March Bitterroot Building News by Bitterroot Building Industry Association

ISSUE

03 March 2012

MONTHLY JOURNAL OF THE BITTERROOT BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Bitterroot

Building News Inside this issue Education Opportunities P. 3 News from NAHB P. 4 March GMM Information P. 5

Bitterroot Building Industry Association “Serving to unify and enhance the building industry in the Bitterroot Valley through education, community involvement and quality construction practices.”

2012 Tour of Homes Entry P. 7 Calendar of Events P. 9

March GRIP Safety Class – Construction Fall Protection Fall Rescue The March GRIP Safety presentation will review fall protection and fall rescue practices in residential construction to comply with complex federally mandated requirements. Fall protection, or lack of it, was the leading citation written by OSHA in Montana for 2011. With new directives to actively pursue fall protection violations in residential construction; we received record amounts of calls from builders who received fall protection citations this past summer (2011). OSHA has strict fall protection requirements when a person is working more than 6 feet above the ground in residential construction. We will review safe work practices for framing operations, roofing operations, and leading edge work activities. We will also focus on items often overlooked that warrant citations.

Do you have a plan to rescue your employee if they went off an edge and are hanging in a harness? In the event of a fall you need to be able to retrieve the victim in less than 5 minutes. Often times due to the rural nature of Montana emergency services response time are much greater than this. Consequently we will take a look at innovative methods for getting workers down quickly and safely. Do your employees have harnesses and do they know how to wear them correctly? Are you aware that a harness has an expiration date on it, at which time it must be replaced or

recertified by the manufacturer? We will show your crew a few examples of alternative fall protection such as reusable guard rails, scaffolds and specialized tie off points. We can all find many excuses why tying off and working from ladders won’t work, but the alternatives could be catastrophic. Employers have a responsibility to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and maintain trained employees. We can help you meet that requirement by having your crew attend our free March GRIP Safety training. This month’s training will be hosted by Miller Fall Protection who will be demonstrating fall equipment an d safety on site with their Gravity Kills Defy It program. Please call Sean or Mike at the MBIA office (406)442-4479. The MBIA/GRIP classes are FREE and we welcome all those interested; so bring a friend.

BBIA Shout Out

Bitterroot Building Industry Association

By Angela K. Previte BBIA Executive Officer

Board Of Directors President Tom Vanorio T Bar V Builders

1st Vice President: Flora Buoy Alpine Granite Accents, Inc.

Treasurer George Bingham Bingham & Associates

Immediate Past President: Dale Hanson Western States Insurance

BBIA Shout Out

Winter or Spring, who can tell anymore? But I know that Spring is just around the corner because we have begun work on the th this year for the line up we already have and the 2012 Tour of Homes. We are so excited possibilities that are still out there waiting to sign up. Please see page 7 to enter your home in the 2012 Tour of Homes! We hope to bring you not one but two Taste of the Bitterroot Tour Buses, a fantastic selection of homes and an awards banquet that is sure to be fun! Sponsorship information will also be coming out this month so watch your email, snail mail, expect a phone call or contact the office today for details to reserve your sponsorship opportunity.

17 Annual Bitterroot Tour of Homes & Taste of the Bitterroot Tour

BBIA Shout Out

Save the dates for the upcoming GMMs. March promises to be full on information and ideas for your company’s advertising efforts in 2012 and April will have us showcasing the th are unfamiliar with the All American home check out All American Home. For those who their website at www.theallamericanhome.com.

17 Annual Bitterroot Tour of Homes & Taste of the Bitterroot Tour We have a membership campaign coming, a minute to win it BBQ and don’t forget our annual golf tournament this summer. Whew what a year ahead! See you all soon - Angie

Directors: Donny Ramer Professional Consultants, Inc. Caleb Tipton Big Sky Builders of Montana, Inc. Tom Stringham Schrock Construction, Inc. Deb Nelson Vann’s Electronics & Appliance State Directors State Life Director . . . . . . Tom Vanorio State Life Director . . . . . . Chip Pigman

NAHB Directors National Life Director. . . . Tom Vanorio National Rep . . . . . . . . . . Chip Pigman Alternate Rep . . . . . . . . . Open

