Builders' Digest by Housing First Minnesota

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National Association of Home Builders

table of contents

Housing First Fundraiser {pg 32} 4 Executive Director Letter 6 A Word From Our President

Executive Board

32 Housing First

John Zirbes

20 PROFILE: Executive Board Rich Riemersma

44 Welcome New Members 46 Member Spikelight

8 News 10 Events Calendar

22 PROFILE: Executive Board

56 Member News

Jon Coty

12 ROMA Award Winners 16 Remodeler of the Year 18 PROFILE:

24 PROFILE: Executive Board Rick Kot

30 Q&A with BATC’s Board of Directors

Advertising Directory Andersen Windows ..................................................2, 3 Brush Masters.............................................................51 CenterPoint Energy......................................................21 Central Marble Products, Inc......................................27 Corporate 4 Insurance Agency, Inc...........................27 Erosion Works .............................................................23 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ................19 IDC-Automatic.............................................................11 In-Focus Systems ........................................................29 Installed Building Solutions, LLC................................57 Lampert Lumber ..........................................................17 Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd. .......................55 Lyman Lumber Co........................................................31 Marvin Windows & Doors............................................7 Midwest Home Magazine..........................................43 Minneapolis Home & Garden Show ........................49 Minnesota Department of Health .............................25 Molin Concrete Products Company...........................60

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

48 BATC Foundation

Orion Home Systems ..................................................49 Pella Windows & Doors .............................................1 Polar Chevrolet..................................Inside Front Cover ProBuild........................................................................34 Schwieters Companies, Inc..................................49, 60 Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co..........................................23 Solar Midwest, Inc./Solatube....................................55 Southview Design.......................................................45 Stein Insurance Agency..............................................59 Summit Mortgage.......................................................15 SuperAmerica Fleet ....................................................58 Synergy Products, LLC..................................Back Cover Thermo-Tech Windows, Inc. ....................................16 Tremco Barrier Solutions ..............................................1 Trimpac, Inc..................................................................55 Warners’ Stellian Co., Inc...........................................53 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.......................................5 Woodmax, LLC ............................................................43 Xcel Energy ................................................................43

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

|| EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR LETTER

DON’T LEAVE US IN THE CAR

David Siegel BATC Executive Director

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

My wife and I went to dinner at a quaint Mexican restaurant in St. Paul last month. We were smart enough to bring along the Happenings coupon book, but as is regularly the case, we left it in the car. After dinner, we walked back to our car. Standing next to it I casually pulled the book from the back seat and took a look. Naturally, there was a coupon for the restaurant sitting brightly in the book, unused. “Of course, here's a coupon for this place,” I said. We just forgot to use it.” The wife of another couple walking by at just that moment said, “Boy does that sound familiar.” I tell the story because I think in many ways Association membership is similar. As a member, we have an entire book of opportunities and services, but it is all too common that we are unaware of them or forget to use them. How many times have you forgotten to show your AAA card and save? For me, it’s been hundreds. Then membership renewal time arrives and we lament that we didn't get anything for our dues investment. It is a constant struggle here at BATC, and at all trade associations, to effectively communicate to our members all the good work that we do. Whether it is email, phone calling, mailings or social media, all of our communication outlets have challenges. That’s why I urge you to take an active role in reviewing the many benefits BATC offers. Our focus is in three key areas that help you build your business…marketing, advocacy

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

WE HID IT. A nail is hidden somewhere in every issue of the Builders’ Digest, including the one you’re holding right now.

and industry connections. ExamIt could be anywhere – tucked ples of marketing include the into a photo or stuck in a drawParade of Homes events and webing… in a margin… in the text site, our Builders and Remodelers body… even used as an exclaShow, Builders’ Digest, Membermation point at the end of a ship Directory, advertising and headline. It resembles a real-life sponsorships. nail and looks something like In simple terms, advocacy this… benefits our builders and remodelFIND ers by keeping government laws THIS and regulations in check, which helps increase profitability while The nail above is just an example keeping our product affordable – it is not the real one hidden for and flexible. This in turn helps this issue’s contest. We’ve concealed the real one elsewhere in associates because the more sucthis issue, and it could be a difcess our builders and remodelers ferent color or size. Keep in have, the more products and servmind, the Spike ices they can purchase from our Club logo’s vendor members. There are more nail does than a dozen recent BATC advonot cacy victories that collectively count. Carolynn Bieker with have saved our industry milWhen Denali Homes lions. found the nail on page 28 memof the July-Sept. 2012 Industry connections bers issue of the create value by strengthening find the Builders’ Digest networking and educating our nail, they can email or members. Whether it’s a fax a note to the Builders Associshowroom mixer, a Remodelers ation of the Twin Cities, telling Council sponsored boat ride, our what page it’s on. Participants industry awards gala or Young will be entered into a drawing to Professionals gathering, BATC win a business-card size ad in this serves as the glue that brings our publication or a set of member industry together. labels (non-electronic version). Beyond these key benefits lie All other entries receive $20 in our bonus offerings – money-savBATC Bucks. Entries must be reing programs available exclusively ceived by January 15, 2013. to you as a member such as TBG Found the nail? Email the page workers compensation insurance, number of your guess to GM truck rebate program, our casey@batc.org. 401k plan offering, and our VeriOr, mail or fax to: BATC Nail zon discount. Don’t do what I did Hunt, 2960 Centre Pointe Dr., and leave the coupon book in the Roseville, MN 55113 car. Put BATC on your front Fax: 651.697.7575. burner and we’re confident you’ll see your business grow.

Found It.

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

Drive more traffic. Sell more homes.® Look to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for the people, products, programs and services that can help you sell more homes

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Serving a wide variety of homebuyer needs •

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Condominium financing — We can offer the support you need to provide the most effective loan products and programs for your projects. Additionally, we have a Project Review Department providing conventional and HUD condominium project reviews. Construction Loan ExpressSM program — Buyers can buy land, obtain construction funds and secure permanent “end loan” financing for a wide variety of housing types — all with just one application process.

Taking care of your first-time homebuyers •

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FHA programs — First-time buyers can receive extra financial assistance like help with making a down payment. Home OpportunitiesSM program — Qualified borrowers can enjoy a minimized down payment and flexibility with regard to credit requirements and closing costs. Downpayment Assistance Programs, Mortgage Revenue Bond and Mortgage Credit Certificate — Help more families become homeowners by providing programs with lower interest rates and/or downpayment and closing costs assistance.

