|
Five Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) The MBEX Member Road Show is underway, and it's not too late to join us in St. Cloud (today!), Fargo (2/29), Duluth (3/6), and Virginia (3/7). Free food and drink, great networking opportunities, and opportunities to learn more about MBEX services, ask questions, meet staff, and more.
2.) Big congratulations to Shaw-Lundquist! The Eagan-based company celebrates not only its 50th anniversary in 2024, but also being one of the biggest minority-owned businesses in Minnesota.
3.) The Business Journals released a list of the Highest-Paying Occupations in America at the end of January. Construction-related careers on the list include Architectural & Engineering Managers (#15), Petroleum Engineers (#37), Software & Web Developers - Programmers & Testers (#60), Electrical Engineers (#78), Engineers - All Others (#79), Engineering & Architecture Teachers - Post Secondary (#91), Construction Managers (#96), and Health & Safety Engineers - Except Mining (#98).
4.) Women in Construction Week starts Sunday, March 3. Check out WIC Week events taking place across the metro (like Speed Networking on March 4) and celebrate the women in our industry.
5.) Test Your Knowledge:
In 2023, what was the average commercial construction cost per square foot in the United States?
A.) $250 per square foot
B.) $310 per square foot
C.) $490 per square foot
D.) $605 per square foot
See the Answer
Never trust tall buildings; they're always up to something.
IN BRIEF:
• POWER-ful Lineup: Check out the Women's POWER series' upcoming workshops
• In-DEED: Two Greater Minnesota cities awarded $3-million for infrastructure
• Class Time: Bluebeam Revu courses begin next week with UChapter2
• AI Guide: ABC released a guide for using AI throughout a project's lifecycle
• Input Prices Rise, an AI Assistant for Safety & Compliance, and a New Era of Bridge Technology: Five construction headlines, and major upgrades are on the horizon for MSP International, Bemidji, Duluth, and Two Harbors' airports
• Member Benefit: Get work done and stay connected with Microsoft
| |
EmpowerHER: 2024 MBEX POWER Workshop Lineup | |
|
The MBEX Women’s POWER series is gearing up for a dynamic return in 2024, featuring four exciting workshops that are set to continue our mission: empowering women throughout the construction industry with education, fostering connections, and elevating professional journeys.
Now, the upcoming topics may sound familiar, but this time, each workshop will be guided by none other than the incredible Nicole Middendorf, CEO of Prosperwell Financial and the visionary behind the Live It List (pictured right).
Nicole is a financial expert, a knowledge junkie, a survivor, a single mom, and a born coach. In 2003, she boldly ventured out from Morgan Stanley to establish her own wealth management firm, Propserwell Financial. She’s also the author of five books, as well as a world traveler, a philanthropist, and a pro when it comes to public speaking.
Mark your calendars for the following dates and join us for learning, networking, and professional and personal growth:
WORKSHOP #1
Making It in a Male-Dominated World
• Monday, April 2
• 3:30pm - 5:30pm
• McGough Construction (Roseville)
Join us for a passionate discussion on diversity and inclusion, and discover how we can empower more women to succeed in male-dominated careers.
WORKSHOP #2
Women, Money and Happiness
• Wednesday, June 26
• 7:30am-9:00am
• Location TBD
Women juggle a lot, and while managing the present is crucial, planning for the future is just as essential. Join us for a lively workshop where attendees will learn tips and tricks to help women become savvier and smarter with their finances.
WORKSHOP #3
Balance vs. Blend
• Monday, August 19
• 2:00pm-3:30pm
• Prosperwell Financial (Mendota Heights)
Say goodbye to the concept of balance and embrace the idea of fulfilling blend. Join us for this workshop where attendees will leave with practical ideas on how to find that perfect blend in life they're dreaming of.
