MBEX Weekly Bulletin 📊

Issue No. 29 • Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • www.mbex.org

Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:

1.) It's looking like it'll be a lovely evening out on Lake Superior Wednesday evening for a Coast Guard Cutter cruise. There's still room for late-comers to join!

2.) Our next Online Plan Room Demo is this Thursday (July 18) at 9:00am. Explore the plan room with MBEX staff and we'll answer questions along the way.

3.) Data center planning continued to be the primary driver of commercial growth in June, alongside moderate growth in retail, hotels, and warehouse projects. On the institutional side, weaker healthcare planning was offset by an improvement in education activity.

4.) Mortenson has been selected as the construction manager at risk for the $1.3-billion ballpark project for Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. Plans call for work to start on the public-private partnership in January and finish in time for Opening Day in spring 2028.

5.) The perfect excuse to give your supervisor when the next heat wave hits 😉

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself." - Henry Ward Beecher

IN BRIEF:

• Aim, Pull + Shoot: MBEX Scholarship Clay Shoot filling fast for August 8

• It's the Law: Workplace law items to add to your July to-do list

• Tips & Tricks: Updating company information directly via the plan room

• Clean Up: DEED announces nearly $1M in Contamination Cleanup Grants

• Easing Inflation Boost Backlogs, New Accessibility Guidelines for Federal Properties & a Robot Creates Floor Layout '6x Faster Than Humans': Five construction-related headlines

• Project of the Week: Plans submitted for a $621M wind farm in South Dakota

• NPP Member Benefit: Staples Business Advantage

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

Spots Filling Fast for August 8th's Clay Shoot

Whether you're an ace shooter or just looking for a fun afternoon with colleagues and fellow industry professionals, the annual MBEX Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser shoot is for you.

Bring your enthusiasm and your team spirit ---- MBEX will take care of the rest.

But hurry ---team spots are filling fast.

• DATE: Thursday, August 8

• TIME: 11:00am - Lunch + Registration; 12:15 - Mandatory Safety Talk for All Shooters; 12:30pm - Shooting Begins; 4:00pm(ish) - Social + Dinner; 6:00pm - Program, Awards + Door Prizes

• LOCATION: Game Unlimited Hunting Club (Hudson, Wisc.)

• COST: $150 per shooter | Maximum of 6 shooters per team, Minimum of 4.

Shooter Packages include lunch, the clay shoot, post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes.

SPONSORSHIPS

A variety of sponsorships are available, including Station Sponsors ($150), Lunch Sponsors ($250), Beverage Sponsors ($250), Dinner Sponsors ($300), and Beer Sponsors ($300).

MBEX SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This event supports the MBEX Scholarship Fund, a special fund set up by the Exchange in partnership with The Builders Group (TBG) Education Foundation to award scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a field directly-related to the construction industry.

To date, we have given out over $300,000 to 164 students.

Essential Workplace Law Items on Your July To-Do List

It's hard to keep up with all the recent changes to labor and employment law, especially since the law always seems to evolve at a rapid pace.

In order to ensure you stay on top of the latest changes and have an action plan for compliance, here is a quick review of some critical developments tracked in June and a checklist of the essential items your business should consider addressing in July and beyond.

☑️ Get Ready for the post-Chevron reality limiting federal agency power.

The Supreme Court upended the legal world by significantly reducing the power of federal regulators and placing more authority in the hands of judges --- a move that will have a major impact on workplace regulations for years to come. Here's what you need to know about the momentous ruling and what it means for employers.

☑️ Review Your Mid-Year Compliance Checklist

Although January 1st is the most common effective date for new workplace laws, many also take effect on July 1st. With so many laws kicking in this month, it can be hard to keep track of it all. Here's a guide to some of the federal, state, and local laws you'll need to comply with starting in July.

