January 2013 Building Buzz

Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association

Building Buzz Jan. 2013 Issue 1

www.bmhba.com

Our Members Mean the World to Us! Annual Banquet Jan. 8

Page 7

New BMHBA Website to Launch in January Page 7

What’s Inside: 2 Permit Report 3 President’s Letter 4 Calendar of Events & 2012 New Members 5 Membership Highlight Dawson Insurance

6-9 News & Events

Annual Banquet Holiday Open House BMHBA’s Top 10 of 2012

10 City Beat

Permits 2012 vs. 2011

11 National News Value of NAHB Membership

12 Business Buzz

Build a Referral Strategy

13 BMHBA Featured By NAHB 14-15 NDAB News

Page 2

BMHBA Building Buzz

December 2012

Building Buzz Publisher/Editor: Roxanne Jacobson Layout Editor/Writer: Chelsea Gleich

Published by the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association 2600 Gateway Ave., Suite 1 Bismarck, ND 58503 Phone: 701.222.2400 Fax: 701.250.9730

Your membership is three-in-one: BMHBA, NDAB and NAHB

Scan to visit www.bmhba.com

Like Us! www.facebook.com/bmhba Follow Us! www.twitter.com/bmhba

Professionals building our community through promotion of home ownership, education and legislation since 1958.

Bismarck-Mandan Permit Reports Through November 2012 BISMARCK - monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.bismarck.org Permit Type

YTD 2012

YTD 2011

New Residential

Single Family Detached

Single Family Attached Duplex

3 or 4 Unit

5+ Unit Residential Garages New Commercial Alter Public

580/$299.18M 418/$76.31M 110/$17.95M 18/$4.01M 19/$9.11M 15/$44.28M 83/$.762M 62/$13.06M 3/$.048M

399/$76.09M 309/$53.76M 75/$11.29M 1/$.238M 10/$5.91M 4/$4.89 56/$.538M 47/$8.79M 14/$13.14M

MANDAN - monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.cityofmandan.com Permit Type

YTD 2012

YTD 2011

New Residential

Single Family

Two Family Condos Apartments Remodel and Additions New Commercial Alter Commercial

277/$58.52M 178/$42.44M 4/$.79M 91/$10.4M 4/$4.89M 102/$1.79M 23/$39.36M 31/$6.29M

105/$24.55M 59/$14.94M 2/$1.33M 41/$3.99M 3/$4.33M 95/$1.22M 9/$9.59M 25/$1.24M

BMHBA Building Buzz

December 2012

Page 3

A Word from Our President:

Look Back on 2012, Look Forward to 2013 Happy New Year! It is hard to believe 2012 is behind us already. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and reflect on where we have been and look forward to 2013. My name is Eric Brenden. I have worked at Northwest Contracting since 1998. I have been married to my wife Tara for thirteen Eric Brenden years. Our daughter Brooke is nine years old, and our son, Zachary is six Board years old. Tara has been teaching Math President at Bismarck High for the past 6 ½ years.

I would like to thank our past president, Chad Moldenhauer, for his service this past year. I would also like to thank all of the committee members and the board of directors. Many of them have spent countless hours working behind the scenes on behalf of the Association.

Finally, I would like to thank our outgoing director Scott Duchsherer for the work he has done the past several years for the HBA. What a year it was for the homebuilding industry in Bismarck-Mandan and across the state as well! Single family housing permits hit an all time high this year in the Bismarck-Mandan area by a considerable margin. We are fortunate to be living in an area that is seeing such growth. With that increased activity, however, there are

many challenges that need to be addressed as well. One of the challenges the community is facing is the lack of availability of affordable housing. The mission statement of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association is “Professionals building our community through promotion of home ownership, education and legislation since 1958.� This year is a legislative year, and I believe that one of the most valuable member benefits are the efforts of the local, state, and national associations to promote builder friendly legislation. There are many examples of legislation that the HBA has promoted in the past that have helped keep housing more affordable. One specific example was the fire sprinkler legislation from a few years ago. North Dakota became the first state in the nation to prevent fire sprinkler codes from being mandated in the state building code for single family homes and duplexes.

Since that time, several states have passed similar laws that have been modeled after ours. I would encourage everyone to get involved. One person can, and often does, make a difference.

Finally, I would like to thank our membership for the opportunity to serve as your President for the upcoming year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to working with the HBA staff, committee members, and our board of directors in 2013.

Building a New Home?

