May 2012 NPBA Newsletter

Mission Statement The North Peninsula Building Association represents builders and associates of the building industry. We advocate constant improvement of building and business practices to provide quality construction in our community.

Vol. 5, Issue 5

www.npba.info

360-452-8160

PO Box 748 • 3430 E. Highway 101, Ste. #1, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Thank you for making the Expo a great success!

The 2012 Building, Remodeling and Energy Expo was a tremendous success and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our many volunteers and sponsors.

Thank you to our sponsors — we truly appreciate your commitment to helping us put on a first-class show right here on the Olympic Peninsula.

Thank you to the Expo Committee: Carrie Sue Bennett, Gellor Insurance; Mike Howe, Clallam PUD; Debi Lahmeyer, Sequim Gazette; Donna Pacheco, Lumber Traders; Debb Rutherford, Eagle Home Mortgage; and Trina Stern,

by Design Group. Your help with show planning and creativity were invaluable - we could not have done it without you!

We would like to especially acknowledge our Volunteer Coordinator Chair Carrie Sue Bennett for helping us procure volunteers to help us greet attendees, sign up people for the drawing and make and serve popcorn sponsored by Hadlock Building Supply and Hartnagel Building Supply. The following volunteers helped the NPBA put our best foot forward by helping us with this task.

Deb Alwine Shelly Ashby, Gellor Insurance Penny Berneking, Berneking Concrete Homes Tracy Gudgel, Zenovic & Associates Cindy Kelly, Dry Creek Water Association Timm Kelly Donna Knifsend, Lawsuit Prevention & Management Jo’El James, PNC Mortgage Michelle McFall, Gellor Insurance Charmayne Hurlbut, Eagle Home Mortgage Donna Pacheco, Lumber Traders Inc. And the two lovely ladies who called us up to because they

May 2012

And the winners are ...

saw we needed help in the paper: Renate Melvey and Dianna Cross. Thank you from all of us at the NPBA for taking time to help us with the Expo!

Show Set Up Accolades “Spiderman” Dan Donovan, All Form Welding, for hanging by the rafters and using his sailing skills to secure the banners and signs in place.

The “Supers”: Scott Schwagler, J & J Construction and Roger Wheeler, RJ Services, thank you for your vast knowledge of setting up the show and making sure everything went off without a hitch and for bringing the Strong Men! “The Strong Men” Justin Antioquia, Ricky Porter, Collin Wheeler, thank you for helping us not hurt our backs by lugging out and laying out the protective mats.

The Strait Flooring Crew for getting the brand new carpet laid in a limited amount of time. Thanks for all of you hard work!

Expo Tear-Down Crew Dan Donovan, All Form Welding; and Josh Smith and Calvin White, Sequim Electric After hours of exhibiting at the show, these members mustered up enough energy to help us get everything back to where it belonged even if it meant driving out of their way to drop things off at the NPBA office. Thank you Josh for going out of your way to help us out!

We also would like to thank Lakeside Industries for placing the VMS road signs out to help direct people to the show and acknowledge all of the work by onsite Expo staff to help us with event: Kelly Raymond, Debb Rutherford, Andra Smith, Trina Stern and Rhys Crawford, demo tech. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the show!

We look forward to 2013 and are starting to plan the show.

If you would like to be a part of the planning process, contact me at faleana@npba.info or 452-8160.

Nancy Grulkowski of Port Angeles stands inside a shower display at Everwarm’s showroom with Dan Wilson, aka “Dan, Dan, the Shower Door Man.”

Attendees at the Expo could enter to win one of two $250 shopping sprees to any exhibitor at the show!

Nancy Grulkowski of Port Angeles chose to spend her shopping spree at Everwarm Hearth & Home on a new shower door. She was very excited to have been drawn as the winner and decided to top off her recent bathroom remodel with a brand new shower door. Wow, what great timing!

Ward Norden of Quilcene was the winner for Sunday’s drawing. He chose to take his winnings on down to Hadlock Building Supply and buy a brand new chainsaw! As fate would have it, he had just ordered a cord of firewood-cut and split since his chainsaw had just broken.

He said it must have been a message from the cosmos and now he will be ready and able to cut his own wood for next year!

Ward Norden poses proudly with a new chain saw he bought with his Shopping Spree winnings at Hadlock Building Supply.

Vol. 5, Issue 5

May 2012

Court blocks implementation of NLRB poster rule A controversial rule requiring employers to prominently display a poster advising workers of their right to unionize did NOT go into effect on its planned implementation date of April 30.