BBIA Committees Home & Ranch Expo . . . Archie Thomas Education . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Tipton Membership . . . . . . . . . . Justine Morris Tour of Homes . . . . . . . . . Flora Buoy Government Affairs . . . . Vacant Golf Tournament . . . . . . . Willie Schrock BBIA Poker Tournament . . . Vacant

Staff Angela Previte . . . . . . . Executive Officer

Easy as Sunday Morning BBIA Shout Out

No Fuss Cinnamon Rolls th 17 Annual Bitterroot Tour of Ingredients: & Taste This recipe will make 9-12Homes rolls and can easily be doubled. of the Bitterroot Tour 1 package active dry yeast 1 ¼ cup warm water (around 120 degrees) ½ package of white or yellow cake mix 2 ½ cups flour ¼ cup butter, softened cinnamon Brown sugar Directions: Mix warm water and yeast and allow to stand 10 minutes. Mix in cake mix and flour. Cover with cling wrap and allow to raise until double. Place on a floured surface and roll to ¼ inch thickness. Spread on butter, cinnamon (sprinkle on as much as you want), and brown sugar (a liberal layer). You may add nuts or raisins at this time as well. Roll and cut, placing rolls in an ungreased pan. Place in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes. Spread on your favorite cream cheese frosting. These rolls can be made the night before; simply cover with cling wrap and allow them to raise one more time before putting them in the refrigerator. In the morning remove from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. TIP: I will usually use more butter. I coat my pan in butter and smear more on the dough so I get a gooier roll. I am also very liberal with my cinnamon and brown sugar; who doesn’t want more goo. Have recipes you would like to share email them to me at info@bitterrootbia.com; I’m always looking for something new to try.

On – Line Registration Now OPEN for the upcoming Seventh Annual Building Code Education Conference. The Seventh Annual Building Code Education Conference will be held in Bozeman, April 2nd through th April 5 , 2012, at the Gran Tree Inn. For more information, visit: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/bc/ed.asp Registration Includes lunch each day, a vendor expo and social on Tuesday afternoon and evening, and gives participants opportunities to network with engineering design professionals, fire and building code officials, general contractors, architects, home builders, and other professionals in the building and construction community on important issues. There will be a variety of classes emphasizing the structural, fire, design, and building issues and methods surrounding the built environment. Many of these classes will build on concepts learned from previous education conference classes – see brochure for class descriptions. All classes offer continuing education credits (self reporting). All classes start at 8AM each day. Registration began February 20, 2012 – On-line or Mail-In. For online registration information http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/bc/ed.asp Classes fill up fast so register early. For more information Contact Pam at 406-841-2019 or pplovanic@mt.gov

Thank You to Our New & Renewing Members NorthWestern Energy Dale Hanson, Western States Insurance – Hamilton Fred Thomas, Western States Insurance – Stevensville Tom Vanorio, T Bar V Builders

Join us for an Informational Workshop! When: Saturday, March 10 Time: 9am-4pm Where: Stevensville, MT

Rod Turner, Turner Remodeling Lester Gerber, Meridian Drywall

You are invited to an informational and hands on workshop hosted by Perma-Chink Systems. If you own a log home or are considering buying or building one, you won't want to miss this valuable opportunity. Learn how to: Choose the right products for your home How to perform an annual inspection Proper cleaning techniques Prevent & treat common problems Application methods for all LIFELINE™ wood finishes, chinking and sealants Registration Required - Admission is FREE! Refreshment & Lunch provided

Kelly Borup, Quest Insulation

News from NAHB Consumer Confidence Rises in February The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey showed an improvement in consumer confidence during February 2012. Although certain components within each survey showed some conflicting results, specifically a slight decline in the U of Michigan’s current conditions index, both sources reveal overall consumer confidence has trended appreciably higher since the third quarter of 2011.

Associate Member Appreciation Month

While higher prices at the gas pump could be weighing on consumers’ perceptions of current economic conditions, improving payroll and housing market data might be fostering some optimism that the economic recovery will not falter. For example, payroll employment registered a net gain of 243,000 during January and over the past three months has increased at a rate of 201,000— the fastest rate since last spring—and the unemployment rate fell to 8.3, its lowest reading in nearly 3 years.

