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Issue No. 22 β’ Wednesday, June 4, 2025 β’ www.mbex.org
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It's a busy week here at MBEX HQ, so we're keeping this issue shorter and sweeter --- just like the perfect punch list. Don't worry, you'll still find the project leads, industry updates (hello again, steel and aluminum tariff hikes), and need-to-knows to keep you in the loop. If you're headed to the Member Appreciation BBQ later today, come say hi! I'll be the one wandering between registration and the drink coolers. Come share a project fun fact with me, or gush about your favorite part of the Weekly Bulletin π
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Sign Up - Did you know we host a monthly Online Plan Room Demo on the third Thursday of each month? We cover the basics, like navigating the Deskpad, how to set up a project search filter, and adding your company to a bidders list, and members are welcome to bring their own questions for live assistance from MBEX staff. Our next demo is on June 19 at 9:00am.
2.) Up For Grabs - We're deep cleaning our office and found 2 bins full of project plan-holding clamps. If you'd like to claim a few, stop by any time between the hours of 8:00am-3:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. The clamps are available in 2 different sizes and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Once they're gone, they're gone!
3.) Member News - Last week, LS Black Constructors announced that CEO Sterling Black has stepped back from overseeing day-to-day operations after 18 years of leadership. Mark Liska, who previously served as the vice president of business development, has taken over those responsibilities in the role of president. Congratulations, Mark!
4.) Tune In - Missed the webinar hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis last week where they presented the results of their spring construction survey from construction companies across the Ninth District? Not a problem; you can watch it here.
5.) Now Playing - From tunnel gigs to bridge blockbusters, we dig them them all π π½οΈ ποΈ
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Inside This Issue:
β’ Set Sail: Join MBEX for a cruise through the Duluth-Superior Harbor
β’ April Dip: Nonresidential construction spending slipped in April
β’ In Review: Looking over MBEX's past 31 days
β’ IRRR Awards: $38M is headed to fund Iron Range infrastructure and public facilities
β’ Events: Soak up that summer sun with MBEX
β’ DBE Notice: Market & Johnson seeks DBE subcontractor & supplier bid proposals
β’ Five Headlines: Minnesota legislative leaders say infrastructure package is dead, delays & cancellations of projects becoming more common, aluminum & steel prices jump as new tariffs drop, U.S. Supreme Court puts new limits on federally mandated environmental impact statements, and the new frontier of urban development
β’ Project of the Week: Construction Manager At-Risk sought for Centennial Building demo
| | Set Sail with MBEX on July 23 | | |
Join us for one of the summer's most scenic events --- the MBEX Lake Superior Harbor Cruise --- happening Wednesday, July 23 in Duluth!
This unique evening on the water is your chance to experience Lake Superior possibly like never before, all while enjoying good food, great company, and unbeatable views.
Here are three great reasons to register today:
1.) The Views are Next-Level
Cruise along Duluth's iconic harbor and take in the city skyline, Aerial Lift Bridge, and North Shore beauty from the best seat in the house.
2.) Dinner & Drinks, Done Right
Enjoy a casual dinner and drinks on board MBEX member Jeff Foster's retired coast guard cutter, the Sundew, while you unwind and enjoy the lake breeze.
3.) It's Just Plain Fun!
Break up your daily routine and treat yourself (and your spouse / coworkers / team) to an evening that's equal parts relaxing and energizing. Families are also welcome to attend (ages 12 and up).
Tickets are $40 per person and that includes drinks and dinner.
Boarding begins at 5:15pm at Pier B Resort on Railroad Street, with the cruise departing promptly at 5:45pm. We'll return to port no later than 9:00pm
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| | Nonresidential Construction Spending Dips in April | | |
National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.1% in April, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published on June 2 by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Spending was down on a monthly basis in 6 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending was down 0.5%, while public nonresidential construction spending was up 0.5% in April.
Per ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu: "Construction spending slipped in April as headwinds like trade policy uncertainty, high interest rates and tight lending standards continued to batter industry-wide momentum. Nearly 22% of contractors reported tariff-related project delays or cancellations in April, and despite changes to certain import tax rates in May, uncertainty remains extraordinarily elevated."
With the exception of data centers and certain public sector segments, the industry has few bright spots at the moment.
Nonresidential Spending Growth (Millions of Dollars)
| | | Educational | $135,618 | $135,642 | $127,204 | 0.0% | 6.6% | | Communication | $28,637 | $28,654 | $28,147 | -0.1% | 1.7% | | Manufacturing | $232,169 | $233,472 | $231,583 | -0.6% | 0.3% | | Power | $152,009 | $153,016 | $145,955 | -0.7% | 4.1% | | Commercial | $122,569 | $123,512 | $127,057 | -0.8% | -3.6% | | Conservation & Development | $11,493 | $11,658 | $11,541 | -1.4% | -0.4% | | Religious | $4,793 | $4,922 | $4,120 | -2.6% | 16.3% | | | |
At the start of each month, we look back at MBEX's past 30-some days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership achievements.