Get 35% Off Lighting at specializing in normal and geothermal systems for new construction

Visit 122 Mandan St, Bismarck | Call 258-4400

Find out what we can do for you. www.a1heatingandair.org | 701-751-4200

Page 4

BMHBA Building Buzz

January 2013

2013 Board of Directors

Calendar of Events January 8: Annual Banquet at the Radisson Hotel

PRESIDENT Eric Brenden Northwest Contracting Phone: (701) 255-7727

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Vance Vetter Vance Vetter Homes Phone: (701) 751-8218

BOARD MEMBER Drew Knutson Knutson Homes, Inc. Phone: (701) 258-3464

BOARD MEMBER Scott Moran Hallmark Homes Phone: (701) 471-7634

PAST PRESIDENT Chad Moldenhauer K & L Homes, Inc. Phone: (701) 258-4584

January 29: BMHBA Board Meeting February 22-24: 36th Annual Home Show at the Bismarck Civic Center February 26: BMHBA Board Meeting March 19: Bowling with the Builders at Midway Lanes March 26: BMHBA Board Meeting *All Board Meetings are held at the BMHBA office

BOARD MEMBER Paula Haider Haider Glass Specialties Phone: (701) 250-6787 BOARD MEMBER C.J. Schorsch Fleck’s Furniture & Appliance Phone: (701) 323-0891

SECRETARY/TREASURER Minda Lloyd ND Guaranty & Title Co. Phone: (701) 663-5362

BOARD MEMBER Mike Hopfauf Hopfauf Custom Builders Phone: (701) 663-7691 BOARD MEMBER Greg Zenker Ferguson Enterprises Phone: (701) 663-2446

BMHBA Welcomes New Members in 2012 We would like to thank our new members for joining us, and welcome them to the association. If you know any of these members, please encourage them to get involved and attend BMHBA functions with you.

AME Coatings

Amy Hullet, Century 21 Landmark

Holly & Company Classic Homes Granite Creations

Quality Title

Real Deals on Home Decor Satellites Plus

Anyleaks, Inc.

Hunt Construction

Arrow Service Team

Les Mowing

ServiceMaster Professional Services

Better Contracting

Luanna (Holst) Fisketjon

Specials Delivery

Blend Home Design

Milestone Builders

Structural Materials

Boulder Homes

M.I.C Drywall, Inc.

Bremer Bank

Mind Over Material

The Blind Guy of North Dakota

Central City Remodelers

Mr. Squeegee Window Cleaning

Dawson Insurance

Odden Construction

Dove Painting

OSI/ISI/Sunny Maids

Fireside Custom Homes

Pinnacle Homes

G & J Awning & Canvas

Prairie Supply, Inc.

GR-8 Builders

Precision Tops, LLC

Titan Machinery Tollberg Homes TS Security Visionary Homes Weisz & Sons, Inc.

January 2013

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 5

Membership Highlight: Dawson Insurance Has

95 Years of Keeping Customers Insured and Assured Submitted by Dawson Insurance

Dawson Insurance started out on two wheels more than 95 years ago. Today, the agency is as strong, driven and determined as any 18 wheeler on the road, and it covers hundreds of them.

The people who now run the family agency attribute its longevity to the values of their fathers and grandfathers, who believed in always placing customers first.

Over the decades much has changed, but protecting those customers from everyday losses and catastrophic events has remained a constant, says President Tom Dawson. “We’re dedicated to providing the finest insurance protection possible from reliable companies,” he said.

“Most importantly, it comes with the best local and personal service in the industry.”

And that’s what the 47 employees of the locally owned, independent agency provide every day in writing all forms of business insurance; personal insurance that includes auto, home, health and life; and surety and financial services.

Solid Footing Dawson Insurance founder Charles A. Dawson began selling insurance from the seat of his bicycle in 1913, when he was still a senior at Fargo Central High School. By 1917, he was ready to rent an office and formally launch a business. On the company’s first day, it had no capital, two employees, two oak desks and a file cabinet in a rented second-floor office at Broadway and First Avenue North in Fargo, what is now the location of Fort Noks.

It also had the determination of its founder. “THIS IS MY NEW LIFE’S WORK,” Charles Dawson wrote in his diary in one-inch-high, capital letters. The life’s work could be grueling at first, with nine-hour days six days a week. But the long hours and dedication were worth it.

At the end of 1917, Charles referred back to what he wrote just before opening the business, again in one-inchhigh, capital letters: “THIS WAS THE BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE.” Later, he recorded what he believed made that first year, and many years after, some of the best, not only for himself but for his employees and customers.

