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Issue No. 16 β’ Wednesday, April 17, 2024 β’ www.mbex.org | |
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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) Join Us Live: our next live demo is this Thursday, April 18 at 9:00am.
2.) Your Insights Needed: please take a few minutes to complete both this Project Build Minnesota - Youth Talent Strategy survey and the Minneapolis Federal Reserve - Construction Sector Conditions survey. Your input not only benefits the groups conducting these surveys, but also our membership.
3.) Raise Your Glass (or Coffee Mug): Doran Companies has promoted Brent Lindstrom to the new leadership role of Chief Construction Officer. As CCO, Lindstrom will lead all preconstruction and construction for Doran Special Projects, DSP Homes, and Coran Construction. Congratulations, Brent!
4.) Funded By State Lottery Proceeds: Thanks to its latest grant package Minnesota will pour millions into recreational trails, environmental education, water protections, and a smorgasbord of wildlife conservation efforts.
5.) Test Your Knowledge:
The 2024 WNBA Draft took place earlier this week, and it had us wondering: what is the largest WNBA arena by capacity within the United States?
A.) Wintrust Arena - Chicago, Illinois
B.) Staples Center - Los Angeles, California
C.) Target Center - Minneapolis, Minnesota
D.) Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, Connecticut
See the Answer
Windowmakers are by far the most trustworthy of the trades. They're so transparent!
IN BRIEF:
β’ Dolla' Dolla' Bills: Now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship
β’ DMI Falls: Dodge Momentum Index falls in March
β’ Tips & Tricks: Tracking projects with and without email inside the Online Plan Room
β’ OSHA Ruling: Final rule issued for employee walkarounds
β’ Thermal Energy Technology, Mini Excavator Spring Maintenance Tips & DOE Program for Higher-Efficiency Rooftop Heat Pumps: Five construction headlines, and a mixed-use development project with ~268 apartments nears fruition in Green Bay
β’ NPP Member Benefit: Hotel, rental car & flight savings thru Priceline Partner Network
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Now Accepting 2024-2025 MBEX Scholarship Applications | |
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Embarking on a career within the construction and building industry presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges.
In recognition of this dynamic landscape, the Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX) and its partner, The Builders Group Education Foundation, wants to support and empower the next generation of industry leaders and innovators.
MBEX wants to award multiple scholarships ranging in value from $500 - $5,000 to future carpenters, electricians, HVAC specialists, masons, tilers, elevator technicians, plumbers, utility workers, and all specialized trades workers, as well as construction managers, construction engineers, estimators, and construction administration students.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for an MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship, applicants must be:
β’ Pursuing a construction-related field of study at an accredited post-secondary institution, be it at a trade school, a two-year technical or community college, or four-year university;
β’ Entering the Fall 2024 semester as a freshman, sophomore, or junior. Students completing their degree beyond the traditional four years may also be eligible to apply;
β’ Studying at said accredited post-secondary institution in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin;
β’ Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher;
β’ Possess a strong passion for the construction and building industry; and
β’ In agreeance to attend a minimum of ONE MBEX-hosted event within the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025 semesters. For applicants awarded a scholarship who live outside of Minnesota, further conversation will be had with MBEX staff.
Previous scholarship recipients are also more than welcome to reapply if they meet the scholarship criteria and are not entering their final semester of study.
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SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
The application portal is now open and accepting applications for 2024-2025.
Applications much be submitted through this online portal with all supporting documents by the end of the day on May 31, 2024.
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Dodge Momentum Index Fell 9% in March | |
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The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, fell 8.6% in March to 164.0 from the revised February reading of 179.5. Over the month, commercial planning fell 3.2% and institutional planning dropped 17.2%.
On the commercial side, slower growth in office and hotel planning pulled down this portion of the Index once again.
Year over year, DMI was 12% lower than in March 2023. The commercial segment was down 14% from year-ago levels, while the institutional segment was down 10% over the same period.
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The DMI is a monthly measure of the value of nonresidential building projects going into planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.
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TIPS & TRICKS: Tracking Projects | |
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Online plan rooms provide construction firms with more information about projects than ever before and the capability to access that information quickly at any time of the day or night.
With all that information at one's fingertips, it's easy to become overwhelmed and lose track of what's important. One of the tools MBEX 's plan room provides is the ability to track the projects that are the most important to your company.
When searching for projects, reviewing filter results, or viewing project details, members have the option to "Track With Email" or "Track Without Email."
Selecting either of these options will add the text "You Are Tracking This Project" inside a yellow box next to a project's bid date and time near the top of a project's information page as well as add it to your Tracked Projects (found in the drop-down menu by under 'Projects' in the main navigational menu).
Any project in any phase can be tracked, including Pre-Bid, Active, or Post-Bid projects.
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TRACK WITHOUT EMAIL
Tracking a project without email will add the project to one's Tracked Projects list without sending email updates.