Numbers reflected below share data from the date range of May 1-31, 2025.
| | Total # of Projects Added (May 2025) | | Total # of Projects Added (May 2024) | | Total # of Projects YTD (Jan. 1-May 31) | | New Member Companies Joined | | | | |
No. of Members & Non-Members
ο»ΏAdded to Bidders Lists
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Top 10 Most Viewed Projects (May 1-31, 2025)
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(1.) City of Oak Grove - New City Hall & Fire Station 1
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β’ Total Visitors: 9,535
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 513
β’ Bid Date: May 6, 2025
β’ Project Location: Oak Grove, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Local Government
β’ Project Type: New Construction
β’ Project ID: 2025-074F
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(2.) Rosemount High School - Additions & Renovation - Rosemount / Apple Valley / Eagan School District - ISD 196
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β’ Total Visitors: 8,049
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 518
β’ Bid Date: June 24, 2025
β’ Project Location: Rosemount, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Educational
β’ Project Type: Addition / Remodeling
β’ Project ID: 2024-12B0
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(3.) Benton County Government Center
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β’ Total Visitors: 6,619
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 423
β’ Bid Date: May 29, 2025
β’ Project Location: Foley, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Recreational
β’ Project Type: Improvements
β’ Project ID: 2025-08AF
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(4.) Request for Proposal - Best Value Procurement - Westonka Library Replacement
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β’ Total Visitors: 5,659
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 422
β’ Bid Date: May 20, 2025
β’ Project Location: Mound, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Library
β’ Project Type: Replacement
β’ Project ID: 2025-07EB
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(5.) City of Cottage Grove - Intermediate Zone - Water
ο»ΏTreatment Facility Improvements
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β’ Total Visitors: 5,106
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 318
β’ Bid Date: May 22, 2025
β’ Project Location: Cottage Grove, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Wastewater / Water Treatment
β’ Project Type: Improvements
β’ Project ID: 2025-07EB
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(6.) City of Corcoran -
ο»ΏCommunity Park Building
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β’ Total Visitors: 4,656
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 383
β’ Bid Date: May 28, 2025
β’ Project Location: Corcoran, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Local Government
β’ Project Type: New Construction
β’ Project ID: 2025-0895
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(7.) Aitkin County - Health &
ο»ΏHuman Services Renovation
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β’ Total Visitors: 4,080
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 327
β’ Bid Date: May 22, 2025
β’ Project Location: Aitkin, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Healthcare
β’ Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
β’ Project ID: 2025-0833
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(8.) Martin County West School District - New PreK-12 School
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β’ Total Visitors: 3,319
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 316
β’ Bid Date: June 10, 2025
β’ Project Location: Sherburn, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Educational
β’ Project Type: New Construction
β’ Project ID: 2025-0917
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(9.) Anoka Ramsey Community College (ARCC) - Cambridge Campus - Dental Lab & Library Renovation
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β’ Total Visitors: 3,233
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 342
β’ Bid Date: June 10, 2025
β’ Project Location: Cambridge, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Educational
β’ Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
β’ Project ID: 2025-086D
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(10.) SWCS Transition Program Building - Addition & Renovations - South Washington County Schools - ISD 833
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β’ Total Visitors: 3,079
β’ Total Unique Visitors: 308
β’ Bid Date: June 5, 2025
β’ Project Location: Cottage Grove, Minn.
β’ Project Category: Educational
β’ Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation
β’ Project ID: 2025-0953
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| | IRRR Awards $38-Million in the Taconite Assistance Area | | |
At the May 29 Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board meeting, approximately $38.8-million in projects were reviewed that are expected to modernize infrastructure and public facilities, improve PreK-12 schools and higher education offerings, expand outdoor recreation, increase the housing inventory, and strengthen broadband connectivity.
Aitkin Independent School District 001 - $5,000,000
For infrastructure and site development related to construction of a new Pre-K-6 elementary school.
City of Babbitt
β’ $1,500,000 - For renovations to the ice arena.
β’ $60,000 - To extend the water and sewer lines to serve an existing business, The Hideaway. The new infrastructure could serve additional residential properties as the city boundaries expand.
City of Biawabik
β’ $1,00,000 - For a public safety facility.
β’ $70,500 - To replace an aging and failing sanitary sewer line that has a high risk of causing backups and impacting the entire city sanitary sewer system, residential homes and, short-term rental properties.
City of Bovey - $267,790
To relocate and extend public utilities to a new business development, Palmer Bus Company.
