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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) AGC of Minnesota is seeking responses to their 2024-2025 Construction Industry Assessment survey. The survey will close November 1, 2024. Only one response per company, please!
2.) REMINDER: Contracts for the 2025 Membership Directory & Buyers Guide have been sent to all member companies. This is your opportunity to add your business to any Classifieds and/or Trade Names listing (companies only automatically appear in the Members section of the Directory; additional listings must be purchased). View the current Directory online and email Julie with any questions.
3.) Congratulations to our MBEX Members who were selected as inaugural recipients of Finance & Commerce's In The Lead: Best Women-Owned Businesses: Gunnar Electric, Industrial Louvers, T. Scherber Demolition, and Veit.
4.) On a sunny October day, the CEO of DPR Construction, a large commercial general contractor, faced a particularly tough crowd with some insightful questions: a classroom of third graders.
5.) Pro Tip: Make sure the whole team understands a project's vision 🏰 🫣
"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey
IN BRIEF:
• Reserve a Sponsorship: Become an MBEX Cornerstone Partner in 2025
• Next Week: Join us at the MBEX Fall Social, plus the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair, presented by MBEX POWER
• Monthly Round Up: Looking back at MBEX's past 30 days
• Blocked: Judge partially denies DOT's DBE program
• NOW HIRING: Ebert Companies seeks Concrete Estimator / Project Manager
• Increased Use of Robotics on Jobsites, Dealing with Changing Marijuana Laws, and U.S. Tribes to Receive Funding for Clean Electrfrication Projects: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
• Project of the Week: Construction of a new Department of Veterans Affairs Facility / Campus in Hastings
• Member Benefit: Workers' Comp with The Builders Group (TBG)
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2025 Cornerstone Partners Program | |
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MBEX is thrilled to introduce the new Cornerstone Partners Program, a year-long sponsorship opportunity designed to provide enhanced visibility and an easy way to support the Minnesota Builders Exchange.
As a Cornerstone Partner, your company will enjoy several key benefits:
1.) Recognition at all MBEX events throughout the year;
2.) The opportunity to demonstrate your company's commitment to the Exchange;
3.) Simplified sponsorship planning with a single annual payment; and
4.) The flexibility to sponsor additional individual events as desired.
By becoming a Cornerstone Partner, your company will be positioned as a leader in our industry, gaining consistent visibility among peers, potential clients, and industry stakeholders. Developed in response to member feedback, the program offers an easy, annual commitment to the Exchange.
We invite you to join this exclusive program and help shape the future of the Minnesota building industry. Your participation will not only elevate your company's profile but also contribute to the growth and success of the Exchange.
To sign up or to learn more about the Cornerstone Partner Program, please contact David Siegel, Executive Director, at ds@mbex.org or (612) 381-2625, or Ashlee Hartwig, Membership & Communications Manager, at ah@mbex.org or (612) 381-2631.
Thank you for your continued support of the MBEX. We look forward to partnering with you in this exciting new initiative!
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A brochure has been mailed to all member companies sharing this exciting new program. To request a new one, either by mail or email, please contact David or Ashlee. You can also download it above.
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NEXT WEEK: MBEX Fall Social - October 10 | |
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Network with industry professionals, share insights, and build relationships in a relaxed and lively atmosphere. The MBEX Fall Social is the perfect way to strengthen your ties within the construction community.
📅 DATE: Thursday, October 10
🕒 TIME: 3:00pm - Doors Open and Self-Care Health Fair begins | 3:30pm - Food served | 5:00pm - Program begins | 5:20pm - Special Guest Speaker: Nicole Middendorf, The Live It List | 6:00pm - Social and Networking continues
📍 LOCATION: Hilton Minneapolis / Bloomington (3900 American Blvd W, Bloomington, 55437)
🎟️ TICKETS: MBEX Member - $60 per person | Non-MBEX Member - $70 per person
While the primary focus of the MBEX Fall Social is on meeting new people and socializing with industry professionals, we highly encourage members and non-members alike to take time to explore our 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair, presented by MBEX POWER.
What is the Self-Care Health Fair?
It’s your chance to hit pause and focus on YOU.
While the Fall Social's focus is primarily networking, the Self-Care Health Fair offers an opportunity for attendees to explore on-the-spot self-care resources in a casual way. Our 14 health stations will offer practical self-care resources to help you stay sharp, both mentally and physically.
Whether it's preventing burnout or learning to manage stress, we've got you covered with specialized stations:
• Blooma - prenatal yoga & doula services
• Conn Human Performance - personal fitness training
• Eden BioFeedback - stress reduction & pain management
• Finishing Trade Institute - Upper Midwest (FTIUM) - construction care teams &
mental health advocates
• Habits for Health - personal wellness coach
• IV Minnesota - mobile IV therapy & hydration services
• Livin Foundation - mental health awareness
• MC Tool and Safety - safety products & industrial equipment
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - mental health awareness & education
• Northern Strength - personal fitness training
• Propserwell Financial - financial health & planning. Plus, its founder, Nicole Middendorf, is this year's special guest speaker!
