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Greetings from Alaska, MBEXers!
This week, you'll find me out of office; instead, I'm gazing at glaciers and hiking through the rugged wilderness of the final frontier. (Don't worry, I wrote this note well in advance and not from my kayak 😝) To bring a little of my travels to you, here's a fast fact. The oldest building in Alaska is the Baranov Museum. Located in Kodiak, it was built by the Russian-American Company as a warehouse between 1805 and 1808. It's also the oldest documented log structure on the North American west coast and the earliest built Russian structure in the U.S. It's also supposedly haunted, as it was the site of a murder in 1886. Now, my travels won't find me in Kodiak, but maybe I'll challenge myself to finding the oldest building in Juneau should time allow...after I eat my weight in fresh salmon, of course 🎣 🥾 🛶
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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) Plan Room 101 - Learn how to efficiently search for and set up project search filters, track projects with and without email notifications, add your company to bidders lists, and more Online Plan Room basics with MBEX staff in real-time at our next Online Plan Room Demo on Thursday, August 21. Please be registered by 3:30pm on Wednesday, August 20.
2.) Mid-Year Forecast - Nonresidential construction spending is projected to increase only 1.7% this year and grow very modestly to just 2.0% next year, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) mid-year Consensus Construction Forecast.
3.) Trades Mismatch - Gen Z, the oldest members of which are 28, is the age cohort least focused on skilled trades, in part because they're misinformed about the jobs, a recent Harris poll finds. They see the jobs as less prestigious, don't know much about them, and have doubts about their pay.
4.) Dinner Topic - What do you think were the most challenging projects in U.S. construction history? Two industry experts share their thoughts with behind-the-scenes looks.
5.) WATCH: Iceland's "Lavaland" - Iceland has the ambitious plan of building entire cities out of lava and call the method 'lavaforming'. Yes, you read that right: LAVA. But, is it actually as crazy as it sounds? 🤔 🌋 🏢
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Inside This Issue:
• Level Up: Bluebeam Revu courses coming up end of August / early September
• To-Do List: 10 essential employment law items to tackle this month
• Say Welcome: Meet MBEX's newest members who joined in July
• ICYMI: MBEX is leaving Glenwood Avenue
• Upcoming MBEX Events: Online Plan Room Demo, Labor Day holiday, Sporting Clays North & more
• Five Headlines: Strategies in recruiting and retaining young talent in construction; Construction companies might want to consider DEI policy changes; Remotely controlled traffic signals are paving the future of highway construction safety; A nanotech firm says it can turn desert sand into a sustainable alternative building material; and 5 ways to prevent budget overruns in construction projects
• Project of the Week: The Mayflower to add housing, retail, public space in downtown Rochester near Mayo Clinic
• Industry Event: 21st Annual Greater Minnesota SADBOC Government Procurement Fair - October 21 - Black Bear Casino (Carlton, Minn.)
• Member Benefit: Protect your team and your bottom line with The Builders Group
| | Level Up Your Skills With Bluebeam Revu | | |
Thinking about sharpening your Bluebeam Revu skills?
MBEX has partnered again with Troy DeGroot and UChapter2 to bring members seven targeted online classes starting at the end of August into early September.
Whether you're new to the software or a seasoned user, there's a class for you.
Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
Tuesday, August 26 | 10:30am-12:30pm CST
• Learn interface navigation, markups, measurement tools, and handy keyboard shortcuts to boost your accuracy and speed.
Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
Wednesday, August 27 | 10:30am-12:30pm CST
• Dive into measurement tools and custom workflows.
• Pre-requisite: Bluebeam 1
Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
Thursday, August 28 | 10:30am-12:30pm CST
• Build custom columns, embed formulas, and export data like a pro.
• Pre-requisites: Bluebeam 1 & 2
Bluebeam 4: Document Management
Friday, August 29 | 10:30am-12:30pm CST
• Learn to automate revision tracking, hyperlink sheets, and clean up drawing sets.
• Pre-requisite: Bluebeam 1
Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
Tuesday, September 2 | 10:30am-12:30pm CST
• Create punch symbols, embed photos / videos, and generate field reports.
• Pre-requisite: Bluebeam 1
Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals
Wednesday, September 3 | 10:30am-12:30pm CST
• Designed for admin staff --- learn redaction, digital signatures, stamps, headers / footers, and page extraction.
Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows
Thursday, September 4 | 10:30am-12:30pm CST
• Go beyond markups with workflows for plan / profile calibration, cut & fill calculations, large map assemblies, and more.
