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Have you heard the latest trades buzz? Ford and Carhartt recently announced their joining of forces on the 2027 Ford Super Duty Carhartt Package. Honestly? If there's a more fitting collaboration for the folks in our industry, I haven't seen it yet. Triple-stitched Duck Canvas accents, all-weather floor mats built for boots, tools, and long days, and 20-inch wheels inspired by Detroit manhole covers. It's basically a hard hat with a V8! (Think David would approve the purchase of one if we put MBEX's logo on the sides, and called it an essential work expense? 😄 🛻)
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Scholarship Deadline - A reminder that the deadline for the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship is quickly approaching (it's May 29). Please continue to share with your networks, especially interns, apprentices, employees, recent graduates, and family members, who are pursuing (or planning to pursue) careers in the construction industry.
2.) Dodge Construction Network - Construction planning kickstarted some momentum in April, though a bulk of that jump stemmed from the data center construction boom. Commercial planning climbed 8.1% month-over-month in April, in addition to a 1.5% uptick in institutional planning.
3.) Take the Survey - Kindly take a few minutes to complete this short survey. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis wants your input regarding current construction conditions to get a real-time sense of how the economy is impacting your business. Thank you in advance for your time and insights.
4.) Products & Materials - April's roundup of Building Design + Construction's top 12 building products feature integrated access control systems for multi-family housing, energy-efficient exterior insulation for wall assemblies, wet-rated architectural lighting for exterior spaces, and more.
5.) Construction ASMR - When you forget the mic, so you have to make the noises yourself 🪚 📐 🤣
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Inside Issue No. 19:
• Member BBQ: Join us on June 2 for a free Famous Dave's lunch
• Labor & Employment: Six workplace items to review and address in May
• New Members: Which companies joined MBEX in April?
• Industry Indicators: A healthier job market, stagnant spending & a (maybe) reopened Strait send mixed messages about the construction economy throughout April
• Upcoming Events: Online Plan Room Demo (5/21); Memorial Day closure (5/25); Twin Cities Golf Tournament - sponsorships still available! (6/16)
• Five Headlines: How public sector funding is transitioning to a period of much greater fiscal constraint; Yes, the last 20% of a project really does take longer, according to Buildots; Construction among the least prepared industries for AI adoption and workforce readiness; Wireless EV roads move closer to reality; & Strategies for handling non-paying and bankrupt customers
• Project of the Week: Phase 2 for the Maple Grove community center project approved and set for a Fall 2026 start
• Industry Event: Let's Talk About the Proposed Draft 'Lead in Construction' Standard - MNOSHA Construction Seminar - Tuesday, May 19 - In Person at Minn. Department of Labor & Industry (St. Paul) or Virtual - Presented by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of May 6-12
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Lunch is On Us
Join MBEX for our annual Member Appreciation BBQ
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MBEX's Board of Directors and staff are hosting our annual Member Appreciation BBQ to say a simple, heartfelt thank you to our members who make this organization what it is.
If you've attended this event in years past, please take note: we'll be hosting at a new location this year! Because of MBEX's office move last fall, the 2026 event will be held in Eagan at The Builders Group (TBG).
TBG is a longtime sponsor and valued partner of MBEX, and their deep connections within the construction industry make them a natural host for an afternoon like this.
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Date: Tuesday, June 2
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: The Builders Group (TBG)
(2919 Eagandale Blvd, STE 100, Eagan, Minn., 55121)
Cost: Each member company receives 2 complimentary tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased for $20 each.
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Lunch will be catered by Famous Dave's and includes a spread of BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, baked beans, sweet corn, cornbread, and cold beverages. And as if good food and good company weren't enough, we'll also be giving away door prizes throughout the afternoon.
It's one of the most straightforward perks of membership: show up, eat well, and connect with familiar faces and new ones alike, including MBEX staff and Board leadership. Plus, who doesn't enjoy eating outside in the sun and fresh air? (Fingers crossed for the weather's cooperation 🤞)
Not sure if your company's membership is current? Reach out to Melanie or Ashlee before registering.
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Six Essential Workplace Items to Review This Month
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Here at MBEX, we aim to help our members stay ahead of the changes shaping our industry, including the labor and employment rule updates released by the current administration.
With rules changing quickly (and sometimes without much warning), staying compliant takes a bit of planning and a good heads-up on what actually matters.
Below is a quick rundown of key developments that took place in April and early May, and resources to learn more.
