|
ICYMI - MnDOT dropped the winners of this year's Name A Snowplow contest, and they did not disappoint. My top picks? Plowabunga (because, obviously) and You're Welcome (peak Minnesota nice). Though I've gotta say, We're Off To See The Blizzard has that perfect hometown charm. A little sad Aaron Brrr, Sir didn't get more love, but hey, that's just my inner theater nerd talking. See all the winners and finalists here ❄️🚜🎭
| | |
|
|
By Ashlee
Membership & Communications Manager
| |
|
Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) ON THE BLOG: Did you know we're reading the headlines so you don't have to and share it inside our Building Buzz series? Check out the latest post.
2.) DMI MONTHLY: The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) grew 5.6% in January. Over the month, commercial planning increased 4.2%, led by data center, traditional office building, and warehouse planning, while institutional planning improved 8.7%.
3.) FUNDING STOPPED: A bill was introduced in the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee on February 12th that would bring work on the Bottineau Blue Line LRT Extension to a halt.
4.) NEW CONTECH: From updated exoskeletons to an AI agent that doesn't complain about busywork, the latest construction technology releases have your back.
5.) HAVE A LAUGH: Construction workers just living the dream 😎
-------
Inside This Issue:
• Live Demo: Join MBEX staff for a Online Plan Room Demo this Thursday (2/20)
• Two More: Regional Member Meetups in Fargo / Moorhead and St. Cloud
• Tips & Tricks: Adding additional plan room users
• Growth: The roles growing fastest in construction
• MBEX Events: New events and trainings added
• Now Hiring: Kraft Mechanical seeks Commercial Plumbing Estimator
• Five Headlines: Navigating liabilities and subcontractor responsibilities, building codes for 3D printing, 2025 roofing industry report, Biden's electric vehicle charging network effort suspended, and the 2025 outlook got small business' in the construction sector
• Project of the Week: New affordable apartments pitched in West St. Paul
• Industry Event: Q1 Construction Economic Update & Forecast in April
• Member Benefit: Special member pricing at Sherwin-Williams
| |
Learn About the MBEX Online Plan Room | |
|
Open to new members, long-time members, and those curious about MBEX's services, join us for a free, live walk-through of our digital platform to learn the basics.
📅 Thursday, February 20
🕘 9:00am - 10:00am CST
📍 Online via Zoom
🪙 Free! Please register in advance by 12:30pm on Wednesday, February 17.
MBEX's modern and innovative Online Plan Room is designed to bring its members the latest in Minnesota's commercial construction project news and bidding opportunities as well as projects from Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Our team of reporters work hard behind the scenes to post complete project details along with viewable files (dependent on a members' level of access). They coordinate project details with architects, engineers, project owners, and construction managers to create a smooth viewing process for our members.
Once posted, members can easily access a project's scope; view plans, specs, and addenda; and download files as well as other needed documents. Members can also manage email notifications for timely notices of newly posted projects, new filter results, and addenda notifications on tracked projects.
We'll cover these actions and more on February 20th, and time will be saved at the end of the hour for questions and answers.
| |
|
Online Plan Room Demos are held each month on the third Thursday at 9:00am, unless otherwise noted. The next next demo is set for March 20, 2025.
| |
Join MBEX in Fargo/Moorhead and St. Cloud | |
|
Only two more opportunities remain to join us and our industry partners at an upcoming Regional Member Meetup for great food, drinks, and even better company.
Invite your colleagues, MBEX members and non-members alike, to learn more about the benefits of membership and other MBEX services for the commercial construction industry, and connect with fellow pros in your area.
Join us at one (or both) of the following meetups:
FARGO / MOORHEAD
• Tuesday, February 25
• Midtown Tavern (2223 Center Avenue, Moorhead, Minn., 56560)
ST. CLOUD
• Tuesday, March 4
• Crooked Pint Ale House (58 Division Street, Waite Park, Minn., 56387)
At each Member Meetup, attendees will enjoy a short safety talk with The Builders Group (TBG), free drinks and appetizers, interactive games and prize giveaways.
All meetups are hosted from 3:00pm-6:00pm.
While each meetup is free to attend, please register in advance so we have an accurate head count for food and drinks.
| |
Adding Additional Users to the Online Plan Room | |
|
There's no longer a need to share a single user name and password across your company's usage of the MBEX Online Plan Room. Each team member can now have their own login for plan room access.
Along with having their own unique login, individual users can set their own customized project search filters and receive our nightly updates email tailored to their specific needs and project interests.