WORKSHOP #4
Live It List & Self-Care Health Fair
• Thursday, October 10
• Time TBD
• Hilton Minneapolis (Bloomington)
Get ready for an exceptional experience as attendees unlock the secrets to true happiness and discover how to live life to the fullest through the Live It List. Nicole joins us as our special guest speaker at the MBEX Fall Social and second annual Self-Care Health Fair.
The best part of it all? These workshops are open to ALL women in the construction sector. Whether swinging a hammer on-site, rocking it in marketing, managing projects like a boss, or a trade skills expert, these sessions are for you.
Be the first to know when registration opens for each of these upcoming workshops by signing up for the POWER email list, and keep an eye on the MBEX's website for upcoming details as they become available.
Feel free to bring your girlfriends and colleagues along --- the more the merrier, and we're all about building a rock-solid and POWER-ful support network for everyone.
| |
DEED Awards $3M+ to Two Greater Minnesota Cities | |
|
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced earlier in February that it has awarded more than $3.1-million in infrastructure grants to projects in Austin and Lester Prairie.
LESTER PRAIRIE: $1,459,522
• To construct a new industrial park that will create five lots over 17 acres.
• The city estimates the industrial park --- the first in the city and the fourth in McLeod County --- will attract $2.5-million in private investment and create 105 jobs over 5 years.
• The total project cost is $2,899,044.
AUSTIN : $1,650,175
• To construct street and sewer systems for the Creekside Business Park Extension Project that will add 57-acres to the park, as well as provide space for additional businesses to locate in the park.
• The project is expected to create 106 jobs and pull $180-million in private investment from NuTek and Smyth.
• The project is also receiving a $2.2-million federal grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) as a part of the American Rescue Plan and EDA's $300-million Coal Communities Commitment.
• The total project cost is $4,375,350.
DEED's Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI) awards grants worth up to 50% of eligible capital costs for qualifying public infrastructure projects in communities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
| |
Bluebeam Revu Courses Begin Next Week | |
|
AEC professionals of all kinds rely on Bluebeam construction software for PDF markups, digital workflows, and effective project collaboration.
We've partnered with UChapter2 to bring a variety of Bluebeam Revu training courses to our members that teach the basics of the program (as well as more advanced workings) for various roles within a project's team.
| |
|
Monday, March 5
Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
Tuesday, March 6
Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
Wednesday, March 7
Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
Thursday, March 8
Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
| |
|
Tuesday, March 12
Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
Wednesday, March 13
Bluebeam 6: Administrative Professionals
Thursday, March 14
Bluebeam 7: Civil Workflows
| |
|
These courses are open to both MBEX members ($110 per class) and Non-MBEX members ($165 per class), and all are taught by Troy DeGroot.
Learn more by visiting our website for course descriptions and to enroll. Course descriptions can also be found below in the 'Upcoming MBEX Events' section. Some courses do require pre-requisites; check website for further details.
| |
ABC Releases Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Guide | |
|
Including links to AI resources and explanations, this guide from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) details how industry professionals can use artificial intelligence throughout a construction project's lifecycle. Tips, notes, and insights are broken down across preconstruction, construction, and maintenance.
In its guide, ABC states that AI technology "should not be underestimated." It touts savings, not just on labor, but in increased efficiency in planning, data management, and quality control.
The guide is meant to simplify and make sense of what can be, for many contractors, a novel and intimidating environment.
As the industry looks to engage more young workers, it's vital that the tools they inevitably will use --- like AI --- are adopted deliberately and with purpose.
The guide suggests that any business looking to implement AI strategies for the first time ask themselves important questions about its purpose and longevity.
