|
Five Quick Things To Know / Do This Week:
1.) Make note that MBEX will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 2, 2024. We'll return to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.
2.) Interested in learning more about our offered Bluebeam Revu courses in September? Join instructor Troy DeGroot on August 27 for a free webinar that dives deeper into each course, what will be covered, and to see which best fit your current skillset and workflow.
3.) The 2023-2024 Membership Directory & Buyers Guide is now available online. View it on our website here.
4.) Every year, during September, 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 about how your company can participate in Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13).
5.) It's not you. Bad doors are everywhere. Meet the Norman Door.
"There is no stupid question; stupid people don't ask questions." - Sophia Skaalerud
IN BRIEF:
• Next MBEX Event: Join us in Duluth for Sporting Clays North on 9/11
• Energy Costs: Hikes in petroleum and natural gas increase construction inputs
• ICYMI: Meet the 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Scholarship Recipients
• AEC Innovations: 10 Technology Solutions for AEC Firms
• Caring for Injuries After Returning to the Jobsite, Five Most Common Construction Disputes & Cotton vs. Denim for Women: Five construction-related headlines for your next coffee break
• Project of the Week: Asia Village in Blaine complete deal, bring project closer to becoming a reality
• Member Benefit: Back to School savings with ODP Business and Staples
| |
UP NEXT: Sporting Clays North on September 11 | |
|
Get your shotguns locked and loaded.
MBEX is proud to present its annual Sporting Clays North event, and we can't wait to see everyone in action!
Event Details:
🗓️ DATE: Wednesday, September 11
⏰ TIME: Shoot begins at 3:00pm
📍 LOCATION: Old Vermilion Trail (6980 Old Vermilion Trail, Duluth, 55803)
💲 COST: $100 / shooter. Includes clay shoot, post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes.
Join MBEX as we aim high and take a shot at an epic day filled with clay-breaking excitement. Whether you're an ace shooter or just looking for a fun afternoon with colleagues and fellow industry professionals, this event is for you.
Bring your enthusiasm and team spirit --- we'll take care of the rest.
Teams may have a maximum of five shooters.
Sponsorships:
Numerous sponsorship opportunities also provide attendees / businesses with exclusive member benefits.
- Dinner Sponsor: $500
- Beverage Sponsor: $250
- Station Sponsor: $100
- Door Prize Sponsor: $50+
View sponsorship details within the registration form, and opt-in to the sponsorship of your choice along with your team's registration.
| |
Rising Energy Costs Drive Up Construction Inputs | |
|
Construction input prices increased 0.4% in July largely due to price hikes in petroleum and natural gas, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors' analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on August 13th.
Overall and nonresidential costs have stabilized over the past year, posting increases of just 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. However, these costs still sit near 40% higher than in February 2020, according to the report.
"The lack of materials price escalation over the past 12 months is a welcome development for contractors, just 34% of whom expect their profit margins to expand over the next six months," said Anirban Basu, ABC chief economist. "Ongoing input price moderation, along with the prospect of lower interest rates by the end of the third quarter, should bolster contractor sentiment in the coming months."
Prices in all three energy subcategories increased in July:
- Natural gas prices jumped 13.3%.
- Unprocessed energy materials surged 6.2%.
- Crude petroleum prices jumped 5.5%.
Concrete products posted no significant price change over the month, while brick and structural clay tile inched up just 0.1%. Construction machinery and equipment also ticked up 0.2%
Increases in energy prices drove most of the total rise in construction input costs over the past month, according to the report.
| |
ICYMI: Meet the 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Scholarship Recipients | |
|
We, along with our partner the TBG Education Foundation, are proud to announce the awarding of 14 scholarships to the following recipients for 2024-2025.