On April 13, the U.S. District Court for South Carolina, in a case brought by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ruled that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) exceeded its authority in adopting a rule requiring employers to post an employee notice of collective bargaining rights.

Judge David C. Norton held that the NLRB’s authority is limited to adjudicating unfair labor practices and that Congress did not impart the agency with authority to compel employers to post labor rights notices.

This decision has created a split among jurisdictions, as just last month, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in a case brought by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) that the NLRB had the authority to promulgate the rule, but that failure to comply with the rule

did not by itself constitute an unfair labor practice or serve to toll the statute of limitations for filing an unfair labor practice complaint. NAM has filed for appeal in this case.

Following on the heels of the South Carolina decision, on April 17 the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia granted a temporary injunction blocking implementation of the poster rule pending a ruling on the appeal filed by NAM. The poster rule had been scheduled to go into effect on April 30, but this is no longer the case. The injunction stays the implementation and employers nationwide will not have to post the collective bargaining rights poster, pending the outcome of this appeal.

Going forward, NAHB will continue to monitor all events concerning the poster rule and will provide notification to our members regarding future rulings. For more information, visit www.nlrb.gov/poster or contact David Crump at 800-368-5242 ext.

8491 or via e-mail at dcrump@nahb.org.

Thank you for voting us Best Place to Bank for 16 years!*

Lower mortgage rates. Faster closings.

We’ve made our mortgage loan process easier, faster, better!

800-800-1577 ourfirstfed.com *First Federal was voted Best Place to Bank and Best Customer Service in 2011 Peninsula Daily News ‘Best of the Peninsula’ poll.

Member FDIC

NPBA is throwing a Fiesta!

May 24 at 6 p.m.

The next NPBA General Membership Meeting will take place at Jose’s Salsa Factory in Sequim, 126 E. Washington St. Join us for some of Jose’s Famous Salsa, pulled pork tacos and all of the other fixings fitting of a fiesta. This is a great opportunity to network with other NPBA members and we look forward to seeing you there! Cost is just $15, e-mail faleana@npba.info to RSVP or call the office at 452-8160.

Dear Donna Donna L. Knifsend

Dear Donna:

For the past two years, it seems that we have had a greater turnover of employees. Should we be concerned?

Answer: Yes, every business should be concerned when there is a noticeable change in employees or customers. Using an exit interview is a great way to find out the reasoning behind the departure, as well as protecting the company from potential lawsuits.

An exit interview is a tool where employers can obtain information about the organization. This tool can help you assess your policies, procedures and variables in the workplace. Exit interviews also can be used to counteract a lawsuit or unemployment insurance claim from the employee.

Exit interviews can be verbal or in writing.

I recommend that a written exit interview (survey) be carefully prepared and given to all employees on the last day of employment.

If you mail the exit interviews after the employee has left, chances are they will not be returned. Additionally, having the document filled out while the employee is at work allows management to follow up for clarification and input. Explain that the employee’s input is valued and will help the organization improve and retain employees.

What should you ask?

Ask the hard questions. Would you work here again? Do you see any problems that we should know about? If you were rehired at this company, what position would you apply for and why? Have you been injured on

the job? Will you continue to do business with this company now that you are leaving?

Would you recommend a friend to work at this company? Do you feel that you have been discriminated against? If yes, ask who, how, when, where, why. Get details and follow up with a thorough investigation.

During layoffs, ask the employee(s) if they have any suggestions on how you might improve the company and get business back on track. DO NOT PROMISE REHIRE, but keep in mind that employees say interesting things (or refrain therefrom) when they believe that they may be reinstated.

DO NOT PROMISE ANYTHING. The purpose of the exit survey, especially when laying off employees, is to help preserve facts for posterity.

Remember, even negative surveys can help you protect the company providing that you embrace the criticism and use it proactively to prevent future lawsuits and claims.

Exit interviews should be fair, impartial and non-discriminatory. Once obtained, use the information to change the environment.

Losing customers?

Exit interviews also are great tool to find out why you are losing customers. Business owners often are surprised at customer responses because often employment issues and customer service issues merge. The customer exit interview is more than simply placing “canned” customer surveys on the counter.

Be proactive and call customers. Ask if they are dissatisfied with your service and why.

If the feedback turns on employment issues, lack of inventory, poor marketing or other correctable concerns, take action. Knowledge is power, so do not be afraid to ask for the feedback.