Call today for more information. Charity Moreland Regional Builder Sales Manager 515-491-5777 charity.n.moreland@wellsfargo.com

1. A non-refundable participation fee or an extended lock fee will be required for participation in a Builder Best program. The Builder Best program is allowed with qualified products with lock features ranging from 3 months to 12 months. Due to daily pricing variations between products, your buyers are encouraged to work with their home mortgage consultant to ensure that pricing available on the Builder Best lock feature that they choose is the most advantageously priced Builder Best lock feature for them. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS950730 5/12-8/12

|| A

WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT Executive Director David Siegel Editor & Director of Marketing Wendy Danks

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Curt Christensen Lee Lyn Construction, LLC

In this, my final column for the Builders’ Digest as your 2012 president, I have to say it’s been an interesting year. I’ve been blessed to get to know so many members. I’ve been honored to represent you all, and I’ve been lucky to serve at a time when the market really is looking up. We’ve experienced some exciting accomplishments, and weathered a few wrinkles, but in the end, it’s been fun and rewarding for me. Like all of you, I’m very pleased that our industry is beginning to show real signs of life. Time on the market for houses is down. Sales prices are rising. Homes are experiencing multiple offers. Interest rates remain at historic lows. And, we’re seeing permit numbers on the increase. Our biggest problem is finding skilled labor — which is not such a bad problem in the bigger scheme of things. But even as we recover, we need to recognize that we’re not the same industry that we were

in the past. All of us have learned hard lessons about staying current, staying nimble and staying involved. In BATC’s case, that means staying true to our mission of serving our members through marketing, advocacy and industry connections. As a result, while programs, technology and events have changed, the core of what makes BATC so strong has remained intact. Our Beehive Umbrella Branding Strategy research this year proved this. Beehive identified our Brand personality as rock solid, influential, focused, action-oriented, respected and trusted. BATC has worked hard to earn this reputation over time and we all owe a dept of gratitude to the many great leaders who came before us. It’s a lot to live up to but with the talent and efforts of so many engaged members, and our professional staff, I expect we can do it. Speaking of action-oriented, earlier this year we recognized the need to rebuild our Parade of Homes consumer website. The new site was launched with the fall Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase to plenty of raves. But we’re not done – phase two of the site is now under construction, and will allow you to enter homes directly into the website. Our goal for the site is to extend the Parade of Homes further into the digital world and create even stronger connections between

Publishing Manager Dawnita Parmely Graphics Coordinator Casey Hafner Accounting Manager Ron DeCoux

home buyers or those seeking remodeling and our members. In addition to our branding strategy and Parade of Homes website rebuild, we pushed Minnesota’s Green Path program to a new level. With a grand launch that included giving away a car, we raised a lot of awareness for Green Path. In fact, we’ve achieved four times the market penetration in just one year than any other green building program in the Twin Cities. We’ve listened to our members and we’re continuing to tweak the program to meet market demand. We see an exciting future ahead for Green Path and its signature Home Performance Report (HPR). Another major accomplishment for BATC this past year has been our Housing First Independent Expenditure Fund, which will spend some $85,000 to support candidates in the Minnesota legislature who are favorable to our industry. Our Housing First committee is busy interviewing candidates and reviewing voting records even as we go to press. There’s an old saying in politics that it’s easier to change who is in office than it is to change their minds once they get in office. Our goal with Housing First is to elect candidates who care about our industry and will support policies that keep housing profitable for our builders and affordable for our consumers. Lastly, after six months of >> CONTINUED TO PAGE 16

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

Administrative Assistant Heather Litchy Administrative Assistant/Publishing Linda Jacobson Advertising Sales Kori Meewes Brad Meewes BATC Foundation Executive Director Jan Berg Communications Coordinator Katy Ervin Director of Administrative Services Maxine Miller EXECUTIVE BOARD President Curt Christensen Lee Lyn Construction LLC Builder Vice President Pamela Belz Senior Housing Partners Associate Vice President John Zirbes Lyman Lumber Past Associate Vice President Jon Coty, Lampert Lumber Secretary Kerry Mulcrone Kerry & Co. Treasurer Shawn Nelson New Spaces Immediate Past President Rich Riemersma Imperial Homes, Inc. Past President Council Representative Rick Kot R.A. Kot Homes, Inc.

Director of Public Policy & MN Green Path Executive Director James Vagle Education Coordinator Beth Graham Marketing & Events Manager Nicole Coon Membership Director Deb Earl Public Policy Assistant Mary Schweich Receptionist Emily Petermann

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BATC RemodelersSM Bob Michels, Bob Michels Construction, Inc. Large Volume Builders Chris Contreras Ryland Homes Membership Pattie Martin Glowing Hearth & Home Parade of Homes Paul Donnay Donnay Homes, Inc. Public Policy Jason McCarty Westwood Professional Services, Inc. Small Volume Builders Larry Cramer, L. Cramer Designers & Builders National Directors Kathe Ostrom C.N. Ostrom & Son At-Large Member Marv McDaris Pulte Homes of MN At-Large Member Todd Polifka Brush Masters

The BUILDERS’ DIGEST magazine is the official publication of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC). The BUILDERS’ DIGEST is published and distributed four times per year to its members and others associated with the building industry. Neither the advertisers, nor the BATC, will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. For advertising rates, resource file or address change information, contact the BATC. Suggestions, ideas and letters are welcome. If circumstances require, the BATC reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of BUILDERS’ DIGEST issues published on an annual basis.

Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) 2960 Centre Pointe Drive Roseville, MN 55113-1182 Phone: 651-697-1954 • batc.org Fax: 651-697-7599 • paradeofhomes.org

Visit your local Marvin dealer today for more information and to discuss solutions for your next project.

M A RV I N D E S I G N G A L L E RY by Shaw/Stewart 645 Johnson St. NE Minneapolis 612-331-3128 MDGbySS.com

Arrow Building Centers 14 Locations Minnesota and Wisconsin 651-439-3138 ABC-CLC.com

Automated Building ComponentsMillwork Division Chanhassen 952-937-9060 ABCMillwork.com

Everything you need to go from rough opening to bragging rights. Whether it’s remodeling or replacement, Marvin® has the broadest range of products and energy efficiency solutions for any job. All backed by four generations of craftsmanship, innovation and local retailer support. And now it’s your opportunity to showcase a job well done. Submit before and after photos of your proudest projects and be featured in the new myMarvin Remodelers Gallery. Only at pros.myMarvin.com/gallery

Custom Millwork, Inc. 2298 N 2nd St. North Saint Paul 651-770-2356 CustomMillworkInc.com

Fullerton-The Builder’s Choice Ellsworth - 715-273-5032 Glencoe - 320-864-5103 Osceola - 715-294-2000 Watertown - 952-955-2237 FullertonLBR.com

Lampert Lumber Apple Valley - Lake Elmo North Branch – Rockford Northfield – St Croix Falls 651-695-3600 LampertLumber.com

