The Twin Cities Chapter of the CFMA is a vibrant chapter with more than 200 members and serves the construction community throughout the state of Minnesota. We have monthly meetings, social events, an annual golf tournament and jobsite tours. Our events are open to members and non-members alike. If you are interested in finding out more about us, please come to one of our events as a guest to check us out! There are currently no local chapter dues, so become a member today and reap both the benefits from national membership as well as those from local membership.
Description
Join CFMA TC on Thursday, March 19th from 2:00-4:30 pm for the in-person program “From Spreadsheets to Systems: Modernizing Construction Financial, Compliance, and
Supplier Data Through The UpNet Lens using SmartComp.”
Construction finance leaders are being asked to manage more complexity with less tolerance for error—from multi-entity projects and supplier compliance to workforce tracking and audit-ready reporting. Yet many organizations still rely on disconnected spreadsheets, manual data entry, and siloed systems.
This session will explore how modern data integration and purpose-built platforms can reduce financial risk, improve reporting accuracy, and support smarter decision-making—without forcing a rip-and-replace of existing ERP or accounting systems.
Using real-world construction examples, UpNet Technologies will demonstrate how finance, compliance, supplier, and workforce data can be unified, validated, and reported in ways that directly support CFO priorities.
Participants will learn how to:
1. Identify financial risk hidden in fragmented data
2. Integrate—not replace—core financial systems
3. Improve visibility across suppliers, subcontractors, and workforce
4. Prepare for audits, public reporting, and owner requirements
5. Evaluate technology investments through a CFO lens
Schedule:
2:00-2:30 pm - Registration
2:30-3:30 pm - Presentation
3:30-4:30 - Networking happy hour at Star Bar and Bistro (next door to Gardner Builders)
PRICE:
FREE for Members, $50 Non-Members
Please register by Friday, March 13.
Featured Speaker: Fredrick Blocton, President of UpNet CSG
Fredrick Blocton has been an entrepreneur since the early 90’s. Fredrick has an extensive background in Executive Level Technology Designs and Implementation worldwide. Fredrick has designed and developed technology solutions for Corporate, Construction and K-12 markets, with people such as Arne Duncan, past Secretary of Education, Chicago Public Schools (42M Technology Project), Dr. Clinton Stapleton, US Virgin Islands (20M Technology Project), Dr. Mary Guinn, Gary Community School Corporation (20M Technology Project), Major Corporations such as Medtronic (Global Recycling Program, 100%Green), and General Mills (Supplier Relationship Management Program), US Bank Stadium( Technology to track the Build and ongoing operations), Super Bowl 52 hosted in Minneapolis (Tracked and reported on minority participation)
In addition to his extensive technology experience, Fredrick has a passion
for supporting the unique needs of individuals and organizations through his volunteer efforts. He is Chairman of the Board for 180 Degrees; He is President of the Twin Cities Chapter BDPA which delivers education in the technology, and on the BDPA foundation board, which serves youth in technology, in Minneapolis and St. Paul at Metropolitan University. He has volunteered with 100 Men strong and Principal for a Day for Achieve Minneapolis and Minneapolis Public Schools. Finally he is on the board of Osiris Organization which delivers technology training to youth at 36 Recreational Centers in the City of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
He is the current President of UpNet Client Solutions Group; Fredrick holds a degree in Computer Engineering Technology from FIT.
Date & Time
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Venue Details
Gardner Builders
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402