City of Chisholm - $600,000
To reconstruct the infrastructure related to water, sewer, storm sewer, and roadway for a portion of 5th Street Southwest, which will serve the Chisholm Public School District and 26 single-family homes.
City of Cook - $85,000
To upgrade the roof and HVAC and improve the interior of Cook Public Library.
Cook County Independent School District 166 - $5,000,000
For construction of an athletic and activities complex.
Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation - $7,600,000
For the design, engineering, and upgrades or replacements of chair lifts or irrigation system, and for the design, engineering, demolition, and construction of a Nordic and welcome center at the Giants Ridge Recreation Area.
City of Ely - Grant Increase - $3,737,204
To close the funding gap on costs associated with the infrastructure and construction of a new three-story, 37-unit market-rate workforce apartment building. IRRR previously approved $850,000 for the project in March 2024.
City of Hibbing - $1,150,000
For housing development.
Hibbing Public Utilities - $1,770,000
For water infrastructure projects.
Kelsey Township - $70,000
To upgrade the town hall with improvements to the foundation, basement, and roof.
Lawrence Township - $23,000
To renovate the town hall with improvements to the foundation, flooring, windows, and doors.
City of Mountain Iron - $2,000,000
For infrastructure projects including, but not limited to, Enterprise Drive North East infrastructure development, water main, and other infrastructure in the city, waste water plant improvements to comply with new permits, supervisory control, and data acquisition on lift stations and recreation projects.
Northland Learning Center - $1,080,000
To construct the Alternative Learning Center on the campus in the city of Mountain Iron.
Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative Grant Amount - $383,000
To construct fiber optics to serve 35 unserved households in unorganized township T62N-R21W in rural Saint Louis County. This is an expansion of the Paul Bunyan network north of Morcom Township.
City of Silver Bay - $3,000,000
To design, engineer, construct, and reconstruct publicly owned infrastructure including sewers, water systems, utility extensions, street construction, wastewater treatment, storm water management systems, sidewalks and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
City of Tower - Grant Increase - $566,000
To construct permanent infrastructure that will support the development of six newly constructed sustainable homes and new development at the harbor which includes 14 town-homes, 14 condo-style apartments, and 7,500-square-feet of commercial space. IRRR previously approved $482,000 for the project in February 2025.
City of Virginia - $165,000
To replace a storm sewer main to facilitate the expansion of an existing business and relocate a sanitary sewer main to ensure the continued operation of another business.
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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 or updated event
June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament - **Teams are SOLD OUT**
While playing 18-holes of golf may not be in the day's plans, there are still awesome sponsorship opportunities available, such as hole sponsorships, dinner sponsorships, and others. Register for Lunch / Dinner | View Available Sponsorships
June 19 - 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
July 4 - 4th of July
MBEX will be closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday.
** July 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
July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
Join MBEX for an evening sailing on Lake Superior, and see the Duluth-Superior Harbor, Lift Bridge, canal, and city as you may not have before. Space is limited to the first 150 people who register. Register Here
** August 5 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [Virtual Class]
Great estimators know that to be competitive and competent in the current market, their companies must continually be in search of an edge, answering the question, "How can we approach this project differently than our competition?" Register Here
** August 6 & 7 - Reading Construction Documents [Virtual Class]
This two-part online program is designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents. From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements. Register Here
August 14 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
Aim, shoot and pull to raise funds for the MBEX Construction Scholarship at this great annual MBEX outdoor event at Game Unlimited. Shooter packages include a 100-clay shoot, post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes. Teams can have a maximum of six shooters. Register Here
August 20 - Golf North
Come socialize and network on the greens of Duluth's Ridgeview Country Club for what we FORE-see as a great event. Golf packages include lunch, 18 holes of golf, golf carts, post-golf social, dinner, and short awards program. Register Here
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ο»ΏMarket & Johnson, General Contractors, is competitively bidding on the following project and would like quotes from DBE subcontractors and suppliers prior to the bid deadline.
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ο»ΏMBEs, WBEs, and SBRAs are encouraged to submit bid proposals.
ο»ΏSCOPE OF WORK
This project provides for a new construction of a 4,800-square-foot area building for the customs processing of international air travelers.
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The building will comprise of pre-processing and post-processing waiting rooms, passenger processing area, office space, utility rooms, restrooms, and security rooms to conduct searches and interviews, and store potential contraband.
The building will include cast-in-place concrete, helical piles, mass timber columns and beams, exposed nail-laminated timber roof, and a 1,000-square-foot intensive green roof system, as well as interior partition walls and ceilings.
Building systems include geothermal heat pumps, air handlers, and rooftop and adjacent solar panels.
Landscape and site work includes revisions to the aircraft apron, providing new utility connections to the building, new sidewalks, gutter and curb, native planting, chain link and decorative metal fencing, and additional landscape improvements.