Scherer Bros. Lumber Co. Arden Hills Hopkins Shakopee 952-938-2741 SchererBros.com

Spring Lake Park Lumber 8329 Central Ave. NE Minneapolis 763-784-3062 SLPLumber.com ©201 2 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors. ENERGY STAR® and the ENERGY STAR certification mark are registered U.S. marks.

|| NEWS BATC Wants You! We’re looking for a few good men and women to join our committees. We’re recruiting for 2013 now so don’t delay, some committees have limited openings. Call or email Heather (651-697-7573, heather@batc.org), or go to batc.org, click on “about us” then the committee link to express your interest in one or more of the following committees: ASSOCIATES COMMITTEE Oversees the Builders & Remodelers Show (BRS) & the Annual Golf Event as well as encouraging associate member participation in all BATC programs. Committee Chair: Todd Polifka, Brush Masters Staff: Nicole Coon

BATC Welcomes Emily Petermann We’re so happy to welcome Emily Petermann to the BATC staff as our new receptionist. Emily is a 2011 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato where she majored in Sociology and Psychology. She started with BATC in September and has already made a great impression on the office. She is talented and kind, and will be a great addition to our administrative team. Help us in welcoming Emily to the family by introducing yourself and saying hi the next time you call or stop by.

Contact Deb Earl 651-6977562 or deb@batc.org for more information.

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Oversees BATC’s member recruitment and retention activities and the Spike Club.

Committee Chair: Daryl Doehr, Marvin Windows and Doors BATC Staff: Nicole Coon

Committee Chair: Pattie Martin, Glowing Hearth and Home BATC Staff: Deb Earl

BATC FOUNDATION Our charitable arm, the Foundation builds and remodels homes for Twin Cities families in need and holds fundraising events.

PARADE OF HOMES COMMITTEE Oversees the Parade of Homes new homes’ events and website. Limited membership: three-year terms, 75 percent builders, new members elected by committee.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE Oversees BATC’s accredited and nonaccredited educational offerings for builders, remodelers and real estate agents. Committee Chair: Becky Harasyn, Xcel Energy BATC Staff: David Siegel

Turn your contacts into members! Earn double and quadruple SPIKES! Join a team for a chance to win… Individual: Caribou cards, wine, sports tickets, cash, movie tickets Team: 1st Place: Dinner & Limo Ride 2nd Place: Gift Cards Grand Prize (individual): Two-night stay at Arrowwood Resort

Incoming Committee Chair: Marv McDaris, The Pulte Group BATC Staff: Wendy Danks

AWARDS COMMITTEE Oversees BATC awards programs including the Reggie Awards,SM Trillium Awards,SM Builder of the Year (BOY), Associate of the Year (AOY) and the Robert L. Hanson Award.

Incoming Chair: Katie Harms, Scherer Bros. Lumber BATC Contact: Jan Berg

Membership Drive Scheduled for November 1st

LARGE VOLUME BUILDERS COMMITTEE Open to representatives from builder firms that have constructed a minimum of 100 housing units in any one of the previous three years, the committee meets to discuss issues pertinent to this niche.

Committee Chair – Paul Donnay, Donnay Homes, Inc. BATC Staff – Wendy Danks PARADE OF HOMES REMODELERS SHOWCASE COMMITTEE Oversees the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase and website.

Committee Chair: David Siegel, BATC BATC Staff: Wendy Danks, James Vagle, Nicole Coon PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE Oversees BATC’s advocacy efforts. Committee Chair: Jason McCarty, Westwood Professional Services BATC Staff: James Vagle SMALL VOLUME BUILDERS COMMITTEE Open to small- and mid-volume builders only, the committee meets to discuss issues pertinent to this niche. Incoming Committee Chair: Gary Kraemer, John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. BATC Staff: Wendy Danks YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE Bringing BATC’s young professionals together to learn and grow, and to develop as BATC’s future leaders. Committee Chair: Tarry Logsdon, RBC Tile BATC Staff: Heather Litchy

Incoming Committee Chair – Ron Zack, Structural Dimensions, Inc. BATC Staff – Wendy Danks

Oops, our Apologies

BATC’s Product & Service Show Receives New Name

Please note these corrections.

In an effort to better reflect the depth of BATC’s annual Business to Business industry trade show, our Associates Committee has renamed the show the BATC Builders & Remodelers Show (BRS). This important annual industry event taking place on Thursday, February 21, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, will feature some 225 exhibit booths from the leading industry companies. As always, the show features a day of exhibits and dinner, and new this year, we’ve added after-party suites to enhance your show networking experience. Watch your mail for more information about the show and check out the show website at www.BATCBRS.com for show details.

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVISORY GROUP Provides counsel to the Board of Directors and staff regarding BATC’s PR efforts.

Membership Directory: Don’t try calling Dean Flackey, Rubicon Mortgage Advisors, at the phone number listed in the 2012-2013 Member Directory. Please make a note that his correct phone number is 612328-6097. Our sincere apologies to Dean, and to the people at the number we inadvertently printed. Builders’ Digest July-September 2012: We goofed! On page 8 of our last Builders’ Digest we were singing the praises of Rick Kot, R.A. Kot Homes for becoming an NAHB Life Director. We noted he started his home building firm in 1998, but in reality it was 1988. Talk about a lost decade. Sorry about that Rick.

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

NOW TAKING ENTRIES SPRING 2013 Entry Deadline November 14, 2012.

|| EVENTS

COMING NOV.

Membership Drive November 1, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Join a team...Help grow BATC and win prizes too. Contact Deb Earl at 651-6977562

Edsel Charles Seminar November 8, 2012 BATC Seminar Room

OCT. Awards of Excellence Gala October 13, 2012 Marriott Minneapolis SW The night BATC’s best come out and shine. Register at www.batc.org

50+ Housing Council Luncheon October 18, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Marketing to the fastest growing demographic segment? Then you need to be here! Register at www.batc.org

A Look into Edsel’s Crystal Ball: Twin Cities Housing Market Forecast Register at www.batc.org

Design Charrette November 8, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Get expert advice as you speed date with top BATC designers. Register at www.batc.org

Dinner Meeting / BATC Buck Auction / 2013 Board Introduced – Sponsored by ProBuild November 13, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Spend all those bucks on fabulous stuff! Register at www.batc.org

Get Google’d! October 23, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Find out how the internet’s top search engine can work for you. Register at www.batc.org

Past Directors Dinner October 22, 2012 BATC Seminar Room BATC past and present leaders gather to share. Register at www.batc.org

2013 Spring Parade of HomesSM / Remodelers Showcase® Entry Deadline Day November 14, 2012 BATC Office View more info at www.batc.org

Member Orientation

January Dinner Meeting

November 29, 2012 BATC Board Room

January 8, 2013

Whether you are a new member or have been around for 20+ years Come check out what BATC is all about! View more info at www.batc.org

DEC. Professional Women in Building Council Luncheon December 4, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Girl Power is our middle name. Join us. Register at www.batc.org

SAVE THE DATE: We’ve got some great events coming up in 2013. Mark your calendar for a return to BATC at our dinner meeting on January 8th; take a trip to IBS in Las Vegas from January 22nd to the 24th; and BATC-U starts out with classes in January on the 15th, 29th and 31st.

