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Issue No. 27 β’ Wednesday, July 3, 2024 β’ www.mbex.org | |
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Five Quick Things To Know/Do This Week:
1.) Cue the fireworks ππ MBEX will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, for the 4th of July holiday. We will return to regular business hours on Monday, July 8.
2.) Aim, pull, and shoot with MBEX at our annual Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser on August 8 at Game Unlimited in Hudson, WI. Gather the tea as registration is now open!
3.) Understanding new and revised statutes passed by the Minnesota Legislature helps minimize the risk of litigation. These changes significantly impact the rights and responsibilities of employers. Recent amendments affect pre-employment drug testing; salary postings, restrictive employment covenants, access to personnel files, sick and safe time, paid family and medical leave, independent contractor misclassification, pregnancy accommodations, and employees' rights posters.
4.) Save the dates of October 14 to 18 for Construction Inclusion Week. Now in its fourth year, this initiative reflects the industry's commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the built environment.
5.) A friendly reminder that we don't make mistakes π¨
"A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works." - Bill Vaughan, American columnist
IN BRIEF:
β’ Superior Sail: Join MBEX on board the Sundew in Duluth on July 17
β’ Starts Go Up: Construction starts increase in May by 10%
β’ Monthly Round Up: Looking back at MBEX's past 30 days
β’ To Assess or Not: Supreme Court considers limiting climate assessments on infrastructure projects
β’ Optimistic Signs Inside the Industry, Workers Dying By Suicide at an Alarming Rate & OSHA's Proposed Extreme Heat Rule: Five construction-related headlines
β’ Project of the Week: Lakeville gets pitch for two new medical office buildings
β’ NPP Member Benefit: Summer Group Buy Specials with Sherwin-Williams
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See the Duluth-Superior Harbor, Lift Bridge, Canal, and the City as you may not have before β from the deck of the retired Coast Guard Cutter, Sundew.
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ο»Ώβ’ DATE: Wednesday, July 17
β’ TIME: Boarding begins at 5:15pm | Sundew departs promptly at 5:45pm | Return to port no later than 9:00pm
β’ LOCATION: Sundew boards and departs from Pier B Resort on Railroad Street (Duluth, Minn.)
β’ COST: $40 per person | Includes dinner, beverages, and cruise ticket
Space is limited to the first 150 people who register.
Please, no flip flops or heels on board. Folks are welcome to bring a bag chair and it's recommended to bring a polar fleece / warm jacket as it can get chilly on deck when out on the water.
Prospective members, spouses, co-workers, and families are also welcome to attend as a members' guest. However, as much as we love our families, this is not a suitable event for children under 12.
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Construction Starts Increase 10% in May | |
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Nonbuilding starts gained an impressive 49% during the month, driven by the start of an offshore wind project and an LNG facility, while residential starts lost 7% and nonresidential building starts were down 2%.
On a year-to-date basis through May, total construction starts were up 11% from the first five months of 2023. Residential starts were up 16%, while nonbuilding starts gained 17%, and nonresidential building starts rose 3%.
For the 12 months ending May 2024, total construction starts were up 2% from the 12 months ending May 2023. Nonresidential building starts were down 7%, residential starts were up 5%, and nonbuilding starts were up 14% on a 12-month rolling sum basis.
βEven though Mayβs gain in construction starts was mainly due to a handful of large projects, the data highlights that there is some grassroots demand building in the market,β said Richard Branch, chief economist of Dodge Construction Network. βSingle-family starts, in particular, have risen in 8 of the last 12 months despite high mortgage rates. Growth in single-family will incentivize further demand for retail, health, and education starts, among others, and the stability in the Dodge Momentum Index, which tracks projects in planning, underscores this optimism.β
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The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in May across the U.S. were the $2.1-billion Tennessee Titans Football Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, the $1-billion Gotion EV battery plan in Manteno, Illinois, and the $875-milion General Motors Battery Cell factory in New Carlisle, Indiana.
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At the start of each new month, we like looking back at the past 30 days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership goals.
Numbers below reflect the date range of June 1-30, 2024.
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Total # of Projects Added (2024) | |
Total # of Projects Added (2023) | |
Total # of Projects in 2024 (YTD) | |
New Member Companies Joined | | |
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No. of Bidders Added to Bidders Lists
(Members & Non-Members)
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Total Visitors on Project 2024-09D6 | |
Total Unique Visitors on Project 2024-09D6 | |
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ο»ΏProject Name:
City of Woodbury - Water Treatment Plant - P005574-2023-005
Bid Date: August 8, 2024 @ 2:00pm
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Supreme Court to Consider Limiting Climate Assessments on Infrastructure Projects | |
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The Supreme Court may decide to limit the federal governmentβs ability to consider climate change or other environmental impacts when weighing whether to approve infrastructure such as pipelines and railroads.