Mark a project to be "Tracked Without Email" by selecting the green button (featuring a white envelope with an exclamation point inside) found on the left when viewing a project's details. Click the button, and when the text "You Are Now Tracking This Project" appears next to the project's bid date and time, you're done.
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TRACK WITH EMAIL
Tracking a project with email will do much more than keep the project in your Tracked Projects list: it will provide you with instant updates via email on any new addenda, amendments, or memos that have been added to the project as well as any other major changes, such as bid dates changes or when apparent lows and contract awards have been reported.
Mark a project to be "Tracked With Email" by selecting the blue button (featuring a white envelope inside) found to the left when viewing a project's details. Click the button, and once the text "You Are Now Tracking This Project" appears next to the project's bid date and time, you're done.
You can also choose to
Finally, any new changes to tracked projects will show up in your Nightly Email Update, including bid date changes, phase changes, and any new addenda.
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All Tracked Projects will also appear on the Weekly Calendar and the Pop-Up Monthly Calendar located on the Deskpad, helping keep members aware of the upcoming bid dates for each project in which you are interested.
Tracking projects is the most efficient way to keep up-to-date on the projects you want to bid without getting bogged down by the projects you don't.
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OSHA Publishes Final Employee Walkaround Rule | |
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OSHA has published a final rule concerning who may accompany agency inspectors, employers and workers on a workplace walkaround or inspection. The rule will go into effect May 31.
The updated language reinstates a long-standing OSHA practice allowing employees to select a third party to accompany a walkaround. Under OSHA guidelines, both employers and employees have the right to have a representative accompany OSHA inspectors. A 2017 court case found that allowing third parties to represent employees was a "valid interpretation," but not consistent with the language of the rule as written.
The agency announced the rule proposal in August. At the time, OSHA said the change would improve inspections by increasing worker representation and making it easier for compliance officers to obtain more information about workplace safety.
Under the rule, an employee-approved third party member could potentially be a union representative, even on a non-union jobsite.
That is a major point of concern for employer groups, who disapproved of the rule change in August.ο»Ώ
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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
April 18 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and bidders lists, this free, one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. There will be time at the end for questions and answers. Register Here
April 24 - Registered Apprenticeship 101
Join representatives from Apprenticeship Minnesota to learn about registered apprenticeship, the benefits of growing and sustaining an innovative workforce, and strategies for meeting your need of skilled workers. Sign Up Here
May 14 - MN Construction Crew's 10th Annual Construction Career Hiring Event
Presented by Construct Tomorrow, this in-person event is an opportunity providing contractors a chance to meet / interview individuals that are looking for employment. Learn More
** May 16 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and bidders lists, this free, one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. There will be time at the end for questions and answers. Not yet open for registration
** May 21 - Crane Safety
Join Minnesota OSHA Compliance's next free construction seminar in-person or online to learn what the general contractor's roles and responsibilities are when there's a crane on site and what is required for lift plans, inspection records, operator's qualifications, training, renting, and more. Plus, learn what ASME 30.5 covers and requires. Sign Up Here
May 27 - Memorial Day
MBEX will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. Please plan any office visits and plan/spec/addenda orders accordingly.
** May 31 - Deadline for 2024-2025 MBEX Construction Scholarship Applications
Qualifying students pursuing a construction-related degree at an accredited post-secondary institution in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are highly encouraged to apply for this financial opportunity. See Eligibility Rules | Apply Here
Save the Date - June 5 - MBEX Member Appreciation BBQ
Let MBEX treat you to lunch as a thank you for your continued membership and support! Join us for a casual afternoon of Famous Dave's barbecue, cold beverages, a handful of door prizes, and great company and networking. Each member company receives 2 complimentary tickets. Registration opening no later than April 24
Save the Date - June 18 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
Join MBEX out on the greens not just to golf, but to also meet and mingle with fellow members and industry professionals. Registration opening no later than April 24
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CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
π‘οΈ Thermal Imaging Technology Enhances Construction Efficiency & Safety
This one piece of technology enhances project management, safety protocols and building quality and performance. Thermal imaging or infrared thermography detects and captures the infrared radiation emitted by objects, which includes anything with a temperature above absolute zero. Detailed thermographs are used in several construction applications and their use serves as a unique competitive edge. (Construction Executive)
ON THE JOBSITE
π Here's a Mini Excavator Maintenance Schedule & Spring Checkup Tips
While these handy little dynamos were originally designed for digging and trenching, manufacturers have increased their hydraulic flows and coupler options, making mini excavators compatible with more attachments. Now, operators can use them for many different tasks, like they might use a skid steer or compact track loader. Mini excavator maintenance is relatively simple, whether it's performed on a diesel, hybrid or electric machine. Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule as outlined in the operator's manual is critical for the excavator's longevity and to keep its warranty valid.(Compact Equipment)
ENERGY & UTILITIES
π° Rooftop Heat Pump Technologies Can Save US Businesses $5B Annually