BATC RemodelersSM Council Holiday Lunch December 6, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Ring in the holidays with us. Register at www.batc.org

Holiday Food Drive Member Mixer December 6, 2012 BATC Seminar Room Bring non-perishable food to make someone else’s holiday a bit brighter. Register at www.batc.org

JAN. Eighty-eighth Session of the Minnesota State Legislature January 8, 2013

find it all at www.batc.org 10

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

|| ROMA

AWARD WINNERS

AWARD-WINNING REMODELS For over 30 years,The ROMA Awards have honored the finest remodeling projects in the Twin Cities. We are very proud to show you this year’s winners. For a complete list of winners, visit www.batc.org.

Vujovich Design Build, Inc. Kitchens - 200-300 sq. ft.

Danberry Building Corp.

Knight Construction Design, Inc.

Additions - Over 600 sq. ft.

Bathrooms - 150 sq. ft. and Over

mackmiller design+build, inc.

Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build, LLC

Bathrooms - Under 150 sq. ft.

Interiors - More Than One Room

DiGiacomo Homes, Inc. Interiors - One Room

Vujovich Design Build, Inc. Additions - Under 600 sq. ft.

Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build, LLC

Hansen Hometech, Inc.

Kitchens - Under 200 sq. ft.

Decks, Patios, Porches

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

Knight Construction Design, Inc. Owners’ Suite - Bedroom

Finished Basement Company Lower Level - Over 1,000 sq. ft.

The Landschute Group, Inc. Lower Level - Under 1,000 sq. ft.

White Crane Construction, LLC Kitchens - Over 300 sq. ft.

Aulik & Associates, Inc. Special - Detail Components

Aulik & Associates, Inc. Total House - Over 2,500 sq. ft.

TreHus Builders, Inc. Special - Other

Kuhl Design & Build Total House - Under 2,500 sq. ft.

PRESENTED BY BATC REMODELERS COUNCIL SM

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

photo gallery 1

ROMA Awards Event

June 28 - It was a grand gala as we toasted BATC’s very best remodelers at the annual Remodeler of Merit Awards banquet at the St. Paul Hotel. 4

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

RED CARPET SPONSOR:

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

GLAMOUR SPONSORS:

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

BLING SPONSORS:

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

ROMA Awards: (from left to right, top to bottom) 1. Curt Christensen, BATC President awarding a ROMA to Lyndsay Russler of Finished Basement Company 2. Curt Christensen awarding a ROMA to Kuhl Design & Build 3. The ROMA was enshrined in ice 4. Emcee Kirk Gallup 5. Mary and Mark Mackmiller showing off their ROMA 6. Festive lanterns decked the tables 7. Curt Christensen congratulates Gary Knight, Knight Construction on his ROMA win 8. Andy Schrader proudly showing off his custom-made trophy after being named Remodeler of the Year 9. BATC Remodelers Council Chair Bob Michels, Bob Michels Construction welcoming the guests 10. Bjorn Freudenthal, Ispiri with Daryl Doehr, Marvin Windows and Doors 11. Bob and Mary Michels, Bob Michels Construction, promoted the upcoming Boat Ride with fiesta flair 12. The Aulik â&#x20AC;&#x153;familyâ&#x20AC;? proud of their double win: Carlos Bravo, Gary Aulik, Kelly Tody, Charles Peterson, and Tom Aulik 13. The string trio got everyone in the mood

For more pictures from the ROMA Awards Banquet, visit www.batc.org

|| ROMA

AWARD WINNERS

2012 BATC REMODELER OF THE YEAR The Remodeler of the Year award is one of three most coveted honors given to BATC members (the Builder and Associate of the Year being the other two). This award is bestowed upon the remodeling firm that has received the highest ratings by a panel of 20 BATC members with which they do business. They are evaluated on trust, communications, loyalty and ethics.

Our 2012 winner: Schrader & Companies, St. Louis Park Schrader & Companies is a published, award-winning design, building and remodel-

ing company that remains committed to maintaining a personal, one-on-one approach to every job they begin. Because they build and remodel a limited number of homes each year, they are able to give each of their customers the attention they deserve. Every customer works directly with Andy Schrader and his design/build team. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to have been featured in Midwest Home Magazine, Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Spaces Magazine, and Houzz.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our years of experience in designing and building finely crafted residences is evident from the

moment you walk into a home built by Schrader & Companies,â&#x20AC;? says owner Andy Schrader. Their customers agree. "When Andy came to see us, we knew largely what we wanted, but we had no idea how to put the parts together, or what it might look like. He came back with tremendous ideas and a workable plan. Now we have exactly what we were hoping for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a transformed and completely updated home to live in for

the next 10 or 20 years." â&#x20AC;&#x201C;The Boyles, Bloomington. Family Room/Garage Addition Congratulations to Andy Schrader and his team.

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

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discussion and extensive member outreach, our Board of Directors endorsed a plan presented by our Dues Task Force to restructure BATC dues. For many years, the Parade of Homes was the revenue generator that allowed us to build a strong advocacy arm as well as provide many services to our members, all without raising dues. The housing recession made clear that this formula cannot work into the future. The Parade of Homes must be protected, and our increasing need for advocacy efforts canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be ignored. Please know that raising dues is never easy, and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take this action lightly. But in all of our outreach to members we heard the same thing, that this is something we simply need to do. I have too many people to thank for their support this year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you all know who you are. So, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll simply express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve this industry and this Association. And, I invite you all to celebrate our success at the upcoming BATC Awards Gala on Saturday, October 13. Get your cowboy boots on and get ready for a great time of Sparkle and Spurs. See you there.

