Issue No. 32 • Wednesday, August 7, 2024 • www.mbex.org

Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:

1.) The next Online Plan Room Demo with MBEX staff is Thursday, August 15 at 9:00am.

2.) The heavily traveled Kellogg Boulevard / 3rd Street bridge connecting downtown St. Paul with the city's East Side shut down on Monday, July 26th, and won't reopen until 2028 as its $91-million replacement project gets underway.

3.) Congratulations to Kaliann Behrens, AIA, with Inspec in Minneapolis for receiving her Building Enclosure Commissioning Process Provider (BECxP) certification through the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Kaliann will be involved throughout commissioning projects from pre-design to design and review, preconstruction, construction and testing through to the warranty phase.

4.) From the Fast Set Collection of stone panels to Ingenious Plank hybrid resilient flooring to Solarban 72 Starphire windows, here are 15 top products being used in the industry today.

5.) Meet the best apprentice anyone has ever had.

"Dreams will get you nowhere; a good kick in the pants will take you a long way." - Baltasar Gracian

IN BRIEF:

• Mix, Don't Match: Find your blend with MBEX POWER on August 19

• Job Openings: June sees an openings' plummet of 71,000

• Monthly Round Up: Looking back at MBEX's past 31 days

• Misclassified: Firms in D.C. owe workers nearly $2M due to independent contractor misclassification

• Construction Spending to Stall in 2025, Understanding Geotechnical Reports & a Loophole Leaves Millions Unprotected Under New Heat Rule: Five construction-related headlines

• Project of the Week: MSP Airport Terminal 2 upgrades begin, Terminal 1 updates to start much sooner than expected

• Member Benefit: BLD Connection's 401(k) MEP

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

Ditch the Balancing Act & Embrace a Blended Approach on 8/19

Whether assembling bid proposals in the office or managing chaos on the job site, we know the struggles are real.

From dealing with long hours and tight deadlines to managing work-life responsibilities and breaking through those oh-so-fun gender stereotypes, it can be, to put it mildly, A LOT.

That's why we're inviting you to join us for MBEX POWER's next workshop, Balance vs. Blend: How to Have Blend (Not Balance) in Your Life, led by our returning speaker, Nicole Middendorf (seen right).



• DATE: Monday, August 19

• TIME: Workshop @ 2:00pm | Happy Hour & Back-to-School Activity on Prosperwell's Patio @ 3:15pm

• LOCATION: Prosperwell Financial (Minnetonka, Minn.)

• COST: Free!

This event is all about shifting mindsets from trying to balance everything perfectly (which, let's be real, is impossible) to finding a way to blend our professional and personal lives in a way that works for us.

On August 19, we'll dive into:

• Real talk about the unique challenges we face in the construction world.

• Practical tips for blending one's work and personal life without feeling like it's a constant juggling act.

• Inspiring stories from Nicole who found her own blend and is thriving in her career and personal life as a business owner, single mother of two, and much more.

Let’s redefine success together and find that perfect blend!



Giving Back for Back to School

Also as part of this event, MBEX POWER is partnering with the YWCA to help provide pre-K thru 12th grade students with the school supplies they need for the new academic year starting this fall.

If interested in participating, here's how you can support our efforts:

1.) Review the suggested items on the school supply lists below. Either bring them with you to the event on August 19th or drop them off at MBEX beforehand. MBEX POWER will then handle delivering the items to the YWCA.

2.) Visit this link and make a monetary donation.

Construction Job Openings Plummet by 71,000 in June 

The construction industry had 295,000 job openings on the last day of June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.

JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings decreased by 71,000 in June and are down by 119,000 from the same time last year.

“Construction industry job openings plunged to the lowest level since March 2023,” said ABC chief economist Anirban Basu. “This sharp decline is at least partially due to cyclical factors and slowing activity in the residential sector. More new housing units were completed in June than in any month since January 2007, and high interest rates have weighed on homebuilders’ backlogs. 



"Nonresidential construction retains momentum due to strength in certain segments like manufacturing and infrastructure, and that should keep the demand for labor elevated,” said Basu.



MBEX July Round-Up

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 July 1-31, 2024.