“When I started out in business it was a long-time plan,” he wrote. “This plan consisted not only in trying to keep customers but in getting new customers. To me that meant giving every service, every consideration possible. It meant placing the customer first. This agency will always operate on this same long-time plan, not only because I consider it good business, but because it leaves a comfortable feeling

at the end of the day.”

All In The Families That safe, comfortable feeling has extended from the founder, his employees and customers to the people who do everything they can to take care of Dawson’s thousands of customers today.

There have been numerous highlights over the years. Charles added crop insurance to the business in 1919. The Brian Howell business has moved three Commercial Lines Producer times, finally winding up at its current location in 1983. Dawson merged with Allied Insurance in 1989, purchased Halvorson Insurance in 2003 and bought West Fargo Insurance Agency in 2005.

It added a Life and Benefits Department in 1990 and a Bond Department in 1996. In 2007, the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce named the company its Chamber Choice Business of the Year, and in 2011 Dawson became an ESOP. Through it all, Dawson has remained a family venture.

Charles’s sons, Bob and Jim, joined the company in the 1940s. When Charles died in 1970, they became the owners and managers. Tom, Bob’s son, joined the business in 1973, and he became its president in 1994. His son, Zack, joined Dawson as a commercial lines agent in 2009.

Recently Dawson Insurance opened a Bismarck office to better serve the commercial insurance needs in western North Dakota. “As the oil boom continues to grow at a rapid pace in western North Dakota, established businesses are expanding faster than ever and new businesses emerge practically every day. Dawson Insurance is the only homegrown North Dakota-based insurance company adequately equipped to handle the complexities and nuances of the commercial insurance industry out west and we’re thrilled to now be able to provide even more personalized service to our clients,” said Tom Dawson, president of Dawson Insurance.

Brian Howell, a former television news reporter in Bismarck and Dickinson, has been hired to represent Dawson Insurance as a commercial lines producer in Bismarck.

Page 6

BMHBA Building Buzz

January 2013

Totally Awesome Tech Tips Brought to you by Armor Interactive

Windows 8: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Windows 8 is here and almost every new computer will be running it. So the question is - is it any good?

Well, Windows 8 is sort of good. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly of Windows 8:

and requires you to look all over the screen. Lastly, applications can only be shut down through task manager. I hope they change this; I like to be in control of what’s running on my computer.

The Good Windows 8 actually has some really good performance enhancements. Load time is a lot quicker and everything seems snappier. Windows 8 has dived into the whole touch phenomena. So, with a touch screen computer you can have a touch password, take advantage of touch applications, and use Windows 8 “Metro” service. The Metro Service is Windows 8’s new home screen. The screen shows large tiles that can show weather, Facebook feed, email, and a lot more. Other things they’ve finally added are universal spell check, universal zoom and an easy Share feature that lets you share media and web items with your social media friends via drag and drop. All of this, and it runs on half the memory of Windows 7. How ’bout that!

The Ugly Microsoft has seen the death of the PC and therefore wants to make sure Windows continues to run on all devices - phones, tablets, laptops, cars, TVs, you name it. It’s a decent strategy. Apple did it and is now the #1 tech company in the world. The problem is, unlike Apple, Microsoft doesn’t produce the hardware that it wants to employ. I’m worried that we’re going to see a flood of buggy first generation Windows 8 gadgets on the market, and the user experience is going to be marked as “Vista all over again.”

The Bad First off, with Windows 8 the start menu is gone.

So there will be a large learning curve on how to organize your files and applications. Also, powering your computer down is a pain. It takes five clicks

Do you want to list more than one contact person for your company on our website?

Do multiple employees want to receive information from us?

Sign up to be an Affiliate Member for only $50 a year!

Call the office at 222-2400 to find out more.

In conclusion, Windows 8 is an alright operating system, but it’s not great. If you end up buying a new computer with Windows 8, it will take a little time to get used to, but it’s not the end of the world. You can also find some Windows 7 computers and try to avoid Windows 8 altogether. I did that with Vista. If you have any questions or need help finding the right computer for you, give Armor a call at 701-221-0948.

January 2013

BMHBA Building Buzz

BMHBA News & Events

Page 7

Join Us for Food, Award Presentations and Entertainment at the 2013 Annual Banquet The 2013 Annual Banquet has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 8. We hope you can join us for a fun evening at the Radisson Hotel. We will be inducting our newest board member and board president for 2013, as well as presenting other membership awards. The evening will close out with a performance by local band Sportin’ Wood from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The social with cash bar and silent auction starts at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:45 p.m. There are three meal options for attendees, so please specify your choice when registering. The options are: surf ‘n turf, chicken supreme or stuffed pork chops. The cost for the evening is $30 per attendee.

