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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) Next Wednesday (6/5) is the Member Appreciation BBQ; register now and bring a few of your work pals with, too.
2.) The next round of Bluebeam Revu courses with UChapter2 are set for June 4 (Baseline Basics), June 5 (Material Takeoffs & Estimates - Basic), and June 6 (Material Takeoffs & Estimates - Advanced). See the details on our website and register soon.
3.) With hopes of spurring more housing within the city, the Rochester City Council voted last week to remove prevailing wage requirements on single-family housing developments receiving TIF assistance.
4.) Don't FORE-get to sign up a team for the annual MBEX Twin Cities Golf Tournament taking place on June 18 at Oak Glen Golf Course. Singles and pairs golfers are also welcome to register; MBEX will handle assembling the full foursome.
5.) Here are 10 must-have Excel skills every project manager should know.
Proceed with caution if you're offered a job in Egypt; it could be a pyramid scheme.
IN BRIEF:
• Deadline Approaching: Submit MBEX Scholarship applications by Friday (5/31)
• Declines Continue: U.S. architecture billings remain "soft" in April
• Sneak Peek: A look inside May's issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline
• Labor Bills: What labor policies did pass through 2024's legislative session
• Ninth District's Struggling Industry Shows Improvement, World's First 3D Printed Load-Bearing Concrete Walls & Combatting Downtime Due to Severe Weather: Five construction-related headlines to know now
• Project of the Week: Stadium plan receives city's OK for tax bond financing in Blaine
• NPP Member Benefit: Receive a new phone or up to $1,000 off with Verizon
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LAST CALL: Scholarship Applications Due Friday (5/31) | |
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If you know any future constructors or builders pursuing a construction-related program at a trade school, community or technical college, or university, please encourage them to apply for the 2024-2025 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship.
The deadline to apply is this Friday, May 31.
The MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship provides financial support to our future workforce, advancing their education and skills in the construction industry as well as offering scholarship winners networking opportunities with current industry professionals through MBEX and TBG.
Spread the word and help someone take a significant steps towards their career goals. Encourage them to apply today!
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Architecture Billings Remain Soft | |
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The AIA / Deltek Architecture Billings Index score for April was 48.3, up from 43.6 in March. Despite the uptick in the index, billings "continue to decline at most architecture firms," AIA said in a press release.
Even so, AIA said, "there remains interest from clients as inquiries into new projects continue to increase."
However, the value of newly signed design contracts dipped slightly in April, as clients remain hesitant to commit to new work. Firms had hoped that the Federal Reserve would start lowering interest rates this spring and that would open new work, but with that decrease now likely on hold until late summer or early fall, firms may have some more slow months ahead of them.
Architecture firm billings continued to decline at firms in all regions of the country, with firms located in the Midwest and South reporting the largest declines. The current longest duration of decline is found at firms located in the West, where billings have now declined for the last 19 consecutive months.
Business conditions also remain soft at firms of all specializations, with the weakest conditions continuing at firms with a multi-family residential specialization, followed by those with an institutional specialization, and then those with a commercial / industrial specialization.
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Peek Inside the May issue of the Pre-Plan Pipeline
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MBEX members with Premium Access services receive a comprehensive review of projects in their formative stages across Minnesota each month
How many projects? It varies from issue to issue, but the May issue contained 63 projects across 40 cities and counties.
Take a look inside this teaser to get an idea for the types of projects highlighted each month.
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Not a Premium Member?
Contact us today to upgrade.
You are a Premium Member, but not receiving this publication?
First, check your spam / junk folder. If
not found there, contact us so we may doublecheck you're on the correct mailing list (as well as have your correct email address!).
View the preview by clicking the image to the right.
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What Labor Bills Passed in Minnesota This Year | |
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Now that the Minnesota Legislative season is a wrap, find out what labor policies made it through the session:
Higher Penalties for Misclassification
Employers will face harsher penalties --- up to $10,000 for each violation --- for misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying for minimum wages, overtime, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.
The bill empowers all workers --- not just construction workers --- to sue their employers for misclassification, and the state Department of Labor and Industry will be able to issue stop work orders where violations are occurring, as part of the bill (HF 5247) expected to be signed by the governor.
The bill also updates the test used to determine if construction workers are independent contractors and makes it easier for state officials to go after bad actors who try to evade penalties by setting up their companies under new names.
Minimum Wage Carve-Outs will be Eliminated
Virtually all employees in Minnesota will be entitled to a single state minimum wage starting January 1, when a lower minimum wage tier is eliminated for employees at small businesses, employees under 18 years old and foreign workers on J visa in the hospitality industry. Those workers will see their wages rise by more than $2 an hour to the state's minimum wage for large employers --- $10.85 per hour and set to rise with inflation on January 1. Tips cannot be counted toward the minimum wage.
The new law --- included in a package of labor policy signed by the governor (SF 3852) --- also increases the cap on how much the state minimum wage can rise with inflation from 2.5% to 5%, meaning minimum wage workers will get larger raises in years of inflation.
Salary Ranges in Job Postings
Next year employers will have to include salary ranges in job postings, along with a general description of benefits and other compensation as part of the labor policy signed by the governor (SF 3852).
Employers who do no plan to offer a salary range must list a fixed pay rate.
