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Volume 46 - 2023 | Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | www.mbex.org | |
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Five Things To Do / Know This Week:
1.) Happy (early) Thanksgiving! MBEX will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for the holiday. Please plan in-office visits or project plan orders accordingly. We'll be back to regular business hours on Monday, November 27.
2.) Check out the Weekly Bulletin's newest feature, Tips & Tricks, where we offer insider tips and answer frequently asked questions about the Online Plan Room. Scroll down to read this week's tip (look for the blue background).
3.) The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis' construction survey closes Wednesday, November 15. If you haven't already submitted a response (remember, one per person), please do so before end of the day.
4.) November 19 is Women Entrepreneurs Day. Congratulate our women-owned businesses, hire them for your next project, and support them in as many ways as you can. In fact, about 13% of all construction companies were owned by women in 2022, with 9% of them making more than $500,000 a year.
5.) Test Your Knowledge:
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport recently announced it will undergo renovations in its concourses and 75 gate areas in what leaders of the Metropolitan Airports Commission are calling the largest interior renovation project since the airport opened in 1962. What is the total investment being made with this makeover?
A.) $157 million; B.) $242 million; C.) $296.5 million; or D.) $311 million See the Answer
Midweek Motivation: keep pushing forward; you got this.
IN THIS WEEK'S BULLETIN:
• Last Call: Join us Thursday for an Online Plan Room Demo & Bluebeam Revu class
• Voters Say 'Yes': 10 out of 11 ballot questions for funding capital projects approved
• Tips & Tricks: Transfer Projects and/or Filters
• Growing: Nonresidential Employment Increased in October
• 2024 E&C Industry Outlook, PMIS Benefits & Tips for Attracting Gen Z: Five construction headlines, and an upcoming library demolition project in Edina
• Member Benefits: Limited-time special offer with Verizon Business
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THURSDAY: Plan Room Demo & Bluebeam Revu Course | |
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Join us on Thursday, November 16 for one, or both, of these offered online courses:
LIVE DEMO - MBEX ONLINE PLAN ROOM
November 16 | 9:00am-10:00am | Free | Led by MBEX Staff
This is a great introduction (or refresher) to our Online Plan Room. We will cover how to set up filters, listed project information, where to find bidders lists, navigating the Deskpad, and more in this one-hour session. There will be time at the end of the presentation for questions and answers.
Registrants must be signed up no later than 8:00am the morning of November 16 to receive Zoom link and other information. Sign Up Here
BLUEBEAM REVU FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS
November 16 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm CST | $99 (Member), $149 (Non-Member) | Led by Troy DeGroot with UChapter2
When it comes to AEC industry software, Bluebeam Revu is one of the most popular, quickly growing to over 2 million users worldwide. With functionality for Design Review, Estimating, Collecting Field Data, and others, Bluebeam is not your average PDF software.
Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams. In just two hours, course students will be ready to combine documents, mark for redaction, apply digital signatures and several other important administrative tasks. Enroll Here
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Majority of City Local Sales Tax Referendum Questions Approved by Voters | |
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During the November general elections, seven cities put forward 11 ballot questions for local sales taxes to fund capital projects of regional significance. Of the 11 ballot questions, 10 were approved by voters.
These sales tax referenda received legislative authorization in the 2023 omnibus tax bill. While there were over 30 local sales tax authorizations included in that bill, the remainder, which also need voter approval, will be on the ballot in November 2024.
BLOOMINGTON (New 0.5% local sales tax)
• A new health and community wellness center ($100 million over 20 years) was approved 56.2% to 43.8%
• Improvements to the Bloomington Ice Garden ($35 million over 20 years) was approved 53.1% to 46.9%
• Construction and renovation of the Nine Mile Creek Corridor ($20 million over 20 years) was approved 52.3% to 47.7%.
EDINA (Modify existing 0.5% local sales tax)
• Expansion and improvements to Braemar Park and Arena (increased from $21.6 million approved in 2022 to $53.1 million over 19 years) was approved 66.1% to 33.9%.