Total # of Projects Added (July 2024)

Total # of Projects Added (July 2023)

365

351

Total # of Projects YTD (January 1-July 31)

New Member Companies Joined

2,858

9

No. of Plan Issuers

No. of Bidders Added to Bidders Lists

(Members & Non-Members)

233

5,911

Total Visitors on Project 2024-09D6

Total Unique Visitors on Project 2024-09D6

396

4,084

Project Name:

City of Woodbury - Water Treatment Plant - P005574-2023-005

Bid Date: September 5, 2024 @ 2:00pm

Building Firms Owe Misclassified Workers $1.75M in D.C.

In what the Washington, D.C., attorney general termed as the largest workers’ rights settlement agreement in the district's history, a major specialty contractor and other construction firms must pay more than $1.75-million in restitution to about 1,200 construction employees denied overtime wages, sick leave and other benefits as a result of being misclassified as independent contractors on building projects in the city.

Totaling $3.45-million, including civil penalties and attorney fees, the settlement announced July 29th by the office of Attorney General Brian Schwalb resolves a lawsuit he brought in 2022 against Power Design Inc., a St. Petersburg, Fla.-based electrical contractor; general contractor John Moriarty & Associates, Arlington, Va.; several local labor brokers; and electrical subcontractors that include MBJ Electric and K&K Electric & Construction, both of Maryland.

The misclassification practices, which spanned eight Power Design projects in the District of Columbia, were part of a deliberate attempt to suppress labor costs and increase profits, claimed the suit. The city said Power Design has worked on more than 200 projects across the Washington, D.C. region, and has been frequently used by Moriarty as a subcontractor.

Because city law holds general contractors liable for labor violations committed by subcontractors they employ, the agency sought to hold Moriarty accountable for subcontracting with companies that systematically misclassified workers.

In addition to the monetary payouts, the settlement’s injunctive terms require the companies to overhaul their payroll and contracting practices to prevent future worker misclassification. 

The firm must provide certified reports to Schwalb for the next three years to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement with District of Columbia Law.

Moriarty must include language in all future subcontracts for local projects requiring subs to strictly adhere to all wage and hour laws, collect names of every person who works on the projects and prominently post bilingual jobsite notices that inform workers of their rights under city labor laws. 



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

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

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 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 Country 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 2 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

The Minnesota Builders Exchange will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will be back to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.

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 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

Learn to create and place custom punch symbols, quickly embed images or videos, and create summary reports. 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. Sign Up Here

September 18 - Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams. Register Here

September 19 - 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

September 19 - Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows

Yes, there are tools in Bluebeam Revu for Civil Designers and Engineers! Not only will students learn navigation and markups, but also work flows like Calibrating Plan & Profile drawings with different X-Y scales, ideas for Cut & Fill calculations, combining several PDFs into one large area map, and adding images. Register Here

** 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

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES

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

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

📊 Construction Spending Gains Projected This Year, Expected to Stall in 2025

Construction spending, while continuing to increase, has seen the pace of growth slow so far this year, and this slowdown is expected to continue into 2025. The challenging lending market for construction projects, continued weakness in commercial property values and ongoing softness in billings at architecture firms contribute to the slowdown. (Construction Business Owner)

GEO TECHNICAL ENGINEERING

📋 Understanding Geotechnical Reports: A Comprehensive Guide for Contractors & Engineers

Designed for contractors and engineers who need to understand the critical role of geotechnical reports, this guide discusses what geotechnical reports are, their key components, and the process of preparing them. Neglecting geotechnical reports can lead to significant issues --- such as structural failures, cost delays, and safety hazards. By prioritizing thorough geotechnical investigations, contractors and engineers can ensure project success, stability, and compliance with regulations. (Pile Buck)

JOBSITE SAFETY

🥵 Loophole Leaves Millions of Workers Unprotected By Biden Heat Rule

President Joe Biden heralded the nation's first-ever proposal to protect workers from heat as a lifesaving measure at a time when searing temperatures are killing more Americans than any other disaster. But the draft rule announced this month is haunted by a 50-year-old loophole that would stop it from defending about 7.9-million workers from illness or death. When Congress passed the 1972 law governing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it gave the agency authority over private companies, but not public employers such as states, counties or cities. States would have to opt in for those public workers to be covered by OSHA protections. Twenty-three states have never taken that step. (E & E News)

