March 2018 Building Buzz

Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association

BUILDING March 2018

3 TIPS FOR A PROFITABLE BASEMENT REMODEL page 5

BOARD WEIGHS INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL OPTION page 6

A FAMILY AFFAIR page 11

ACCOUNTABILITY: THE KEY TO SALES page 12

Buzz

BUILDING

Buzz

Building Buzz is a publication of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association 2600 Gateway Ave., Suite 1 Bismarck, ND 58503 Phone: 701.222.2400 Fax: 701.250.9730

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Publisher/Editor: Dot Frank Layout Editor: Stephanie Drietz - Drietz Designs Contributor: Tracy DeForest

New Members & Anniversaries February 2018 New Members

Alliance Real Estate - David Lehman David Lehman | 701-400-4495 Infinity Vinyl, LLC | Bryce Thomas 701-955-3909

Alliance Real Estate - Jasmin Yoder Jasmin Yodervv | 701-400-8408

Time to Renew!

Members with March Anniversaries. Renew by March 31, 2018.

ABC Electric | Tony Wald Electrical Work Ackerman Homes | Jayme Ackerman Single Family Spec/Tract Building Single Family General Contracting Single Family Custom Building Advanced Truss Fabricators | Cory Knock Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) American Bank Center | Jake Nesvig Mortgage Banking Big River Builders, Inc. | Jordan Anderson Single Family Spec/Tract Building | Single Family Custom Building | RemodelingResidential Bismarck Kitchens | Bruce Aberle Remodeling-Residential Bismarck Lumber Co. | Darwin Fischer Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) Roofing/Siding/Sheet Metal Work Bismarck Mandan Apartment Association Mona Livdahl Bismarck Winsupply Co. | Greg Burr Plumbing/Heating/Air Conditioning BNC National Bank | Marc Menge Commercial Banking/Thrift Institution Mortgage Banking Boll Cabinets, Inc. | Rodney Boll Remodeling-Residential | Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) Build Jarhowski Construction Dan Szarkowski Century 21 Morrison Realty | Cathleen Engel Real Estate Dakota Community Bank & Trust Mark Larson | Mortgage Banking Dakota Millwork | Jeff Scherr Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership)

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Building Buzz | March 2018

Alliance Real Estate - Denise Ziegler Denise Ziegler | Real Estate Epic Homes | Parker Pladson Single Family Spec/Tract Building Single Family General Contracting Fargo Glass & Paint Co. | Mark Perry Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) Paint/Wall coverings First Community Credit Union | Deb Stoppler Commercial Banking/Thrift Institution Mortgage Banking Fleck’s Furniture & Appliance, Inc. Jason Franzen | Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) | Flooring Coverings (Retail Dealership) | Appliances Flickertail Construction, LLC | Grant Miller Carpentry Work Front Street Lighting | Shelley Werner Planner or Designer | Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) | Electrical Work GreenLight Systems | Ron Stotz Computer Products and Services | Security Systems | Other GS Design | Gregg Sattler Single Family Spec/Tract Building Single Family Custom Building Hallmark Homes, Inc. | Scott Moran Single Family Spec/Tract Building Single Family General Contracting Single Family Custom Building J & D Construction, Inc. | Jason Voegele Single Family Spec/Tract Building | Single Family General Contracting | Multifamily Building (Condo/Coop Units) | Land Development J & R Vacuum & Sewing | Jim Barnhardt Appliances (Retail Dealership) | Appliances KLJ | Brett Gurholt Land Development | Engineering | Planner or Designer | Land Surveyor | Utilities

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

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

2018 Board of Directors PRESIDENT

Lynn Klein Gate City Bank Phone: (701) 355-7633 lynn.klein@gatecitybank.com

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Jeff Sattler Sattler Homes Phone: (701)255-7628 jeff@bismarckbuilder.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Rory Anderson Verity Homes of Bismarck Phone:(701) 354-2846 rory@verityhomes.com Chad Moldenhauer K&L Homes Inc. Phone: (701) 258-4584 chad@k-lhomes.com Bill Schmid Townsquare Media Phone: (701) 250-6602

bill.schmid@townsquaremedia.com

Brian Eiseman Stoneshire Builders Phone: (701) 471-6935 brian@stoneshirebuilders.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Shannon Reichenberg Diversity Homes Phone: (701) 751-3999 shannon@diversityhomesnd.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER Greg Zenker Northern Plains Plumbing, Heating & Air Phone: (701) 222-2155 greg@northernplains.net Susie Franklin Choice Financial Phone: (701) 751-7282

s.franklin@choicefinancialgroup.com

Joe Hillerson Boulder Homes (701) 400-5554 boulderhomesnd@gmail.com Greg Meidinger Aspire Homes (701) 426-8583 greg@daretoaspirend.com Marc Menge BNC National Bank Phone:(701) 250-3000 mmenge@bncbank.com

BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS Bianco Realty has named SHIRLEY THOMAS and AMBER SANDNESS “REALTORS® of the Month”! Shirley and Amber had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of February 2018. Shirley has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and Amber has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2010.

Shirley Thomas

Amber Sandness

Bismarck-Mandan Permit Reports

through Jan. 31, 2018.

March 2018 | Building Buzz

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President’s Letter

H

ello members,

March came in like a lion and I’m betting our builder members hope it goes out like a lamb. Its parade season and many of you experience crunch time when it comes to the finishing touches on your Parade of Homes entries.

I will be praying for favorable working conditions and encourage our readers to do the same.

The Spring Parade of Homes is a personal favorite when it comes to HBA events. Not only does the timing reflect a long-awaited change in seasons, but it sets the tone for successful year at the association.

The Spring Parade of Homes is April 26-29 and the entry deadline is Monday, March 12.

The HBA has built consistency in the event by anchoring the dates to the last weekend of April for the Spring event and the last weekend of September for the Fall event.