The U.S. Department of Energy's new Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator program aims to help manufacturers develop heat pumps that can replace less efficient rooftop heating and cooling systems. If deployed at scale, next-generation heat pump rooftop units could save U.S. businesses and commercial entities $5-billion on utility bills every year, the DOE said in a press release. The accelerator, developed with manufacturing partners and commercial end-users as part of the DOE's Better Buildings Initiative, aims to bring higher-efficiency rooftop heat pump technologies to market as soon as 2027. (Smart Cities Dive)
HEALTH & SAFETY
𧦠The Dangers of Wet Socks on the Jobsite
Keeping your feet dry should be top priority while working to prevent discomfort, injuries and infections. Foot apparel such as quality socks is critical to foot health when working in wet conditions, be it working in wet fields, in the rain, or when feet perspire. (Iron Pros)
CIVIL ENGINEERING
π§ A Geologist and a Civil Engineer Found a Prehistoric Creek in St Paul &They Want to Restore It
With his training as a civil engineer, Charlie Evans spots evidence of what had been a shallow man-made pool installed around the same time as Montreal Road was extended to West Seventh Street in 1927. On the same natural corridor sat a replacement pool from 1936, running along what is now the muddy trail of an obscure, almost dried-out creek bed to the limestone walls of the boarded-up chlorine building and the long-shuttered Highland Bath House beyond it. A century ago, St Paul's youth splashed in the non-chlorinated groundwater of Highland Lake, a now-defunct municipal pool that ran 100-feet-wide and 500-feet-long, fed in part by storm water and a prehistoric creek so small it goes unnamed on historical maps. (Pioneer Press)
π¦Ί PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Developer Approaching Final Deal on 268-Unit Projects in Green Bay
Green Bay's Redevelopment Authority voted to extend planning negotiations between the city and New Land for another month, and developers said they felt like they were close to coming to a final agreement. New Land Enterprises wants to build a mixed-use development with around 268 apartments, including regular apartments, two-story town homes and penthouses, at 221 Cherry Street. The site is currently a surface parking lot owned by the RDA. Milwaukee projects such as Nova and The Ascent are inspiration behind amenities for the Grey Bay Proposals, including balconies, a swimming pool, fitness center and a community room. The project includes indoor parking and 5,000-square-feet of retail space. (Finance & Commerce)
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Rendering: Korb + Associates Architects | |
Working with MnDOT: What to Expect after the Bid for Construction Firms | Presented by MN Department of Transportation | |
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DATE: Wednesday, April 24
TIME: 8:00am-10:00am
LOCATION: Online - link provided when you register
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COST: Free
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You won the bid! Now what?
This class will cover all the requirements that contractors must know about when performing work for MnDOT. That includes understanding prevailing wage requirements, certified payroll reports, and labor compliance reports.
It will also include how to find resources at MnDOT that includes forms and deadlines for filing, as well as what types of reports are needed for each type of project. This class will include how to file pay requests, EEO reports, trucking reports, IC124 and subcontractor reports.
Participants will also learn about closeout documents and how projects are finalized.
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Swing On By: Meet Our Network - A Sun Control Expo
Presented by Sun Control of Minnesota
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Enjoy complimentary food from Big Guys BBQ and drinks while you swing away in Sun Control's top-notch golf simulator for a chance to win some hole-in-one prizes.
RSVP by contracting Karissa at karissa@suncontrolmn.com, text (651) 335-0172, or click the 'Register Here' button above.
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NPP Benefit of the Week: Priceline Partner Network | |
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When the temps rise, it's nearly impossible to not
ο»Ώthink about summer and the sunny days that await.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, MBEX members can get travel discounts of up to 25% on select hotels when they bundle hotel, rental car and flight with Priceline Partner Network.
Don't need a flight? No problem! Book multiple hotels or any hotel / rental car combination to claim your exclusive discount through NPP.
The Priceline Partner Network connects with all major airlines, all major rental car brands and more than 700,000 hotels around the globe.
National Purchasing Partners is dedicated to bringing exceptional products and services to MBEX members, like the Priceline Partner Network. Explore the benefits of various travel offers today.
Sign up. Sign in. Save with NPP. Happy travels!
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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. 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.
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PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
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β’ Total Projects Received at MBEX from 4/8/2024 - 4/12/2024: 115
β’ Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 4/8/2024 - 4/12/2024: 38
β’ Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 4/16/2024: 455
β’ Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 4/16/2024: 1,555
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 4/10/2024-4/16/2024.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
ο»ΏNotice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTSο»Ώο»Ώ
β’ April 18 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ April 24 - Registered Apprenticeship 101
β’ April 30 - Win More Contracts with Strategic Sales Planning [Webinar]
β’ May 14 - MN Construction Crew's 10th Annual Construction Career Hiring Event
β’ May 16 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ May 21 - Crane Safety [MNOSHA Construction Seminar]
β’ May 27 - MBEX Closed (Memorial Day)
β’ June 4 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
β’ June 5 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
β’ June 5 - Member Appreciation BBQ
β’ June 6 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
β’ June 18 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
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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, American Engineering Testing; 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 Branch Manager; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Janet Margheim, 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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