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BUILDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DIGEST

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

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|| EXECUTIVE

BOARD PROFILE

A LUMBER MAN WITH HEART Meet John Zirbes Branch Manager at Lyman Lumber and BATC Board of Directors’ Associate Vice President Written by Wendy Danks

John Zirbes really knows his way around a two-by-four. He’s spent 27 years in the lumber business — the first 18 with Georgia Pacific and nine years with Lyman Lumber. While he’s stayed with one industry and two companies, he hasn’t always stayed in Minnesota. His career took him to Nebraska, Kansas City, and Denver before coming home to the Twin Cities. As John explained, “We loved Colorado, but once we had kids, we wanted to come back home to family.” So John, his wife, MaryJo, and two kids, Kyle and Jacklyn, (now 14 and 12) settled back in the Twin Cities. John humbly says that he’s kind of boring–a working dad with a stay-athome wife, and two kids into sports. But a peek below the surface and you’ll see John is anything but boring. He “hunts with Kyle and 18

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

fishes with Jaclyn,” and MaryJo has decided it’s time to get back into the working world. They also own a “cabin.” And, it’s not just a little place for summer retreats, it’s a 110 year-old barn on 160 acres outside of Lanesboro. While it is a hunting cabin for turkeys in spring and deer and ducks in the fall, it’s also a comfortable second home yearround. John’s work isn't boring either. As a branch manager, his job keeps him hopping. He gives plenty of time to BATC, too. John has served on the Parade of Homes committee, golf committee, as chair of the BATC Foundation, and is on the second year of his three-year commitment to the BATC Executive Board. He explains that being “involved in BATC keeps me abreast of what’s going on in the industry and the challenges our

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

builders are facing. Knowing these challenges allows my company to bring stronger solutions to help our builders succeed.” But what’s really not boring about John is his huge heart, which comes out in his continued commitment to serve others. When we asked what his most memorable BATC moment was, he referenced his time on the BATC Foundation “getting the opportunity to help out and meet the wounded veteran in South Mpls., the Vang family in North Mpls., and the Ahmed family in Shakopee. Their appreciation was so sincere and knowing we made a difference in their lives made me feel great.” John doesn’t limit his good works to BATC. This summer he joined five other Lyman people to bike the C.H. Robinson Worldwide MS 150 Ride from Duluth to Hugo to show support

for a co-worker who has MS. Their team raised almost $4,000 for Multiple Sclerosis. And, last year, John served as president of Chaska Rotary. He led their effort to raise and spend $65,000 on several important projects, including providing fresh water to a village in Peru, adding a courtyard to a local nursing home and sponsoring a mobile dental lab for Chaska area residents. For John, “family is always first.” And while he meant MaryJo and the kids, it’s also clear he sees the folks at Lyman as family too. After the housing recession hit the company hard, John says “It’s very busy but also a lot of fun at work now, seeing results of our efforts and seeing our customers and employees succeed.” We’re glad John is part of the BATC family.

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

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|| EXECUTIVE

BOARD PROFILE

ADVENTURE IS HIS GAME Meet Rich Riemersma Co-owner and Vice President at Imperial Homes, Inc. and BATC Board of Directors’ Past President. Written by Katy Ervin Almost two decades ago, Rich Riemersma joined BATC under the influence of our then Executive Officer Bob Hanson. “Bob approached me and told me that I needed to get more involved (as he had with so many others),” so Rich took his advice to heart. He started by chairing the Small Volume Builders Committee for a few years, then was elected to the BATC Executive Board as Treasurer, Vice President, President, and now he is the immediate Past President of BATC. His role on the Executive Board is coming to an end this year, but we expect to see this industry leader sticking around. For someone who has been involved in the building and design industry since high school (one of his first jobs was at an architectural office), Rich plans to stay connected and active through committee involvement. If not, we’ll have 20

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

to call on Bob Hanson again. We must admit, aside from recognizing Rich for his outstanding work this year on our leadership teams, our ulterior motive for showcasing his talents in the fall/winter issue of the Builders’ Digest is because Rich is a Christmas lights enthusiast and avid winter skier. “On the weekends you’ll likely find me at our 1930 homestead in Lutsen, refurbishing the old log cabins and buildings. Play days involve skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, hunting in the fall and canoeing in the BWCA and kayaking Lake Superior in the summer.” Rich’s wife, Renee, is also an adventurist, sharing that skiing the Italian Alps is a dream the couple has on their bucket list. For now though, Rich and Renee are dreaming up their next big Christmas display openly admitting to “getting a little crazy” with their exterior

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

decor. They feature a different theme each year, from 70’s cruise ships to castles. “One year we had six tour buses, one after another, come down our street.”

Q&A As a kid, what did you want to be when you ‘grew’ up? RIEMERSMA: I always thought of being a game warden and working on the DNR would be great, but then I realized I’d be working during hunting season, so that wasn’t going to work! My dream job now would be a ski guide in the Selkirk Mountains.

If you could be a professional athlete, what team would you play for? RIEMERSMA: Growing up playing football (I had knee surgery by the Packers’ orthopedic doctor), if I’d been a foot taller and a little faster (because I had hair back then), I could have been another Clay Matthews for the Packers.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this year? RIEMERSMA: My wife Renee did some genealogy to find the son of the man that built the 1930’s homestead we have in Lutsen. He was living in Portland, Oregon. At age 91 he was so excited to hear that the homestead was still there and that we were refurbishing it that he decided, after 70 years, to come back and visit with his daughters (in their 60’s). We ended up having a family reunion at our place with over 20 people we never knew. You can imagine all the stories that were told. NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

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|| EXECUTIVE

BOARD PROFILE Jon Coty hugging country music superstar, Tim McGraw on stage. Coty was wearing McGraw’s Dad’s baseball jersey

OUR OWN ROCK STAR Meet Jon Coty Business Development Manager for Lampert Lumber and BATC Board of Directors’ Past Associate Vice President Written by Katy Ervin

If you’re looking to make an entrance, look no further than Jon Coty. Our boisterous Past Associate Vice President is in the business of enjoying life and this bio is your front row seat to the action. We were first introduced to Jon in 1999 when “my boss at the time told me I had to attend these after-hours meetings at The Builders Association to learn how to network, gain leads, and make industry friends.” For someone who was required to attend our events, we’re happy to have ‘won him over’ since he’s been an active member for thirteen years. Jon has been in the industry even longer though, starting in junior high (he’s got you beat, Rich) helping out a neighborhood handy man. “I’ve been working in the building industry ever since, working with builders 22

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and remodelers for over 30 years out of my 46 years of life,” he boasts. When we asked Jon where we would find him on his day off, he was a hard man to pin down. For Coty, his professional career and his personal life are intertwined. “When people ask me what my job is I tell them, it’s not a job, it’s an adventure.” This life mantra was recently made obvious during a Target Field concert in July when country music star Tim McGraw invited Jon on stage. Dressed to impress, Jon was wearing a Philadelphia Phillies jersey from the mid 70’s – McGraw’s late father’s. Over 42,000 screaming fans witnessed his “rock star experience” which ended in McGraw signing his jersey, and an unforgettable moment that Jon refers to as their “man hug.”