Applications are available online at www.BisManParade.com. I guarantee that this is the most economical and efficient way to advertise your business, and associates can also get in on the action. Reach out to your builder contacts and see how you can support their participation in the Parade and promote your products and services alongside them.

Lynn Klein

Board President

I expect to see each of you at our annual chili cookoff on March 15. All members are invited to attend this casual event that includes a little board competition. Each board member will supply a crock of chili in hopes that they will be crowned the chili champ. Beer and beans are complimentary.

Register online at bmhba.com/events.

The HBA has worked out a special social that takes advantage of the House & Home exhibit at the ND Heritage Center Museum. Join us and members from across the state on Wednesday, March 21 for night at the museum. Information is available at bmhba.com/events.

Beyond a bevy of events, the HBA has been actively advocating on your behalf. We were successful in prompting the City of Bismarck to rescind the utility fee on vacant lots and spoke in support of the continuation of the property tax exemption for new homes in Mandan. The Government Affairs Committee is now fielding candidate questionnaires to make recommendations of support to the board. Stay tuned to see who we stand behind in the June 2018 elections.

Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to National Designation Month and recognize members who have achieved the distinction of Master in Residential Marketing, Certified Green Professional, Graduate Master Remodeler, Certified Agingin-Place Specialist and more. Discover how you can earn a designation and set yourself apart by visiting nahb.org/ designations.

Row together,

Lynn Klein, President BMHBA Board of Directors

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Building Buzz | March 2018

3 Tips

for a Profitable Basement Remodel With the growing popularity of short-term rentals through companies like Airbnb, countless home owners are looking down their basement stairs and seeing great potential.

But not all basements are created equal. Some might require significant renovations, and others might not ever be suitable (legal) dwellings.

Sean Beliveau, CGP, CAPS, owner of Slate Creek Builders in Blacksburg, Va., and previous recipient of NAHB’s Remodeler of the Month award, recently offered some advice to builders for when they begin the basement-remodeling process with prospective clients.

Build Your Credibility, and Determine Theirs

Before the first appointment, Beliveau emails the customer his company’s information sheet describing how long he’s been in business, what he specializes in and references. He also refers them to his Houzz page and includes a link to the latest Remodeling Cost vs.

Value report.

“At the beginning of the appointment, I’ll ask if they’ve had a chance to look at the value report, and most say it’s really helpful,” Beliveau said. “That sets the stage for a much more productive meeting and helps me qualify people right from the start.”

If the clients realize the project will be more involved and more expensive than they initially thought, they often begin to consider doing it themselves.

“If someone thinks they can remodel a 1,000-squarefoot basement on their own for under $20,000, they might be able to do that, but only if they bring in their brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, in-laws and cousins and put them to work,” Beliveau said lightheartedly.

“But if they want to ensure a high-quality job that’s done right the first time, they should hire a professional.”

Review General Rules

Advise the home owner of any local laws on renting

out the basement, if that is their objective. Beliveau says in his jurisdiction, zoning offices increasingly monitor short-term rentals with regard to lodging taxes and building safety.

When remodeling a basement, code requirements will often vary depending on whether the basement is finished or unfinished. Some of the most common variances include the steepness of stairwells, height of ceilings and depth of wall insulation. Local building codes may also vary for windows and egress requirements.

Beliveau says excessive moisture is perhaps the most common concern. “On almost every [basement remodel] we do, we end up grading and re-piping downspouts all the way around the house. It can be costly, but in many cases, you can tell just by looking at the outside of the home that it has significant moisture issues with signs of trapped water against the house.”

Help Them Determine Value

Ask the home owner how much they want to invest.

Beliveau typically looks up the home’s tax-assessed value to gauge how much the owners might want to invest in it compared to the surrounding property values.

“At a certain point, it’d be a better deal for them to move to a different neighborhood than it would be for them to invest the kind of money required to accomplish what they want out of their current home,” Beliveau said. “Some projects would be too big of an investment to see a sufficient return in the near future.”

In those cases when the project costs would exceed the immediate value-add to the home, Beliveau urges his clients to either scale down the scope or plan to live in the home for at least another five years.

Read more tips for builders, remodelers and consumers alike at nahb.org.

March 2018 | Building Buzz

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CITY & COUNTY APPRAISAL OF LAND COURSE OFFERED A land appraisal course will be offered in Fargo, from April 23-27 at the Ramada Inn & Suites.

Appraisal of Land is designed to provide the students with an understanding and working knowledgeof the procedures and techniques required to estimate the market value of land.

This course concentrates on the skills necessary for estimating land value primarily using the sales comparison approach.

This course includes 30 hours of classroom instruction during which students will be expected to participate in discussions, group activities, and coursework that may include but is not limited to reading, homework problem solving, etc. both during and outside classroom hours. There also is an exam at the end of the course for which the student should be prepared This offering has been approved for continuing education by the North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualifications and Ethics Board for 30 hours.

Registration is available at nd.gov/tax/user/ local-government/education. All registrations must be received by March 9.

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION TO MEET APRIL 17 The City Assessing Department will be mailing notice of increases by March 26 to property owners with a 2018 real estate valuation increase of 10% or more and $3,000 or more from the previous year’s assessment.

Owners not in agreement with the assessed value can initiate a review of the property valuation by contacting the Assessing Department. Owners may ultimately appeal the valuation to the Mandan Board of Equalization.

The Mandan Board of Equalization will meet at City Hall on April 17 at 7 p.m. to discuss property valuation increases. Mandan’s actions with regard to 2018 property values will be forwarded to the County Board of Equalization, which will meet June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Morton County Courthouse.

Local taxing authorities will take valuations into account this summer and fall when setting mill levies used to generate property tax revenue for 2019 budgets. The State Board of Equalization requires all property be valued within 10% of prevailing market values.