COMPLIANCE

💲 The Importance of Proper Employee Classification for Construction Payroll

Navigating the intricacies of construction payroll can often feel like a labyrinth. For construction firms, proper classification of employees in their payroll is most critical. This not only impacts how you manage your payroll but also have significant repercussions when done wrong. Even a minor misstep could lead to costly penalties, audits, or legal disputes. Hence, understanding and correctly applying employee classification in the construction industry should be a top priority for any business owner or payroll manager. (Lumber)

HAPPENING LOCALLY

🏗️ Wisconsin Breaks Record by Investing $2.4B in Projects

Wisconsin saw a record number of capital investments in 2023 as businesses started multi-million-dollar expansion projects across the state. That's according to Gov. Tony Evers and Missy Hughes, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. They said businesses that partnered with WEDC invested $2.4-billion in capital investments in fiscal year 2024. It's the highest level since WEDC was created in 2011 and beat the previous record of $1.8-billion in 2019. The investment started multiple expansion projects across Wisconsin with the state's support (Finance & Commerce)

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

MSP Airport's Terminal 2 Upgrades Begin; MAC May Speed Up Terminal 1 Project

Read more about this project on Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal

A $263-million upgrade of Terminal 2 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has begun, while officials consider accelerating ongoing work at the airport's main terminal, Terminal 1.

Finance & Commerce has a report on the latest expansion project at MSP, which will add 168,000-square-feet of space to Terminal 2, including two new gates and passenger seating to the northern side of the facility. The terminal will also get more concession areas and restrooms.

Meanwhile, the three-year renovation project at Terminal 1 could move into its third and final phase earlier than expected, if MAC approves a plan at its meeting next week.

The project's second phase, which included an overhaul of Concourse C, began earlier this year. Work on Concourses A, B, and G was supposed to begin in 2025, but MAC and Delta --- which are splitting the cost of the $242-million project, with about one-third coming from the airline --- think work can actually begin late this year.

ABOVE PHOTO: Conceptual rendering of future improvements on Concourse C in Terminal 1 at MSP airport --- courtesy of Delta Air Lines and the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Women's Leadership Summit

Presented by Finance & Commerce

DATE: Wednesday, August 21

TIME: 11:30am-3:30pm

LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Northwest (Brooklyn Park, Minn.)

COST: $115 / person

Join Finance & Commerce for an empowering afternoon filled with:

10 for 10 Leadership Lessons

A fast-paced series of speakers each with a 10-minute presentation.

Workshops

Interactive sessions aimed at improving your career development, and leadership skills.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with emerging leaders, CEOs, managers, and industry luminaries from various backgrounds and sectors. 

MEMBER BENEFITS

Benefit of the Week: BLD Connection 401(k) MEP

This Multiple Employer Savings Plan (MEP) brings together member plans into one group 401(k) managed by BLD Connection.

That means you can hand over many of those responsibilities—freeing you up to spend your time where it counts: focused on your business.

Already offer a 401(k)? Considering a plan for your employees? Find out if the BLD Connection 401(k) MEP is right for your company.

View BLD Connection's 401(k) Informational Video, and contact Dan Gardner at (612) 743-4961 or dgardner@osaicwealth.com.

PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 7/29/2024 - 8/2/2024: 70

• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 7/29/2024 - 8/2/2024: 32

• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 8/6/2024: 309

• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 8/6/2024: 2,914

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 7/31/2024-8/6/2024.

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

• 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 2 - Labor Day - MBEX Closed

• September 9-13 - Construction Suicide Prevention Week

• 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

• September 17- Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data

• September 17- TBG Clay Shoot for the Trades

• September 18- Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals

• September 19 - Online Plan Room Demo

• September 19- Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows

• October 3 & 4- Reading Construction Documents online class

Connect with the Builders Exchange:

Revisit Past Bulletins:

July 31 - No. 31 | July 24 - No. 30 | July 17 - No. 29 | July 10 - No. 28 | July 3 - No. 27

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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