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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) The deadline for 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship applications is next Friday, May 31. Keep spreading the word to those future constructors and builders!
2.) AGC's Worker Safety and Underground Utility bill was signed into law by Gov. Walz last Wednesday. The updates to Chapter 216D improve the quality of mapped underground utilities by leveraging technology that didn't exist when the statutes were written.
3.) Lumbermen's Inc is proud to announce the Grand Opening of their new distribution center located in Cottage Grove, offering building materials service to customers in the Minneapolis market.
4.) May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to do our part in ensuring those helping build things up aren't feeling alone and crumbing down. Let's normalize the practice of taking time to prioritize mental health care without guilt or shame.
5.) ICYMI: There's a new feature available inside our Online Plan Room that allows members to directly update their own company profiles. Read about it in last week's Bulletin (it's the third feature; look for the blue background) and view the step-by-step visual guide.
Never tell jokes when installing windows; they'll just crack up.
IN BRIEF:
• Register Today: Upcoming MBEX events in June and July
• It's a No-Go: Lawmakers fail to pass proposed $980M bonding bill
• New Members: Here's who joined the Exchange throughout April
• Market Report: May's snapshot of the U.S. construction industry
• Increased Tariffs on Construction Goods, All-Electric Federal Buildings by 2030, and Semi-Modular Bridge System: Five construction-related headlines to know now
• Project of the Week: Revitalization plans proposed for the site of former restaurant Rudolph's Bar-B-Que at Lyndale and Franklin avenues
• NPP Member Benefit: Top-tier pricing on safety supplies / equipment with Airgas
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Upcoming Events Not to Be Missed | |
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A fantastic lineup of events await in June and July with the Minnesota Builders Exchange:
• First, let us treat you and the team to lunch at out annual Member Appreciation BBQ.
• Then, swing into the Twin Cities Golf Tournament for a day of fun, networking, and friendly competition (here's hoping it won't be as hot as last year!).
• Women in construction --- don't miss out on our next POWER event at The Coven with Nicole Middendorf, where the topic of conversation is money and happiness.
• Then, looking past the 4th of July, relax aboard the Sundew for a sunset harbor cruise in Duluth, a casual place to mix and mingle with fellow professionals.
These events will enrich your experience and connections within the industry; register now to secure your spot and take full advantage of your membership.
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2 WEEKS AWAY
Member Appreciation BBQ
• Wednesday, June 5
• Lunch starting at 11:00am
• MBEX Office (Minneapolis)
• Each member company receives 2 complimentary tickets. Additional can be purchased for $20 each.
Lunch will be catered by Famous Dave's, serving up BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, beans, sweet corn, corn bread, and plenty of ice-cold beverages.
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27 DAYS TO GO
Twin Cities Golf Tournament
• Tuesday, June 18
• Check-in begins at 10:30am; Shotgun start at 12:30pm
• Oak Glen Golf Course (Stillwater)
• $160 per golfer (4 max. per team)
• Sponsorship Opportunities also available!
Join MBEX out on the beautiful greens
of Oak Glen for a day filled with golfing, networking, and more.
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35 DAYS TO GO
MBEX POWER:
Women, Money & Happiness
• Wednesday, June 26
• 7:30am-9:00am
• The Coven (St Paul)
• FREE
Led by Nicole Middendorf, this fun
and empowering workshop will leave attendees with actionable steps to kickstart one's journey toward financial happiness. Coffee and breakfast will be provided.
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Sunset Harbor Cruise aboard the Sundew
• Wednesday, July 17
• Boarding begins at 5:15pm; Sundew departs at 5:45pm
• Boarding at Pier B Resort (Duluth)
• $40 per person
Join MBEX for an evening aboard the Sundew, a retired Coast Guard Cutter. Space is limited to the first 150 people, so don't wait to register.
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Public Projects Bill Did Not Pass | |
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Lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a public construction project bill ahead of their deadline Sunday (May 19). The bill requires bipartisan backing to let the state take on debt to fund projects.
A cash-only plan that could have passed with a simple majority emerged in the final minutes before midnight. It won House approval, but didn't get through the Senate in time.
Typically even years are bonding years at the Capitol. Lawmakers fielded more than $7-billion in requests for state and local projects around the state.