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Building Buzz | March 2018

BOARD WEIGHS INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL OPTION The Bismarck School Board recently heard a proposal from parents, staff, and community members about an opt-in innovative “public school option” for elementary students proposed to be located at the Hughes Educational Center. It would start with grades K-3 and expand to grades 4-5.

The school was one option presented to the Board last year by the Elementary Facilities Committee that studied space issues in the district. While the experiential school could relieve crowding at some schools, attending would be voluntary. Parents would apply for a transfer to the new site and administrators would chose students who represent the demographics of the district in terms of gender, race, ability, social-economics, etc. The school also would serve as a training site for BPS teachers and pre-teachers in college to see new methods in action.

Students at the school would learn through hands-on learning projects based on applied use of the core curriculum to solve problems and build citizenship skills. Students would have more input into their school experience and goals. There would be more multi-age interaction and collaboration among students. Before and after school programs would include opportunities for art, drama, foreign language, athletics and clubs. Teachers would teach to each child’s strengths and interests, providing a model for their own peers and an option for students needing this type of learning methodology.

While board members expressed some interest in the concept, they want more information, including a proposed budget. Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Fran Rodenburg said the goal is to be as cost neutral as possible except for secretarial time and transportation. There are state innovative grants, arts grants, and other grants the team could apply for to defray costs. District staff developer Maria Neset says there are teachers who are eager to move forward with this school concept as early as this fall. The Board will discuss this issue again at a future meeting.

NORTH DAKOTA OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through April 1, 2018, for the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program.

North Dakota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund was established in 2013 by the Legislature as a multi-million dollar program to provide grants to state agencies, tribal governments, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations for projects that will: • Provide access to private and public lands for sportsmen, including projects that create fish and wildlife habitat;

• Improve, maintain and restore water quality, soil conditions, plant diversity, and animal systems, and support other practices of stewardship to enhance farming and ranching;

• Develop and enhance the conservation and restoration of wildlife and fish habitat on private and public lands; and • Conserve natural areas and create other areas for recreation through the establishment and development of parks and recreation areas.

The application form and information on projects that have been awarded funding in the past are available at http://www.nd.gov/ndic/outdoor-infopage.htm.

The North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Program is overseen by the North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.

For more information on the program, contact Karlene Fine, (701) 328-3722.

CITY & COUNTY ‘KEEP MANDAN BEAUTIFUL’ ON APRIL 28 The Community Beautification Committee and Mandan Progress Organization are seeking volunteers to pick up litter on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will kick off at Dykshoorn Park on west Main Street where volunteers will receive instructions, trash bags, and safety vests.

Volunteers are asked to wear long pants and to bring protective work or garden-type gloves.

More information about the clean-up day will be posted at cityofmandan.com as details become available.

Volunteers may sign up on the website under the “Meeting & Event Registration” tab. The alternative date in case of inclement weather is May 5.

MANDAN PROPERTY TAX RANKING

GRANT COULD HELP FUND STREET IMPROVEMENTS The Mandan City Planning and Engineering Department recently submitted applications for the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Urban Grant Program. The grant program stems from the governor’s Main Street Initiative and focuses on downtown transportation improvement projects.

Reallocation of Main Street

This project, proposed for 2019, would reallocate the existing four-lane roadway into three lanes with a dedicated two-way, left-hand turn lane on Main Street from Collins Avenue to the west. The project would include curb bulb-outs on the north side of the roadway and additional parking on the south side. The project would improve aesthetics, walkability, access to close parking, and pedestrian safety. A recently completed downtown subarea study reveals the current roadway configuration leads to 95% traffic speeding with the majority of speeders going 11 to 13 miles per hour higher than the speed limit.

The estimated cost of the proposed reallocation project is $750,000 with $600,000 being sought through the federal grant. Since Main Street is a state highway, the state would contribute 10% of the cost with the remaining 10% being the local share.

Downtown Street Reconstruction

The project would reconstruct First Street and Avenues in the core downtown area with concrete. Beautification improvements, such as planters, benches, decorative light fixtures and options like bike racks and trash receptacles also are included in the project scope.

Reasons for this project include poor pavement conditions, and non-conformance with sidewalk requirements for people with disabilities.

Eighty percent of this $4 million reconstruction project would come from the grant with a 20% local share. The reconstruction project would also require underground utility improvements, a cost that would need to be locally borne.

The applications have been approved by City Commission and the Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization. The applications were submitted to the NDDOT on Feb. 23. NDDOT is expected to announce results this summer. For more information on the downtown subarea study visit www.downtownmandan.com.

Continued on from page 2

A North Dakota League of Cities report indicates Mandan’s consolidated mill levy, at 264 mills, ranks the fourth lowest among the state’s 12 largest cities. Mandan’s levy for 2017 is 1.32 percent of value on a commercial property and 1.19 percent for residential property.

These percentages of value are slightly below 2016’s levels of 1.34 percent and 1.20 percent, respectively. The N.D. Legislature in 2017 eliminated a 12 percent state-paid property tax credit and approved funding for county social services because these services and their costs are controlled by federal and state mandates.

Factors behind differences in mill levies include sales tax base and whether a city or county benefits from natural resources such as oil, gas and coal. Market values also vary by city.