1.) Equip Yourself to Respond to Employee Crises
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it's a good time to train your managers and HR department on how to respond to serious and sensitive situations in the workplace. These eight practical steps can help your business support employees and meet legal obligations.
2.) Shore Up Your Workplace Policies for Summertime
Whether the sunny season is a slower period or your busiest time of year, it can expose your business to risks related to wage and hour compliance, workplace safety, and more. Stay afloat this summer by avoiding these top employer mistakes, and make sure you're up to date on hiring teens and protecting workers from heat dangers.
3.) Key Insights Impacting the Construction Industry
Here are a few smaller, but no less important, items to catch up:
• Here's what your business needs to know about a new OSHA proposal that would, if finalized, nix a strict deadline for upgrading fixed ladders above 24-feet.
• Covered entities across sixteen critical infrastructure sectors must prepare for sweeping new federal cybersecurity reporting rules that could soon be finalized (even if slightly later than the original May 2026 target date). Check out these FAQs for Businesses About CIRCIA Regulations to learn more.
• Federal contractors can learn key lessons from IBM's recent $17-million settlement with the Department of Justice over what the administration deemed "illegal" workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities.
• A minimum wage hike kicked in on May 11 for a narrow group of federal contractors.
4.) Get to Know the New NLRB Nominee and Labor Law Changes on the Horizon
The president nominated James Macy on April 13 to fill a vacancy on the National Labor Relations Board, and, if confirmed, the Board will have something it hasn't had since Trump took office: a functioning three-member Republican majority. Here are the top labor policy shifts expected (even if the changes could still take some time to arrive).
5.) Catch Up on the DOL's New Joint Employer Proposal
The Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a new rule to give businesses greater clarity and reduced liability around joint employer status under federal wage and hour law. Here's a comprehensive look at the proposal.
6.) Don't Miss Recent Changes to I-9 Enforcement
Federal immigration officials quietly but significantly shifted how they will evaluate Form I-9 violations, and employers will have far less room to avoid penalties for routine administrative mistakes. Here's what's changed and what you should do now.
| | | The information provided here is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. MBEX strongly recommends consulting with an attorney or legal advisor before taking any actions based on its content. | | |
Meet MBEX's Newest Members
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April showers certainly brought new members. We welcomed 12 new companies into the MBEX network last month, and that kind of momentum heading into the heart of the busy season is something to celebrate.
These new members are joining at exactly the right time, whether they're looking to chase down new project leads, expand their networks, or get more plugged into the Midwest commercial construction scene. And as always, every new company that hits 'join' on our website adds something valuable to the mix: more expertise, more connections, and more opportunities for members to do business together.
Help us give a warm MBEX welcome to the latest companies to join:
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Nystrom
Brooklyn Park, Minn.
PH: (800) 547-2635
www.nystrom.com
Manufacturer of Commercial Building Products
(Divisions 5, 7, 8, 10 & 12)
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T2
Hermantown, Minn.
PH: (218) 409-3805
Heating & Plumbing
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Tri-Pod Management
& Cleaning
Groveland, Florida
PH: (651) 414-1051
Building Automation
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Construction's April Industry Indicators:
A Mixed Bag Heading into Summer
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April's data tells a story of real momentum colliding with real headwinds.
Jobs are up, contractor confidence is improving, and backlog is stabilizing, but materials prices are surging again, and broader spending remains sluggish. Oh, and the global oil situation? That's a wildcard that hasn't fully worked its way into the numbers yet.
Here's what you need to know:
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Materials Prices are on the Move Again
After a period of relative calm, construction materials prices jumped sharply for the second consecutive month in March, now sitting 4.8% higher than a year ago (the steepest annual increase since January 2023).
Energy prices drove much of the monthly spike, but tariff-affected materials like iron and steel are also escalating quickly and show no signs of slowing down.
With the Strait of Hormuz situation still unresolved and oil supplies tightened, expect upward pressure on fuel and materials costs to linger well into the summer.
What Can MBEX Members Do?
• If you haven't already revisited your materials escalation clauses and project pricing assumptions, now is the time. Review open bids and active contracts for exposure, and talk to your suppliers about locking in pricing where you can.
• Reach out to fellow MBEX members; someone in your network has likely already navigated this and may have strategies worth borrowing.
Construction Employment is Bouncing Back
The industry added 26,000 jobs in March, and the first quarter of 2026 averaged nearly 19,200 new jobs per month, a meaningful turnaround from 2025 when the industry was actually shedding workers.