Associate Member Appreciation Month Associate Member Appreciation Month

Results from the Conference Board’s CCI possibly confirm an improving perception of the labor market. Although a majority of respondents to the CCI report that jobs were “not so plentiful” during February, the share of consumers indicating that jobs were “hard to get” dropped to its lowest reading (38.7%) since November 2008. Moreover, expectations for job growth 6 months hence reveal a higher share of participants expecting more jobs to be available (18.7%) compared to those anticipating fewer jobs (16.9%). February 2010 was the last time a higher share has expected more jobs to be available over the next 6 months.

Chairman Bernanke Speaks to Builders Attendees of the 2012 International Builders' Show had an outstanding opportunity to hear Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke deliver remarks during a special session on Day #3 of the show. Testifying before the Joint Economic Committee in Congress in early October, Bernanke specifically acknowledged housing's role in economic recovery and job growth and the challenges facing builders in today's market.

Associate Member Appreciation Month

"The housing sector has been a significant driver of recovery from most recessions in the United States since World War II," he said. "This time, however, a number of factors -- including the overhang of distressed and foreclosed properties, tight credit conditions for builders and potential home buyers, and the large number of 'underwater' mortgages -- have left the rate of new home construction at only about one-third of its average level in recent decades."

Associate Member Appreciation Month

Clearly, Chairman Bernanke understands the contributions that builders can make to the economy when given the chance, and throughout his tenure he has been willing to meet with NAHB leadership on a regular basis to receive updates from us on the state of the housing market and discuss industry concerns.

Associate Member Appreciation Month

Royal Spikes (150-249) Chip Pigman 205.5 Red Spikes (100-149) Ron Pigman 138 Tom Vanorio 125.5 Jim VanSickle 106 Green Spikes (50-99) Ray Tipton 55 Angela Previte 57 Life Spikes (25-49) Willie Schrock 41.5 Blue Spikes (6-24) George Bingham 20 Flora Buoy 15 Joanne Hamlin 10.5 Pam Spillane 7 Spike Candidates (1-5) Tom Allsop 1 Glen Barnhouse 1 Todd Bauer 2 Loren Collins 4.5 Chuck Garber 2 Aaron Grossman 4 Dale Hanson 4.5 John Kellogg 2 Brian Mendenhall 2 Jason Rice 2 Jim Rousselle 3.5 Archie Thomas 3.5

Spike roster per NAHB’s Spike Report Effective thru 11/2011

RSVP for the March General Membership Meeting

Secrets about Marketing the Advertising Companies Don’t want You to Know. Do you think the way we advertize our businesses has changed in the last 5 years? That’s why you need to be at the next BBIA GM meeting where we will cover the must haves in promoting your business in 2012. The secrets about advertizing and marketing that advertizing companies don’t want you to know. When:

Tuesday, March 20th 6pm Dinner 6:30pm

Where:

Alpine Granite Accents 1138 Hwy 93 North Victor, MT 59875

Cost:

FREE to BBIA Members

$5 for Non-Members

Event Details: Join us this month as we receive great tips from industry professionals, K Design Marketing, to help your business plan for a successful advertising campaign in 2012. Deadline to RSVP:

Friday March 16th Reserve your seat at the General Membership Meeting by faxing or emailing the completed form to the BBIA office. Fax: 406-375-0248 or Email: info@bitterrootbia.com

Company Name: _________________________________________________________ Contact Name: __________________________________________________________ Contact Phone Number: __________________________________________________ Number of Attendees: ____________________________________________________ Method of Payment:  N/C I’m a BBIA Member  Invoice Me  Pay at Event

Montana State Fund Workshops

safety efforts by participating in advanced safety and injury prevention training through our WorkSafe Champions safety education program. This is a brief overview of our WorkSafe Champions program as we are accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Class starting this June. Find out how you can be a part of this dynamic curriculum.