GOLDEN VALLEY (New 1.25% local sales tax)
• Land purchase for new public works buildings ($15 million over 30 years) was approved 53.3% to 46.7%.
• New public works buildings ($45 million over 30 years) was approved 51.5% to 48.5%.
• New police and fire headquarters ($45 million over 30 years) was approved 53.9% to 46.1%.
MARSHALL (Modify existing 0.5% local sales tax)
• New municipal aquatic center ($18.37 million) was approved 66.4% to 33.6%.
ROCHESTER (Modify existing 0.5% local sales tax)
• Extending the current 0.5% local sales tax by 24 years for an economic vitality fund ($50 million), street construction ($50 million), flood and water control ($40 million), and a new sports and recreation complex ($65 million) were approved as a bundle in one question 53.6% to 46.4%.
ST. PAUL (Add 1% to existing local sales tax)
• Increase the current local sales tax by 1% for 20 years for street and bridge repairs ($738 million) and to improve parks and recreation facilities ($246 million) were approved as a bundle in one question 60.2% to 39.8%.
One county local sales tax was also approved for projects in Beltrami County. The one project that was not approved by voters was in Mounds View.
Read more on League of Minnesota Cities (LMC)
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TIP OF THE WEEK: Transfer Projects and/or Filters | |
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Did you know you can transfer tracked projects and filters to another listed personnel / user within the Online Plan Room? Here's how:
1.) Login to the Online Plan Room, click on 'Administration' from the primary menu along the top of the page.
2.) Select 'Transfer Projects and/or Filters" from the drop-down menu.
3.) Choose a user for the 'Transfer From' field, and select whether you'll be transferring projects or filters.
4.) Select a user for the 'Transfer To' field.
5.) Select the individual projects and / or filters you'd like to share, or select all options by clicking the 'All' checkbox found to the left under the 'Transfer To' field.
6.) Next, choose to either 'Transfer and Delete' or 'Copy and Keep' selected projects and / or filters.
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Why utilize this function?
When a new employee is added to a member's personnel listing (or as a user), those with Plan Room access can use this feature to share their own filters with them. This helps keep the entire team on track and looking at the right construction projects.
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Nonresidential Construction Employment Increased in October | |
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The construction industry added 23,000 jobs on net in October, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released on November 9 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has increased by 219,000 jobs, an increase of 2.8%.
Nonresidential construction employment increased by 8,400 positions on net, with growth in all three subcategories. Nonresidential specialty trade added 4,200 positions, while nonresidential building and heavy and civil engineering added 2,600 and 1,600, respectively.
The construction unemployment rate increased to 4.0% in October. Unemployment across all industries increased from 3.8% in September to 3.9% last month.
With over half of contractors intending to increase their staffing levels over the next six months and fewer than 7% intending to downsize, according to ABC's Construction Confidence Index, labor shortages should continue to push wages higher over the next few quarters.
Learn more on Construction Citizen
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November 23 & 24 - Thanksgiving - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday, and will return to regular business hours on Monday, November 27.
November 27 & 29 - Reading Construction Documents (online class)
From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements. Open to both MBEX Members and non-MBEX Members. This class is taught by Troy DeGroot with UChpater2. Register Here
November 28 - 2nd Annual Summit on Mental Health in Construction
The Minnesota Construction Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Coalition is proud to host their annual summit focusing on substance use and mental health in construction. This Summit is open to anyone in the construction industry from field personnel to executive leadership. Register Here
December 7 - Holiday Party North
Come gather with fellow construction industry professionals for an evening of festive cheer and networking at Holiday Party North in Duluth. Event will be held at Ridgeview Country Club and includes a social hour, sit-down dinner, short program, and door prize giveaways. Register Here
December 13 - 2024 Construction Economic Forecast
Crafted with commercial contractors in mind, Anirban Basu's (chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors) presentation will reflect on an unusual year --- one that started with high inflation and fears of an impending recession but ultimately held steady --- and will continue with a look forward into 2024 and beyond. Register Here
January 10 - MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon
Save the date for the first members-only event of the new year. The MBEX Annual Meeting provides members the opportunity to enjoy lunch and socialize with fellow industry professionals, congratulate new incoming Board Members, recognize those leaving the Board, all while actively observing annual meeting protocol. This event is open to ALL current MBEX members.