The high court announced on June 24th that it would take up a case concerning the approval of a railway line that could ship oil in Utah.
A lower court said that more assessment of the railwayβs impacts on oil production and refining β and the corresponding environmental impacts β was needed before it could be approved.
Railway company Uinta Basin Railway LLC and Utahβs Seven County Infrastructure Coalition are hoping the Supreme Court will challenge that decision.
But, more broadly, the case seeks to bar federal agencies from considering a projectβs indirect emissions β those related to the projectβs impacts on fossil fuel production or consumption.
If the railway company wins out, this ruling could apply not only to rail projects, but also pipelines, shipping ports and other methods of transporting oil, gas, and coal.
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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
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. Register Here
July 18 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders lists, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Time is saved at the end of the demonstration for questions and answers. Register Here
August 7 - St. Paul Saints Game with AGC
Join MBEX and the Association of General Contractors Leadership Blueprint Alumni for an afternoon of Minnesota Twins AAA baseball when the St. Paul Saints take on the Columbus Clippers at CHS Field. Register Here
August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
Aim, pull, and shoot to raise fund for the MBEX Scholarship Fund at this year's annual outdoor event with MBEX at Game Unlimited. Shooter packages include the clay shoot, a post-shoot social, dinner, awards, and door prizes. Teams may have a maximum of six shooters. Register Here
** August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Balance in your Life
Say good-bye to the concept of balance and embrace the idea of fulfilling blend in MBEX POWER's next workshop with Nicole Middendorf. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to find that perfect blend of professional and personal they're dreaming of. Registration Opening July 10
August 21 - Golf North
Come and socialize with fellow MBEX members and industry professionals out on the greens of Ridgeview County Club in Duluth. Register Here
** August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses
Don't miss this opportunity to see an introduction to each upcoming Bluebeam Revu course offered in September and their learning objectives with instructor Troy DeGroot with UChapter2. Register Here
September 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
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
π Construction Industry Shows Optimistic Signs
Today, construction controllers, CFOs, and financial officers anticipate a different landscape than seen in 2023: diminishing interest rates, stabilized material costs, and a surge in infrastructure opportunities. Despite the persistently high inflation that has prevented interest rate decreases thus far in 2024, there remains an expectation for a gradual decline in the latter half of the year. (For Construction Pros)
HEALTH + WELL-BEING
π¨ Construction Workers are Dying by Suicide at an Alarming Rate
While construction wages are up and jobs are plentiful, those in the industry fear that the pressures on their workers' mental health are only getting worse. A recent surge in construction projects, spurred by billions of federal dollars for infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor projects have put an increasing strain on an already stretched workforce. As a result, workers are putting in more than 10-hour days in harsh weather conditions, facing high-pressure deadlines and having to spend months away from home living in hotels, temporary workforce housing or their vehicles. (NBC News)
JOBSITE SAFETY
π₯΅ OSHA Proposes Rule to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat
The proposed rule released on July 2nd would require employers to develop a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan to control and mitigate hazards in workplaces impacted by excessive heat. The standard would require employers to evaluate heat risks and, when necessary, provide drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It would also require plans for workers accustomed to working in high heat. (Construction Dive)
ARCHITECTURE BILLINGS
π Architecture Business Conditions Continue Downward Trend
The pipeline of new work coming into firms is showing increasing softness. While inquiries into new projects continue to increase, they did so at a slower pace than in recent months. Additionally, architecture firm billings remained soft across all regions and sectors in May. Billings declined at firms in all regions of the country for the fourth consecutive month, as conditions remained weakest at firms located in the Midwest. Regional averages: Northeast (47.7); Midwest (41.7); South (46.0); and West (46.3). (Inside Lighting)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
π οΈ New Guidance on AI and Construction Issued
A new playbook from the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Digital and Innovation Advisory Panel has been written and published for built environment organizations of all sizes seeking to get to grips with AI technology and understand how to get the best from it. It includes ways to evaluate its effectiveness, while also considering matters such as ethics, cyber security, and data protection. (Construction Briefing)
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Lakeville Gets Pitch for New Medical Office Buildings | |
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Read more about this project on Finance & Commerce
Davis Health Real Estate wants to build two single-story medical buildings with roughly 26,000-square-feet of combined space on part of a 19-acre property just north of 162nd Street and west of Buck Hill Road.
A second development phase from Timberland Partners could bring 176 housing units to the site.
In June, the Lakeville Planning Commission recommended approval of a preliminary plat related to the medical office development. The approval is subject to an access and maintenance agreement for a private road that would serve the property, among other conditions.