• SOAR - stretch therapy
• TrenSpa - health & beauty services
• Rooted Energetics - biofeedback body scanning for metabolism, nutrition, and more
Investing in self-care is essential for maintaining long-term health, boosting productivity, and ensuring safety on the job. Taking time to recharge isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for both well-being and work performance.
Let’s set the record straight: self-care isn’t just about manicures or massages. It’s about overall wellness — and it's just as important for men as it is for women.
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Bring your crew, meet new industry folks, and discover new ways to take care of yourself --- because when you're at your best, your work will be too.
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At the start of each new month, we look back at the past 30-ish days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership goals.
Numbers below reflect data in the date range of September 1 - 30, 2024.
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Total # of Projects Added (September 2024) | |
Total # of Projects Added (September 2023) | |
Total # of Projects YTD (Jan 1-Sept 30) | |
New Member Companies Joined | | |
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No. of Bidders Added to Bidders Lists
(Members & Non-Members)
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Total Visitors on Project 2024-0E68 | |
Total Unique Visitors on Project 2024-0E68 | |
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Project 2024-0E68:
Emergency Housing Services Building - 210890 - Stillwater, Minn.
Bid Date: October 8, 2024 @ 2:00pm
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Judge Partially Blocks DOT's DBE Program | |
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A federal judge has pumped the brakes on a big part of the U.S. DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, which could shake things up for how federal contracts set their workforce goals.
U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove granted a temporary block on the program, which usually ensures that at least 10% of federal contract dollars go to women- and minority-owned businesses. These businesses are presumed to be disadvantaged under the current rules.
Two road contractors filed a lawsuit last year, claiming they were on the receiving end of reverse discrimination since their companies didn’t meet those qualifications. The judge agreed with them.
The temporary hold, issued on September 23rd in Kentucky’s Eastern District, might affect billions in federal dollars. DBEs have pulled in nearly $34-billion in transportation contracts over the last five years, according to data from The Washington Post.
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For the time being, Van Tatenhove's injunction only applies to the two firms and the contracts they bid on where they do business in Kentucky and Indiana, but it could open doors for other challenges nationally.
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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 event
October 3 & 4 - Reading Construction Documents
Designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents, this two-part online program is perfect for apprentices, entry-level tradespersons, project coordinators, assistant project managers, new project managers, estimators, specialty sales representatives, entry-level architectural or engineering designers, or anyone in career transition looking for a refresher. Register Here
October 9 - Q3 Construction Economic Update & Forecast
With less than a month before Americans head to the polls for a presidential election, ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu will share the latest on overall economic conditions as well as specific construction indicators, including materials prices, jobs and unemployment reports, construction wages, the most recent ABC Construction Confidence Index and Construction Backlog Indicator reports, and the hottest market sectors and regions. Sign Up
October 10 - MBEX Fall Social
Featuring MBEX POWER's 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair
Join us at the annual MBEX Fall Social for an afternoon of inspiration and connection. Back again is the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair, presented by MBEX POWER, to present both members and non-members alike opportunities to explore ways to better their mental and physical well-beings. Register Now
October 14-18 - Construction Inclusion Week
Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) amplifies awareness while celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the industry to spearhead change. Become involved and participate by planning your company's and firm's own internal activities. Learn More
October 17 - MBEX 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. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Register Now
** November 21 - MBEX 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. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Not yet open for registration
November 28 & 29 - MBEX Closed - Thanksgiving
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to regular business hours on Monday, December 2.
December 3 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
Attendees will learn interface navigation including menu dropdowns, toolbars, various tool panels, keyboard shortcuts and a few recommended settings. While learning various markup and measurement tools, several tips and tricks will be shared to increase accuracy and speed. Register Here
December 4 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
Attendees will go through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List. Register Now
December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic) course, attendees will move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Register Here
December 5 - Holiday Party North
As winter blankets the Northland in its snowy splendor, come gather with fellow construction industry professionals for an evening of celebration and camaraderie as we close out another business year and look ahead to 2025. Save the Date!
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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JOBSITE ROBOTICS
🦾 Construction Industry Report Shows Increased Use of Robotics on Jobsites
Nearly two-thirds of contractors surveyed by BuiltWorlds, who cited use of robotics on jobsites, are either using monitoring and/or service / labor robotics. Thirty-five percent admitted to using autonomous heavy equipment, and a paltry 6% prefabrication robots. (Building Design + Construction)
LEGAL + REGULATION
🌿 How Construction Managers Can Deal with Changing Marijuana Laws
On December 2nd, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency will hold a hearing on whether marijuana should be reclassified as a Schedule III drug. That would remove it from Schedule I --- which includes heroin, LSD and ecstasy --- and reshelve it alongside Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids. (Construction Dive)
CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS
💡 Feds Sending $71M to U.S. Tribes for Clean Electrification Projects
The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) said that the federal government is sending $71-million to 13 tribal communities around the country for projects that will increase access to electricity via clean energy sources. Awarded amounts and recipients include $11.9-million to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota; $8.7-million to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in Minnesota; and $6.5-million to the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa in Minnesota. (The Construction Broadsheet)
LABOR + WORKFORCE
🧰 'Largest Labor Shortage the Country Has Ever Seen' Looms
There will be several major roadblocks on the path to developing a future-ready workforce: a "Silver Tsunami" of Baby Boomers retiring; falling childbirth rates; younger generations desiring office-based jobs requiring a college degree; and a shrinking number of working age adults participating in the labor force, according to the report from Lightcast, a labor market data and analysis firm. (HR Dive)
AROUND THE COUNTRY
🛎️ World's First 3D-Printed Hotel Takes Shape in Texas
El Cosmico, an existing hotel and campground on the outskirts of the city of Marfa, Texas, is expanding. It is building 43 new hotel units and 18 residential homes over 60-acres --- all with a 3D printer. (Reuters)
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EAW Released for Dept. of Veterans Affairs Campus in Hastings | |
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Read more about this project on Finance & Commerce
A planned $221-million overhaul of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs' campus in Hastings is up for environmental review.