Whether searching for specific products, within a specific geographic area, or companies, they'll get the relevant results right to their inbox. Plus, individual users can be alerted to apparent lows for contracts and awarded bids when reported on by MBEX's team.
| |
|
How To Add Additional Users
It's easy; simply email our team with the following information for those individuals you'd like added:
1.) New User's first and last name
2.) Their position title
3.) Their email address
If there is a preference for password, please share that as well; otherwise, our team will assign one.
| |
|
|
Once new users are set up, MBEX will follow up with an email containing their newly assigned plan room User ID and Password .
Remember to check that spam / junk folder if you don't see it in your main inbox.
| |
Fastest Growing Roles in Construction | |
|
The construction industry is making a strong comeback in 2025, with new project output anticipated to rise by 8.5%. To keep up with this growth, the industry is expected to require around 439,000 new workers this year alone.
As demand for construction employees increases, Excavator Parts Direct (EPD) --- a company specializing in aftermarket parts and components for construction and industrial machinery --- has identified the most in-demand construction jobs in the field for 2025 and beyond.
According to the latest research:
- Jobs for solar panel installers are expected to grow the fastest over the next decade;
- Electricians, laborers, and plumbers are also among the most in-demand construction professions; and
- Elevator and escalator installers make the most of any construction job, with an average annual salary of $102,420.
As demand for construction employees increases at a breakneck speed, Excavator Parts Direct (EPD) --- a company specializing in aftermarket parts and components for construction and industrial machinery --- has revealed the most in-demand construction jobs in the field for 2025 and beyond.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, EPD has uncovered the fastest-growing jobs in the construction industry and those set to make the most money in the coming year.
According to their findings, the ten most in-demand construction jobs are as follows:
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers - $48,000 - 48% Growth
- Electricians - $61,590 - 11% Growth
- Construction Laborers - $44,310 - 7% Growth
- Plumbers - $61,550 - 6% Growth
- Roofers - $50,030 - 6% Growth
- Elevator & Escalator Installers - $102,420 - 6% Growth
- Flooring Installers - $48,690 - 6% Growth
- Carpenters - $56,350 - 4% Growth
- Equipment Operators - $55,270 - 4% Growth
- Glaziers - $51,100 - 4%
Note: The above order of information is Job Category, Median Salary, and Percentage Rate of Growth by 2033.
Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
| |
|
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
February 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 Now
February 25 - MBEX Regional Member Meetup: Fargo / Moorhead
Join us together with The Builders Group (TBG), the Minnesota Concrete Council, and the Electrical Association for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking. Register Here
** March 2-8 - Women in Construction Week
WIC Week, or Women in Construction Week, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. The first WIC Week was celebrated in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since. This year's theme: Together We Rise. Learn More
March 4 - MBEX Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
Join us together with The Builders Group (TBG), the Minnesota Concrete Council, and the Electrical Association for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking. Register Here
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. Not yet open for registration
** 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
An annual social event providing members the opportunity to mingle, network and deepen their connections with fellow industry professionals. Registration will open in early March.
** April 17 - Reading Construction Documents [Part 2]
Part 2 of this online program taught by UChapter2.
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. Email Melanie to be added to the YPN mailing list. Registration will open in March.
| |
|
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.
| |
CONSTRUCTION LAW
🧭 Tips for Navigating Liabilities & Subcontractor Responsibilities
The entanglement and overlap of work among multiple contractors is often inevitable due to the complex nature of construction projects and the diverse specialties of the contractors involved. When a property owner files a lawsuit related to alleged construction defects, the initial response typically involves investigating the defect and identifying the parties providing services and material to that part of the project. (Construction Business Owner)
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
🏗️ ICC Eyes Building Codes for 3D Printing
The International Code Council (ICC) is developing a new set of guidelines that will apply to what it calls 3D Automated Construction Technology for 3D Concrete Walls, according to the standards board. The standard will address requirements for 3D automated construction technology and 3D concrete used to build interior and exterior 3D concrete walls. ICC has been working on these standards since October 2023. (Construction Dive)
COMMERCIAL ROOFING
📝 2025 State of the Roofing Industry Report
According to the survey, 68% of commercial contractors closed 2024 with sales volumes improving over the previous year. Commercial contractors are more optimistic this year, with 80% saying they expect 2025 annual commercial sales volumes to slightly or greatly increase compared to 2024. (Roofing Contractor)
ENERGY & UTILITIES
⚡ DOT Suspends Biden's $5B Electric Vehicle Charging Network Effort
The Trump administration has suspended the $5-billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure formula program, informing state transportation directors in a February 6th memo that "no new obligations may occur" until guidance is updated. NEVI was included in the bipartisan infrastructure law passed by Congress in 2021. (Smart Cities Dive)
BUSINESS MATTERS
🎱 2025 Small Business Outlook for the Construction Sector
The key question for small businesses in the construction sector is how the economy will change in 2025 and, more specifically, how the political and economic changes that have been promised by the new administration will impact inflation, interest rates, unemployment, taxes and tariffs. Will these changes be a net positive for small business owners? (Construction Executive)
| |
Roers Cos. Pitches New Apartments in West St. Paul | |
|
Read more on Finance & Commerce
A plan from Roers Cos. to replace an existing office building with affordable apartments and a future commercial space is up for review in West St. Paul.