There are some building projects in that sprawling budget bill, including $22.5-million to start acquiring land and designing a new State Patrol headquarters.
Capital Investment Bill - Part 1 - HF 5162
This bill allocates significant funds from the general budget to support various state agencies in executing capital improvement projects, including library construction grants, ADA accommodation, tree planting, early childhood facilities, and improvements to correctional facilities. It also amends existing statutes to mandate sustainable building practices and compliance with energy conservation standards for capital projects. Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program to ensure communities have secondary sources of safe drinking water in case of disruptions, emphasizing community resilience and safety.
Support - 89 | Undecided - 8 | Oppose - 34
Capital Investment Bill - Part 2 - HF 5220
This bill allocates significant funds for a variety of capital improvements and public infrastructure projects across state agencies, including university upgrades, local government grants, and community initiatives. It targets asset preservation, accessibility, education, environment, and public safety enhancements, aiming to maximize federal funding and prioritize projects based on need and public benefit. Rules around bond sales to finance these projects are also outlined.
Support - 89 | Undecided - 7 | Oppose - 29
A plan to set statewide standards on pay and job protections for rideshare drivers advanced to the governor; legislation to authorize sports betting got set aside yet again; and a framework to speedup issuance of cultivation licenses for retail cannabis growers got across the finish line.
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New Members Welcome in April | |
Join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member companies of the Exchange who joined throughout the month of April (and there were quite a few!): | |
Market Intelligence Report - May2024 | |
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Below is a snapshot of the health of the U.S. building construction industry, including the commercial, multi-family, institutional, and industrial building sectors. This report tracks the latest metrics related to construction spending, demand for design services, contractor backlogs, and material prices trends.
Here are the highlights for May 2024 (covering data from March / April 2024):
U.S. CONSTRUCTION SPENDING
Spending for commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family buildings was flat in March 2024 vs. the previous month, but 12.5% higher than March 2023.
The education, amusement / recreation, public safety, manufacturing, and religious sectors all saw double-digit year-over-year growth in construction spending.
Total - $861,188 | 0.0%**
• Manufacturing - $223,429 | 0.2
• Commercial - $128,955 | -0.5
• Multi-Family Housing - $131,366 | -0.6
• Educational - $1128,487 | 0.9
• Office - $101,638 | 0.3
• Healthcare - $67,773 | 0.6
• Amusement / Recreation - $35,562 | 1.1
• Lodging / Hotel - $22,619 | -0.5
• Public Safety - $17,411 | 1.5
• Religious - $3,948 | -1.8
*Value of construction in put in place in millions of dollars
** Second number reflects one-month change percentage
ARCHITECTURAL BILLINGS INDEX
After a relatively solid showing in February, the Architectural Billings Index took a major step back in March, dropping 5.0-points to 43.6. According to AIA, this marks the 14th consecutive month of declining billings at firms.
• Billings = 43.6
• Design Contracts = 50.0
• Inquiries = 55.0
Commentary on the latest ABI report from Kermit Baker, PhD, AIA Chief Economist:
"This marked the 14th consecutive month of declining billings at firms as inflation, supply chain issues, and other economic challenges continue to affect business. While inquiries into new projects have continued to grow during that period, it has been at a slower pace than in 2021 and 2022.
More notably, the value of new signed design contracts was flat in march, which has generally been the trend for the last year and a half. This shows that clients are interested in starting new projects but remain hesitant to sign a contract and officially commit to those projects.
However, most firms report that they still have strong project backlogs of 6.6-months, on average, so even with the ongoing soft patch, they still have work in the pipeline."
CONSTRUCTION BACKLOG
The average U.S. contractor had 8.5 months worth of building construction work in the pipeline as of April .2024, flat from March 2024, but down 0.7 months from the same time last year.
• April 2024 - 8.5
• March 2024 - 8.5
• April 2023 - 9.2
1-Month Change = 0.0 | 12-month change = -0.7
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS PRICES
Prices rose 0.5% in April 2024 vs. the previous month, and were 2.3% higher than a year ago. This marks the fourth straight month of rising prices, after a streak of three consecutive monthly declines.