☑️ Ensure Pay Practice Align with Phase I of the New Federal Overtime Rule

This major July 1st effective date means big changes for many employers. The DOL's salary threshold for the so-called "white-collar" exemptions from federal OT requirements just rose to $43,888 (and will jump to nearly $59k at the start of 2025). Make sure you determine if this change makes any of your salaried workers newly eligible for overtime pay. Here are 10 steps you can take as you create your compliance strategy.

☑️ Follow Legal Battles Over the New Salary Threshold

While Phase I of the new overtime rule took effect on July 1st, a federal district court in Texas issued a very limited order on June 28th blocking the rule as it applies only to the state of Texas as an employer. Texas private employers and employers across the country must still comply unless and until a court says otherwise. Given the limited scope of the Texas order, it's anticipated other lawsuits will be filed throughout the country seeking a broader injunction and a possible appeal to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas. Read more about the legal challenges here.

☑️ Stay Tuned for Updates on the FTC's Non-Compete Ban

As many employers know, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently finalized a rule that will soon ban most non-competes nationwide. Business advocacy groups have already challenged the new rule and it may be blocked before it is scheduled to take effect on September 4th. A Texas federal court issued an injunction on July 3rd. Here is a series of frequently asked questions about all aspects of the rule.

☑️ Assess the Impact of Recent Labor Relations Developments

The Supreme Court sided with Starbucks on June 13th in a case where the Labor Board tried to force the company to temporarily reinstate workers who were fired for hosting media interviews after hours in a closed store. While the Supreme Court's ruling is a win for employers, it serves as a reminder to review workplace policies and practices. Learn more about the ruling and steps you can take to strengthen your employee relations program.

☑️ Rethink Tattoo and Piercing Policies

While visible tattoos, facial piercings, and bright hair colors were once largely viewed as taboo in the workplace, attitudes have changed significantly in recent years --- which means you may have difficulty in attracting and retaining top talent if you adhere to rigid rules of the past. Here is a five-step guide to appearance policies and dress codes in the modern era.

Please note that the information provided in this MBEX article is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with your business's attorney or legal advisor before taking any actions based on the content of this update.

TIPS & TRICKS: Update Your Company Profile

Members can now directly update their own company profiles via the Online Plan Room.

This feature allows plan room users to update company information (such as business address), listed personnel, company types, minority types, and labor affiliations.

Where is this feature located within the Online Plan Room?

One logged in, click on the 'Administration' tab from the top menu. From the drop-down menu, select 'Edit Your Company Information.'

Follow the prompts on each screen to make any necessary updates. If everything is current and up-to-date, simply click the green 'Next Step' button at the bottom of each section.

We've also put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. View it by clicking the 'How To' image to the right.

Will these updates / changes take effect immediately?

No. Every change requested must first be reviewed and approved by a member of MBEX's staff before they will be reflected on a company's profile. These change requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days, if not sooner.

Please do not submit the same updates / changes multiple times. This will only slow down the approval process. If we have questions about the requested changes, we will reach out to the individual / email address that submitted the change requests.

Is this the only way to update my company's information?

You can, as before, email us your needed updates / changes, call us, or wait until the annual renewal contract for the Membership Directory & Buyers Guide is sent to all current members (typically end of August).

DEED Announces Nearly $1M in Contamination Cleanup Grants

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $977,381 in Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grants to six communities statewide. The grants will help the awarded communities fund the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites for private redevelopment.

DEED's Contamination Cleanup Grants cover up to 75% of the costs of removing contamination at approved polluted sites. The remaining costs are covered by cities and counties, other units of local government and private landowners and developers.

CITY OF BLOOMINGTON - Apartments & Daycare

The City of Bloomington was awarded $550,692 in cleanup funding for this 7.06-acre site contaminated with asbestos.

Historically occupied by a commercial fitness facility, the site will be redeveloped into a 4-story, 208-unit apartment building and an 11,000-square-foot commercial building to be operated as a daycare. Matching funds will be provided by the developer and other grant sources.

• Local Contact - Kenny Niemeyer, (952) 563-4981

CITY OF DUNDAS - Phase Two Environmental Site Assessment

The City of Dundas was awarded $19,125 in investigation funding for this 1.5-acre site likely contaminated by agrichemicals.