Congratulations to our future builders and constructors; we look forward to hosting them at upcoming MBEX events and connecting them with industry professionals and members throughout the year.
| |
|
Amalia Nelson
HVAC-R
Attending Hennepin Technical College
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Benjamin Hubbard
Civil Engineering
Attending North
Dakota State University
Awarded $1,000
| |
|
Broc Dollerschell
Construction Engineering
Attending Iowa
State University
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Charlie Huppert
Construction Management
Attending University
of Wisconsin - Stout
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Diteu Maloku
Architecture
Attending Dunwoody
College of Technology
Awarded $1,000
| |
|
Jonas Roach
HVAC-R
Attending
Century College
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Jordan Bird
Heavy Equipment Operator
Attending Central
Lakes College
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Kai Drake
Concrete Industry Management
Attending South Dakota State University
Awarded $1,000
| |
|
Nick Metzler
Construction Management
Attending Dunwoody
College of Technology
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Noah Otis
Power & Construction Engineering Technologies
Attending Dunwoody
College of Technology
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Paige Sanders
Environmental
Engineering
Attending North
Dakota State University
Awarded $1,000
| |
|
Riley Cardinal
Heavy Equipment Operations & Maintenance
Attending Central
Lakes College
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Ryan Neuman
Electrical Construction Technology
Attending St. Cloud Technical
& Community College
Awarded $2,000
| |
|
Trevor Beving
Heavy Equipment Operations
Attending Central Lakes College
(Staples)
Awarded $1,000
| |
41 Great Solutions for Architects, Engineers & Contractors (Week One) | |
|
AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up Building Design + Construction's 2024 Great Solutions Report.
Over the next five weeks, we'll share the innovations by their four categories named in the report.
This week's category: 10 Technology Solutions for AEC Firms.
1.) BREO (Building Resource Expression for Occupants)
A first-of-its-kind system, it monitors and translates building data --- such as energy usages, water consumption, and indoor air quality --- into an immersive sensory experience using lighting, sounds, and even scents. The objective is to encourage occupants to actively contribute to building sustainability.
2.) CheckpointPost POE
Using a custom app, visual data-driven dashboards are created in PowerBI, survey room schedules integrated through Revit 360, and an integrated room mapping system to gather feedback from stakeholders on successes and areas of improvement, thereby cutting the time spent on routine survey tasks.
3.) Sunshine On Demand
Switzerland-based university ETH Zurich established a Zero Carbon Building Systems lab that can simulate climatic conditions to test new building systems, components, and materials. The lab's central feature is an artificial sun comprised of hundreds of LEDs fixed to a moveable arm, allowing the system to imitate the path of the sun to test the effects of solar radiation.
4.) SiteShift
A collaborative solution for parking structure planning and design by McCarthy Building Companies, this virtual tool allows for McCarthy, its clients, and parking experts to create conceptual parking layouts in a matter of minutes. After the iterative design process is complete, SiteShift creates a full PDF package from its 3D Revit model and provides clients with quantifiable data.
5.) ClimateScout
A sustainable architecture design tool, project teams can identify climate-specific design strategies at the earliest stages of concept design that will help reduce a project's operational carbon intensity.
6.) Hestia
An interactive portal that enables clients to engage virtually with their projects, Hestia's dashboard houses all deliverables --- BIM models, renderings, drawings, project team details, statistics, final images, and videos --- giving clients an up-to-the-second visual snapshot of a project's status.
7.) Skanska Sidekick
A proprietary chatbot built on the Azure OpenAI platform, Sidekick allows users to upload and query personal documents, such as meeting minutes, from which the program provides insights, summaries, and answers. Sidekick delivers the benefits of Generative AI tools while keeping users' prompts and docs safe on Skanska's Cloud.
8.) BRYX
KCI Technologies' newly launched platform, BRYX, is a model-as-a-service (MaaS) platform, offering ready-to-run machine learning, computer vision, and computational models for AEC firms looking to utilize AI tools without taking on the model development, training, and management work needed to build them from scratch. Four models currently available include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Detection, RobotFlat, Traffic Control Device Detection, and Power Pole Equipment Detection.
9.) CannonDesign's FOScore
An all-in-one facility assessment software for AEC firms and building owners, FOScore allows its users to assess and document facility conditions, featuring interactive visuals, AI generated asset information, and many other modules.