Why Take These Courses?
1.) Tailored Learning Paths: Start where you're at --- from the basics to advanced workflows.
2.) Real-World Applications: These aren't abstract lessons. They're built for workflows used in estimating, field documentation, and project control.
3.) Boost Your Efficiency: Streamline your processes, reduce errors, and master tools that keep you productive.
Each course is offered virtually, so tune in from the comfort of home, your office, or your favorite coffee shop. These courses are also open to both MBEX members and non-members alike ($110 per class, and $165 per class, respectively).
Register for the courses of interest by noon of the day prior of its happening, and let's build your Bluebeam confidence.
| | 10 Essential Workplace To-Dos to Tackle in August | | |
MBEX is here to help members stay on top of the latest changes to labor and employment law, especially given the rapid pace at which the current administration has been moving on initiatives impacting the workplace and beyond.
Here are the top items to review and address in the remaining days of August, based on the latest workplace law developments.
1.) Learn How the Big Budget Bill Impacts Your Workplace
Don't have time to slog through 1,000+ pages of the final "Big Beautiful Bill" signed on July 4th? Here's an overview of the ways that the legislation impacts employers.
2.) Paddle Into the Wave of Deregulation
The U.S. Department of Labor unveiled a broad set of proposed regulatory rollbacks in July, and key proposals will impact workplace safety, employee benefits compliance, the healthcare and agriculture industries, federal contractors, and more. OSHA alone issued more than 20 new initiatives.
3.) But Beware of Hidden Hazards Underwater
Many expected the Federal Trade Commission to drop a Biden-era appeal to keep the agency's federal non-compete ban alive --- but an FTC court filing last month suggests the ban may not be dead after all. Employers don't need to take any action yet, but this has become an issue to watch.
In addition, while the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs continues to unravel affirmative action programs, it also just revived disability and veteran enforcement for federal contractors.
4.) Audit Your FLSA and FMLA Compliance
The DOL just revived a program that rewards employers that self-report and resolve certain violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Employers that qualify for the program should consider conducting a self-audit with the assistance of experienced legal counsel.
In other wage-and-hour news, the DOL just ended its practice of demanding back wages to resolve investigations.
5.) Watch for Major Changes from the NLRB
Once President Trump's two new nominees for the National Labor Relations Board are confirmed as expected, we could see significant course correction of the nation's labor law landscape. Here are five key management-friendly changes that may soon be coming from the Board.
6.) Get Familiar with "America's AI Action Plan"
The White House released a roadmap on July 23rd for achieving "global AI dominance." Here are the top 10 employer takeaways.
7.) Use New Leverage in DOL Disputes, Especially If You're An H2-A Employer
A federal appeals court just struck down the DOL's use of administrative law judge (ALJ) system for imposing civil penalties on agricultural employers for H-2A violations. The decision is not only a major win for farm employers but also a new tool for all businesses to fight back against government action.
8.) Catch Up on SCOTUS Decisions
The Supreme Court ruled on June 27th that the federal government may continue to enforce the Affordable Care Act's preventative-care mandates, but the Court's rationale opened the door for political influence.
9.) Take Stock of State Law Updates
Read this Employer Cheat Sheet for all the state workplace laws that just took effect July 1st.
10.) Track Privacy & Cyber Law Developments
In the U.S., Missouri just adopted a new data breach notice law for insurers, which takes effect January 1st. New Jersey just proposed regulations that would require major privacy compliance shifts for businesses. Connecticut's AG just settled claims over a deficient privacy notice --- here are six key lessons for businesses that collect and use consumer data. And over in Europe, its top courts raised the bar for employee data protection.
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The information provided here is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. MBEX strongly recommends consulting with your business's attorney or legal advisor before taking any action based on its content.
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A fresh batch of companies came on board throughout July, and we couldn't be more excited to have them in the MBEX network. Whether they're here to tap into project leads, connect with fellow industry professionals, grow their presence in the industry, or a combination of all of the above --- we're glad they've joined the Exchange.
Say hello to the latest additions to the MBEX community:
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Big changes are coming --- MBEX is officially moving to a new office at the end of August!
After decades at our Glenwood Avenue location, it's time for a fresh start that better fits how we serve our members in today's digital-first world. Our last day in the current space will be August 28, 2025.
Why the move? With plans and specs now accessed almost entirely online, we just don’t need as much physical space anymore. Our new office in Bell Plaza (right off I-494 and France Avenue) gives us a modern, right-sized space to better fit how we work today, plus access to great conference facilities we can use for future trainings and member events.
