle with fellow members and industry professionals. Register Here
June 20 - 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 Here
June 26 - MBEX POWER: Women, Money & Happiness
Led by Nicole Middendorf, this fun and empowering workshop will leave attendees with actionable steps to kickstart one's journey towards financial happiness, all while uncovering the intriguing secrets of how men and women approach money. Register Here
July 4 & 5 - Independence Day
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, in observance of the holiday.
July 17 - Duluth Harbor Cruise on the Sundew
Join MBEX for an evening of fun and comradery aboard the Sundew, a retired Coast Guard Cutter. Space is limited to the first 150 people who register. Members, spouses, co-workers and families are welcome to attend (children must be ages 12 and up). Register Here
July 18 - 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
** August 7 - St Paul Saints Game with AGC
Join MBEX and the Association of General Contractors Leadership Blueprint Alumni for an afternoon of Minnesota Twins AAA baseball when the St Paul Saints take on the Columbus Clippers at CHS Field. Register Here
August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
Aim, pull, and shoot to raise fund for the MBEX Scholarship Fund at this year's annual outdoor event with MBEX at Game Unlimited. Shooter packages include the clay shoot, a post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes. Teams may have a maximum of six shooters. Register Here
** August 21 - Golf North
Come and socialize with fellow MBEX members and industry professionals out on the greens of Ridgeview County Club in Duluth. Register Here
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GREATER MINNESOTA
π§ Minnesota Combats Lead in Drinking Water with Ambitious - and Costly - Pipe Replacement Plan
Minnesota has taken on what many consider a herculean task --- to replace all of the lead water service pipelines in the state, estimated to be about 100,000 --- at no cost to homeowners who would have to pay thousands of dollars to replace those pipes. The program, funded jointly by the state and the federal government, is in its infancy. Right now, there are only a few water service providers tearing up streets and excavating front yards to rip out lead service pipes, prevalent in older homes, that could pose a serious health hazard, especially to small children and pregnant women. (MinnPost)
JOBSITE SAFETY
π§ 24% of Contractors Report 5 or More Work Zone Crashes
One in four (24%) highway contractors say that more than five crashes have occurred in their work zones in the past 12 months. Of those, 29% said workers were injured and 66% said drivers or passengers were hurt. The results were reported in a survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and HCSS, and include responses from more than 700 contractors. (Construction Equipment)
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
π Burj Khalifa Designer Plans Skyscrapers That Can Be Used As Giant Batteries
Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), the design firm behind the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, now aims to turn skyscrapers into batteries using gravity. Based on technology developed by partner Energy Vault Holdings Inc., SOM has designed prototypes that elevate massive blocks using electric motors. The process creates potential energy that can be converted into power as blocks are lowered. (Interesting Engineering)
DEVELOPMENT
ποΈ Hotel Conversions Take Top Spot in Adaptive Reuse
Of all the property types getting the adaptive reuse treatment, hotel-to-apartment has taken the biggest leap ahead, making up over one-third of all new converted multi-family units delivered in 2023, according to a report from RentCafe. Office conversions came in second. This marks the first time in 11 years that more apartments have been converted from hotels than from offices. (Multi-Family Dive)
LEGAL + REGULATION
π Code Compliance Not Enough to Protect Builders From Lawsuits
As extreme weather grows in frequency and intensity, the nation's patchwork of building codes have not kept up with modern conditions --- and if something goes wrong, contractors are not off the hook if they simply build to code, legal experts say. It's important to understand how courts view the responsibility of construction pros amid a rapidly changing climate and extreme weather conditions that threaten human life and property. (Construction Dive)
π¦Ί PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Milwaukee County to Issue RFP for $490M Courthouse Project
Milwaukee County is getting ready to seek contractors for a nearly $490-million criminal courthouse project to replace the aging Safety Building with a new Justice Center. The County's Department of Administrative Services is looking for contractors to help with master planning of the courthouse complex, including the historic courthouse, criminal justice facility and designing a replacement for the public safety building. Part of the RFP also seeks development of a building informational model for the courthouse and part of the criminal justice facility. County officials expect the RFP to be released in mid-June with proposals due mid-July 2024. A more detailed RFP will be released in the future. (Finance & Commerce)
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The project calls for demolition of the existing Safety Building and construction of a 10-story, 374,000-square-foot criminal courthouse in its footprint. The estimated cost is around $488.7-million. (Photo: Ethan Duran) | |
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2024 Trench Safety Stand Down
Presented by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)
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A Safety Stand Down presents the opportunity for employers to talk directly to employees and others about safety. These Stand Downs will focus on trench and excavation hazards and reinforce the importance of using trench protective systems and protecting workers from trenching hazards.
The goal of the event is to reach out to the many workers who work in and around trenches and excavations to provide them with information about current excavation requirements and safety procedures for working in trenches.
Anyone who wants to prevent trenching and excavation hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand Down. Utility construction, residential, highway construction, plumbers, military, unions, associations, educational institutes, and safety equipment manufacturers are encouraged to participate.
Click the red 'Learn More' button above to submit your 2024 TSSD Event Participation Form and for materials to use during Stand Down week.
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Proposed FHWA and FTA DBE Goals - Public Hearing
Presented by MnDOT
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DATES & TIMES:
β’ Tuesday, June 18 from 2:00pm -3:00pm
β’ Monday, June 24 from 1:30pm-2:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event via Zoom
CONTACT: Sean Skibbie
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MnDOT invites public comment on the proposed statewide goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation in highway and transit contracts for federal fiscal years 2025-2027.
ο»ΏA public hearing is scheduled to discuss the goals and methodology and receive public comment.
Please note that this meeting is offered twice to accommodate schedules, on June 18 and June 24. The presentation content of both meetings will be the same, followed by a public comment portion.
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Benefit of the Week: The Builders Group | |
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The Builders Group (TBG) provides work comp solutions tailored exclusively to the construction trades to help them lower costs by working safer, smarter, and more profitably.
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As a self-insured fund, contractors, builders, remodelers, subcontractors, and suppliers are not just members of TBG, they are also owners.
When you become a member of TBG, you'll have access to their tailored programs and services specifically designed for the construction trades. These include:
β’ Safety Services;
β’ Claims Services;
β’ Pay-As-You-Go Premiums;
β’ NurseCare Hotline available 24/7/365;
β’ Safety Services Training Center;
β’ Team Room;
β’ TBG Board Room; and
β’ the Safety Services Class Room.
Find out why MBEX members choose TBG by contacting them today and make workers' comp work for you: (651) 389-1140 | www.tbgmn.com
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 6/3/2024 - 6/7/2024: 73
β’ Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 6/3/2024 - 6/7/2024: 12
β’ Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 6/11/2024: 345
β’ Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 6/11/2024: 2,290
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 6/5/2024-6/11/2024.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
ο»ΏNotice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTSο»Ώο»Ώ
β’ June 18 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
β’ June 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ June 26 - MBEX POWER: Women, Money and Happiness
β’ July 4 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
β’ July 5 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
β’ July 17 - Duluth Harbor Sundew Cruise
β’ August 7 - St Paul Saints Game with AGC
β’ August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
β’ August 19 - MBEX POWER: Balance vs Blend - How to Have Blend in Your Life
β’ August 21 - Golf North
β’ September 11 - Sporting Clays 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; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Branch Manager; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Janet Margheim, 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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