The West St. Paul Planning Commission will consider rezoning, conditional use permit, site plan and plat approvals for the proposed redevelopment, which would bring a four-story, 149-unit apartment building to 33 Wentworth Avenue East, a site currently occupied by the Wentworth Center office building.
A second project phase would add a commercial property, most likely a restaurant or retail user, to the redevelopment site, which fronts Wentworth Avenue between Humboldt Avenue on the east and Livingston Avenue on the west, according to a city staff report.
The project narrative reveals that the apartment building would offer 37 one-bedroom, 65 two-bedroom, and 47 three-bedroom units. Also included are dedicated storage areas on each floor, an indoor fitness area, office space, a community room, top floor lounge, dog wash station, dog run and tot lot.
Also in the project narrative, Roers said it plans to enlist "a retail-focused group" to manage the second project phase.
The development team is holding off on sharing any additional project details at this time.
| |
ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by Kaas Wilson Architects showing the 149-unit apartment building planned for West St. Paul on a site currently occupied by the Wentworth Center office building. | |
|
Q1 Construction Economic Update & Forecast
Presented by Construction Executive
| |
|
DATE: Wednesday, April 2
TIME: 1:00pm CST
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
| |
|
|
Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors, will present on economic conditions that affect the current construction landscape, covering 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.
In addition, this presentation aims to arm contractors with a deep understanding of the economic conditions facing the construction industry, such as the hottest regions and market sectors, the latest on the cost of labor and job openings, and how current events are affecting the industry, as well as forward-looking metrics like AIA's Architecture Billings Index and ABC's Construction Confidence Index and Construction Backlog Indicator.
| |
Benefit of the Week: Sherwin-Williams | |
|
Time for a refresh? MBEX Members who join National Purchasing Partners (NPP) can get exclusive discounts and personalized service from the nation's largest specialty retailer of paints, coatings, and painting supplies.
| |
|
Create a profile at mySW.com and whenever you shop online, you'll see your NPP discount for each item.
Order online and get a fast order turnaround at more than 4,900 stores nationwide.
| |
|
|
NPP also offers significant savings on contractor prices:
| |
|
Negotiated Discounts
- Chemical Coatings
- Architectural Coatings
- Industrial Coatings
- Paint Supplies / Rollers
| |
|
Local Quote Pricing
- Wall Coverings
- Floor Coverings
- Window Treatments
- Spray Equipment
| |
|
FREE Services
- Onsite Inspection & Consultations
- Specific Recommendations
- Order Planning
- Dedicated Customer Service
| |
|
Click here to join NPP (it's 100% free with zero obligation to buy) and start saving.
You can also download this flyer regarding Sherwin-Williams offerings and discounts through NPP.
-------
National Purchasing Partners (NPP) is a trusted savings and solutions provider for businesses and their employees. By leveraging the purchasing power of more than 350,000 members, NPP can provide top discounts and special B2B pricing to businesses of all sizes. NPP members enjoy exclusive deals on a catalog of useful items for both work and play. Membership is free and there is never an obligation to purchase.
Plus, when you enroll via our special NPP sign-up page, MBEX receives a small royalty to further support our member services.
| |
PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
|
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 2/10/2025 - 2/142025: 120
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 2/10/2025 - 2/14/2025: 27
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 2/18/2025: 503
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 2/18/2025: 872
| |
|
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 2/12/2025 - 2/18/2025.
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
• February 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
• February 25 - Regional Member Meetup: Fargo / Moorhead
• March 2-8 - Women in Construction Week
• March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
• March 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
• April 11 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [Online Course]
• April 16 & 17 - Reading Construction Documents [2-Day Online Course]
• April 16 - MBEX Spring Social
• 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, Grazzini Brothers & Company; 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
| | | | |