| |
|
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
February 28 - Member Road Show: St. Cloud
Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at Granite City. Register Here
February 29 - Member Road Show: Fargo
Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at the Jasper Hotel. Register Here
March 3-9 - Women in Construction Week
Women in Construction (WIC) Week celebrates and promotes the role of women throughout the construction industry. Learn More
**March 4 - Speed Mentoring (WIC Week)
Kick off Women in Construction Week with Dunwoody and the MBEX Women's POWER series! Join us for a fast-paced and empowering speed mentoring session where you can connect and gain valuable insights with up to five mentors from the design, construction, and engineering worlds. This event is open to students and emerging professionals in the Design, Engineering, and Construction disciplines. Register Here
March 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
Whether opening Bluebeam Revu for the first time or you've used it for years, this class will ensure a higher baseline knowledge. Register Here
March 6 - Baseline 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
With Revu's intuitive measurement tools and customizable interface, turn your highlighters into data-rich takeoff tools. Register Here
March 6 - Member Road Show: Duluth
Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at Mr. D's Bar & Grill. Register Here
March 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
After finishing the Bluebeam 2 course, students will move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Register Here
March 7 - Member Road Show: The Iron Range (Virginia)
Join MBEX for a casual gathering with food, drinks, and networking with great company at the Sawmill Saloon in Virginia. Register Here
March 8 - 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
March 12 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
Learn to create and place custom punch symbols, quickly embed images or videos, and create summary reports. Register Here
March 13 - 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
March 14 - 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
** March 21 - MBEX Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and bidders lists, this free, one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. There will be time at the end for questions and answers. Register Here
March 20 & 21 - 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 - April 2 - POWER Workshop #1
In 2024, the upcoming MBEX Women's POWER workshops are revisiting familiar themes from last year, but this time, they will be guided by none other than the incredible Nicole Middendorf, CEO of Prosperwell Financial and the visionary behind the Live It List. And we're kicking things off with How to Make It in a Male-Dominated World.
**Save the Date - April 17 - MBEX Spring Social
Join us for an evening out with fellow construction business owners, executives, and industry professionals that includes a special speaker, drinks and delicious food, cash raffles benefiting the MBEX Construction Scholarship fund, and more.
| |
|
ECONOMIC REPORTS
🛠️ Input Prices Rise After 3 Months of Decline
Construction input prices ticked back up 1% in January largely due to increases in energy costs, according to a new ABC analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Produce Price Index. The jump marks the first overall price increase after three months of moderation, highlighting the ongoing presence of material price volatility. (Construction Dive)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
🛑 Avetta Launches Generative AI Assistant to Enhance Contractor Safety & Compliance
AskAva, the first generative AI assistant for contractor compliance and safety, is designed to automate risk assessments for contractors, focusing on reducing workplace incidents, injuries, and fatalities. Integrated within the Avetta platform, this new tool is powered by OpenAI technology. (Occupational Health & Safety - OH&S)
TECH & INNOVATION
🌉 New Era of Bridge Construction Technology Lands in the U.S.
In the world of bridge construction, the differences between cast-in-place and precast methods have always presented one primary trade-off: durability versus speed. However, in Eau Claire County, Wisc., a proven technology has arrived, marking the first ever union between the two approaches in the United States. (Civil + Structural Engineer Media)
2024 LEGISLATURE NEWS
⚖️ Minnesota Contractors Seek Changes for Safer Digs
Minnesota contractors feel a sense of urgency to update decades-old laws that aim to prevent damage to underground utilities --- and keep workers safe --- on construction projects throughout the state. Aiming to address that concern is House File 2717 and Senator File 2723, which would amend Minnesota's excavation notice laws. The amendments would, among other things, include additional contractor protections and improved utility mapping. (Finance & Commerce)
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
🌲 Protect Projects From Higher Repair Costs & Property Damage
As industry leaders gauge economic pressures, it's clear businesses must manage their costs --- and financial risks in 2024. It's a year where insurance and safety should take priority. Inside this article are economic trends to monitor, and insurance strategies to help protect this year's bottom line. (Construction Executive)
🦺 PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Biden Administration Picks Airports for Nearly $1B in Terminal Upgrades
The Biden administration is providing $970-million for improvements at 114 airports in 44 states. Four airports in Minnesota are set to receive funding this year. Bemidji Regional Airport will get $261,250; Two Harbors Municipal Airport will receive $1.14-million; Duluth International Airport will get $10-million; and Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport will receive $20-million. The grant money will fund a variety of projects, ranging from building new terminals or concourses to making bathrooms bigger. The funds will also help improve baggage systems and security screening areas, expand public transit options, build solar energy infrastructure and increase accessibility. (Minnesota Reformer)
| |
|
Staying Out of Trouble - 207 Contract Protection
Presented by the DBE Business Academy
| |
|
DATE: Thursday, February 29
TIME: 8:30am-12:30pm
LOCATION: Attend Online - link provided when registered
COST: Free
| |
|
|
This intermediate-level class focuses on laws that affect the construction business and how to reduce business liabilities. Gain an understanding of business law, change orders, subcontractors' liability, bonds, and more.