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ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering of one of the two single-story medical buildings Davis Health Real Estate wants to build on part of a 19-acre parcel just north of 162nd Street and west of Buck Hill Road in Lakeville. (Rendering: Synergy Architecture Studio) | |
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2024 Mid-Year Construction Economic Update & Forecast
Presented by Construction Executive
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DATE: Wednesday, July 10
TIME: 1:00pm-2:30pm
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free!
SPEAKER: Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors
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Anirban Basu returns for a review of the first half of 2024 and a look toward 2025 and beyond. As always, he will offer insights on challenges facing the industry, sharing data and insights on labor expenses, materials pricing, market-sector growth and construction spending, as well as the latest on inflation and continuing potential for recession.
This will be a 60-minute presentation, followed by 30-minutes of live Q & A. Questions may be submitted in advance when registering for this webinar.
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Apprenticeship Advisory Board Meeting
Presented by Apprenticeship Minnesota
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Join Apprenticeship Minnesota at their next Apprenticeship Advisory Board meeting to hear updates about registered apprenticeship in Minnesota.
An online option is available also for individuals to listen to the session remotely.
Contact dli.apprenticeship@state.mn.us with questions.
View more information about the Apprenticeship Advisory Board here.
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Key Trends in the Healthcare Facilities Market for 2024-2025
Presented by Building Design + Construction
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DATE: Thursday, July 11
TIME: Begins at 11:00am CDT
LOCATION: Virtual Event
COST: Free!
SPEAKERS:
β’ Patrick E. Duke - U.S. Healthcare Market Outlook;
β’ Debbie Beck - Trends in Behavioral Health Facilities;
β’ Sandy Tkacz - Trends in Hospital Facilities; and
β’ Brian Silva - Trends in Outpatient Facilities
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A panel of healthcare design and construction experts will present their latest projects, trends, innovations, opportunities, and data/research on key healthcare facilities sub-sectors:
β’ Discover market trends and design/construction innovations in three key healthcare market sub-sectors: hospitals, outpatient/medical buildings, behavioral health centers;
β’ Review the 2025 market forecast for the $65-billion healthcare building construction market;
β’ Discuss the learnings from recently completed and in-progress healthcare building projects, including trends related to infection control, patient/family outcomes/experience, health/wellness, resiliency, offsite/prefab construction, and design innovations; and
β’ Understand the latest trends related to trauma-informed design for healthcare environments.
A 2024-2025 U.S. healthcare facilities market outlook will also be presented.
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Benefit of the Week: Sherwin-Williams & Summer Group Buy Specials | |
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From capital expenditure projects to maintenance, Sherwin-Williams helps make it easy for Building Management. They are your single source for paints, applicators, tools and equipment.
Summer Group Buy specials are available now, and NPP member businesses can visit the Sherwin-Williams page to register for exclusive member pricing.
Save on items like:
β’ ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape
β’ Handy Paint Pail and Liners
β’ Laxon Self-Cleaning Acrylic Coating
β’ Provision Tools PiViT Ladder Tool
β’ Allway 5-in-1 Tool
β’ And more!
These deals are valid from July 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024.
The nation's largest specialty retailer of interior and exterior paints, stains, finishes, and painting supplies. Founded in 1866, Sherwin-Williams delivers the best in paint and coatings products to the world. They also supply a broad range of highly engineered solutions for the construction, industrial, packaging, and transportation markets.
Click here to join NPP (it's free with zero obligation to buy) to access this deal and more.
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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 6/24/2024 - 6/28/2024: 84
β’ Total Projects Leads Reported on at MBEX from 6/24/2024 - 6/28/2024: 13
β’ Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 7/2/2024: 342
β’ Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 7/2/2024: 2,559
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 6/26/2024-7/2/2024.
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’ July 4 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
β’ July 5 - MBEX Closed (4th of July)
β’ July 17 - Duluth Harbor Sundew Cruise
β’ July 18 - Online Plan Room Demo
β’ August 7 - St Paul Saints Game with AGC
β’ August 8 - Sporting Clays Scholarship Fundraiser
β’ August 12 - Dunwoody Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament
β’ August 15 - Online Plan Room Dmo
β’ August 19 - MBEX POWER: How to Have Blend vs. Blend in Your Life
β’ August 21 - Golf North
β’ August 27 - Introduction to Upcoming Bluebeam Courses
β’ September 10 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
β’ September 11 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
β’ September 11 - Sporting Clays North
β’ September 12 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
β’ September 13 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
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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, Iron Eagle Industrial Services; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company | STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator/Accounting; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & IT; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Don O'Connor - Duluth Director; Shauna Baska, Peggy Esboldt, Misty Hall, Janet Margheim, Michelle Siegel & Ka Yang - Project Reporters
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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