Please consider donating to the BSC sholarship fund silent auction either by purchasing an item or donating one. We are currently looking for donations for the auction. If you would like to donate, please contact the

office and let us know.

You can either drop off the item at the BMHBA during office hours or the BMHBA staff will come pick it up at your place of business. Thank you in advance for your generosity in regards to this great cause. We firmly believe that by supporting these students, we are helping to build the future of our industry.

Have questions or would like to RSVP? Call 222-2400 or email chelsea@bmhba.com.

New BMHBA Website: More Features, More Functionality

The Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association is excited to launch a new website in early January with more features and more functionality for our members.

The new website, designed by member Armor Interactive, will still be home to our most essential elements: member sign-up, member directory and event information. The event information will be more detailed on the new site, however. And, members will have the ability to register for those events online. You’ll also have the option to pay for your registration in advance via credit card.

We want www.bmhba.com to be your place for information on the building industry and business in Bismarck-Mandan. The resources page will have sections for consumer resources, such as ‘How to Choose a Contractor,’ and contractor resources, like links to contractor licensing requirements and more.

The news tab will be updated periodically with news updates on the industry in our area, upcoming BMHBA events or featured members.

The new site will also enable us to publish information on the Home Show and the Parades of Homes simultaneously. While the advance information may be fairly general, make sure to stop back and visit these

pages as the events approach to see digital copies of the event publications and more.

Also, make sure to like our Facebook business page, www.facebook.com/bmhba and follow us on Twitter username @bmhba to keep up to date on everything BMHBA. These sites will be linked to our new website, and they will be the first place we announce the official launch of the new site.

If there is anything you would like to see online that’s not currently available, feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear what you’d like to see. You can email chelsea@ bmhba.com with your suggestions.

Page 8

BMHBA Building Buzz

January 2013

BMHBA Members Celebrated the Season with Food, Drinks and Prizes at the Holiday Open House

The ladies from North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co. volunteered as Tom ‘n Jerry servers for the evening.

Todd and Nancy Brady (Miller Insulation), James and Leslie Bray (Fireside Custom Homes), and Doreen and Bill Riedman (NDAB) pose for a photo.

Todd Brady spins the wheel to win prizes from sponsor Advantage Appliance. Prizes ranged from cooktop cleaner to $500 off an appliance package.

Santa even came to visit! Colette Wiedmann (One Source Lighting) laughs while sitting on Santa’s lap.

Thank you to all the members who turned out to celebrate the holidays with us! Approximately 150 members came down to the Ramkota Courtyard on December 13 for the BMHBA Holiday Open House.

Traditional Tom ‘n Jerry’s were drank, appetizers eaten, and prizes won from sponsor Advantage Appliance! It was a great way to end another great year.

January 2013

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 9

The Bismarck-Mandan HBA Top 10 of 2012

10 8 6 4

BMHBA Hosted First-Ever Builder & City Roundtable Discussions

This past Spring, the BMHBA hosted 2 roundtable discussions (one for Bismarck, one for Mandan) between builders and city officials. These were a great way to open the lines of communication with city officials.

9

Highest Building Permit Numbers in Years

Building permit numbers are growing at rates unheard of in North Dakota until now. For a closer look at how single family permits in 2012 compare to even a year earlier, check out the City Beat on pg. 10.

Helped Organize & Presented at the First Bismarck-Mandan Growth Summit

To help community leaders and residents facilitate and understand the growth of our communities, the Chamber of Commerce hosted the first-ever Growth Summit in Bismarck. The BMHBA assisted in planning and Roxy presented.

Candidates Supported by BMHBA/NDAB Elected

The BMHBA and NDAB had a fantastic success rate for supported candidates this November.

Nearly 88 percent of candidates supported were elected to their position.

Defeated Measure 2 to Eliminate Property Taxes in June

7

As a member of the Keep it Local coalition, the BMHBA played an important role in the efforts to defeat this flawed measure. The legislature is working on possible methods to decrease property taxes in the next year.

Best Spring Parade of Homes Attendance in 5 Years

The Spring Parade of Homes had the best attendance in the last five years. We look forward to even higher attendance in the future with our fast-growing communities.

Dana Schlomer Named State B.E.A.M. Award Winner

BMHBA member and past board member Dana Schlomer won the BMHBA B.E.A.M Award, and took home that award on the state level as well. He is now in competition for the national award.