Knutson Homes, Inc. | Drew Knutson Single Family Spec/Tract Building Missouri Basin Materials, Inc. | Rocky Thompson | Manufacturing Verity Homes - Nick Faber | Nick Faber Single Family General Contracting Multifamily Building (Condo/Coop Units) Northern Improvement Co. | Brad Ballweber Concrete Work | Excavation Work Northwest Contracting, Inc. | Eric Brenden Single Family General Contracting Multifamily Building (Condo/Coop Units) | Commercial General Contracting | Concrete Work Precision Concrete Cutters, Inc. | Terry Leabo Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) Concrete Work | Other Premier Homes, Inc. | Wade Vogel Single Family Spec/Tract Building | Single Family General Contracting | Multifamily Building (Condo/Coop Units) Red Deer Homes | Michael Kautz Single Family Spec/Tract Building

Sam’s Club 4933 | Jeff Asell Spaces, Inc. | Lisa Bohrer Planner or Designer T & M Electric | Terry Wald Tamarack Materials Northland Randy Bannor | Manufacturing Building Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) | Dywall Installation | Other Triton Homes | Jamie Schmidt Single Family Spec/Tract Building Verity Homes | Ashley Anderson Single Family Spec/Tract Building | Single Family General Contracting | Multifamily Building (Condo/Coop Units) Weisz & Sons, Inc. | Don Weisz Masonry/Stone Work/Tile Setting/Plaster Concrete Work | Excavation Work | Other Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Tom Jones | Mortgage Banking

March 2018 | Building Buzz

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CITY & COUNTY SPRING TREE PRUNING WORKSHOP SET FOR MARCH 24 Spring is quickly approaching and now is the time to start thinking about pruning trees. Pruning helps to produce strong and healthy plants that compliment a property, and helps with disease and insect control. In North Dakota, pruning should occur in the late winter or early spring.

City of Mandan Arborist Katie Nagel has planned a spring tree pruning workshop for Saturday, March 24. Two sessions will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nagel has teamed up with NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service Community Forestry Specialist Joel Nichols to explain the importance of proper pruning, demonstrate how to prune a tree, and answer any questions. Participants should meet in the shelter at the Mandan Softball Complex, 501 3rd Street SW. The workshop will take place rain or shine.

Please dress appropriate for the weather.

The workshop is free to the public and is one of many ways the city maintains its Tree City USA status. For more information please contact Nagel at 751-7894 or email katherine. nagel@cityofmandan.com.

VER HELST JOINS AGENCY Kayla Ver Helst has joined the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency as director of public affairs.

“I am pleased to welcome Kayla to our management team. I believe she will be a great advocate for our work in communicating North Dakota’s affordable housing needs,” said Jolene Kline, NDHFA executive director.

Ver Helst will oversee the agency’s communications, marketing and public affairs program including strategies for positioning the agency in the housing industry and accomplishing federal and state policy goals.

“I look forward to working with the state’s elected officials, community leaders and the agency’s housing partners to ensure all North Dakotans have a safe and affordable place to call home,” Ver Helst said.

Prior to coming to the NDHFA, Ver Helst worked in business operations at the North Dakota Department of Transportation. She replaces Max Wetz, who resigned his position to return to his home state of South Dakota.

SPRING CLEANUP WEEK SCHEDULED

During Spring Clean-up week, which is April 28-May 5, Mandan residents may place bulky items for special waste collection pick-up on their boulevard curb. Items will not be picked up in alleyways. Public Works crews will pick up items that two people can lift, including furniture and appliances. Items must be kept separate from household garbage. Residents may take items to the City landfill for free during the week. The landfill will be open both Saturdays, April 28 and May 5, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Residents are reminded to tie down or tarp all loads to prevent littering along the roadway. For more information and a list of items that will not be picked up, visit cityofmandan.com.

MUNDAHL & THACKER JOIN BIANCO REALTY

Justin Mundahl

ROLL OFF CONTAINER SERVICE 701-471-5650 FOR HOME, COMMERCIAL & CONSTRUCTION

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Building Buzz | March 2018

Jennifer Thacker

Bianco Realty is excited to announce the newest REALTORS® to join their professional Real Estate Team: JUSTIN MUNDAHL and JENNIFER THACKER. Justin and Jennifer look forward to helping clients with their Real Estate needs, achieving their dream of home ownership and providing a Tradition of Excellence!

CITY & COUNTY

Night At The Museum Join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the ND Heritage Center Museum. We’ve got exclusive access to the House & Home exhibit that touts the timeline of homes in America.

All members are encouraged to attend and are welcome to bring a guest. This is one-time opportunity to experience a travelling exhibit that promotes our industry. Register to attend the event, which is Wednesday, March 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., online at bmhba.com/events.

Let’s Build Together.

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But when it comes to your closing, we’ve got you covered.

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In this day and age, there are a lot of design concepts focused on two hot topics: aging-inplace clients and technology. However, the two typically co-exist rather than collaborate. From integrated medication dispensers and appliance lifts in the kitchen to automated showers and sensor-based mats that track activity and weight in the bathroom, we’ll discuss several ideas to consider when taking on projects for clients who would like to stay in their home as long as possible. Registration is open until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21. Visit bmhba.com/events for details.

USING THE CLOUD TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE YOUR CONSTRUCTION TEAM PROJECTS

Thursday, April 5, 2018, 1-2 p.m.

Cloud-based applications (applications that utilize the internet for storage, computing, collaboration and sharing) offer construction business owners and managers increased efficiency and accuracy of producing, tracking, analyzing and reporting the information required to effectively communicate the complexities of any construction project. But deciding which applications will best suit your construction company can be a daunting task. In this webinar, we will discuss the five major areas of communication that your cloud-based project management should address and some examples of applications that meet those requirements.

Registration is open until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4. Visit bmhba.com/events for details.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018, 1-2 p.m.

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Thursday, March 22, 2018, 1-2 p.m.

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SMART KITCHENS AND BATHS FOR EASIER AGING IN PLACE

It’s Not Just Business.

It’s Personal.

In 2018, it’s increasingly hard to generate content for social media that stands out. It requires strategy, planning, teamwork and most importantly, you must make your audience feel something. Going viral can’t be left to chance.

Speaker Will Duderstadt of M/I Homes, Inc. will show you how to incorporate emotion into your social media content and create highly shareable content. Registration is open until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8. Visit bmhba.com/events for details.

