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Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) RENEW: The countdown to December 31st is on; send check payment or call Julie with credit card information to pay your 2025 MBEX membership renewals before the end of the year!
2.) VOTE: Ballots for the 2025 Board of Directors election were emailed to all member companies on Monday, December 2nd. Only 1 ballot per member company is allowed. Email Ashlee with questions.
3.) READ: Between September 2024 and October 2024, public construction spending decreased by 0.5% to $497.6-billion, a dip driven by the categories of conservation and development, power, and sewage and waste disposal.
4.) CHEER: MnDOT shared that construction crews completed or advanced nearly 240 road and bridge projects across the state of Minnesota this year, along with 54 projects that "focused on improving safety at railroad crossings, repairing seawalls, and updating runways and other infrastructure at local airports."
5.) CHUCKLE: Work smarter, not harder.
"Good design doesn't date." - Harry Seidler
IN BRIEF:
• Last Call: Celebrating the season at Holiday Party North this Thursday (12/5)
• Economic Round-Up: Construction keeps moving forward in November
• Monthly Review: Overview of MBEX's past 30 days
• New Guide: DOL drills down on harassing behavior often reported on jobsites
• Gen Z Faces Roadblocks to Construction, How AI is Changing Estimations, & the Current State of EV Charging: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
• Project of the Week: 550-acre technology campus proposed near Monticello
• Member Benefit: Fleet fuel savings with Circle K Pro
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Holiday Party North is This Thursday - Don't Miss Out! | |
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Toast the season with fellow industry pros while wrapping up the year in style.
Join MBEX this Thursday, December 5, for an evening of holiday cheer, networking, and celebration at Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth.
The evening begins with mingling over cocktails at 5:30 PM, setting the stage for a delightful sit-down dinner at 6:30 PM. As the night unfolds, get ready for an exciting program at 7:00 PM filled with door prizes and plenty of cheer to close out the year.
Looking to stand out? Sponsorship opportunities are still available—an ideal way to showcase your business. Options include dinner, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, or door prizes.
Don't let any more time pass by — register today at $45 per person.
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Construction Economic Round-Up: November 2024 | |
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The industry’s been chugging along nicely these past few months. Contractors are hiring, labor shortages are easing up, and material prices have come down compared to last year. Private sector spending hasn’t done much lately, but all those infrastructure projects are keeping things busy.
Public Projects Keeps Moving Forward
Nonresidential spending ticked up by 0.1% in September, but that’s all thanks to public infrastructure projects. On the flip side, private sector nonresidential spending dipped 0.1% and has only grown 3.5% over the last year.
One bright spot? Manufacturing projects—they’re still going strong and keeping things interesting.
Job Numbers Climb, Even with Hurricanes
The industry added 8,000 jobs in October, and it could’ve been even more if it weren’t for Hurricanes Helene and Milton throwing a wrench in things.
Contractors have been on a hiring streak for five straight months now, adding jobs at twice the pace of the overall economy. With labor shortages easing up, finding workers should get a bit easier in the months ahead.
Backlog Slips, Confidence Holds Steady
The ABC Construction Backlog Indicator slipped to 8.4-months in October, a small drop from the previous month but holding steady compared to this time last year.
Even with the dip, contractors are feeling good—they’re expecting more sales, better profit margins, and bigger teams over the next six months.
Materials Prices Stay Low for Now
Materials prices were up in October, mostly because of rising energy costs, but they’re still down 0.2% compared to last year and a solid 5% below the record high in June 2022.
That said, with a new administration coming in, trade policies could shake things up in 2025, so don’t count on prices staying this calm forever.
What's Next?
As we wrap up the year, construction’s got some solid momentum. But it’s not all smooth sailing—strong economic growth and a little bump in inflation have lowered the odds of a Fed rate cut in December. And with questions swirling about the next administration’s trade policies, 2025 might not see as many rate cuts as folks were hoping for.
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ABC's monthly economic round-up for contractors --- Construction Futures --- is now published by 'Construction Executive.'
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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 November 1 - 30, 2024.