Historically used for agribusiness, this site may be redeveloped as multi-family housing or a mixed-use commercial and residential. Matching funds will be provided by the city.

• Local Contact - Jennelle Teppen, (507) 645-2852

CITY OF MANKATO - Silos

The City of Mankato was awarded $76,770 in cleanup funds for this 0.33-acre site contaminated with petroleum and other contaminants.

Historically occupied by a machine shop, auto repair garage, welder and food distributor, this site will be redeveloped into a 4-story, mixed-use building with 26 market-rate apartments and 1,400-square-feet of commercial space. Matching funds will be provided by tax increment financing and the developer.

• Local Contact - Courtney Kramlinger, (507) 387-8711

CITY OF ST. PAUL - 892 East 7th Street

The City of St. Paul was awarded $138,944 in cleanup funding for this 2.2-acre site contaminated with petroleum and other contaminants.

Historically developed for residential and commercial uses, including auto repair, this site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use site to include 40,000-square-feet of commercial space with 60 affordable housing units. Matching funds will be provided by the developer and other grant sources.

• Local Contact - Dan Bayers, (651) 266-6685

CITY OF WABASHA - Allegheny Apartments

The City of Wabasha was awarded $16,650 in investigation funds for this 0.54-acre site.

Historically used as a gas station and auto repair shop, the site will be redeveloped into an apartment building with 50 units. Matching funds will be provided by Wabasha Port Authority and other grant sources.

• Local Contact - Caroline Gregerson, (651) 560-4860

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE - Wildwood Rowhomes

The City of White Bear Lake was awarded $175,200 in cleanup funds for this 0.67-acre site contaminated with petroleum and other contaminants.

Historically used as a gas station, this site will be redeveloped into two townhome buildings, consisting of nine residential units. Matching funds will be provided by the developer and other grant sources.

• Local Contact - Tracey Shimek, (651) 762-4838

Since its inception in 1993, the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Program has awarded over $207-million in grants, which helped assess and clean up 4,065-acres of land --- contributing to the creation or retention of 51,418 jobs and clearing the way for 26,752 new housing units.

Read the Press Release

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

July 17 - Duluth Harbor Cruise on the Sundew

Join MBEX for an evening of fun and comradery aboard the Sundew, a retired Coast Guard Cutter. Space is limited to the first 150 people who register. Register Here

July 18 - 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 Here

August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser

Aim, pull, and shoot to raise fund for the MBEX Scholarship Fund at this year's annual outdoor event with MBEX at Game Unlimited. Shooter packages include the clay shoot, a post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes. Teams may have a maximum of six shooters. Register Here

August 12 - Dunwoody Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament

The Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament helps pave the way to a brighter future for students at Dunwoody College of Technology. Participation and support directly benefits students who might not otherwise be able to attend Dunwoody. Sign Up Here

August 15 - Online Plan Room Demo

August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Balance in your Life

Say good-bye to the concept of balance and embrace the idea of fulfilling blend in MBEX POWER's next workshop with Nicole Middendorf. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to find that perfect blend of professional and personal they're dreaming of. Register Here

August 21 - Golf North

Come and socialize with fellow MBEX members and industry professionals out on the greens of Ridgeview County Club in Duluth. Register Here

August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses

Don't miss this opportunity to see an introduction to each upcoming Bluebeam Revu course offered in September and their learning objectives with instructor Troy DeGroot with UChapter2. Register Here

** September 9-13 - Construction Suicide Prevention Week

Every year during September --- National Suicide Prevention Month --- the construction industry dedicates a week to raising awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. Learn More

September 10 - 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

September 11 - 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 Here

September 11 - Sporting Clays North

Get your shotguns locked and loaded. MBEX is proud to present its annual Sporting Clays North at Old Vermillion Train in Duluth. Join us for an epic afternoon of clay-breaking, industry networking, and a delicious meal. Register Here

September 12 - 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

September 13 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

This course will not only improve consistency and accuracy in document management, but it will eliminate all the time wasted navigating through drawing sets and wondering who has the latest drawings. Register Here

** September 17 - TBG Clay Shoot for the Trades

Please join TBG for a fun afternoon of shooting, camaraderie and good times with your friends from around the trades as they continue to raise funds to further the work of the TBG Education Foundation. Register individually or in groups up to five. Register Here

View Full 2024 MBEX Event Calendar

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES

Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.

