|
Five years ago today (March 11), the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Hard to believe, right? Remember the six-foot rule, Zoom happy hours, masking up, and the great toilet paper shortage? What a tiiiime. Through all the twists and turns, MBEX stayed the course, supporting our members every step of the way. Here’s to resilience and adaptability (and never taking a fully stocked paper goods aisle for granted again)! 😷🍷🛒
| | |
|
|
By Ashlee
Membership & Communications Manager
| |
|
Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Next Thursday (March 20) we're holding our monthly Online Plan Room Demo. New to the plan room or in need of platform refresher? Join us!
2.) Construction spending was up on a monthly basis in 12 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending was unchanged, while public nonresidential construction spending was up 0.2% in January.
3.) The average age of construction workers increased from 41.6 to 42.1 from 2011-2023, according to CPWR's "Aging and Retirement Trends in the Construction Industry" report. As the average age has risen, so has the number of workers 55 and older.
4.) Keeping that stat in mind, women are a key demographic that could fill the construction labor gap. However, 68% of women polled in a new survey say poor leadership is pushing them out of the industry, according to the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Ambition Theory.
5.) March 11th was National Worship of Tools Day. Let's put that building knowledge to the test and see how many of these lesser known tools you can recognize.
-------
Inside This Issue:
• It's Back: The MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN) returns
• On The Mic: Meet our 2025 Spring Social guest speakers
• Congrats!: Finance & Commerce celebrates Top Women in Construction
• CTA Update: What's the latest with the Corporate Transparency Act?
• Events: Online Plan Room Demos, Bluebeam classes, and YPN, oh my!
• Final Posting: Kraft Mechanical looks to hire a Commercial Plumbing Estimator
• Five Headlines: Construction's biggest jobs jump in months, treating well-fitting PPE as a necessity, more women making inroads throughout the industry, ASCE Award goes to a robotic bridge inspection tech, and no cutting corners with construction materials trade
• Project of the Week: Construction Manager wanted for Saint Paul College renovation
• Industry Event: Elevate BPU Express - Continuing Education on April 1st
• Member Benefit: Invest in tailored safety programs with The Builders Group (TBG)
| |
MBEX's Young Professionals Network is Back | |
|
Sidelined for a few years by the COVID pandemic, MBEX's Young Professionals Network (YPN) is officially back with the announcement of its first event coming later this spring.
📅 DATE: Wednesday, May 7
🕘 TIME: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
📍 LOCATION: The Rusty Bumblebee (10950 Club West Parkway Northeast, #160, Blaine, Minn., 55449))
💲 COST: $20 per person (includes 1 free drink + appetizers)
-------
Who + What
The MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN) is for emerging construction professionals — whether you’re an intern, a recent graduate, or stepping into your first full-time role in the industry. Open to those 40 and under, this group provides a safe and laidback space to learn, grow, and connect.
By building confidence and expanding industry knowledge, YPN helps encourage the next generation of construction leaders, ensuring a strong and flourishing workforce for years to come.
Through a mix of professional development and social engagement, YPN members can build lasting relationships, exchange ideas, share experiences, and strengthen their ties within both the industry and the broader community.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Looking to put your company’s products or services in front of the next generation of industry leaders? Become a sponsor of this YPN event!
Sponsoring is a great way to support emerging professionals while gaining valuable exposure for your business. Sponsorships can be easily added during the event registration process. Download Sponsorship Flyer
-------
Help spread the word to your company's workforce and encourage them to attend. In fact, send the whole crew. The more, the merrier, and the better the networking!
Space is limited; so register today!
| |
Meet the Spring Social Speakers | |
|
At the MBEX Spring Social on April 16th, we will be joined by two special guest speakers from Rapp Strategies who will provide valuable insights into strategic communications for public projects.
The Presentation:
Unlocking the Benefits of Strategic Communications During Public Projects
At a time when building and infrastructure funding has regained traction at many levels of government, contractor teams are also expected to manage the reputation risks that have emerged in an era of social media and hyper-partisan politics.
| | |
|
|
Todd Rapp
President & CEO
With over three decades of experience in public service and the private sector, Todd has been instrumental in addressing complex regional issues, including energy transformation, public infrastructure reinvestment, and economic growth strategies. As President and CEO, Todd specializes in strategic counsel, risk and reputation management, and media relations.
| | |
|
|
Sean Oyaas
Senior Director of Public Affairs
With a decade of experience in Minnesota politics, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge across legislative, campaign, and private sector arenas. His collaborative approach and extensive network make him a valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of public affairs and strategic communications.
| |
|
Todd and Sean will discuss why community outreach and public engagement have become defining characteristics of successful public construction projects, and why they are increasingly a primary reason why teams get selected.