March 2018 | Building Buzz

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BMHBA NEWS

Home Show Home Run Attendance Exceeds 2017 Numbers

Over 200 exhibitors united for the 41st Home Show to welcome nearly of 5,000 spectators in two days! Special exhibitor features included a VIP room, complete with snacks and beverage throughout the show, sponsored by American Bank Center. First International Bank, partnering with the University of Mary Football Program, offered move-in assistance to vendors.

American Bank Center continued the Free Friday tradition by brought an engaged and qualified crowd to the Bismarck Event Center, contributing to the highest two-day total attendance in the history of the show. Familyfriendly activities like the kid’s scavenger hunt and the addition of Toddler Town drew an even higher headcount for Saturday.

The BMHBA strives to make each Home Show better than the last for both exhibitors and visitors. Please share your experience with us by taking a brief survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/2018HomeShowSurvey.

Thank-you exhibitors and sponsors for making the 2018 Home Show a success! The 2018 Home Show is scheduled for March 15-16. Keep your eyes peeled for Early Brid registration information!

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Building Buzz | March 2018

C TS U D O R UR P SUPPORT O Y E OT ND PROM RVICES A UILDING E! B IM SE AND E HOME E SAME T TH AT TH STRY com hba.

INDU @bm t. rac y -2400 t t c a g spo C o n t o r 2 2 2 ve r t i s i n ad this m i a to c l

EVENTS 2018 Calendar of Events Mar. 15

Board Members Battle for Bragging Rights

Builders, Beans & Beer Chili Cookoff 5:00 to 7:00 PM Burleigh County 4H Building

Mar. 21

House & Home Social 5:30 to 7:00 PM North Dakota Heritage Center

Mar. 22 Make time for Fun Night on March 15, where the Board of Directors will wow members with their culinary skills in a chili-cookoff. Join us March 15 for the Builders, Beans & Beer Chili Cookoff, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the 4-H Building located at the Burleigh County Fairgrounds. Check out bmhba.com/events to view a map of the location, and to register. Each member receives one FREE registration, $15 for each additional guest.

Webinar: Smart Kitchens & Baths for Easier Aging in Place 1-2 PM

April 5

Webinar: Using the Cloud to Effectively Manage 1-2 PM

April 26-29

Spring Parade of Homes Bismarck, Lincoln and Mandan

May 9

Webinar: Supercharge Your Social Media 1-2 PM

May 17

HBA ANNUAL PICNIC A Family Affair New this year! The BMHBA Annual Scholarship Fundraiser picnic will welcome children and families at the Dakota Zoo on June 13. You can still count on cold beer and great food, but please bring your nearest and dearest, young and old, to celebrate the building industry.

As we continue the tradition of providing scholarships to students participating in Bismarck State College trade programs, the BMHBA is taking silent auction item donations. Visit bmhba.com/events to donate and to register.

See you at the zoo!

Spring Awards Mixer & GMM 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Baymont Inn, Mandan

June 13

Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Picnic 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dakota Zoo

July 10

Annual PAC Golf Tournament Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck

August 2

Annual Sporting Clay Shoot 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Capital City Sporting Clays Register at bmhba.com/events, or call 701-222-2400.

March 2018 | Building Buzz

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NATIONAL NEWS

A POPULAR BRIDGE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR YOUNGER BUYERS Even though millennials had the largest increase in homeownership rate among all age groups in 2017, many wouldbe buyers continue to feel stuck on the sidelines because of the limited number of entry-level homes.

Most builders know there’s strong demand for entry-level homes, but the rising costs of construction are making it much more challenging to generate large enough margins to build smaller, single-family detached homes.

Enter the single-family attached homes — aka townhomes.

A growing number of buyers are drawn to the relatively large amount of space in a typical townhome, and the potential to still be located within a medium-density, urban neighborhood.

More builders are recognizing the cost benefits of townhomes as well. According to NAHB analysis of Census data, townhome construction in 2017 was up 7% from 2016.

“After a soft patch [in mid-2017], the market share [of new townhouses] is rising again,” wrote NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz in the Eye on Housing blog. “I expect future gains as townhouses are a useful bridge from rentership to homeownership for younger prospective home buyers in highcost markets, among other market opportunities.”

After a dramatic decline during the recession of the late 2000’s, townhouse starts have experienced a steady resurgence.

For more analysis, go to Eye on Housing.

ACCOUNTABILITY: THE KEY TO SALES NATIONAL NEWS

Have you ever noticed how people who enroll in a weight-loss program that involves accountability and long-term maintenance most often do better than those who try to go it alone? The same is true in sales.

It is not enough to simply “train” your team with a one-shot, one-size-fits-all motivational “rah, rah.” Often, I am invited by a company to do training on a particular discipline with the sales team because there is the feeling that the team “is not closing enough” or “they are not doing enough to drive traffic,” or their “follow-up needs work,” etc.

However, once I begin, I often discover that there is more of a systemic breakdown and that those particular challenges are merely a symptom of a greater issue.

Sales people, like any other, perform in direct proportion to the level of expectations set, and when those expectations are reinforced, coached and inspected. Yet all too often, we leave these sales people out in the field alone without a weekly planned encounter.

NATIONAL NEWS

We are not working with them on their very specific and timeoriented goals, or even giving them a road map on how to reach those goals and checkpoints along the way where we, as leaders, should be stepping in to guide them. Then, when our sales teams fall short, we start to make excuses for them about what the competition is doing, or they did not have enough traffic. And then we wonder why we are not getting results.

When you hold sales people accountable, they will resist — until they start seeing results. Once those results start to happen,

and we celebrate those results with them, the desire sets in to not only repeat the results, but to up the ante. The key is we have to hold ourselves accountable to be the leader our team needs.

Sales results happen in the field, not in your office or corporate headquarters. You must be in the field, spending quality time with your team every week. If you can’t spend at least two to three hours, one on one, with each member of your sales team every week, then either your territory is too large or your priorities are not straight.