While the move is exciting, it does come with a short transition period. Our team will work remotely for a bit, and there will be a brief service disruption later in the month when our servers are relocated. We’ll keep you posted with the details so you know what to expect.
And if you’re wondering about the annual MBEX Member BBQ — don’t worry! It’s not going anywhere.
Want more info on the move and what it means for you? We offered a fuller, more in-depth write-up in last week's Bulletin; revisit it by clicking below (scroll just a tiny bit --- it's the first story of the issue).
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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
** August 20 - Golf North - Register by 3:00pm on Friday, August 15
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
** August 21 - Online Plan Room Demo - Sign Up by 3:30pm on Wed., August 20
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
September 1 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We'll return to regular office hours on Tuesday, September 2.
September 10 - Sporting Clays North
Get yours shotguns locked and loaded. MBEX is headed north for its annual Sporting Clays North event. Whether an ace shooter or a total rookie, this will be a fun, low-pressure afternoon with colleagues and fellow industry professionals that includes a delicious BBQ buffet for dinner. Register Here
October 9 - Fall Social - Save the Date
Network with industry professionals, share insights, and build relationships in a relaxed and lively atmosphere at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins, Minn. Whether catching up with old friends or making new connections, this event is the perfect way to strengthen your ties within the construction community.
October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN) - Save the Date
From college students, graduates and interns, to those just getting started within the construction industry, the MBEX Young Professionals Network creates a place for emerging young professionals ages 40 and under who are involved in the construction industry to join together at the early stages of their career to connect and begin network. This event will be hosted at Mortenson Construction in Golden Valley, Minn.
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
👷👩🔧 Building Tomorrow's Crew: Strategies to Recruit & Retain Young Talent in Construction
With seasoned workers aging out and too few young professionals stepping in, the labor shortage has gone from a looming issue to a full-blown crisis. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research, 41% of the current construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031. Meanwhile, demand for construction labor is surging --- with the National Association of Home Builders estimating that 723,000 new hires are needed annually just to keep up. That's a big gap to fill. So how can construction companies renew their recruiting edge and build a sustainable pipeline? (For Construction Pros)
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)
🔍 Construction Companies Should Reevaluate DEI Policies Under Trump
Companies might consider policy changes while reaffirming a commitment to DEI or take a wait-and-see approach until the consequences of Trump's executive order action become clearer. The order directs the Department of Labor to stop promoting diversity, hold contractors responsible for taking affirmative action, and prohibit so-called "workforce balancing" based on race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, or national origin. According to the order, "illegal DEI" would likely include quotas such as a mandate that 30% of new hires must be women, and set-asides such as reserving a vacant position for someone other than a white male. (Building Design + Construction)
JOBSITE SAFETY | HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
🚦 Remotely Controlled Traffic Signals Paving Future of Highway Construction Safety
Workers from the Montana Department of Transportation visited Street Smart and got a test drive through a course with remotely controlled traffic signals. Often flaggers will stand by construction zones to usher cars through the area. However, that can put the person at risk of being on the roadway. To offer an alternative, a team started Superior Traffic Services. They created a small machine that can direct stop lights at construction sites or points of congestion anywhere in the country. (KPAX-8: Missoula & Western Montana)
INNOVATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS
⏳ Nanotech Firm Says It Can Turn Desert Sand Into Building Material
Nanotech firm Doctor T has developed a new material called DRT-Sand, which aims to turn desert and ocean sand into usable construction inputs through a proprietary nanofilm coating. The product is being pitched as a sustainable alternative to traditional river sand, which is facing growing global shortages. According to Doctor T, the coated sand is water-resistant, dust-proof, and weather-tolerant, making it suitable for use in cement mixes, blocks, roads, and water infrastructure. (Construction Briefing)
BUSINESS MATTERS
🧮 5 Ways to Prevent Budget Overruns in Construction Projects
Budget overruns eat into the profits of hardworking contractors and drive up costs for clients, so it's no surprise that the construction industry has spent considerable time researching this topic. Inaccurate estimates are a main driver of budget overruns as contractors make overly optimistic assumptions about the cost and availability of materials, labor, production schedules, and even the weather. In some cases, line items are based on incomplete or outdated data, leading to miscalculations during the critical preconstruction phase. (CONEXPO - CON / AGG)
| | The Mayflower to Add Housing, Retail & Public Space in Downtown Rochester Near Mayo Clinic | | |
The Mayflower is set to add new housing, retail, and public space to a growing stretch of downtown Rochester near Mayo Clinic.