Questions should be directed to srice@imoconsultingroup.com.
| |
|
Speed Mentoring
Presented during Women in Construction (WIC) Week
| |
|
DATE: Monday, March 4
TIME: 7:00am-9:00am
LOCATION: Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis, Minn.)
COST: Free
| |
|
|
Kick off Women in Construction Week with Dunwoody and the MBEX Women's POWER Committee by joining us for a fast-paced and empowering speed networking session.
Speed mentoring is a series of focused sessions with up to five mentors from the design, construction, and engineering world. Come early to fuel up and enjoy the provided Continental Breakfast sponsored by the MBEX Women's POWER series.
Young and emerging professionals in the AEC industries are all welcome to attend.
| |
Empowering Communities Through Resilient & Sustainable Design | Presented by Minnesota Concrete Council (MCC) | |
|
DATE: Tuesday, March 5
TIME: 7:00am - 11:30am
LOCATION: Midland Hills Country Club (Roseville, Minn.)
COST: Free
| |
|
|
Join MCC and partners for a one-day symposium on resilient building design, where architects, engineers, and contractors will explore the integration of Zero Energy and Resilient Construction methods for sustainable communities.
In an era marked by climate challenges, this event focuses on innovative approaches that fortify structures against disaster while promoting energy independence. Discover how resilient construction, combined with energy-efficient design and robust materials, aligns with sustainability principles, offering a balanced solution for durability, energy efficiency, and disaster resilience.
Discussions will explore emerging trends in construction from a business perspective for designers, owners, and developers; as well as innovations in concrete construction.
This is also a 3-credit, AIA / HSW presentation.
| |
Benefit of the Week: Microsoft | |
|
Reimagine the way you work, whether remotely or onsite, with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams for your business.
MBEX Members who join NPP (it's free!) can purchase Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions for as low as $6 per month.
| |
Explore Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Teams can help your business improve cybersecurity, reduce costs and empower employees to work from anywhere.
More Than A Collaboration Tool
Learn more about Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft Teams. Connect with a Microsoft expert, join a workshop or schedule a demo today.
-------
NPP (National Purchasing Partners) is a member benefit provider of the Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX), offering savings on products and services that businesses and employees use every day.
Start saving by enrolling your business with NPP for free to activate this offer (and others like it) here: https://mynpp.com/association/mbex/. Restrictions many apply.
| |
PROJECT INFORMATION + UPDATES | |
|
• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 2/19/2024 - 2/23/2024: 92
• Total Active Projects Received/Reported on at MBEX as of 2/27/2024: 406
• Total Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 2/27/2024: 853
| |
|
Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 2/21/2024-2/27/2024.
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.
| |
|
UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• February 28 - Member Road Show: St. Cloud
• February 29 - Member Road Show: Fargo
• March 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• March 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• March 6 - Member Road Show: Duluth
• March 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• March 7 - Member Road Show: Virginia
• March 8 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
• March 20 & 21 - Reading Construction Documents online course with UChapter2
• March 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• April 2 - POWER Workshop #1 - Making It in a Male-Dominated World
• April 17 - MBEX Spring Social
| |
Connect with the Builders Exchange: | |
|
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, Bituminous Roadways; 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; 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
| | | | |