You must have, in writing, minimum performance expectations, have each one of your sales staff sign it and have it placed in their files. You can’t make exceptions. Reward not only results, but effort. Celebrate successes every step of the way.

Finally, hiring a trainer/consultant adds credibility to your efforts. This may sound familiar to parents, who often notice how their kids will listen to a teacher or a coach, but the same advice from a parent falls on deaf ears.

Your team can perform at a higher level. Successful teams are focused; they have a plan and they are disciplined in working that plan. They know the only way to get out of a hole is to stop digging, and start filling it in by getting more and better sales!

Management consultant Kimberly Mackey is the founder of New Homes Solutions and a Tampa Bay Builders Association member. This post is adapted from a story in the Jan/Feb 2018 issue of Sales + Marketing Ideas. Download the Sales + Marketing Ideas app on iTunes or Google Play to read it.

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12

Building Buzz | March 2018

THE PINK PANTHER™ & © 1964–2017 MGM.

NAHB recently released the Multifamily Production Index (MPI) which posted a solid gain of seven points to 53 in the fourth quarter of 2017.

FALL PREVENTION CLASS NOW OFFERED THROUGH NAHB

The MPI measures builder and developer sentiment about current conditions in the apartment and condominium market on a scale of 0 to 100. The index and all of its components are scaled so that a number above 50 indicates that more respondents report conditions are improving rather than getting worse.

As part of a joint mission to keep employees and subs safer on the jobsite, NAHB, in partnership with the Job-Site Safety Institute, is providing free fall prevention training at HBAs for members across the country.

The MPI provides a composite measure of three key elements of the multifamily housing market: construction of low-rent units, market-rate rental units and “for-sale” units, or condominiums. All three components increased in the fourth quarter: low-rent units rose two points to 56, market-rate rental units climbed 11 points to 54 and for-sale units increased nine points to 49.

This training program was produced under a grant from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration through the JobSite Safety Institute. It is available in English or Spanish, and successful completion not only will make builders and trades more aware of potential hazards but also offer four continuing education credit hours for NAHB designations.

“The positive MPI reading is consistent with builder sentiment readings in other segments of the housing industry,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Continued job growth and increasing household formation are key drivers for the multifamily market moving forward.”

For more on the MPI and MVI, visit nahb.org/mms.

MARCH 5 WEBINAR HELPS MEMBERS The landmark tax reform legislation that took effect Jan. 1 created significant changes in the tax code that will affect the housing industry and our small business members.

To help NAHB members understand how these changes could impact their business, NAHB is hosted a members-only webinar, Tax Reform and Your Bottom Line.

The webinar featured NAHB tax experts and outside tax counsel who focused on the specific changes that will most directly impact small businesses. Access the replay online at goo. gl/gaTSti.

The training is designed to help employees and employers identify and avoid the common fall hazards on the jobsite with a focus on preventing accidents — as well as what to do if someone falls. Presenters will also demonstrate the correct use of personal protection systems, ladders and scaffolding.

DIVERSIFY TO EXPAND YOUR BOTTOM LINE

There are dozens of opportunities in the construction industry to potentially expand your business. So which ones are right for your company and how can you profit from them?

Those who attend the webinar Diversification: Capitalizing on New Business Opportunities Live Online can learn how. The three-part webinar will be held from 12-2 p.m. on March 6, 13 and 19.

NATIONAL NEWS

The Multifamily Vacancy Index (MVI), which measures the multifamily housing industry’s perception of vacancies, remained even at 41, with lower numbers indicating fewer vacancies. The MVI has been fairly stable since 2013, after peaking at 70 in the second quarter of 2009.

The four-hour Fall Prevention in Residential Construction training will be offered for the first time in Raleigh, N.C. on Feb. 28.

NATIONAL NEWS

“Multifamily developers continue to see solid demand in many parts of the country,” said Steven Lawson, president of The Lawson Companies in Virginia Beach, Va., and chairman of NAHB’s Multifamily Council. “However, developers need to be careful to manage costs as prices of land, labor and some building materials continue to rise.”

NATIONAL NEWS

APARTMENT AND CONDOMINIUM MARKET ENDS 2017 ON POSITIVE NOTE

You’ll explore the different approaches and options diversification allows, including commercial building, remodeling, special-use structures and institutional projects.

You’ll also examine factors that affect success in diversification and learn critical steps to take when preparing to diversify.

Best of all, this course presents these useful guidelines in your home or office: no taking time off or traveling to attend.

Registration is open until 2 p.m. on Monday, March 5. NAHB Continuing Education: Six hours toward CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, GMR, CGP, CSP, Master CGP, Master CSP, CMP and MIRM. For questions about registration, please email Sheila Coble or call 800-368-5242, ext. 8057.

March 2018 | Building Buzz

13

NDAB NEWS Monthly News from the North Dakota Association of Builders

Kim Schneider, NDAB Chief Executive Officer

Dan Lindquist, NDAB President Building Trades Offer Great Career Path A home builder relies on many highly trained workers to get the job done right. This includes dozens of skilled workers and professionals, including carpenters, sheet metal workers, drywall installers, glaziers, plumbers, electricians, painters, stone and brick installers, landscapers; and the list Dan Lindquist goes on. Recent analysis from NAHB shows that President 70% of builders typically use somewhere between 11 and 30 subcontractors to build a single-family home and on average, 22 different subcontractors are used to build a home. This means there is ample opportunity in the trades for motivated students seeking a rewarding career path.

Residential construction workers consistently express high job satisfaction and average salaries in North Dakota remain competitive with other industries in the region. For example, visit the wage and data provided at the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for information specific to *North Dakota and share this information with students you come in contact with. We all know how it plays out the last two years of high school, when our kids are constantly being asked about their plans post high school graduation. As members of our association, it’s our job to reflect on the rewards of the career we’ve chosen and excelled in. As one builder/member said recently at the International Builders Show in Orlando, “This industry has provided my family everything we’ve dreamed of.” Owning a home is the American Dream, and a career building those homes, also brings with it, its own rewards.