BMHBA Member, Chad Moldenhauer, Named State Builder of the Year

2

5

Chad Moldenhauer, your 2012 board president, was honored as the BMHBA and NDAB Builder of the Year.

This is the first time a BMHBA member has won NDAB Builder of the Year in 10 years.

Home Show Has Best Attendance in 10 Years

3

The Home Show, March 9-11, had the best attendance in 10 years with 6,342 tickets sold! Also, the show was sold out this year for exhibitors.

40 New Members Joined the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association

We love to see the BMHBA grow! Thank you for to all members for joining/renewing their membership this year.

We appreciate all of you. Help us keep up this growth and recruit your friends! For a list of new members, see pg. 4.

1

Page 10

January 2013

BMHBA Building Buzz

City Beat: Single Family Permits 2011 vs. 2012 600

500

400

300

200

100

Mandan 2011

Mandan 2012

Permit numbers in western North Dakota have skyrocketed this past year, and Bismarck-Mandan is no exception.

Mandan has nearly tripled their single family permit totals from December 2011, and the total reported for 2012 is only year-to-date through November (the most recent data available). The value of the permits in 2012 is $27 million higher than at the end of 2011, as well.

Bismarck permit number totals are not as drastic as Mandan’s but still impressive. Bismarck has added 140 more single family detached/attached permits this year compared to last year. The value of those permits has increased by $21 million.

These impressive statistics are not going anywhere any time soon. Barring some major catastrophe, the oil industry in North Dakota is planning to be here for at least the next 15 years. And we hope to see building booming that long and longer, as well.

The influx of people and building activity is making nearly everyone in the industry extremely busy and most likely overworked. The speed at which our community is growing is definitely causing some growing pains as can be expected. We look forward to continuing to work with local government on ways to alleviate some of these problems and facilitate growth in our communities.

Bismarck 2011

Bismarck 2012

January 2013

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 11

National News: Value of NAHB Membership

NAHB consistently delivers real value for its members.

At any given time, NAHB is working on more than 100 complex issues – and doing its utmost to save members money – in areas including the tax code, federal housing programs, environmental laws, building codes, OSHA, building materials, qualified residential mortgages, residential appraisals and many others.

Such issues can severely impact our industry; a single win can save builders thousands of dollars on every home they build. Likewise, a single loss can cost builders thousands of dollars on every home they build.

To the right is a list of some of the more significant advocacy victories NAHB has achieved recently in terms of monetary impact. Please note that the dollar values listed are based on averages across the industry and that these numbers do not necessarily apply in all areas of the country.

These represent just a fraction of the issues that NAHB addresses on an ongoing basis. More information on the value of NAHB membership will be featured in the February issue of Building Buzz.

Do you want your company featured in this newsletter?

Has one of your employees earned an accomplishment?

Let us know and you could see your company name in print!

We want to feature outstanding members whether new or old in the newly expanded Building Buzz newsletter. If you have a news release contact list, please add us.

Email Chelsea@bmhba.com or call 222-2400 for more info!

1. NAHB challenge to EPA stormwater regulations saved builders $1,970 on each home built.

2. NAHB advocacy on form 1099 reporting requirements saved each member $230 per year.

3. NAHB saved Remodelers $260 per room on lead testing requirement.

4. Flood insurance victory will preserve 10,100 new home sales in 2013.

5. Fire sprinkler victories will save $6,316 per home in some areas in 2013.

6. Supreme Court win could save $200,000 for those seeking wetlands permits.

7. Higher FHA loan limit saved 6,300 new home sales in 2012.

8. Elimination of visitability porch requirement will save $1,350 per home.

Page 12

BMHBA Building Buzz

January 2013

Only 5 Percent of Home Builders Do This...

Simple Ways to Build a Referral Strategy

By Alex Benshoof, SMA Consulting

Fewer than 5 percent of homebuilders have an active strategy for asking for referrals from satisfied homebuyers.

Referrals are the most powerful form of prospecting as they are many times more likely to buy from you than a cold prospect walking in the door.

I'm sure most of you have heard the saying, “work smarter, not harder.” But how many of us are actually living that motto? Well, here's one tip for working smarter today: ask for referrals.

Simple enough, right? But think about the cost and effort it takes to land a new customer. There's advertising costs, signage, a website to maintain and so on. But how much does it cost to contact former satisfied customers and ask them for new business or referrals? Very little. So, why don't we?