10.) Producing Concrete with Less Carbon Output
Manufacturers have made strides to lower cement production's carbon footprint, such as Cemex's Vertua cement that uses less energy to make. Last October, the National Science Foundation awarded a research team at Arizona State University a four-year, $3-million grant to investigate the feasibility of two lower-emissions manufacturing solutions: separating lime from limestone via electrolytic and hybrid routes without producing CO2; and using autocatalysis, which provides energy from renewable sources.
Next week: 10 Design Solutions for AEC Firms (Part 1)
In January 2024, the Building Design + Construction editorial team invited the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms to submit their single-biggest innovation from the past 24 months. More than 80 firms responded with well more than 100 submissions. The editors selected the 41 Great Solutions.
| |
|
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 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
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. Register Here
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
SAVE THE DATE: October 10 - MBEX Fall Social
Featuring MBEX POWER's 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair
Join us at the annual MBEX Fall Social for an afternoon of inspiration and connection. Back again is the 2nd Annual Self-Care Health Fair, presented by MBEX POWER, to present both members and non-members alike opportunities to explore ways to better their mental and physical well-beings. Registration opening August 26.
| |
|
Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
| |
EMPLOYEE HEALTH + SAFETY
🤕 Caring for Injuries After Returning to the Construction Workplace
Providing injury care in the construction industry goes beyond sending an injured employee home to rest. Effective injury-care practices include taking active and early steps and promoting a positive attitude in the injured employee. This approach can help improve recovery, getting the injured employee back to work more quickly and allowing medical professionals to address the injured employee's social needs to help them maintain a positive outlook during the recovering process. (Construction Executive)
CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES
🥊 Five of the Most Common Construction Disputes that Require Construction Lawyers
Construction projects are often complex endeavors involving multiple parties, intricate contracts, and significant investments. Despite meticulous planning, disputes can arise, posing challenges that require legal expertise to resolve effectively. Here's a look at the most common construction disputes and how and why construction lawyers play a crucial role in their resolution. (J. D. Supra | Smith Debnam - Attorneys At Law)
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
👖 Cotton vs Denim Overalls for Women in Construction
There are a few factors women construction workers should consider in making the choice between wearing cotton or denim overalls on the job. Worksite tasks are a driving factor in material choice, as work may entail potential hazards such as exposure to abrasive materials, hot asphalt and job tasks requiring heavy lifting. Other factors include the need for protection against UV rays, heat, thermal and electrical effects, as well as chemical and hazardous materials. (Iron Pros)
SUSTAINABILITY
♻️ EPA Unveils Labels for Green Construction Materials
The U.S. EPA announced its plan to implement a new label program to help purchasers identify more "climate-friendly construction materials for federal building, highway and infrastructure projects, according to an agency news release. The label program will define what constitutes "clean" construction materials in support of the Biden administration's Buy Clean Initiative. (Smart Cities Dive)
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
⚽ Real Madrid Built the Most Advanced Stadium in the World. Then Taylor Swift Showed Up
When the most popular sports team on the planet finished its new stadium, everything seemed perfect. With its old brutalist concrete structure now cladded in a new wraparound facade made of smoothly curved stainless steel louvers, it looked like a sci-fi spaceship ready to take the best soccer club of the 20th century into the 21st. Every member and fan of Real Madrid was proud of the club's new crown jewel. Then, on May 29th, Taylor Swift came to sing and everything went to hell. After inaugurating the space as a concert venue, a regular cadence of major act musicians followed. And now, tens of thousands of fans have ruined the venue's surroundings, while partying at thundering decibels keeps locals awake till 1am. The new architectural icon has turned out to be a poisonous pill for the city. (Fast Company)
| |
Asia Village at Northtown Mall Could be a $10M Project | |
|
Read more about this project in Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal
The deal for the Asia Village site in Northtown Mall has been completed, bringing the project closer to becoming a reality.
Investors closed on the deal August 15th and expect 14-16 months for buildout before Asia Village opens at the Blaine shopping center. The team includes all five investors from Eden Prairie's Asia Mall, two other private investors and Michael Bui, the restaurateur behind concepts like Pho Mai and the revived Keefer Court.