• Asphalt, Tar Roofing & Siding Products = -2.2% | 2.3%
• Concrete Products = -0.2% | 6.7%
• Fabricated Structural Metal Products = -0.0% | 1.1%
• Gypsum Products = -0.4% | 0.8%
• Iron and Steel = -1.7% | -9.6%
• Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings = 0.2% | 1.8%
• Softwood Lumber = 1.4% | -4.3%
• Steel Mill Products = -2.7% | -9.8%
1st number = One-Month Change % | 2nd number = 12-Month Change %
Commentary on the latest construction materials price report from Anirban Basu, ABC Chief Economist:
"Construction input prices jumped half a percentage point higher in April and have increased 3.5% over the first four months of the year. While iron, steel, asphalt and gypsum product prices fell in April, oil and copper prices surged, driving the monthly increase.
Rising input prices will put pressure on profits at a time when nearly 1 in 4 contractors expect their margins to contract over the next two quarters, according to ABC's Construction Confidence Index.
Perhaps more importantly for contractors, the overall Producer Price Index reading for final demand goods and services increased 0.5% in April. This is yet another sign that inflation is accelerating and suggests that interest rates are set to stay higher for longer."
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Information was gathered from the following sources: (1) U.S. Construction Spending by Sector - U.S. Census Bureau; (2) Construction Backlog Indicator - Associated Builders & Contractors; (3) Architecture Billings Index - AIA / Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI); and (4) Construction Input Prices - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Producer Price Index (April 2024).
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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
May 27 - Memorial Day
MBEX will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
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
June 4 - 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
June 5 - 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
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. Register Here
June 6 - 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
June 12 - WEBINAR: Deep Dive into Construction Work in Progress
Work in progress (WIP) is key to construction job costing, allowing contractors to proactively manage their jobs and businesses. By leveraging WIP reports, contractors can set their projects and businesses up for success. Presented by Construction Executive. Register Here
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. Register Here
** June 20 - 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
** June 26 - MBEX POWER: Women, Money & Happiness
Led by Nicole Middendorf, this fun and empowering workshop will leave attendees with actionable steps to kickstart one's journey towards financial happiness, all while uncovering the intriguing secrets of how men and women approach money. Register Here
** July 4 & 5 - Independence Day
MBEX will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, in observance of the holiday.
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. Members, spouses, co-workers and families are welcome to attend (children must be ages 12 and up). Register Here
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GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
🏷️ US Slaps Increased Tariffs on Chinese Goods Used in Construction
The U.S. government has announced that it is raising tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods, including on materials and machinery used in the construction industry. The tariffs will be placed on products including steel and aluminum, batteries for electric machinery, semiconductors, electric vehicles, critical minerals, solar cells, and ship-to-store cranes. (Construction Briefing)
CODES + STANDARDS
⚡ New Federal Buildings Must Be All-Electric by 2030
A new Biden Administration rule bans the use of fossil fuels in new federal buildings beginning in 2030. New federal buildings constructed between 2025 and 2029 must achieve a 90% decrease in fossil fuel consumption compared to 2003 levels. (Building Design + Construction)
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
🏗️ Australian Semi-Modular Bridge System Shows Promise for U.S. Projects
The InQuik system consists of a prefabricated formwork tray with reinforcing steel that is placed on site and filled with concrete to create a fully cast-in-place concrete bridge structure --- faster than current methods now used. Eau Claire County, Wisc., last year implemented the first InQuik bridge in the U.S. The 30-foot-long, 27-foot-wide structure was completed in a month, compared to the standard three-to-four-month timeline for fully formed cast-in-place bridges, according to InQuik. (Engineering News-Record)
ENVIRONMENT + SUSTAINABILITY
🔧 EPA Distributed $3B for Lead Pipes to States Based on Unverified Data
The Environmental Protection Agency, distributed about $3-billion to states last year to replace harmful lead pipes based on unverified information, according to an agency inspector general's memo, likely meaning some states got too much money and others got too little. Investigators found two states had submitted inaccurate data, the memo dated May 15th said. It didn't name the states. The EPA has since made changes, but the inspector general said the agency could do more. (Finance & Commerce)
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
🔮 Construction Tech Reshaping Tomorrow's Cities
The construction industry is at a crossroads --- demand for infrastructure and development projects continues to surge, while organizations must grapple with the persistent shortage of skilled workers. Manual back-office tasks, such as managing tickets and processing change orders, have long been the bane of project managers, causing frustration and delays to construction projects throughout the country. Despite initial hesitation from pioneers in the sector, these modern tools bring the promise of revolutionizing the industry, offering construction professionals accurate risk assessments, streamlined workflows, and newfound efficiency. (For Construction Pros)