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

This celebrity experience might explain why Jon refers to his lakeside home as his “crib,” or why “getting photographed with famous people is a hobby.” But believe it or not, he enjoys relaxing at home most weekends. “I have a rule,” Jon explained, “under 70 degrees on

the Harley, over 70 degrees on the lake!” With a life so legendary, you’re probably wondering if Jon Coty was famous in another life (Jon Rivers Coty, perhaps?). Either way, it is clear that he enjoys a life of thrills and lives each day to the fullest.

Q&A What was the last TV Show that made you hysterically laugh out loud? COTY: King of Queens does it every time! I want to be like Dougie when I grow up! I also would like to be Charley Harper on Two and a Half Men…

If your life were a genre, what would it be? COTY: Comedy. My life is full of surprises. I work hard and play even harder. It could also be an adventure since I take a lot of chances and always push for more.

If you were a professional athlete who would you play for? COTY: The Philadelphia Flyers. For those that know, hockey is life for me. I have season tickets for the Wild just to see the Flyers once a year. I am not a fan of the Wild, just a passionate hockey guy. NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

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BUILDERS’ DIGEST

|| EXECUTIVE

BOARD PROFILE

AN EX-PRESIDENT EXTRAORDINAIRE Meet Rick Kot Owner, R.A. Kot Homes, Inc. and BATC Board of Directors’ Past Presidents Council Representative. Written by Wendy Danks While Rick isn’t a mutant x-man he does use his powers as a BATC ex-president for the benefit of mankind, or at least the Minnesota building industry. Seriously, Rick took on the presidency back in 2004 because he did want to make a difference. And that desire continues to motivate his service to BATC and the industry. “I became involved in BATC because I saw areas that this industry needed to be proactive about,” he explains. “My goal was to have BATC increase their public policy agenda and have members get on committees at the state level to help.” Rick, who served as BATC’s president in 2004, is BATC’s Past Presidents Council representative on the Executive Board this year, and will step into the presidency of the Builders Association of Minnesota in 2013. His dedication has kept him in active leadership positions at BATC and BAM for the last decade. Rick founded his own home building firm, R.A. Kot Homes, Inc., 25 years ago, and had been a member of BATC five years before that with 24

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

Rick Kot and Family

from a spot at William Mitchell another builder. Specializing in Law School and took his many move-up homes with distinctalents to the construction tive design and careful business. attention to detail, “My goal was to One look at Rick and his wife Rick and you Debe have kept have BATC know he’s an their firm going increase their outdoorsy kind with the same hard public policy of guy. He spent work and dedication he brings to agenda and have his gradeschool years in the industry. members get on California and Originally committees at the earned his planning to chops playing become an attorstate level to baseball ney, (a famous trial help.” through high attorney, no less), Rick school. He Rick had second went on to play thoughts when he football at the College of St. discovered lawyers spend the Thomas, and was elected Capmajority of their time doing tain his senior year. Today, he’s paper work. He walked away

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

more of a golf guy, and gets out every weekend with his son-inlaw. “My son-in-law is a very good golfer,” Rick explains. “He’s forced me to step up my golf game.” Good thing, as Rick got to play with the big boys this summer. “I played golf in the Michael Douglas Golf Charity Tournament at Caesar Palace’s private golf course, Casata, in Las Vegas,” he says with a wellearned smile. “I met a lot of celebrities and our team came in fourth.” Next on his bucket list? “I want to parachute out of a plane,” Rick says but adds with his trademark dry humor, “and have the chute open.”

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

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|| ASSOCIATION

BUSINESS

2013 BATC DUES CHANGES Advocating for the Industry and Protecting the Parade of Homes This past year, BATC has engaged in a powerful branding exercise to understand its role in the marketplace with a goal of best serving its members. We know clearly that our mission is to help our members build their businesses through marketing, advocacy and industry connections. That mission has remained constant even as our industry contracted massively and BATC had to make difficult decisions to adjust to the new realities of the marketplace. We’ve reduced staff, improved efficiencies and taken a careful look at our fundamentals. Through the strong efforts of our active Board of Directors and staff leadership, we’ve achieved a balanced budget for three years. Now, as our industry begins its recovery, the time has arrived to prepare BATC for the future. We know that we need to protect our flagship offerings, the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase. This is a primary value for members and a pillar of our budget. But we also know that our industry will continue to face enormous regulatory and legislative pressures – from out-of-whack permits and fees, variance shutdowns, park fee increases, fire sprinkler mandates, storm water requirements, OSHA regulations and more. That’s where the fundamentals and the future don’t work. We need to restore and grow our advocacy capacity to meet these demands, yet we must face the fact that the Parade of Homes simply cannot fund this need for the foreseeable future. To address this dilemma, our Board of Directors made the bold step of reviewing our dues formula. We last raised dues in 2003, and then by only $5. In the meantime, BAM and NAHB dues have risen, with BATC sometimes “eating” those increases. 26

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

Our Dues Task Force found that dues have ranged from four to seven percent of total revenue, substantially less than the average for associations across the country. The Task Force concluded that a change to BATC’s dues structure was necessary to ensure a funding mechanism for advocacy while protecting the Parade of Homes and BATC’s other core competencies. After thorough review, our Board of Directors has approved a new formula that

NOW, AS OUR INDUSTRY BEGINS ITS RECOVERY, THE TIME HAS ARRIVED TO PREPARE BATC FOR THE FUTURE. will take effect this January. This new dues structure will strengthen BATC’s public policy efforts on behalf of the industry. For 20 years, BATC has been an active voice on behalf of our members. Key areas of focus have included: •

•

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

Working to defeat a mandate for fire sprinklers in single family homes (this fight continues as we write this). Restoring the ability of cities to issue variances after a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling took it away. Without these variances, tens of millions of dollars in projects would be eliminated every year. Defeating transportation impact fees, which would add thousands of dollars per lot. Fighting back efforts to lessen requirements for local governments to respond promptly to land use applications, which protect members’ investments. Moderating wetland buffer requirements

•

• •

that take land without a scientific basis. Defeating burdensome transit-oriented development that would fundamentally change the market-driven growth patterns our builders respond to. Legal action that has forced cities to lower permit fees. Working legislatively to tie park fees to current lot value, and through the courts to tie permit fees to construction costs.

Now, with our new, dedicated advocacy fund created through our dues restructuring, we can continue these efforts and grow our capacity to make a difference for our members. These advocacy dollars will be directed toward the following activities under the direction of or Public Policy Committee and our Board of Directors: • •

•

Even more lobbying of state, local, and regional governments Strengthening our Housing First independent expenditure fund (SuperPAC), which helps elect candidates that are favorable to the residential construction industry. Legal research and challenges (such as the work we did in Elk River and Shakopee regarding permit fees). Policy research on environmental, fiscal, land use and other policy matters. This research is vital to fend off unreasonable regulation and mandates. Communications and issue advocacy. Are we telling the housing industry story effectively to the media, policy makers, our members and legislators? Political fundraising and advocacy events. Like it or not, money plays a major role in our current political system and BATC needs to represent our members.