The construction unemployment rate ticked down to 6.7%, average hourly earnings climbed to $40.90, and nonresidential specialty trade contractors added jobs at a solid clip.
What Can MBEX Members Do?
• A tightening labor market is great news for the trades, but it also means the competition for good workers is heating back up. Use this moment to strengthen your recruiting pipeline, shore up rentention efforts, and get connected with the construction educators in your area.
• Check out Project Build Minnesota and the resources they offer.
Backlog is Stabilizing & Confidence is Up
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator climbed back to 8.6-months in March, well above January's four-year low. For the Midwest specifically, backlog sits at 7.8-months, slightly below the national average but trending in the right direction (see chart below).
Contractor confidence is also on the rise, with sales, profit margins, and staffing expectations all tracking higher than a year ago.
One standout: contractors working in the data center sector are carrying 10.6-months of backlog, compared to 8.3-months for everyone else. That gap is significant and widening.
What Can MBEX Members Do?
• If data center work isn't already on your radar, it should be. The sector is driving outsized backlog nationally and that trend is moving into the Midwest.
• Connect with MBEX memebrs already active in that space to understand what it takes to break in; relationships and specialized capabilities matter here.
Construction Spending: Still Waiting for Lift-Off
Private nonresidential construction spending fell for the fourth straight month in January, and the brights spots are few. Data centers remain the clear leader, while manufacturing spending is down a notable 15% year-over-year.
Public nonresidential construction is a relative bright spot, up 4.5% annually, with highway, conservation, and water infrastructure all showing positive momentum.
What Can MBEX Members Do?
• With private nonresidential spending soft, diversification matters. Public sector work (infrastructure, transportation, education) is holding steady and worth pursuing if you're not already positioned there.
• MBEX can help you make the right connections and find the projects you want to bid on within the immediate five state area via the Online Plan Room.
The Wild Card: Oil Prices & What Comes Next
The conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz earlier this spring sent oil prices sharply higher, and even with a reported reopening on April 17, the damage to supply has already been done. Hundreds of millions of barrels of lost production means diesel and fuel costs will remain elevated for the foreseeable future, and that flows directly into construction costs across the board.
Most of the data released this month was collected before the full impact of this situation was felt, meaning the next round of indicators may look rougher.
What Can MBEX Members Do?
• Build a fuel cost buffer into any upcoming bids and get a realistic handle on your equipment and logistics exposure. If your contracts don't already include fuel escalation language, talk to your legal counsel about adding it.
• Stay close to MBEX for updates; we'll keep you informed as this situation develops and the downstream effects on Midwest construction become clearer.
| | Construction Backlog Indicator (Months) | | |
Construction Confidence Index
| | | The Construction Backlog Indicator measures the average months of work under contract for ABC members. The Construction Confidence Index is a diffusion index where values above 50 indicate expectations of expansion over the next six months, while values under 50 indicate expectations of contraction. | | | |
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 all MBEX-sponsored events.
** indicates a newly added or updated event
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, returning to regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26.
June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ
MBEX wants to show our membership our appreciation for their continued and ongoing 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
Teams are sold out! A variety of sponsorship opportunities are still available, as well as lunch and dinner options. Attendees will enjoy a grilled 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
** June 18 - 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. Not yet open for registration
** August 6 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
Aim, pull, and shoot to raise funds for the MBEX Scholarship Fund at this great annual outdoor event at Game Unlimited Hunting Club. Save the date!