Disclaimer: The advice given herein is strictly for informational purposes only and does not reflect advice to the readers. If you have a legal issue, see an attorney for full evaluation and advice.

Vol. 5, Issue 5

Hats off !

NPBA would like to send congratulations to Dan Huff of D & K Painting for being a 2012 Recipient of the Clallam County Community Service Award.

Thank you for your support of our community’s activities!

CODE CORNER Clallam and Jefferson County, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Sequim, Juan de Fuca Chapter of ICC

QUESTION: The state has included language that exempts a moved building from complying with the code as long as it remains a single-family residence and is not substantially remodeled. Do these exemptions allow a structure to be moved to an area with a snow load, or other design criteria such as wind and seismic, far in excess of what the structure may have been designed for?

ANSWER: The building official may deem improvements necessary for the safety of the occupants. Also, the applicable overriding general provision of the code is IRC Section R104.10, granting the building official authority to require modifications wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the code.

The moved buildings exception mirrors state law in RCW 19.27.180. The exception is intended to allow moved buildings for single-family housing without meeting new codes unless the building is substantially remodeled.

The state Legislature adopted this provision in 1989 to apply to residential buildings. The state amendment limits the application to single-family residential. From the legislative findings: “requiring the moved building or structure to meet all new construction codes may limit their use as an affordable housing option for persons of lower income…

Application of the new construction code standards to moved structures and buildings present unique difficulties ... It is the intent of the Legislature that any moved structure or building that meets the codes at the time it was constructed does not need to comply with any updated state building code unless the structure is substantially remodeled or rebuilt.” It was not the intent of the Legislature to create a hazardous condition.

May 2012

ROII® receives $15.9M in refunds

BIAW’s Return on Industrial Insurance ROII® Select Program recently reported outstanding news.

BIAW’s diligent claims staff, headed by Director of Insurance Programs Frank Romero, just released three-year plan numbers. BIAW expects a $15,940,928 million refund from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) this year.

The first adjustment is 15.68 percent, the highest in four years, with additional refunds for the second and third adjustments as well.

BIAW staff and senior officers are pleased to report this very welcome and encouraging news.

If you are interested in learning more about the ROII Select Program, contact Executive Officer FaLeana Wech at faleana@npba.info or 452-8160. Action is required immediately as the deadline has been extended but only until the end of the month.

Thanks!

Bob’s Electric Budget Blinds

by Design Group Gellor Insurance

NPBA would like to thank the following companies for their continued support: Hines Construction, Inc. Lumber Traders Inc. On-Site Services Sequim Village Glass Sound Community Bank Zenovic & Associates

Calendar of events: May 16 Marketing Focus Group, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

May 24 General Membership Meeting, 6 p.m.

June 14 NPBA Board of Directors Meeting, 5 p.m.

2012 Officers and Board of Directors President: Rick Gross, Estes Builders LLC 1st Vice President: Garret DelaBarre DelaBarre Construction 2nd Vice President: Bill Feeley, Feeley Construction Inc. Treasurer: Julie Myers, First Federal Secretary: Donna Knifsend Lawsuit Prevention & Mgmt Immediate Past President: Tracy Gudgel Zenovic & Associates State Directors: Annie O’Rourke, Drafting Solutions Scott Schwagler, J & J Construction Garret DelaBarre, DelaBarre Construction Mark Smith Builder Directors: Alex Anderson, Alex Anderson Concrete Larry Hanna, L.P. Hanna Construction Bill Feeley, Feeley Construction Inc. Greg McCarry, Westerra Homes Associate Directors: Kelly Raymond, Sound Community Bank Dan Donovan, Allform Welding Inc. Roger Wheeler, RJ Services Life Director: Bill Roberds, Excel Utility Construction Inc. Executive Officer: FaLeana Wech

Vol. 5, Issue 5

May 2012

CONTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT

J&J Construction of Port Angeles, Inc. Scott Schwagler / 457-1809 # JJCONP*099PA J&J Construction has been in business since 1978. Originally operated by “J&J” Jerry & Jackie Schwagler, their son Scott learned the ropes over the years and is now handling the day to day operations.

From new construction for both commercial and residential, large metal buildings to smaller wood frame construction, J&J tackles them all. “No job is too big or too small,” says Scott.

He adds that “variety is the best part of what we do. I enjoy the challenges of each different project.” Most recently J&J erected the steel framing and metal siding for the new Price Ford facility on E. Hwy 101, an airport hanger, Armstrong Marine expansion, plus residential remodels and additions.