🦺 PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Team Steady Acquires Eyesore at Franklin and Lyndale, Looks to Revitalize
Something new is coming to the building on the northeast corner of Lyndale and Franklin avenues. What exactly is happening to the property, however, remains to be seen. The property, purchased by Team Steady Real Estate, was formerly a restaurant, Rudolph's Bar-B-Que, which was a mainstay of the neighborhood until 2018 when it closed after 43 years of operation. Since then, the vacant building has served as fodder for graffiti and, at times, homeless encampments. Sam Steadman, president of Team Steady, has considered slicing up the property to make a restaurant, coffee shop, or bar. He has also been approached about changing its use and making it into some kind of medical office. (Finance & Commerce)
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The new owners of the former Rudolph's Bar-B-Que building (above) would like to see work start in the
next three to six months to transform the building for its next user. Photo: Team Steady Real Estate
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Networking Event for Southern Minnesota Large Contractors & Subcontractors | Presented by MnDOT | |
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DATE: Monday, June 3
TIME: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
LOCATION: MnDOT Rochester Office
(2900 48th St NW, Rochester, 55901)
COST: Free!
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Come meet your peers and potential partners at this networking event.
MnDOT has invited both large and small consulting firms and suppliers, as well as members of MEDA, WTS, and NAMC to participate in an organized "meet and greet" with others who are working in the highway / heavy consulting world. This event will include a panel discussion, formal presentation by MnDOT and FHWA, and formal networking activities.
There will also be food, free parking, and an opportunity to find new friends and potential partners.
Questions about this seminar should be directed to ann.johnson@peservices.com.
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Run with Strength 5K Fun Run & Scholarship Fundraiser
Presented by the Minnesota Concrete Council (MCC)
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DATE: Saturday, June 8
TIME: Registration opens - 8:00am
Line Up at Starting Line - 8:45am
Shotgun Start - 9:00am
Award Ceremony - 11:00am
LOCATION: 14698 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, 55124
COST: See MCC event page
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Join MCC for their first Run With Strength 5K Fun Run and Scholarship Fundraiser!
All net proceeds benefit the MCC Scholarship Fund.
Not up for the 5K distance (3.1 miles)? Join the Family One Mile. Same start time and location, different distance.
Registration includes T-shirt, snacks and beverages. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age category. Strollers are welcome, but bikes will not be permitted.
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Benefit of the Week: Airgas | |
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MBEX Members can enjoy exclusive top-tier pricing on industrial gases, safety equipment, welding supplies, workwear, and more through Airgas.
Airgas serves more than one million customers of all sizes across the country. Airgas' national distribution network provides local service and unmatched expertise.
MBEX Members can take advantage of:
• Discounts on safety supplies and equipment.
• Discounts on welding products and equipment.
• Exclusive pricing on industrial gases.
• Special pricing on workwear and uniforms.
• $500 instant credit with any new account activation.
As the second-leading supplier of safety equipment in the U.S., the Airgas catalog includes personal protective equipment, fall gear, uniforms, respiratory and area protection, and more.
Start Saving - Here's How
Already a member of NPP? Log in to your National Purchasing Partners (NPP) account and check out Airgas' exclusive discounts.
Not an NPP Member? Register for business discounts and access exclusive pricing on a broad catalog of business offers for all kinds of industries. NPP membership is free and there's no obligation to purchase.
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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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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 5/13/2024 - 5/17/2024: 100
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 5/21/2024: 369
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 5/21/2024: 2,048
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 5/15/2024-5/21/2024.
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
• May 27 - MBEX Closed (Memorial Day)
• May 31 - Deadline for 2024-2025 MBEX Scholarship Applications
• June 4 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• June 5 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• June 5 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 6 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• June 12 - Deep Dive into Construction Work in Progress [Webinar]
• June 18 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
• June 20 - Online Plan Room Demo
• June 26 - MBEX POWER: Women, Money and Happiness
• July 4 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
• July 5 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
• July 17 - Duluth Harbor Sundew Cruise
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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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