The project will achieve LEED Gold certification.
Substantial Completion: July 31, 2026 | Final Completion: August 15, 2026
β’ PROJECT: 2025 Saint Paul Downtown Airport Customs and Border Patrol General Aviation Facility
β’ BID DEADLINE: Requesting bids by June 16, 2025 at 3:00pm
β’ BID SUBMISSIONS: Bid documents can be requested by emailing bidding@market-johnson.com.
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE 2025
π Infrastructure Package is Dead This Year, Minnesota Legislative Leaders Say
A bill to fund crucial public works projects --- including upgrading the state's roads, protecting Minnesota's drinking water and expanding city sewers --- is dead this year, legislative leaders said May 29. The Minnesota Legislature in even years typically passes an infrastructure package (known as a "bonding bill" around the Capitol because it's funded with borrowed money) that costs hundreds of millions and sometimes billions of dollars. But partisan tensions appear to have won out this year and killed the bill's prospects. (Minnesota Reformer)
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
π Delays, Cancellations of Construction Projects Becoming More Common
A survey of 250 U.S.-based general contractors conducted last month by real estate and construction finance platform Built found that 35% of respondents had seen projects canceled or "significantly delayed" due to financing gaps. Seventy percent of respondents said they have regularly faced delayed payments, leading contractors to inflate bids by an average 8%. And 60% of contractors said they are concerned about tariffs compounding these issues. (Bisnow)
TARIFFS
π U.S. Aluminum, Steel Prices Jump, Shares Drop on Trump's New Tariffs
U.S. prices of steel and aluminum spiked on Monday (June 2) while shares of foreign steelmakers slumped after President Trump said he would double tariffs on imports of the two metals to 50%. Trump announced on Friday (May 30) the new steel and aluminum levies, which take effect on June 4, intensifying a global trade war just hours after he accused China of violating an agreement with the U.S. to mutually roll back tariffs and trade restrictions for critical minerals. (Reuters)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
βοΈ Supreme Court Limits Environmental Impact Studies, Expediting Infrastructure Projects
The Supreme Court put new limits on the scope of federally mandated environmental impact statements for major transportation and energy projects last Thursday (May 29), clearing the way for a proposed rail line linking Utah and Colorado and for more expeditious approvals of similar construction programs nationwide. The decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition vs. Eagle County was 8-0. (ABC News)
EMERGING MARKETS
π Company Living: The New Frontier of Urban Development
One response to the housing shortage is the rise of micro-housing --- compact living units that typically measure under 415-square-feet. While they may sound modest, micro-apartments are often built in amenity-rich environments where shared spaces, like gyms, coworking areas, lounges, rooftops, and even communal kitchens enhance the quality of life for residents. Micro-housing isn't just a short-term fix; it's also aligned with broader goals for urban sustainability. (Construction Executive)
| | Minnesota Seeks Construction Manager At-Risk for Centennial Demo | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
The state of Minnesota is preparing for the eventual demolition of the Centennial Office Building in the State Capitol area.
The Minnesota Department of Administration is seeking a construction manager at-risk to "provide services for demolition of Centennial Office Building and associated site restoration," according to a notice published last week. Responses are due June 16.
While the building's day may be numbered, demolition isn't imminent.
Demolition could begin in November 2027 and wrap up in March 2028, according to the RFQ.
The state is going out for construction manager proposals now because the construction manager at-risk process "will allow for greater coordination with the design team at the front end to develop the most accurate project pricing."
According to the department's capital request:
- The state's office needs are "changing significantly" as workers transition to a hybrid environment.
- A facility condition assessment completed in 2022 recommended demolition of the building within five to 10 years.
- Existing tenants in the Centennial Office Building have "consolidated their footprints leaving significant areas of vacant space."
Based on preliminary design, the "guaranteed maximum price" for the project is estimated to be $9.86-million, according to the Department of Administration's construction manager at-risk request for qualifications.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: The Centennial Office Building located at 658 Cedar Street in St. Paul (Photo: Myotus) | | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 5/26/2025 - 5/30/2025: 62
β’ Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 5/26/2025 - 5/30/2025: 18
β’ Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 6/3/2025: 320
β’ Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 6/3/2025: 2,661
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 5/28/2025 - 6/3/2025.
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»Ώ
β’ June 17 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament - Teams Sold Out | Sponsorships Available
β’ June 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ July 4 - 4th of July - MBEX Closed
β’ July 17 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ July 23 - Lake Superior Harbor Cruise
β’ August 5 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [Virtual Class]
β’ August 6 & 7 - Reading Construction Documents [Virtual Class]
β’ August 14 - Sporting Clays Fundraiser
β’ August 20 - Golf North
β’ August 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ September 10 - Sporting Clays North
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β 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 Sο»ΏTAFF: 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
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