An Environmental Assessment Worksheet released on September 24th revealed that the project includes construction of a new facility with 145 resident rooms and support spaces, and demolition of five existing buildings.
As part of the project, crews would decommission a water tower and renovate a power plant known as Building 30, according to the EAW. If funding allows, the project could also include geothermal and solar energy systems.
Construction is expected to last 30 months, but the start date is "dependent on project funding," according to the EAW.
The project has been in the works for a while. Finance & Commerce reported in August 2023 that the project would address a wide range of needs on the campus, which overlooks the Vermillion River at 1200 18th Street East in Hastings.
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ABOVE PHOTO: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs' campus in Hastings. Photo by Minnesota Department of Administration. | |
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North Central NEBB 48th Annual Educational Seminar
Presented by National Environmental Balance Bureau (NEBB)
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DATE: Thursday, October 10
TIME: 7:00am-3:45pm
LOCATION: DoubleTree by Hilton (2540 Cleveland Ave, Roseville, 55113)
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North Central NEBB, a chapter of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau, will be holding its Annual Recertification Seminar on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The purpose of the seminar is to keep NEBB contractors up to date on new practices, equipment, and issues surrounding the industry.
- 7:00am - NEBB Members Only Registration and Breakfast
- 7:05am - Annual Meeting & Election
- 7:30am - Guest Registration, Breakfast and Vendor Display
- 8:00am - Seminar Commences
- 11:45am - Lunch and Vendor Display
- 3:45pm - Seminar Concludes, Sign Out, and Vendor Display
This seminar was approved by NEBB National for six (6) Continuing Education credits.
If interested, please reach out to northcentralchapter@nebb.org.
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Employment & Labor Law Seminar
Presented by Lathrop GPM
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Join Lathrop GPM for a full-day seminar that will address current issues and recent developments in employment and labor law, with presentations and breakout sessions on a variety of topics, including:
- Employment law, employee benefits, immigration and labor law
- Civility in the workplace
- Conducting effecting workplace investigations
- FMLA, ADA and FLSA (beginner and advanced sessions)
- Best practices for avoiding employment lawsuits
The special keynote speaker is Sarah Sladek, founder and CEO of XYZ University, the author of six best-selling books, a podcaster and web show host. She has been recognized as a Global Leader in Business Strategy and Talent Economy influencer, and she was recently invited to the White House Business Leaders Summit.
At this seminar, she'll shed new light on generational differences in the workplace.
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Benefit of the Week: Workers' Comp with TBG | |
The Builders Group (TBG) provides work comp solutions tailored exclusively to the construction trades to help them lower costs by working safer, smarter, and more profitably. | |
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As a self-insured fund, contractors, builders, remodelers, subcontractors and suppliers are not just members of TBG, they are also owners.
Additionally, TBG offers the following:
- A state-of-the-art, hands-on Safety Training Center
- A Safety Services classroom
- An on-demand safety video library
- Their NurseCare Line, available 24 / 7
- A proactive claims management team
- Flexible payment options
- An online payment center
Find our why MBEX members choose TBG by contacting them today and make workers' comp work for you: www.tbgmn.com | (651) 389-1140.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 9/23/2024 - 9/27/2024: 72
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 9/23/2024 - 9/27/2024: 11
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 10/1/2024: 299
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 10/1/2024: 3,551
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 9/25/2024-10/1/2024.
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
• October 3 & 4 - Reading Construction Documents online class
• October 9 - Q3 Construction Economic Update and Forecast
• October 10 - MBEX Fall Social - featuring the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair
• October 17 - Online Plan Room Demo
• October 14-18 - Construction Inclusion Week 2024
• November 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• November 28 & 29 - MBEX Closed for Thanksgiving
• December 3 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• December 4 - Bluebeam 2: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• December 5 - Holiday Party North
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Connect with the Builders Exchange: | |
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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.
2024 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction; Vice President - Heidi Sedlacek, KLJ Engineering; Treasurer - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Past President - Greg Grazzini, Grazzini Brothers | 2024 DIRECTORS: Allie Brady, Veit; Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Jason DuVal, Tenet; Chuck Geisler, Iron Eagle Industrial Services; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company | STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator/Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Director; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters
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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