In past years, J&J built the new Hartnagel store and structures at Wilder Auto, Ruddell Auto and Sunset Wire Rope.

After hours, Scott serves on the Board at the NPBA and for the Babe Ruth and PA Youth Baseball programs which organize tournaments and scholarships for student athletes.

J&J has shopped for building materials at Angeles Millwork and Hartnagel “for a long time. In fact we try to get everything locally if we can, from materials to vehicles.

We feel it is important to support our community and Member our customers.” Scott adds that “as a kid, I actually worked in the lumber yard at the old Angeles Millwork store for one summer.”

—————————— Contractor Spotlight is sponsored by —————————— Lumber and building materials for all types of construction projects.

1601 S “C” St., Port Angeles

457-8581 • angelesmillwork.com

www.facebook.com/ AngelesMillwork.Hartnagel

3111 Hwy 101 E, Port Angeles 452-8933 • hartnagels.com

Rely on the employee owned and operated stores that contractors rely on!

Free publicity opportunity

Feature article submissions are now being accepted from members for publication in our monthly NPBA newsletter. Introduce your company, staff, services or special news in a well-written, editorial article geared toward consumers, of up to 500 words. Be sure to supply a high-quality color photo, company logo and contact information. Submissions will be considered based on newsworthiness and relevance to the building industry. E-mail your story, photo and logo to faleana@npba.info or call 452-8160 for more information.

NPBA Members in the News!

by Design Group awarded VA Mobility Specialty Contractor Status

• Naturally beautiful, durable and easy to maintain Homeowners, contractors and architects have prized redwood for its natural warmth, color and character. Each redwood deck board contains a texture and grain pattern all its own. Redwood is naturally durable, featuring resistance to decay and insects that comes from the tannins in redwood heartwood.

With minimal ongoing effort, the original beauty of a redwood deck can be easily maintained. A weathered redwood deck can be restored to its natural color with a few simple steps.

• Sustainable and environmentally certified Redwood lumber from well-managed forestlands offers a number of sustainable or “green” benefits. Redwood trees, by their nature, are a renewable resource. Producers such as Humboldt Redwood maintain Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®) certification from the forestlands through manufacturing and distribution. When you purchase Humboldt Redwood decking, you can be certain you are supporting environmentally responsible products.

For more information about Humboldt Redwood, go to www.GetRedwood.com or visit Angeles Millwork & Lumber Co., 1601 S. C St., and Hartnagel Building Supply, 3111 East Highway 101 in Port Angeles.

Lumber Traders: Redwood decking now available

Lumber Traders announces Expo prize winners

by Design Group Inc., established in 1979, is pleased to announce we have been approved by the Veterans Affairs Administration to be one of the few VA mobility specialty contractors on the peninsula. We are working to make sure seniors have the opportunity to stay in their home with dignity and independence without having to go elsewhere to live. We’re also the leading Best-Bath dealer in Western Washington offering high quality walk-in bathtubs and barrier free roll-in showers. As an "Aging in Place" remodeler, we offer grab bars, ramps, stair-lifts and elevators which can solve many mobility and barrier issues.

by Design Group Inc. is continually renovating bathrooms with comfort height toilets, bidet toilet seats and custom cabinetry with wheelchair accessibility. All of these items meet the form, fit and function needs of our clients.

Local owners Jac and Boni Osborn, Showroom Manager Trina Stern and Project Manager Kevin Woods are here to help. So when you’re in the Sequim area, stop by and see our showroom, have a cup of coffee and test-drive our walk-In tub. Open Monday from 9 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments by request. 11 E. Runnion Road, Sequim, WA 360-582-1843.

Absent from local lumber yards for years, redwood decking is once again available on the North Olympic Peninsula exclusively at Angeles Millwork & Lumber Company and Hartnagel Building Supply.

• Naturally strong Redwood features shear strength five times greater than plastic composite lumber, which means it doesn’t split as easily. In addition, redwood can span greater distances without bending, so it requires less substructure material — 24 inches on center vs. 16 inches on center for most composite lumber.

Frank Marabello of Sequim is the lucky winner of the Angeles Millwork & Lumber Co./Hartnagel Building Supply Expo booth door prize of 10 gallons of Parker Paint presented by Hartnagel paint manager, Tim Volker. Frank was very excited to win. He had been planning on painting the interior of his house this summer and is looking forward to adding some color since every wall in his home is white.

Tom Truitt of Port Angeles also was a Angeles Millwork/Hartnagel Expo prize winner and received a DeWalt compound jig saw.