The residential construction industry is one of the few sectors where demand for new workers continues to rise, and the housing industry is working diligently to meet this challenge by training more workers and leaders in the construction industry. Often, parents encourage their high school graduates to seek education in a four-year undergraduate program even when their child is unsure of what interests them. But for the many students, upon graduation, they are eager and ready to get to work so they can experience the independence of their own financial decisions. For those students, construction trades can offer entry level jobs and training, giving them the chance to test the waters and discover their talents and interests.

North Dakota’s higher education system also offers the option of many two-year associate or certification programs available at community colleges. Students may also check with their local association for scholarship opportunities.

The need for skilled workers in North Dakota continues to be in demand making the growth in developing and/or expanding career academies, trades and vocational training, apprenticeships and other diverse experiences for learning available to our future builders.

Dan Lindquist * https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nd.htm#47-0000

March 2018

Gain a Competitive Edge with a Professional Designation In today’s evolving market, it’s more important than ever for building-industry professionals to maintain their competitive edge. Earning a professional designation from NAHB Education can be a Kim Schneider great way to distinguish yourself – and your company – from your competition. During National CEO Designation Month in March, seize the opportunity to advance your industry knowledge and skills.

Having a designation tells clients that you have honed your business skills and have superior training, hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of your profession. Designation holders also can take advantage of valuable networking opportunities during their enrollment, working closely with expert instructors and other professionals within their field and outside their specific areas of expertise.

During National Designation Month, NAHB also educates consumers about the value of selecting a professional with a designation, so your hard work will mean even more when it comes marketing yourself and your business.

During March, builders, remodelers and other industry professionals nationwide can take advantage of the many special events local HBAs are hosting to encourage continuing education and recognize designation holders across the country. Please make sure to check with your local association about education opportunities and special events.

NDAB is proud of our Professional Builder program and those that choose to participate meet membership requirements, have held a contractor’s license in the state of North Dakota for at least two years. They comply with all appropriate local, state, and national building codes, adhere to the Code of Ethics of North Dakota Association of Builders and complete seven hours of continuing education annually. Our professional builders are listed on our website to learn more on how to become a recognized NDAB Professional Builder, please visit our website or call or stop by our office.

2018 NDAB Professional Builders: Mike Workman - Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc. Charles Bon - C'est Bon Construction, Inc. Vern Hanson - Hanson Bros., Inc. Eric Berg - Eric Berg Construction, Inc. Jason Eid - Eid-Co Homes Tom Spaeth - Accent Kitchen & Bath Mark Spriggs - M&J Construction of Moorhead, Inc. Todd Halle - T&S Custom Homes, Inc. Charles Zach - Zach Construction, Inc. John Gunkelman - Dakota Construction Michael Bullinger - Western Products Inc. Take care,

Kim Schneider

Back your PAC … your PAC backs you! NDAB-PAC is the North Dakota Association of Builders’ Political Action Committee. It is a non-partisan political action committee that provides support for candidates who are friends of the building industry. Contact NDAB at (800) 326-4746, (701) 222-2401 or info@ndbuild.com to contribute or learn more!

North Dakota Association of Builders ❖1701 Burnt Boat Drive, Suite 201, Bismarck, ND 58503-0801 ❖701/222-2401 or 800/326-4746 ❖www.ndbuild.com

14

Building Buzz | March 2018

AROUND THE STATE industry careers, as well as local charitable housing projects.

Around the State

Dickinson Area Builders Assoc

Tiffaney Dolechek, Executive Officer

• The HBA of F-M’s free “Chilly” Cook-Off is March 22. Members Bismarck/Mandan HBA for donating a Decorating Services, Top Recruiter; Ken can enter dessert entry winExecutive! the coveted • The Dickinson Area Builders 2018 Home Show is April 7 & 8 at for ourtonew Krajsa, Bell State Bank & Trust, Top a chili and/orcomputer Dot Frank, Executive Officer golden ladle or golden spatula award Spike; George Fraza, Blue Cross Blue the West River Ice Center! Thisbmhba.com year we are adding a treasure  Home show booths are being sold now!

701-222-2400 Shield of ND, Top New Spike; Ken Krajsa hunt for the first 200 kids.

January 8th is the deadline for our

Cornerstone Award. HBC $12,500 Forxgranted Builders Association preferred vendors. Home show is April 15 • AtThe been busy following ourBMHBA Annualhas Christmas Party we raised around $1,300 in scholarships to local high school – 17, 2016 701-746-4536 | forxbuilders.com ordinance updates in Bismarck and

students and college students in or contact Jackie@willistonbuilders.com for Mandan, Burleigh and Morton Counties. planning on enrolling in • theThe construction 2018 Home Designquestions. & Garden Show will be held at the All are reviewing and updating dated • At our January GMM we presented checks to Bakken Paws programs.

Alerus Center March codes.Rescue Eyes are currently on permit cost Program. Thank you  23-25.

Our December General Membership Animal and Dickinson Backpack  The HBA of F-M held a PAC Social with and development standards. meeting will be held on the 17th tochanges all of our members who donated and purchasedspecial itemsguest at theJerry Howard to talk about  silent A housing analysis conducted by Bismarck Minot of Builders auction. issues NAHB is working on in Association D.C. and and Mandan outlines a need for an Head, Officer how they tie in locally.Elysha The event wasExecutive a Thank you so much to our Annual additional 7,786 owner-occupied homes success with 75 members in attendance.

701-852-0496 | minotab.com HomebyBuilders of Fargo-Moorhead Banquet Sponsors! Your support 2030. TheAssoc.

HBA is working on a task  Just under 20 members • attended a Lunch to explore of the helped us to putHome on a and great event!