ECONOMIC REPORTS

📊 Easing Inflation, Potential Rate Cuts Boost Backlog

Construction backlog moved up to 8.4 months in June, a 1.2% gain from the month prior, according to a press release from Associated Builders and Contractors released on July 10th. The small growth in June marks a reversal from a slight 1.2% drop in May. However, the overall backlog level remains 0.5 months below June 2023, or about a 5.6% decrease. The expectation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year due to easing inflation and cooling economic growth is a positive sign for construction backlog. (Construction Dive)

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

🦽 GSA Adopts New Accessibility Guidelines for Federal Properties

The new rule establishes that pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. The U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) action creates a uniform federal standard that aims to ensure all new and modified pedestrian facilities, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, are accessible and meet the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended. The new rule also requires enhanced accessibility features, including pedestrian signals and alternate access routes. (Building Design + Construction)

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS

🦾 Acciona Robot Creates Floor Layout 'Six Times Faster Than Humans'

Spanish company Acciona has trialed the use of an autonomous HP SitePrint robot at the design layout of a hospital project in Portugal. According to the company, the machine was able to complete its work six times faster than a human. Its task was to help in the visualization of planning data by printing lines and text on the floor. In the trial, it showed it was able to reduce drawing inaccuracies, and helped to prepare the installation of 25,000-square-meters of partition walls. (Global Construction News)

SOLAR POWER + SUSTAINABILITY

☀️ Why 98% of Commercial & Industrial Buildings Aren't Getting the Most Value Out of Their Solar Installations

Solar installations at commercial and industrial buildings have soared in recent years, with businesses realizing that they're smart investments. But not all solar installations are alike. According to a 2021 study by Berkeley Lab, 98% of non-residential solar installations aren't paired with a battery, meaning power doesn't flow when the utility grid goes down. (Schneider Electric Blog)

LABOR + WORKFORCE

💰 Average US Construction Pay Rate Jumps to $35.64 An Hour

Average hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory employees in U.S. construction has jumped by 4.6% over the year to reach $35.46 an hour. That's according to figures from AGC of America, which found that construction companies in June provided a wage "premium" of nearly 19% compared to the average earnings for all private-sector production employees. AGC said construction companies were boosting pay and taking other steps to recruit workers amid tight labor conditions. (Construction Briefing)

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Energy Company Plans $621M South Dakota Wind Farm

Deuel Harvest Wind Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Invenergy Wind Development North American LLC and an affiliate of energy company Invenergy LLC, has filed an application with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for the permits necessary to build and operate a $621-million wind farm in the state's Deuel County.

The project, spanning multiple townships, would be built on private land, according to the company's almost 350-page application document, and would include:

• Up to 68 wind turbines;

• A 34.5 kilovolt (kv) to 345 kv collector substation with transformer containment area, control enclosure, overhead bus and related items, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, relay panels, surge arresters, battery banks and grounding system, as well as relaying, metering and communication equipment;

• An approximately 6-mile long 345 (kv) generator transmission tie line, which will carry the electricity of the wind farm from the collector substation to an interconnection switchyard;

• Up to three, self-supporting meteorological towers (MET) no higher than the hub height of the turbines;

• Up to two aircraft detection lighting system (SLS) towers as high as 200-feet and equipped with red lights and other equipment that will provide nighttime visibility to pilots;

• A fenced, gated and secure operations and maintenance facility with a parking lot, storage area and other features like a drinking water well, above-ground water storage tanks and septic system;

• Construction of 24/7, all-weather access roads throughout the project area, providing connections to turbines (16-foot-wide roads), the collector substation and operations and maintenance facility (24-foot-wide roads) and MET and ADLS towers (10-foot-wide roads);

• Improvements to enable the interconnection of the project into the existing 345 kv Astoria interconnection switchyard, which is owned by Otter Tail Power Company;

• Electrical connection and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems; and

• Temporary construction areas, including crane paths, public road improvements, a 20-acre general construction laydown yard, staging areas and a concrete batch plant.