Work Heals

Managing Injuries: In this session, we discuss how to manage your company’s injuries from pre-hire physical screenings to helping your employees with their recovery process. After a workplace injury, Montanans understand that getting back on the job is the number one priority. An effective Stay at Work / Return to Work (SAW/RTW) program can help. It speeds recovery, improves workers' self-esteem, reduces the impact on your company's productivity and your employees’ pocketbook.

March Safety Workshops You don’t get injured employees healed to get back to work. You get them back to work to get them healed. Montana State Fund truly believes that work heals and establishing a sound safety program before injuries happen can institute this philosophy. Join our staff for our next round of safety workshops as we give you the tools you need to make this happen.

Transitional Jobs: Transitional jobs are an important corner stone to your Stay at Work/Return to Work (SAW/RTW) program. We will discuss how to document your current job positions, identify and document transitional job positions. This process will give your SAW/RTW program the flexibility it needs to be successful.

Topics include: House Bill 334: The passage of House Bill 334 in the Montana legislature introduced change of historic proportions to the workers’ compensation system in the state. HB334 represents a great deal of work and compromise by a diverse mix of Montana stakeholders. In this session, learn the details of the bill and how the need for safety plays a significant role in the legislation.

Dates and Locations – March 23 Missoula Grant Creek Inn Interested? The free trainings take place from 8:30 am – Noon. If you have questions, call 800-332-6102 extension 5361 (Kirk Smith).

Be a WorkSafe Champion: Take the lead with your company’s

Upcoming Events st

March 1 -2 March 6

MBIA State Board Meeting; Office Closed GRIP Safety Meeting 7:30am Bitterroot River Inn

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

March 20

3:30pm Board Meeting, BBIA Office

March 20

BBIA GMM 6pm “Marketing Secrets the Advertising Companies don’t want you to know” presented by K Design Marketing

March 22

Tour of Homes committee meeting 3pm at the BBIA Office

MARCH 2012 1

APRIL 2012 1

April 3

GRIP Safety Meeting 7:30am Bitterroot River Inn

April 8

Easter

April 12

Tour of Homes committee meeting 3pm at the BBIA Office

April 17

3:30pm Board Meeting, BBIA Office

April 17

May 1

BBIA GMM 6pm “The All American Home” presented by Anders Lewendal

GRIP Safety Meeting 7:30am Bitterroot River Inn

May 13

Mother’s Day

May 15

3:30pm BBIA Board Meeting; BBIA Office

May 15

May 24-30 May 28

GMM TBD th

Office Closed; vacation Memorial Day

Bitterroot Building Industry Events GRIP Safety Meetings Events of other HBAs Holidays

Have you claimed it? Visit MontanaHomeExperts .com today to update your business listing. A FREE benefit to BBIA Members.

MAY 2012 1

Publication Information This monthly newsletter is a publication of the Bitterroot Building Industry Association, PO Box 1299 Hamilton, MT 59840. The newsletter is published for the benefit of our association members. We welcome your contributions of articles Publication Information about our industry and our members. Please address all correspondence to above address. Advertising Rates: Half Page Ad 7” x 5” $45 /month, $125 /quarter Publication Information 1/4 Page Ad 3.5” x 5” $30 /month, $ 75 /quarter Business Card Ad 3.5” x 2” $15 /month, $ 40 /quarter Copy for ads must be in the BBIA office no later than the 20th of the month for Publication publication in the next month’s issue. All Information ads submitted are reviewed for appropriate content. Ads can be submitted in color or black and white, preferably in PDF format, and print ready. Our newsletter is distributed via email, mail and displayed on our website.

9 This monthly newsletter is a publication of the Bitterroot Building Industry Association, PO Box 1299 Hamilton, MT 59840. The newsletter is published for the benefit of our association members. We welcome your

Special Events 

GRIP Safety Meeting Tuesday March 6th 7:30am Bitterroot River Inn

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BBIA Board Meeting Monday March 20th 3:30pm at the BBIA Office

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March GMM Tuesday March 20th 6pm at Big Sky Builders of Montana, Inc.

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Tour of Homes Meeting March 22nd 3pm at the BBIA

PO Box 1299 Hamilton, MT 59840 www.BitterrootBIA.com