REMEMBER: If you are an employee of a current MBEX member company, you are welcome to attend any and all MBEX events.
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ECONOMIC FORECAST
💡 2024 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook
Looking ahead to 2024, there could be a boost to construction associated with manufacturing, transportation infrastructure, and clean energy infrastructure, as funds from three key pieces of legislation passed in 2021 and 2022 --- the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act --- are expected to flow into the industry. As such, construction confidence remains high, with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) identifying expectations for an increase in profit margins and staffing levels, particularly in the first half of 2024. As E & C firms plan for the upcoming year, there are five areas that may help them capitalize on the projected industry growth and tackle unforeseen challenges. (Deloitte Insights)
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
💻 Project Management Information Systems Further Benefit Capital Building Programs When Applied to Multiple Processes
New research from Dodge Construction Network and Projectmates reveals construction business owners can improve their processes and projects by using project management information (PMIS) beyond core functions. In the new report, Building Better with Technology: How Owners are Leveraging Software to Improve Project Management SmartMarket Brief, it is clear that most PMIS users experience many benefits. However, more owners who expand their use of PMIS compared to those with limited utilization rate their experience of those benefits at a very high level, including better informed decisions on their projects, improved design solutions, better cost predictability, and an ability to mitigate design and construction risks. (Dodge Construction Network)
INFRASTRUCTURE
🏗️ Historic Progress Celebrated in Rebuilding America Ahead of Two-Year Anniversary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Two years ago, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law --- a once-in-a-generation investment in America's infrastructure and competitiveness to rebuild roads and bridges, deliver clean and safe water, clean up legacy pollution, expand access to high-speed internet, and build a clean energy economy. To date, the Administration has announced nearly $400 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including over 40,000 specific projects and awards, across over 4,500 communities in all 50 states, D.C., the territories, and for Tribes. To highlight the wide-ranging impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the White House has released updated state by state fact sheets along with an updated map showcasing the more than 40,000 projects and awards identified or now underway. (White House - Briefing Room)
LABOR + WORKFORCE
🧲 Future Workforce: Tips & Considerations for Attracting the Next Generation
As Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) enters the workforce, contractors are beginning to wonder, "What's the best way to attract this generation of workers to my company?" Each working generation has misconceptions about another, and there will always be challenges in integrating a new workforce into our construction and contracting businesses --- but there are also plenty of opportunities. Here are a few considerations as you're looking to attract this generation to your contracting companies. (Modern Contractor Solutions)
GOVERNMENT + REGULATIONS
🛑 Construction Association Sues to Block Major Changes to US Construction Labor Regulations
The Association of General Contractors (AGC) has launched a legal action to block the US government from making a major update to construction labor regulations. The US Department of Labor (DOL) issued its Final Rules updating certain requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act to the way in which workers are paid on federally funded projects earlier this summer. One of the key changes to the Davis-Bacon Act, a Depression-era law intended to protect local jobs, is a revival of what is called the '30% rule' in relation to workers' wages. But the AGC has filed a suit in federal court to block the expansion of the reach of the Davis-Bacon Act, which it said was 'unlawful'. (International Construction)
🦺 PROJECT TO WATCH
Hennepin County Unveils Plans for Edina's New Southdale Library
Hennepin County has unveiled early plans for the anticipated demolition and rebuilding of Edina's Southdale Library. Plans recently submitted to the city detail the anticipated footprint and programming for the new library, located on a 7.75-acre site at the intersection of York Avenue South and West 70th Street. The plans come after a years-long journey by the county in deciding the fate of the aging library. The county now plans to present a sketch plan for informal review by the Planning Commission this week. (Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal)
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Hennepin County is anticipating to demolish the existing Southdale Library. | |
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Mental Health in the Construction Industry
Construction Seminar presented by Minnesota OSHA Compliance
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DATE: Tuesday, November 21
TIME: 7:00am-8:30am
LOCATION: Online via Microsoft Teams or In-Person at the MnDOT Training and Conference Center (Shoreview, Minn.)