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Total # of Projects Added (November 2024) | |
Total # of Projects Added (November 2023) | |
Total # of Projects YTD (Jan 1-Nov 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 2024-0FE9 | |
Total Unique Visitors on Project 2024-0FE9 | |
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Project 2024-0FE9:
Request for Proposal - Best Value Procurement - Westonka Library Replacement - 1004468
Bid Date: December 4, 2024 @ 12:00pm
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DOL Releases Guide to Combat Harassment | |
The U.S Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new guide focused on combatting harassment in construction. | |
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The guide, which follows a question-and-answer format, arrives during the final months of President Joe Biden's administration, which has focused on curtailing sex and race discrimination at work, including construction.
DOL's guide lists a number of examples of harassment in construction and specifically drills down on behavior that's frequently reported on jobsites, including passing off derogatory remarks as playful banter or dismissing hateful graffiti as harmless.
The guide points to various actions, including:
- Making unwelcome remarks related to a protected characteristic and guising them as a joke.
- Displaying, in writing, derogatory remarks related to a protected characteristic at a jobsite.
- Failure to maintain women's restrooms to the same standard as men's restrooms as part of creating a hostile or abusive work environment for women on the jobsite.
- Criticizing someone's participation in a job or industry because they are deemed to not belong because of their sex.
- Using racial slurs and nicknames.
The agency has been planning to release the guide for several months as part of the White House's National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality.
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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
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 Now
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. Register Now
December 11 - 2025 Construction Economic Forecast
Designed with commercial construction contractors in mind, Anirban Basu's 60-minute presentation is customized for Construction Executive readers to help them manage and grow their business by focusing on relevant economic 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
December 12 - Mechanic's Lien: A Primer with Bassford Remele
This free, comprehensive workshop will cover everything you need to know about the mechanic's lien process from start to finish in Minnesota. This seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of mechanic's liens effectively. Sign Up
December 19 - 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
December 25 & 26 - MBEX Closed - Christmas
MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. Our physical office will be closed on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27 (staff will be working remotely).
December 31 & January 1 - MBEX Closed - New Years
MBEX will be closed on Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1 to celebrate the end of 2024 and welcome the start of 2025. MBEX will return to regular business hours on Thursday, January 2.
January 15 - MBEX Annual Meeting & Luncheon
MBEX invites its members to our Annual Meeting and Luncheon, a premier event that brings together our vibrant construction community. We will introduce our 2025 Board of Directors and also hear remarks from special guest speaker employment law attorney Kate Bischoff about law changes coming in 2025 that will directly impact construction in Minnesota. Register Now
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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TRADE & LABOR RELATIONS
🚧 Despite a Desire to Join Construction, Gen Z Faces Roadblocks
More than two-thirds of high schoolers enrolled in skilled trades programs say they're committed to their future trade career, but they also faced challenges when trying to access critical training, according to a November 18th report from Dewalt, a Stanley Black & Decker brand. In this survey of 225 U.S. high school students, half of students said they were placed on a waitlist for training. (Pro Builder | Construction Dive)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLGIENCE (AI)
🧮 AI is Here to Stay: How It's Changing Construction Estimating
While traditional estimating methods rely on time-intensive manual work with the potential for error, AI tools can produce estimates faster and more accurately. AI uses advanced algorithms and data analysis to make estimates. Unlike manual labor, AI quickly examines a large amount of data and project details using pattern recognition and predictive analytics. (ConstructConnect)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
🔋 The Current State of EV Charging
Opportunities and problems often go hand-in-hand, and public electric vehicle (EV) charging is no exception. One big opportunity is the $5-billion U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which is funding 500,000 EV chargers at locations such as rural interstate travel stops. It's a major reason why the research firm Wood Mackenzie expects the installed base of public chargers to match the residential market by the end of this decade. (Electrical Construction & Maintenance - E C & M)
JOBSITE SAFETY
❄️ Best Practices for Working in Winter Weather
As temperatures begin to drop, it is important to know the dangers of cold stress and the best ways to stay safe on your jobsites and in your homes. Risks of cold-related injuries and illnesses include hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration, and can lead to lasting adverse effects. Before work begins on any jobsite, precautions should be taken to ensure a safe workplace. (National Association of Home Builders)
INFRASTRUCTURE
🗺️ Blyncsy Releases Free Digital Map of US Interstate Infrastructure Assets
Blyncsy, a subsidiary of Bentley Systems, announced it has developed and released (for free) a near real-time digital map, which logs infrastructure assets across the U.S. interstate highway system. The public map was gathered via a network of dashboard cameras and sensors, using the images to input and catalogue items like guardrails, speed limit signs, and work zones. (Construction Briefing)
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Developer Plans 550-acre Technology Campus Near Monticello | |
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Read more about this project on Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal
A developer proposes to construct a 550-acre technology campus with data center uses near Monticello.