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

FORMULA FOR BUILDERS, REMODELERS & DEVELOPERS

2013 DUES FORMULA

BASE DUES:

$645

FORMULA FOR ASSOCIATES

ADVOCACY FUND FOR BUILDERS & DEVELOPERS:

BASE DUES:

$20 per unit single family (closed in the previous calendar year) $15 per unit multi-family (closed in the previous calendar year) $5 per developed lot (developed and sold to third party purchasers)

$645

ADVOCACY FUND FOR REMODELERS:

$15 per $200,000 in revenue for remodelers (gross revenue in the previous calendar year)

Members will self-report their dues levels on the honor system, and will be asked to report on all types of residential construction activities in which they engage.

ADVOCACY FUND FOR REMODELERS:

0-5 Employees - $0 6-25 Employees - $100 26-100 Employees - $200 100+ Employees - $300 Members will self-report their dues levels on the honor system.

FAQ Q: WHAT DOES BATC INTEND TO DO WITH THIS NEW MONEY? A: In the past, the Parade of Homes

Q: WHO WILL DETERMINE HOW THIS MONEY GETS SPENT? A: You, our members. The BATC

Q: HOW WAS THE ADVOCACY MULTIPLIER DETERMINED? A: The dues task force looked at the

funded itself and BATC’s lobbying and regulatory work. But that paradigm has changed as the industry has contracted. The Parade of Homes can no longer provide the funding needed to restore and grow our advocacy efforts to meet the needs of today, where one regulation or one new law can easily cost our members millions of dollars. We need to be present and engaged to fight these battles, and that requires funding. All new funds (over base dues) will be placed into a dedicated account and used entirely to protect our industry and advocate on its behalf before regulatory agencies, the legislature, city councils, and other policy-making bodies such as the Metropolitan Council.

Public Policy Committee will assess the industry’s advocacy needs and put together a recommendation for the BATC Board. They will seek input for their recommendation from our professional staff and contract lobbyists as well as the membership at large.

benefit various segments of BATC receive for our advocacy work and attempted to create a formula that was fair and equitable for each member. The result, BATC is asking the members who gain the most to pay the most.

Q: ARE THERE OTHER HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATIONS WITH SIMILAR DUES STRUCTURES? A: Yes, and they are among the leading HBAs in the country. In particular, we looked at both Seattle and Portland. Seattle is the largest local HBA in the country and is held as the gold standard. We based this new dues structure very closely on their model, which has been successful for many years.

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

Q: WITH THIS BEING SUCH A DELICATE MARKET, IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME FOR A DUES INCREASE? A: Let’s be honest–there is never a perfect time to raise dues. But our Dues Task Force really believes this is the best timing we’re going to get. This new formula will position us to meet the advocacy challenges of a changing industry, protect the Parade of Homes, and fairly divide the costs to do so across our membership.

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

Attend Events. Earn BATC Bucks.

JANUARY IS OUR BIGGEST ISSUE.

ADVERTISE HERE. 6,000+ Builders, Remodelers and Contractors will receive the January 2013 Issue in their mailbox...don’t miss this chance to be seen!

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

|| PROFILE

Marv McDaris

Jason McCarty

Division President, Pulte Group Working in the industry, and at Pulte Group, for almost 19 years.

PE, LEED AP, Land Sector Leader, Westwood Professional Services - Working in the industry, and at Westwood, for 15 years.

Q&A Get to know BATC’S Board of Directors We’re getting to the nuts and bolts of BATC’s leadership by asking questions that get at the heart of their passions and in the head of their personal philosophies.

What’s Your Role at BATC?

How Did You Get Involved at BATC?

I got involved with BATC after I arrived in the Twin Cities, almost four years ago, by joining the Large Volume Builder Committee. I’m still a member of that committee and I’m an at-large member of the Board of Directors at BATC.

I got involved at BATC initially at the recommendation of a client, Rick Packer, when he was at Arcon Development. He suggested that I get involved with the Public Policy Committee. I’ve been an active member myself since 2008. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, I am now the Chair of the Public Policy Committee. I also participate as a committee member of Housing First.

What Is Your Most Memorable BATC Moment? We hosted the BATC staff members for a lunch at our model home in Roseville earlier this year. It was nice to meet all of the people that work behind the scenes to help make our association great.

How Has Being a Member of BATC Helped Your Work at Pulte Group? The Parade of Homes is amazing! Many of our customers find us while “parading.” The public policy work done by BATC is equally as effective and critical to ensure our industry’s interests are heard by our state and local governments. BATC provides a great platform to network and idea-share with our peers in the industry. Like getting to know your leadership team? Stay tuned, more to come in each issue!

Stay Tuned...

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

What Insider Advice Would You Give Someone Who Is Considering a BATC Membership? A BATC membership is worth your investment, and especially worth your time. You’ll get much more out than you put in.

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

What Is Your Most Memorable BATC Moment? Roaming the halls of the Capitol with Pete Coyle for the first time. It was eye opening and very impressive to watch Pete work as our lobbyist. As a self-diagnosed political junkie, my head was spinning as we moved from office to office, meeting lawmakers. I couldn’t think of a better guide for me, and representation for BATC in St. Paul.

How Has BATC Helped Your Business? BATC has helped me stay connected with issues that affect my business the most. Even more, BATC provides me with a way to participate in those issues through legislative action, advocacy, and education.

What Insider Advice Would You Give Someone Who Is Considering a BATC Membership? Start participating somewhere, somehow. Just start small and get involved. BATC is the best industry group we participate in, and definitely the best value. We get a great deal out of it, and that value is directly related to how much we participate.

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

For more information: James Vagle 651-697-7578 or James@batc.org

Housing First Leadership Committee

About Housing First In 2010, BATC founded the Housing First Fund. Housing First is an Independent Expenditure Fund registered with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. These funds are often referred to as ‘Super PACs’.

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The Housing First mission: Housing First’s mission is to engage in political communications that advance the message of the homebuilding and remodeling industry through issue advocacy and candidate endorsements, complimenting BATC’s advocacy efforts and core mission.

Pamela Belz Chair, Senior Housing Partners Charlie Bradburn ABC Millwork Bill Burgess Lennar Jason McCarty Westwood Professional Services Kathe Ostrom CN Ostrom & Son Jim Stanton Shamrock Builders Curt Swanson Swanson Homes

Who Does Housing First Support?