Prevailing Wage will be Required on Affordable Housing Projects
Minnesota will be the first state to require developers to pay prevailing wages on affordable housing projects that receive funds through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Prevailing wages largely align with what unions pay and are typically required on publicly funded construction projects --- like highways, schools and parks --- under the rationale that the government should not put downward pressure on wages.
New requirements were also passed for developers of affordable housing aimed at weeding out contractors with histories of labor violations. The bill requires construction firms to disclose to the public within 14 days of a request any past convictions, labor citations, lawsuits and investigations within the past five years. Developers hiring contractors who have failed to follow wage laws must create wage theft prevention plans and could be banned from receiving state funds for three years if more violations occur.
As a condition of receiving state funding, project developers must hire "responsible contractors" with clean records.
Lawmakers and trade unions also hoped to add prevailing wage requirements on affordable housing projects benefiting from other tax subsidies, as well as local construction projects that are expected from local sales tax, but those proposals did not pass.
'Shadow Noncompetes' will be Banned
Businesses and customers may not enter into contracts that restrict workers' employment choices. For example, child care centers will not be allowed to prohibit parents from hiring their teachers, and property maintenance companies will not be allowed to prohibit homeowners associations from hiring their workers. The law was signed by the governor (SF 3852) and applies to new contracts starting July 1.
What didn't pass this season: no bonding bill, no public option given to workers without employer-sponsored health insurance to enroll in MinnesotaCare, no unemployment benefits for striking workers, and the Minnesota nurses union's "Healing Greed Agenda".
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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 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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REGIONAL ECONOMY
📌 Ninth District's Struggling Construction Industry Shows Some Improvement
The Ninth District's construction industry continues to struggle, with many firms reporting less demand from customers and higher construction costs, according to the Minneapolis Fed's spring survey. Firms that reported worsening revenues year over year outnumbered those reporting improving revenues. Many reported significantly higher labor and material costs --- exceeding 5% --- that dampened their profits. But the industry appears to be in a better place this year. (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis)
BUILDING TECH
🖨️ In a World First, Load-Bearing Concrete Walls Built with a 3D Printer
Züblin, a Germany-based construction engineering company, built a new warehouse from a single 3D print in Stuttgart, Germany using a Putzmeister 3D printer. The machine mast boom's extensive 26-meter span, Züblin says, allows the application of "concrete in several layers precisely on the basis of a predefined and digital blueprint via a special print head." (Building Design + Construction)
RISK + SURETY
⛈️ 3Actions to Prepare Your Company for Combatting Downtime Due to Severe Weather
As severe weather events become more frequent and costly, contractors face a greater risk of downtime on projects. Few industries have also felt the ripple effects of materials costs and supply-chain disruptions quite like construction. This is an industry where on-time and on-budget projects are at a premium. Here's how to prepare for the next "what-if" scenario and the potential disruption that could follow. (Construction Executive)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
♻️ Updates to C-PACE Bode Well for Minnesota Clean Energy Upgrades
Developers and commercial property owners in Minnesota have new incentives to reduce their carbon footprints now that the Legislature has strengthened a popular tool for financing earth-friendly building improvements. At issue is the state's enabling legislation for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE, a public-private financing structure that rolls loan payments for energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy improvements into property taxes through a special assessment. This year, the Legislature broadened and updated the enabling legislation, which bodes well for such projects. (Finance & Commerce)
PROJECT PROGESS
🚫 High Interest Rates Take Growing Toll as Planned Apartments, Wind Farms, Shops are Scrapped
High interest rates are compounding the effects of spiraling construction costs and forcing developers to scrap, significantly delay, or shelve a growing share of projects across the U.S. Among those affected are apartment buildings, renewable energy projects, shopping centers, mixed-use developments and office complexes. The trend is making it more challenging for the nation to address a severe shortage of affordable housing, meet renewable energy goals and revitalize downtowns hobbled by the pandemic with new shops and restaurants, say critics and economists. (USA Today)
🦺 PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Blaine Sports Stadium Plan Gets Tax Financing OK from City
Plans for a 3,500-seat stadium near the National Sports Center in Blaine got a boost this week as the Blaine City Council gave preliminary OK to issue $34-million tax abatement bonds to help finance development around the project. The stadium is part of a broader effort on a 40-acre parcel near Blaine's National Sports Center that could include a new, pedestrian-friendly downtown filled with restaurants, hotels, and entertainment. After two years of planning, the city expects the redevelopment to start mid-2024. Blaine-based Elevage Development Group and St. Louis Park-based Bader Development are leading the project. (Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal)
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Rendering of the proposed stadium and related development in Blaine. | |
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: Verizon | |
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MBEX Members can switch to Verizon and get a new phone or up to $1,000 off (with eligible trade-in and select Business Unlimited plan).
Click through to check out savings offered through NPP that you don't want to miss on the newest devices from Verizon.
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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 5/20/2024 - 5/24/2024: 87
• Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 5/20/2024 - 5/24/2024: 17
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 5/28/2024: 362
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 5/28/2024: 2,117
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 5/22/2024-5/28/2024.
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 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
• August 7 - St Paul Saints Game with AGC
• August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
• August 21 - Golf North
• September 11 - Sporting Clays North
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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; 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; 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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