-------
Event Details
📅 DATE: Wednesday, April 16
🕘 TIME: Doors open at 3pm; Program begins at 5pm; Raffle & Door Prizes at 5:45pm
📍 LOCATION: Golden Valley Country Club (7001 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minn., 55427)
💲 COST: Early Bird - $50 per person | After April 4 - $65 per person
Register today to secure your spot; we look forward to see you there!
| |
Congratulations, Top Women in Construction | |
Rounding out Women in Construction Week for the third year in a row, Finance & Commerce held their Top Women in Construction event, celebrating and promoting women in the industry. | |
|
Their Top Women in Construction awards feature women from across the state who have carved a spot not only for themselves at their companies, but also in their communities. These women are dedicated, courageous, and talented.
We at MBEX want to give a resounding congratulations to each and every woman nominated and recognized, with a special shout-out to those from MBEX member companies (denoted with an *).
Read features on each of these honored women inside Finance & Commerce here.
The winners were announced on March 8, 2025, at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis.
| |
Top Women in Construction winner | |
|
WINNER:
Caroline Goodman
Grit Contracting*
Nancy St. Germaine
Raven Construction
Amy Simon
Amy's Windows*
| |
|
WINNER:
Karla Sheehy
Absolute Commercial Flooring*
Belkis Cruz
Casamia Build & Design Co.
Laura Dykema
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
Cathy Schmidt
Stahl Construction*
| |
|
Outstanding
Project Management /
Estimating
| |
WINNER:
Abbie Raudabaugh
Flannery Construction
Allie Brady
Veit*
Renae McQuillan
Kraus-Anderson*
Missy Nelsen
Greystone Construction
Cori Prokopowicz
APi Construction
Jennifer Raniecki
McGough Construction*
| |
|
Outstanding Service
to the Industry
| |
WINNER:
Kori Shingles
J E Dunn*
Jamie Jacobs
APX Construction*
Virginia Regorrah
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -
St. Paul District
Chris Sandberg
Veit*
Laura Seitz
APi Group
| |
|
Outstanding
Tradesperson /
Craftswoman
| |
WINNER:
Carmen Richardson
J E Dunn*
Amy Linder
Healy Remodelists
Lisa Reinccius
Veit*
Jerriann Schmakel
Veit*
Jade Stankey
Minnesota Demolition Company*
| |
|
Professional
Services
| |
WINNER:
Rebecca Gordon
ERA Structural Engineering
Sarah Larson
Landon Group
Erin Wondra
KLC Financial
| |
WINNER: Bridget Cramer, Lindus Construction | |
|
Sarah Ivers
Elea Healy Remodelists
Becca Klotz
J E Dunn*
Rebba Olson, United Piping Inc.
| |
|
Meredith Pool
Pope Design Group
Rachel Roberts
Doran Companies*
Mai Rowe
Ryan Companies
| |
Loosening Enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act | |
|
Remember the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)? We last mentioned it in our December 18th issue, and we're back with its most recent update.
The CTA was put in place to prevent illegal financial activity by requiring businesses to report their owners to the government, and the companies that didn’t comply were subject to steep fines.
But in a major shift, the U.S. Treasury announced in early March 2025 that it will no longer enforce these rules for U.S.-based businesses and citizens. That means, for now, American companies don’t have to worry about filing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports.
So, what changed?
Officials realized that the reporting requirements were creating a major burden for small businesses, making compliance more of a headache than a helpful tool. Plus, there were growing concerns about how effective the regulations actually were. Instead of enforcing these rules across the board, the Treasury will now focus its efforts on foreign companies, shifting the spotlight away from domestic businesses.