What is the Housing First Process to Support Candidates?

Housing First supports candidates that support our home building industry by making independent expenditures to support their elections. It is not affiliated with any political party, rather it supports candidates that are part of the ‘home builder party’. In the 2010 elections, Housing First supported three candidates for election to the Minnesota Legislature. All three won elections and proved to be strong supporters of BATC’s legislative platform.

Housing First identifies political races that feature candidates who have demonstrated strong industry support.

The primary focus of Housing First is to identify political races that present opportunities to support candidates and create long-term relationships with elected officials that are pro-housing.

Participation in political races is premised solely on an assessment of a candidate’s demonstrated support of homebuilding and remodeling industry policy issues and positions.

Housing First will not consider candidates on the basis of political party or for any other purpose that is not directly related to industry priorities.

Housing First focuses on races within BATC territories as well as certain statewide legislative races outside of BATC territory.

Housing First’s process to select candidates for political support includes, but is not limited to: 1. candidate questionnaires 2. voting record review 3. issue position review 4. personal interviews

Housing First presents its political expenditures to the BATC Executive Board of Directors for ratification of its recommendations.

E NSUR E TH E HOME BUILD ING INDUSTRY I S H EARD - CONTRI B UTE TO HOUSING FI RST 32

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

Housing First Contributors and more by Kori Robert E. Bennett

Housing First Fundraiser Housing First held a fundraiser in mid-July on the rooftop of the Bridgewater in downtown Minneapolis. Joining the group were special guests Senate Majority Leader Sen. David Senjem and former Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum.

Contract Interiors, Inc. Ronald P. DeCoux Francis D. Hagen II Jolynn Johnson Larry Larson Inc. Jason M. McCarty Metro Foundations, LLC Ryan Ohr C.N. Ostrom & Son, Inc. Pillar Homes Partner, Inc. Residential Science Resources, LLC (R. Anderson) Richard H. Riemersma Scherer Brothers Lumber Company Joseph G. Springer James M. Stanton, Shamrock Builders, Inc. Swanson Homes John P. Zirbes Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren JMS Custom Homes, LLC Lennar Charlie Bradburn, ABC Millwork Pamela Belz, Senior Housing Partners Keith Horkey, Key Land Homes In-Focus Systems Larry Cramer Pulte Group Dale Carlson/Lyman Lumber Scott Jenewin/Cambria Masha Kushnir/Cambria Tim Liester/Lyman Lumber Shawn Nelson/New Spaces Kurt Palmer/Pro Drywall Frank Kottschade/North American Realty NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

BUILDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DIGEST

ASSOCIATES

Reserve Your Booth Space. Contact Nicole Coon at 651-697-7571 or nicole@batc.org to make your Space Reservation

Save on Early Bird Registration through November 15, 2012. Sponsorships are available to enhance your visibility. BUILDERS, REMODELERS, ARCHITECTS & INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Mark Your Calendars. Register at www.batc.org

This is one BATC event you really can’t miss. It’s informative. It’s fun. It’s free.

LY HOL

STY OOD

You Gotta Be There. Thursday, February 21, 2013 2-7pm

LED

AFF

AIR

Minneapolis Convention Center

www.BATCBRS.com

Building STRONGER Together

2012 BATC PARTNERS DIAMOND LEVEL PARTNER

PLATINUM LEVEL PARTNERS

GOLD LEVEL PARTNERS

SILVER LEVEL PARTNERS “The Garage Door Place”

BRONZE LEVEL PARTNERS

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

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Housing First Fundraiser Event

July 17 - Our Housing First SuperPAC event was a rousing success

Housing First Fundraiser: (from left to right, top to bottom) 1. Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, David Senjem, with Pamela Belz, Senior Housing Partners and Housing First Chair and John Zirbes, Lyman Lumber 2. The venue at Shamrock’s downtown condominium Bridgewater was perfect 3. Housing First Committee with Senator Senjem from left to right: Curt Swanson, Swanson Homes; Jason McCarty, Westwood Professional Services; Senator Senjem; Pamela Belz, Senior Housing Partners; Bill Burgess, Lennar; Charlie Bradburn, Automatic Building Components - Kitchen; Kathe Ostrom, C.N. Ostrom & Son 4. Dale Carlson, Lyman Lumber with David Siegel, BATC 5. John Zirbes, Lyman Lumber; Ryan Ohr, IKO; Rich Riemersma, Imperial Homes; Ross Anderson, Residential Science Resources

Young Professionals Wine Tasting: (from left to right, top to bottom) 1. Tasting and networking, a great combination 2. Curt and Deb Christensen, Lee Lyn Construction 3. The tasting bungalow 4. Thanks to Mingle for sponsoring the event, and hosting a wine giveaway 5. Hmmm, which wine shall we taste now?

Young Professionals Wine Tasting July 18 - Cheers! The YP’s hosted a delightful afternoon at Woodland Hill Winery in Delano. Sponsored by:

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

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Boat Ride: Three Hour Tour July 12 - Hosted by the BATC Remodelers, this year’s summer boat cruise was a Lake Minnetonka Fiesta.

Boat Ride: (from left to right, top to bottom) 1. Casey Weiss, Black Hawk Garage Door with his wife, the other Casey Weiss 2. Mathew and Michael Reiland, Johnson Reiland Builders & Remodelers surround Gail Ketter, the Builders Club 3. Cigar anyone! Thanks to Warners’ Stellian, stogies were enjoyed on the upper deck 4. The evening was perfect 5. Gabe Karber, Marvin Windows and Doors with Jessica Ludenia, Water Doctor Water Treatments 6. Thank you to our drink sponsor Lampert Lumber 7. Marc Cabrera, Pella Windows and Doors; Curt Christensen, Lee Lyn Construction; and Andrew Rogers, Pella Windows and Doors 8. Relaxing with friends and co-workers 9. Tom Ostby, Acme-Ochs Brick & Stone enjoying the Mexican fiesta taco dinner 10. Our boat the Queen of Excelsior 11. The Warners’ Stellian table: Carla Warner, Pat Phillips, Bob Rohweder 12. Mark Hennessey, Arrow Building Center, Kelly Hirsch, Kel’s Custom Cabinets and Curt Christensen, Lee Lyn Construction 13. Michelle Savageau and Angie Picotte, Creative Lighting

NEWS EVERYDAY ON THE BLOG: WWW.BATC.ORG/BLOG

OCTOBER/DECEMBER 2012

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

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Minnesota Exteriors (MEI) Showroom Mixer August 2 - The folks at Minnesota Exteriors showed off their best side when they welcomed BATC members with food, beverages and plenty of networking.