Time constraints? Remember it takes more time and energy to chase new leads that you have no history with.

Cost? It costs relatively nothing to follow-up with previous customers.

Fear of finding out a previous customer isn't happy?

Hey, this one is valid. No one likes to know that a previous customer is not satisfied with our work. But which is worse, dealing with this customer now and trying to remedy their issue, or having this person telling everyone they know how they are unsatisfied with your work?

Legal issues of offering incentives for referrals?

This too may be valid, but who says you have to offer any incentives? I get asked to refer businesses all day long. How often do you hear the phrase, "tell all your friends about us?"

And how often do you tell your friends and family about products you encounter that they should check out? I know I refer friends to products on a daily basis. So why can't we ask customers for referrals? Your customers already want to gloat about their new addition or home anyways and will gladly drop your company name as a referral.

So I think we can all agree, prospecting previous

customers for referrals is a no brainer. But, now, the million dollar question: How do I ask for the referral?

Here's two seamless ways to contact and ask previous customers for referrals: 1. A simple scripted phone call and 2. A thank you card.

Need a reason to call your customers? How about something like this: “Hi, this is Alex from ABC Builders. I wanted to follow-up with you in regard to the addition/ remodel/home we built for you. It's been 6 months since we finished and I wanted to make sure you didn't have any warranty issues or have any additional projects you want completed.”

If they have an issue, this is your chance to keep them from a bad word of mouth referral about your company. If everything is great, then ask for the referral.

“I'm happy to hear you have no issues, and I'd be thrilled if you could tell all of your friends and family about how pleased you are with your ABC Builders' addition/remodel/ home. I'd really appreciate a referral.”

Common sense, right? So, how about a "Thank You" card?

Sure we all get these around the holidays from businesses we frequent. But how often do you get a "Thank You" card outside of holidays? Here's a chance to stand out from all of the other businesses your customers deal with throughout the year. Try this: “Thank you for hiring ABC Builders. It was a pleasure working with you. If any friends or family are thinking of building, please keep us in mind. A friend of yours is someone we definitely want to work with.”

No need to go overboard with this project. Grab a pack of plain "Thank You" cards from the store and handwrite your message to give the card a personalized feel. Toss in your business card for them to give to friends and you are all set.

Asking for referrals is not an earth-shattering idea. It may be common sense to most, but are you doing it right now?

If you are, congratulations! Pat yourself on the back and continue on. If you aren't, today's the day!

January 2013

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 13

National News: Bismarck-Mandan HBA Featured By NAHB ‘Beat 2011’ Income Pays for New Strategy at North Dakota HBA

By NAHB Executive Officers Council Staff

Editor’s Note: The NAHB offered a program this year called ‘Beat 2011’ where local HBAs were able to get money back for every new member who joined above and beyond the end of year total for 2011. The November Membership Drive was part of this effort.

What do you do when you get a windfall? If you are Roxy Jacobson, you reinvest it in your HBA, of course.

Jacobson, EO of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders in North Dakota, has a problem that many EOs would like to have: a local economic boom that’s created a housing shortage, which is attracting home builders and for her HBA, new members.

But to keep those builders as members once the current boom abates, Jacobson and her board need to create a strategic plan to make sure the value of HBA membership is clear to these new members - and to existing ones.

Jacobson wants to use the money her HBA has earned by participating in the NAHB Beat 2011 campaign to

144809 BAHBA Sept Ad.indd 1

pay for a visit from NAHB Affiliate Services to conduct a day-long leadership retreat and help these HBA leaders come up with an action plan.

Jacobson has 10 new members so far over the 337 the HBA had last year - and each new member earns her association an additional $75 from NAHB. Meanwhile, the Beat 2011 membership campaign isn’t over until the end of this month, and Jacobson expects to see that total go up even more.

“It wasn’t money that I was anticipating on getting back, so we decided to get some help and direction.

That’s what our goal was - to reinvest in what’s going on here.”

An NAHB Affiliate Services staff member will help her HBA’s leadership create consensus on HBA priorities in communication, government affairs, membership, operations, and non-dues revenue - then formulate a clear plan on how it will get there, who will be involved and what sorts of revenues and resources it will need to achieve its goals.“There’s been no strategic planning here since 2008, and it’s time to do this,” Jacobson said.

8/16/12 1:39 PM

Page 14

BMHBA Building Buzz

January 2013

January 2013

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 15

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #72 Bismarck, ND 58501

2600 Gateway Ave., Suite 1 Bismarck, ND 58503

35