The plans by Little Canada-based Frattalone Cos. could include up to 3-million-square-feet of building space, according to documents submitted to the city of Monticello. The largely vacant site in Monticello Township is under an annexation agreement with the city and located along 85th Street Northeast at Highway 25, about 40-miles from Minneapolis.
The project is estimated to cost between $2.5-billion and $5-billion, according to Frattalone's description of the project.
Monticello's City Council and Planning Commission is expected to provide initial feedback on the developer's early concept plan before formal applications come forward. If the project continues, the interested data center users would determine the site design.
The proposed project would also have to undergo an environmental review process, city documents show.
In its project description, Frattalone said Xcel Energy Inc. has indicated that the needed power infrastructure to facilitate the development is in place.
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ABOVE PHOTO: A Google Maps screen capture of the Monticello location for the proposed 550-acre technology campus. | |
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Let's Bowl into 2025
Presented by American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
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DATE: Wednesday, December 11
TIME: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION: AMF Southtown Lanes (7941 Southtown Center, Bloomington, 55431)
COST: Free!
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Join the local Viking Chapter of the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) for an evening of bowling, food, and good company.
RSVPs are requested by December 4th to ckluznik@aspevikingchapter.com.
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Mechanic's Lien: A Primer
Presented by Bassford Remele
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DATE: Thursday, December 12
TIME: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION: Bassford Remele
(100 South 5th Street, STE 1500, Minneapolis, 55402)
COST: Free
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This comprehensive seminar with Bassford Remele will cover everything you need to know about the mechanic's lien process from start to finish in Minnesota. This seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of mechanic's liens effectively.
Attendees will learn crucial strategies to preserve their lien rights and efficiently collect payment for work performed or supplies provided when payment is not made.
- 12:00-12:30pm: Registration and Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:30pm: Pre-Lien Considerations
- 1:45pm-2:45pm: Foreclosure of the Lien and Trial Considerations
- 3:00pm-4:00pm: Post-Trial Enforcement and Considerations
- 4:00pm-5:00pm: Happy Hour and Networking
Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor or supplier, this seminar will provide valuable insights to protect your interests and improve your bottom line. For those in the financial services sector, this seminar will delve into the complexities of how mechanic's lien foreclosure proceedings impact financial institutions.
Bassford Remele offers complimentary parking at its location.
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Benefit of the Week: Fleet Fuel Savings with Circle K Pro | |
Whether your fleet drives cars, vans, limos, semis, or all of the above --- the Circle K Pro card packs a big rig punch. | |
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MBEX Members can take advantage of 30-cents off every gallon for the first 90 days, then 7-cents off every gallon after that.
If your fleet of vehicles fuels up at Circle K's network of 6,000+ company owned and operated locations, the Circle K Pro Fleet Card will save you thousands of dollars on fuel costs and simplify your operations with easy online account management.
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No Monthly Card Fees
- Goodbye monthly card fees. The more you fuel, the more you save. There are never monthly or annual fees with the Circle K Pro Fleet card.
Dedicated Support
- Circle K makes business fueling easy for drivers along their route. Your team can grab a bite to eat and refresh while they fuel up in between stops at Circle K store locations across the country.
Easy Stops
- Circle K's team of U.S.-based fueling experts understand the challenges that come with fleet operations. They partner with businesses to reduce costs and maximize savings.
Get a customized quote today to claim exclusive enrollment offers and everyday savings.
Contact Brian Korb, Inside Sales and Keys Accounts Rep, to take advantage of your members-only savings: (984) 389-1759 or brian.korb@circlek.com.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 11/25/2024 - 11/29/2024: 50
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 11/25/2024 - 11/25/2024: 8
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 12/3/2024: 334
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 112/3/2024: 4,255
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 11/27/2024-12/3/2024.
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
• December 5 - Bluebeam 3: Materials Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• December 5 - Holiday Party North
• December 11 - CE's 2025 Construction Economic Forecast
• December 12 - Mechanic's Lien: A Primer
• December 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• December 24 & 25 - Closed for Christmas
• December 31 & January 1 - Closed for New Years
• January 15 - Annual Meeting & Luncheon
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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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