While this is a welcome relief for many, the regulatory landscape is always evolving. Future changes could bring new reporting requirements, so businesses should stay informed and be ready to adapt, if needed.
| |
|
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
March 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. Register Here
April 2 - 2025 Q1 Construction Economic Update & Forecast
ABC Chief Economist, Anirban Basu, will cover up-to-the-minute information on general economic conditions, such as inflation and interest rates, employment figures and risks lurking in the economy, as well as changes the second Trump administration may bring to tariffs, federal construction spending, and more. Sign Up Here
April 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application
Great estimators know that to be competitive and competent in the current market their companies must continually be in search of an edge, asking the question, "How can we approach this project differently than our competition?" Sign Up Here
April 16 - Reading Construction Documents [Part 1]
From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material, construction requirements, and basics of reading construction documentation. Sign Up Here
April 16 - MBEX Spring Social
At this annual social, this MBEX event provides members the opportunity to mingle, network, and deepen connections with other industry professionals. We will also be joined by two special guest speakers: Todd Rapp & Sean Oyaas of Rapp Strategies. Register Here
** April 17 - 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
April 17 - Reading Construction Documents [Part 2]
Part 2 of this online program taught by UChapter2.
May 7 - 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
** May 7 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
From college students, graduates and interns, to those just getting started within the construction industry, the MBEX Young Professionals Network will create a forum for emerging young professionals, providing resources to connect and begin networking. Register Now
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
| |
|
Kraft Mechanical is looking for a full-time Commercial Plumbing Estimator who is responsible for evaluating and estimating the cost, bid specifications and drawings involved in plumbing projects and ensuring that all required items are completed to successfully bid projects, specifically for commercial buildings and properties.
| |
This role requires technical knowledge and the ability to assess materials, labor, and time required to complete plumbing installations and repairs.
Primary Responsibilities
• Analyze project blueprints, specifications, and other documents to determine the scope of work and materials needed for plumbing installations and repairs.
• Calculate materials and labor costs to prepare detailed estimates for commercial plumbing projects.
• Identify potential cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project quality and compliance.
• Conduct site visits to assess existing plumbing systems, identify potential issues, and ensure accurate estimations.
• See full Job Posting for all Primary Responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications
• Thorough understanding of the company's policies, procedures, systems and objectives.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating strategies and techniques.
• Ability to accurately estimate costs, identify discrepancies, and ensure project alignment.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, technical drawings, construction documents, and specifications.
• See full Job Posting for all Preferred Qualifications
To Apply
Please send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to molly@kraftcm.com.
Kraft Mechanical is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.
| |
|
Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
| |
LABOR & WORKFORCE
📈 Construction Boasts Biggest Jobs Jump in Months, But Uncertainty Lingers
Propelled largely by specialty contractors' hiring of an estimated 14,600 new workers, the construction industry saw an overall increase of 19,000 jobs in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' March 7th jobs report. This latest overall gain adds up to an increase of 174,000 industry positions over the past 12-months. BLS also reported that construction's unemployment rate for February was 7.2%, an increase from January's 6.5% and last February's 7.0%. (Engineering News-Record)
JOBSITE SAFETY
🦺 Construction Industry Aims to Treat Well-Fitting PPE as a Necessity, Not a Luxury
For many years, the status quo for PPE was one size fits all. Customizing PPE for different body types is challenging because it requires balancing strict safety standards with a wide range of ergonomic designs, which increases production complexity and costs. Nonetheless, the industry appears to be taking real action to avoid making those excuses. (SmartBrief)
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
👷♀️ More Women Making Inroads in Construction Industry
There are almost 1.2-million women working in the U.S. construction industry, and if that number doesn't sound all that impressive, consider this: eight states in the country have fewer residents than that. In December, women accounted for 14.3% of U.S. construction workers, continuing a steady rise over the past decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (CONEXPO CON / AGG)
CONTECH
🏆 Robotic Bridge Inspection Tech Wins ASCE Award
A robotic system that improves how bridges are inspected won the American Society of Civil Engineers 2025 Charles Pankow Award for Innovation. The Bridge Inspection Robot Deployment System, or BIRDS, was developed by a team led by Missouri S&T professor Genda Chen. It includes three drones that capture bridge data using infrared camera, LiDAR and a crack probe. (Construction Dive)
LEGAL & REGULATORY
⚠️ Don't Cut Corners When It Comes to Construction Materials Trade
The potential for cheap or inferior construction equipment and materials from China to end up in the United States is a multi-pronged, wide-ranging and complex problem --- and it comes with a host of potentially detrimental effects. This is a dynamic situation for American contractors and builders striving to ensure quality services as well as fair and open competition at home and abroad. (Construction Executive)
| |
Saint Paul College Seeks Construction Manager for $44.5M Renovation | |
|
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Last week, Minnesota State issued a request for proposals for a construction manager at-risk to oversee the Academic Excellence Renovation at Saint Paul College, a two-year college at 235 Marshall Avenue in St. Paul that offers degrees in programs ranging from accounting and carpentry to pipefitting and web design.