In its application, the company did not specify whether it has chosen a general contractor or construction manager yet, but did say that Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company has done a significant portion of the environmental and other reviews.

ABOVE PHOTO: Wind farm (for illustrative purposes). Image via Daily Energy Insider.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Results and Transparency Committee Meeting

Presented by Minn. Department of Transportation

DATE: Wednesday, July 24

TIME: 2:30pm-3:30pm

LOCATION: Virtual Event. Link will be provided closer to the meeting date.

COST: Free!

CONTACT: robbken5@comcast.net

Learn More

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction jobs.

This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

Ask the Expert: Mastering Revu in Record Time

Presented by Bluebeam

DATE: Thursday, July 25

TIME: 10:00am-11:00pm

LOCATION: Virtual Event

COST: Free

Curious what it takes to go from a beginner to expert in Bluebeam Revu? Join one of Bluebeam's training managers online to learn new tools and tips to simplify your workflows, boost collaboration, and improve overall efficiency.

You'll learn how to:

• Improve your setup processes to make working and collaborating on documents more seamless;

• Use under-utilized features to simplify marking up a page or even multiple pages at the same time;

• View, search, and share project markup data quickly; and

• Easily tackle revisions with confidence using a variety of easy-to-use tools.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Benefit of the Week: Staples Business Advantage

Staples has reduced pricing on thousands of items, including technology, furniture and, of course, office supplies.

Collaboration bring everyone's diverse experiences and skills to the table and Staples is here to help reach your goals.

Staples offers a wide variety of essential supplies and solutions:

• Breakroom Essentials - Coffeemakers, water filtration systems & more

• Facility Solutions - Restroom supplies, safety supplies, waste receptacles & more

• Furniture Solutions - Workspaces, conference rooms, breakrooms & more

• Pint Solutions - Business cards, signs + banners, stamps + embossers & more

• Tech Solutions - Laptops, printers + scanners, projectors, label makers & more

The way we get things done is changing and Staples provides the right tools to help teams succeed.

Want to save more on your Staples business purchases? Become a National Purchasing Partners (NPP) member (it's free!) and enjoy aggressive cooperative contract pricing on thousands of Staples items.

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National Purchasing Partners (NPP) is a trusted savings and solutions provider for businesses and their employees. NPP delivers negotiated contract pricing for leading-edge products. NPP membership is free and there is no obligation to purchase.

If your MBEX member company is not already an NPP member, enroll today and enjoy the buying power of large corporations.

PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 7/8/2024 - 7/12/2024: 81

• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 7/8/2024 - 7/12/2024: 13

• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 7/16/2024: 327

• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room Year-To-Date as of 7/16/2024: 2,687

DOWNLOAD HERE

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 7/10/2024-7/16/2024.

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.

The MBEX Weekly Bulletin brought to

you in part by The Builders Group (TBG).

UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS

• July 18 - Online Plan Room Demo

• August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser

• August 12 - Dunwoody Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament

• August 15 - Online Plan Room Demo

• August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Blend in Your Life

• August 21 - Golf North

• August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses

• September 10 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

• September 11 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

• September 11 - Sporting Clays North

• September 12 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

• September 13 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices

Connect with the Builders Exchange:

Revisit Past Bulletins:

July 10 - No. 28 | July 3 - No. 27 | June 26 - No. 26 | June 19 - No. 25

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; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Director; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Misty Hall, Janet Margheim, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters

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Member Directory

MBEX Blueprint : Issue 2