COST: Free
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This seminar's discussion will center on mental health in the construction industry and what you can do to help, what you should look for and how you can respond, as well as how the industry can better address the issue. More event details can be found here.
Rob Dahl of Holmes Murphy Construction will lead the discussion. Rob has more than 30 years of construction experience in production, safety and risk management. Before his current position, Dahl spent 18 years with national insurance carriers in consulting and regional director roles. He has also worked for contractors as a laborer, carpenter, superintendent, safety engineer and safety manager. He is a QPR Gatekeeper and certified in adult Mental Health First Aid.
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2nd Annual Summit on Mental Health in Construction
Presented by the Minnesota Construction Coalition
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DATE: Tuesday, November 28
TIME: 7:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION: Ames Center (Burnsville)
COST: Free
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The Minnesota Construction Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Coalition is proud to host their annual summit focusing on substance use and mental health in construction.
Who should attend? Construction company owners, executives, project leadership, field personnel, and anyone else within the industry who wants to learn more about mental health and make a difference in the wellbeing of others at work and at home.
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Regional Economic Conditions: Construction Sector Outlook
Presented by the Ron Wirtz, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
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DATE: Wednesday, November 29
TIME: 9:00am - 9:30am CST
LOCATION: Online
COST: Free
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How are current conditions in the construction sector, and how was the summer busy season? How are interest rates affecting the sector? What's the outlook for 2024 across the Ninth District?
Join Ron Wirtz, Regional Outreach Director, for a live webinar discussing the latest results from an early November survey of activity levels, challenges, overall conditions, and outlook in the construction sector.
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Stronger Together: The Power of Integrations in Construction Software | Webinar presented by Construction Executive | |
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DATE: Wednesday, November 29
TIME: 1:00pm CST
LOCATION: Online
COST: Free
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Are you trying to stay a step ahead of your competition? Looking for innovative ways to enhance cost efficiency in your construction projects?
With increasing challenges facing our industry, you're constantly asked to do more with less. This webinar will explore how cutting-edge technology transformed how Huwa Enterprises plans, executes, and manages construction projects.
Join this webinar to:
• Learn strategies that go above and beyond industry norms;
• Hear from a panel of experts as they share what has helped their teams increase production;
• Understand the value of digitizing and connecting workflows and data; and
• Adapt technologies covered in the webinar to projects of any size.
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Benefit of the Week: Verizon Business Unlimited Plans | |
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Save $5 per month for a year with 5 lines with a special limited-time discount.
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With a special discount on Business Unlimited Pro 5G or Business Unlimited Plus 5G, you'll find the unlimited plan that meets your needs and takes your business to the next level.
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Start saving with NPP by enrolling your business for free to activate this offer (and others like it) here: https://mynpp.com/association/mbex/
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NPP is a member benefit provider of the Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX), offering savings on products and services that businesses and employees use every day. Restrictions many apply. See www.mynpp.com for details.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 11/6/2023/2023 - 11/10/2023: 73
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 11/6/2023 - 11/10/2023: 4
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 11/14/2023: 292
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 11/14/2023: 4,337
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 11/8/2023-11/14/2023.
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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The information in this bulletin was 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.
2023 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Greg Grazzini, Grazzini Brothers & Co; Vice President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction; Treasurer - Heidi Sedlacek, Bituminous Roadways; Past President - Randy LaFaive, Market & Johnson | 2023 DIRECTORS: David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Jason DuVal, Tenet; Chuck Geisler, American Engineering Testing; Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; Andy Ristrom, Carl Bolander & Sons; 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; Don O'Connor, Duluth Branch Manager; Ka Yang, Peggy Esboldt, Janet Margheim & Shauna Baska, 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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