As part of the renovation, workers will remake outdated and "functionally obsolete" classrooms to support in-person and online learning strategies, create a centrally located student hub, and streamline access to student services, among other improvements, according to Minnesota State.
The project, which also includes circulation and wayfinding upgrades, has been in the works for years.
According to the RFP, Minnesota State is accepting construction manager at-risk proposals through April 1. Anticipated milestones for the project include schematic design completion in May, followed by design development completion (December), the start of construction (August 2026) and completion (August 2028).
In all, the project will touch about 116,500-square-feet of existing space and eliminate more than $7.2-million in deferred maintenance backlog, but it won't add any new square footage.
Signature features of the renovation include replacement of an underused theater with a "natural light-infused court," where students can get easy access to support spaces.
Saint Paul College and Minnesota sought bonding money for construction last year, but the session ended without a bonding bill. The project team hopes to get $34.9-million this year or in 2026 to move the project forward. The total project cost, including $8-million in Saint Paul College campus funds, is $44.5-million, according to the RFP.
University officials need the legislature to sign off on the nearly $35-million in construction money before wall-breaking can begin.
| |
ABOVE PHOTO: Saint Paul College, located at 235 Marshall Avenue in St. Paul. (Photo by Finance & Commerce staffer Brian Johnson) | |
|
Elevate BPU Express Continuing Education Event
Presented by Kline-Johnson
| |
|
DATE: Tuesday, April 1
TIME: 9:00am - 2:00pm
LOCATION: Minneapolis Institute of Arts - Wells Fargo Room (2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55404)
| |
|
|
You're invited to attend an Elevate BPU Express Continuing Education event offering 2 LU / HSW CEUs:
Presentation 1: Designers Guide to Vegetative Roof Systems
This presentation will provide an overview of the benefits of vegetative roofing, discuss market drivers, design and installation methods, and maintenance considerations.
Presentation 2: High Density Cement Fiber Exterior Wall Panels, Terracotta Wall Panels and Framing Systems, Thermally Broken Z Girts
This course will review exterior wall framing systems, thermally isolated composite Z Girts, high density fiber cement fibers, and terracotta exterior cladding systems.
Presentation 3: Commercial Roof Codes and Standards
This course reviews codes that govern the health and safety of a building as it relates to roofing (IBC, IECC, and IgCC), and also reviews the impact of agencies such as FM, ASHRAE, and UL have on roof codes and standards.
Questions can be directed to Chris Anderson at chris@kline-johnson.com or (952) 854-8723. Register at rsvp@kline-johnson.com. All are welcome.
| |
Benefit of the Week: Workers' Compensation with TBG | |
You don't need to settle for workers' compensation being another profit-sharing cost. | |
|
You'll have the tools and understanding to reduce risk, manage claims, and get workers back on the job faster. As a member of TBG, you'll have access to their tailored safety programs and work comp solutions designed for the construction industry.
These include:
- Safety Services Association
- Claims Services
- 24 / 7 NurseCare Hotline
- Pay-As-You-Go Premiums
- Cross Border Coverage
- U.S. Longshore & Harbor Coverage (USH&L)
- Safety Services Training Center
Find out why MBEX members choose TBG by contacting them today and make workers' comp work for you: (651) 389-1140 | www.tbgmn.com
| |
PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
|
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 3/3/2025 - 3/7/2025: 147
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 3/3/2025 - 3/7/2025: 31
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 3/11/2025: 485
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 3/11/2025: 1,280
| |
|
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 3/5/2025 - 3/11/2025.
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
• March 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
• April 2 - 2025 Q1 Construction Economic Update & Forecast
• April 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [Online Course]
• April 16 & 17 - Reading Construction Documents [2-Day Online Course]
• April 16 - MBEX Spring Social
• April 17 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 6 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• May 7 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• May 7 - Young Professionals Network (YPN) Networking Event
• May 8 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
| |
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
| | | | |