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK | PUBLIC SECTOR
💰 Funding Uncertainty Reshapes America's Infrastructure Outlook
Across all levels of government, a clear pattern is emerging. The public sector is transitioning from a period of funding expansion to one of much greater fiscal constraint. At the federal level, the focus is shifting toward deficit-conscious budgeting. States are prioritizing essential infrastructure and cost containment. Local governments are absorbing greater risk, particularly in disaster response and service delivery. The next 12- to 24-months represent a critical window for securing and deploying remaining federal funds before fiscal tightening becomes the dominant force shaping public-sector investment. (Government Market News)
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
⏳ 'Crawl to the Finish': The Last 20% of a Project Really Does Take Longer
According to Buildots, a construction technology company, the last 20% of a construction project really does take longer. Analyzing 40 types of activity across 102 global projects, they found that the median construction activity spend 27% of its duration on the final 20% of its scope. Certain activities consistently have "long tails" where they take longer to complete than expected, with the top five offenders including sprinkler branches, SFS Walls framing & outer board, raised access flooring, grid ceiling framing, and ceiling light fixtures. (Construction Briefing)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | LABOR & WORKFORCE
🧐 Research Suggests Construction is Among the Least Prepared Industries for AI Workforce Disruption
The construction workforce is among the 10 least prepared for AI disruption in 2026, according to hiring resource Resume Now. The company's 2026 AI Workforce Preparedness Rankings place construction fifth overall for gaps between AI adoption and workforce readiness. The report focuses on preparedness rather than job loss, identifying where AI use is expanding faster than workers can be trained. In construction, that includes tools tied to scheduling, forecasting, and decision support that are increasingly being integrated into daily operations. (For Construction Pros)
EV INFASTRCUTURE
🛜 Charge While You Drive? Wireless EV Roads are Moving Closer to Reality
Researchers are developing roadway technology that can charge electric vehicles while in motion. Pilot projects in Utah and Michigan are testing wireless and in-road charging systems for cars and trucks. Widespread deployment could still be a decade or more away, but early results show strong potential. (Roads & Bridges)
BUSINESS MATTERS
⚠️ Handling Nonpaying & Bankrupt Clients in Construction
Far too often today, construction business owners must be concerned not only with their own operation's financial well-being, but also the financial situation of both customers and suppliers. There are always customers who go out of business without warning or without paying their bills. If a business owner or manager is vigilant about outstanding accounts receivable and the financial status of the operation's customers, there are several strategies for dealing with troubled customers before the dreaded final step of "firing" them. (Construction Business Owner)
| | Maple Grove Community Center (Phase 2) Set for Fall Start | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
Maple Grove is on track to begin Phase 2 construction of its community center project this fall, albeit with a slightly modified budget and a few design tweaks.
The Maple Grove City Council approved the 50% construction document plan set and updated cost projections for the roughly $70-million project, which expands and renovates the community center at 12951 Weaver Lake Road.
Designed by JLG Architects, the second phase of construction includes replacing the Life Time fitness facility, which adjoins the community center, with a new banquet hall, indoor and outdoor pools, and an updated entrance. Also included are upgraded roof and mechanical systems, and new playground and fitness studios, among other work scopes.
Updated plans show modifications ranging from reconfigured concessions and family lockers to reduced glazing in a corridor that leads to the banquet hall.
The council authorized city staff to proceed with bidding for the first work package and approved an agreement with RJM Construction to provide Phase 2 construction manager at-risk services.
The city council is expected to award the first bid packages in June and August, followed by the start of construction in September.
The council also authorized city staff to expedite bids for structural steel and concrete, which will be part of the first package, as structural steel joist and precast wall panel manufacturing lead times have "increased significantly over the past few months," and that costs "continue to escalate by unpredictable amounts."
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by JLG Architects of the Maple Grove community center's proposed second phase of construction, which includes a new banquet hall, indoor and outdoor pools, and an updated entrance. | |
Let's Talk About the Proposed Draft 'Lead in Construction' Standard | Presented by Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
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Lead exposure in construction is getting a closer look in Minnesota, and this is your chance to get ahead of it.
Minnesota OSHA has proposed a draft lead in construction standard, and this Construction Seminar is where you can get the full picture. MNOSHA will walk through how the Legislature directed the agency to develop the standard, what role the Minnesota Department of Health plays, and what the draft actually requires. That means a practical breakdown of trigger tasks, compliance requirements at each level, training obligations, written compliance programs, and the rules around when employees must be removed from work and when they can return.
Whether you join in person or virtually, you'll leave with a solid understanding of where things stand and what to expect. There will also be time for questions and open discussion.
Presenters from MNOSHA Compliance:
• Ron Anderson - Industrial Hygienist Director
• Maia Mann - Senior Industrial Hygienist
About the Construction Seminar Series
MNOSHA Compliance's free Construction Seminars bring together construction safety and health professionals for focused, topic-driven presentations with plenty of room for Q&A and real conversation. Attendees also get timely updates on current investigations and compliance activity, keeping you informed on what's happening right now in Minnesota construction.
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 5/4/2026 - 5/8/2026: 107
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 5/4/2026 - 5/8/2026: 40
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 5/12/2026: 463
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 5/12/2026: 2,650
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 5/6/2026 - 5/12/2026.
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 Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• May 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
• June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
• June 18 - Online Plan Room Demo
• August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
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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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