Gerrard Companies is leading the redevelopment of an eight-parcel, 1.2-acre site at 821 Second Street Southwest, currently occupied by a surface parking lot and single-family homes. The project will introduce two residential buildings, a redesigned public plaza, and streetscape improvements designed to enhance walkability and create new community gathering spaces.
The development will include a mix of market-rate and affordable housing, along with retail and resident amenities. One building will focus on larger-scale residential living with public-facing retail, while the other will be smaller in scale, designed to reflect the surrounding residential neighborhood.
The six-story building will include 132 residential units, combining market-rate apartments and short-term rentals. The ground-floor will feature 7 residential units, a public lobby, and retail space for a coffee shop and sandwich shop. Amenities for residents will include a mail and package room, a fitness room, and bike storage. Levels two through six will each have 25 residential units in studio, alcove, and one-bedroom layouts, while upper levels will also feature larger one-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus-den options. The building will rise to 78-feet at its tallest point and qualifies for a public amenity incentive due to its integrated plaza and public park space. Vehicle access will be provided by two curb cuts along 2nd Street Southwest.
A smaller, two-story affordable housing building will sit along 1st Street Northwest, designed as a neighborhood-scaled addition to complement nearby homes. It will include four units, with surface parking accessed via a single curb cut along 1st Street Southwest. As part of the building plaza, a pedestrian walkway will run next to the smaller building, connecting 1st Street Southwest to the middle of the site and linking directly to the larger residential building.
Parking will include 66 underground stalls for the larger building, 15 surface stalls in front, and 3 shared spaces along 2nd Street Southwest. The affordable housing building will have 8 surface stalls accessed from 1st Street Southwest.
Landscaping will feature native plantings and boulevard trees along both 1st and 2nd Street Southwest. The public plaza will include seating walls, bike racks, and public art, creating a central space for residents and visitors to gather. Streetscape improvements will focus on enhancing pedestrian access and making the area more walkable and inviting.
Gerrard Companies is developing the project, with Dream Architecture as project architect and WSB providing civil engineering. Construction on The Mayflower is anticipated to be complete by 2027.
| | PICTURED ABOVE: Elevation rendering of the six-story residential building that's part of the mixed-use redevelopment taking shape in downtown Rochester near Mayo Clinic via The Development Tracker. | | |
21st Annual Greater Minnesota SADBOC Government Procurement Fair
Presented by the Small and Disadvantaged Business Opportunities Council
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DATE: Tuesday, October 21
TIME: 9:00am - 3:00pm
LOCATION: Black Bear Casino Resort - 1785 Highway 210, Carlton, Minn., 55718
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Registration is now open for the 21st Annual Greater Minnesota SADBOC Government Procurement Fair.
Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend this fair to meet with representatives from federal, state, and local agencies, commercial / prime contractors, and nonprofit organizations; access available technical assistance; and learn about upcoming contracts.
| | Benefit of the Week: The Builders Group (TBG) | | When it comes to protecting your team and your bottom line, The Builders Group (TBG) has your back --- and as an MBEX member, you get access to exclusive benefits designed with construction pros in mind. | | |
TBG is more than just a workers' compensation provider.
They're a group self-insured fund built by and for the construction industry, which means they understand your unique challenges better than anyone else.
For MBEX members, partnering with TBG comes with tailored safety services, ongoing training opportunities, and expert guidance to help you reduce risk and avoid costly claims. Plus, eligible members can receive dividend payouts based on group performance --- putting money back into your business when the group does well.
Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier, a partnership with TBG can lead to stronger safety practices, better coverage, and potential savings over time. It's just one more way your MBEX membership works for you behind the scenes.
Want to learn more about how your business can benefit from TBG?
Visit www.mbex.org/membership/member-programs or reach out to TBG directly via their website or by calling (651) 389-1140.
| | PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | | |
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 8/4/2025 - 8/8/2025: 63
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 8/4/2025 - 8/8/2025: 22
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 8/12/2025: 273
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 8/12/2025: 3,470
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 8/6/2025-8/12/2025.
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.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• August 20 - Golf North
• August 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• August 26 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• August 27 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• August 28 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• August 29 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
• September 1 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed
• September 2 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
• September 3 - Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals
• September 4 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows
• September 10 - Sporting Clays North
• September 18 - Online Plan Room Demo
• October 9 - MBEX Fall Social
• October 29 - MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN)
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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, BUILD Renewables; 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
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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