The team bought 130,000-square-feet of Northtown Mall around the former Herberger's space. Bui said it's at least a $10-million project between the purchase and buildout.
Asia Village will be about 25% bigger than Eden Prairie's Asia Mall. The vision includes a roughly 40,000-square-foot Asian grocer, retailer, an event venue, and an Asian-focused food court.
| |
ABOVE PHOTO: A rendering of what the inside of Asia Village could look like by Vinci Solutions. | |
Building Tomorrow: Key Insights from the 2024 Marcum National Construction Survey | Presented by Marcum LLP | |
|
DATE: Thursday, August 29
TIME: 1:00pm CDT | 2:00PM EDT
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free
| |
|
|
Join Marcum LLP for an exclusive virtual panel discussion, Building Tomorrow: Key Insights from the 2024 Marcum National Construction Survey, following its highly anticipated release.
Moderated by Joe Natarelli, Marcum's National Construction Industry Leader, this session will feature Marcum's Regional Construction Industry leaders from across the country as they bring the critical insights from the report to life. They will explore key survey results, highlighting the issues that matter most to your market and provide actionable insights to prepare your business for tomorrow's construction landscape.
This panel presentation will highlight key topics from this year's survey, including:
- A never-before-seen leading cause of project cancellations and delays;
- Smart money moves for an increasingly tight lending environment; and
- Historically underutilized tax credits and incentives.
Secure your spot and receive a complimentary copy of the 2024 National Construction Survey.
For more information, please contact jordan.difranco@marcumllp.com.
| |
|
Clay Shoot for the Trades
Presented by The Builders Group (TBG)
| |
|
DATES: Tuesday, September 17
TIME: 1:00pm - Registration, 2:00pm - Clay Shoot, 4:00pm - Awards, Dinner & Highlights
LOCATION: Game Unlimited (Hudson, Wisc.)
COST: $110 / shooter
| |
|
|
Join TBG for a fun afternoon of shooting, camaraderie and good times with friends from around the trades as they continue to raise funds to further the work of TBG's Education Foundation.
Register individually or in groups up to five. Gun Rental and Ammo are available for an additional fee.
| |
Benefit of the Week: Save on Back to School supplies | |
|
Getting the kids ready for school can be stressful --- and expensive.
Basic school supplies, such as pens and notebooks, can hit the family budget for $125 or more each fall. Throw in computers and smartphones and tablets and the cost really leaves a mark.
Here are some handy tips to help you save money --- and maybe even your sanity --- as you finish your back to school shopping.
Take Inventory of What You Already Have
You might have some extras left over from last year stashed in that closet or junk drawer. That's one less thing to buy!
Shop Online
It's easier to stick to a budget --- and your list --- when shopping online. Plus, you'll save time and gas by not having to run from store to store.
Keep Quality in Mind
Invest in good backpacks and lunch bags. It might be tempting to skimp, but lesser quality goods might not last the full school year and then you'll have to rebuy them mid-year, with doesn't save time or money.
Determine When to Buy Generic or Store Brands
Sometimes the quality is the same or close. However, some teachers request specific brands because they outperform the generics. Trust the experts.
Shop Through Sites that Offer Discounts
Like ODP Business Solutions and Staples via your NPP membership! Both offer discounts on thousands of office supplies for your business. In some cases, you can also pass those savings along to employees, so everyone wins.
Buy Items in Bulk with Friends
Paper, pens and notebooks are great items to buy in bulk. Go in with your friends and neighbors and divvy up those multi-packs.
Hopefully these tips help in getting ready for the busy school year ahead. If you don't finish all of your shopping, or if you can wait until after school starts for some of your purchases, you may save even more in September. Keep an eye out for those "We're Already Back in School" sales.
Okay, while that may not ACTUALLY be a thing, prices *do* drop once the rush is over.
| |
|
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. NPP 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.
| |
PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
|
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 8/12/2024 - 8/16/2024: 91
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 8/12/2024 - 8/16/2024: 10
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 8/20/2024: 303
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 8/20/2024: 3,088
| |
|
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 8/14/2024-8/20/2024.
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.
| |
|
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, 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
| | | | |