We Bryce force Johnson, Chiefimplementation Executive Officer Planning is in full force for the 2018 Garden Show!

Session with local building officials to talk study’s recommendations. had aheld great crowd andatathe funNDSF evening 701-232-5846 | hbafm.com This year’s show will be on March 2-3 Center. about the latest issues in residential  Members elected a new Builder board the the year end Favorites from lastcelebrating year’s show like Pub in and the Park and the construction.

• The HBA of heldGMM its Education member at F-M the Fall on Nov. 24Summit to fill Jan. 30 with nearly recognizing allare our amazing Award Ready Builders Lego Competition making a return as well  The New Year Celebration & City Night is 130 attending continuing education classes serving Minnesota Past President Vance Vetter’s seat. The winners.

We are already looking as a new kid’s activity, Chalks and Smocks.

First International on Jan. 28 at the Radisson in Fargo.

2016 board of directors will be sworn in at limited technicians. building contractors, plumbers and power forward the to doing it all again next year BankWest & Trust is sponsoring chalk home drawing Mayors from Fargo, Moorhead, the Annualthe Banquet on Jan.its 14.2nd annual Trade Showcase Afterward, HBA hosted in Bismarck!

Fargo, Dilworth & Oxbow will be in competition that will take place alternate of the Ready Builders  allowing The BMHBA welcomes all members to member businesses to network with contractors who attendance and participateLego on a Competition. mayoral attend a the Lead Renovator and Lead attended Summit. panel. We will also have special guest Al Renovator Initial and Refresher course • Plans the 2018 Home and Garden Show are coming along Jaeger, Secretary of State.

If youfor would • The Valley & Garden Show was Feb. 23-25 on Red Nov.River 30 and Dec. Home 1, respectively. like to attend, please visit the events with the show being 70 percent sold out! The MAB is looking Visit bmhba.com/events to register. and had over 300 exhibitors.

It featured popular events like calendar at www.hbafm.com. forward to making the show even bigger and better than last

dollars to donate to two local non-profits.

the Lego Homebuilding Competition, Kids’ Treasure Hunt and Dickinson Area Builders Assoc. year!

Forx Thank Builders Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation Beer Walk. you Association Platinum Sponsors—Kuntz Builders, Irene Schafer, Executive Officer Betty McDonald, Executive Officer to the Platinum Sponsor Accent Kitchen & Bath.

Inc. and Winn Construction, Inc. 701-483-0044 dickinsonareabuilders.com Williston Area Builders Association 701-746-4536 forxbuilders.com • Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation will host 701-572-5744 | willistonbuilders.com  itsOur regular GMM was held at the Eagles Silver Sponsor—ProBuild 55th Annual Fish Fry March 16!

This event is fun for all There wasages good attendance at Slate Club on November 11 with a moment of • The 2018after Williston Home & Garden Show will be held April Design’s November Builders and supports scholarships for students interestedInterior in building silence honoring our veterans.

NDAB-PAC Reception Sponsor—Bosch Hours. Thank you Alissa. 13&14 at the Raymond Family Community Center.  Our Home Show committee is busy  The December Builders after Hours will be Lumber Co.

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planning our Home Show in April, updating and adding new features.

Our main focus right now is on the State Meeting here in Dickinson. We are looking forward to making this a special night for Arnold Karsky as he is installed as our State President.

Following that, we also busy planning our annual Christmas Party. Newly elected Vice President, Val Voelkering is busy with her committee putting final touches to a very special evening at the Elks Club.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to Kim and Heather and other associations to attend our Christmas party.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Bryce Johnson, Executive Vice President hbafm.com 701-232-5846

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Thank you to everyone who attended our Awards Gala & Annual Meeting. The HBA of F-M celebrated award winners and scholarship recipients with over 200 of its members. The awards went to Clay Dietrich, Dietrich Homes, Inc., Builder of the Year; Paul Krabbenhoft, Coldwell Banker First Realty, Associate of the Year; Heritage Homes, BEAM; Dan Beecher, Foam Doctor’s LLC, Extra Mile; John Koerselman, Red River Drywall &

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hosted by the Membership Committee and the Board of Directors at Keith’s Security World. Jim Bisson owner of Keith’s Lock & Key will be retiring the end of December and we will be helping him celebrate this milestone.

Our Home Design and Garden Show will be held April 1, 2 & 3 at the Alerus Center.

Banner Sponsor—Roers West, LLC

Also, Thank you to the NDAB 2015 Partners! We truly appreciate your support and we have enjoyed serving you throughout the entire year!

Minot Association of Builders Executive Officer 701-852-0496 minotab.com

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We are having a “Holiday Open House” for our members here at the office December 15th from noon-7pm with food and beverage.

Williston Area Builders Association Janna Lutz, Executive Officer 701-572-5744 willistonbuilders.com

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WABA welcomes new incoming board members: Lance Bevier of Tractor and Equipment Co., Joan Mainwaring of American State Bank and Trust Co., and Bob Radermacher of Bakken Contracting.

Mark Schneider, LJA, was sworn in as our incoming WABA President at our Annual Meeting in November.

Top Spikes were also recognized: Bill Murphy and Dave Nordenstrom became Life Spikes in 2015!

Special thanks to Dot Frank and the

Gold Partner - Montana Dakota Utilities Silver Partners - Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Dickinson Area Builders Association, Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, & Northern Plumbing Supply Bronze Partners - Bell State Bank & Trust, Forx Builders Association, Minot Association of Builders, ND Guaranty & Title Co., ND Housing Finance Agency, ProBuild, RDO Equipment Co., & Williston Area Builders Association March 2018 | Building Buzz 15

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UPCOMING BMHBA EVENTS 2018 Spring Parade of Homes - 4/26/2018 - 4/29/2018 Annual Picnic & Scholarship Fundraiser - 6/13/2018 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 2018 Annual PAC Golf Tournament - 7/10/2018

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