October 2014 Building Buzz

BB BUILDING BUZZ

OCTOBER 2014 President’s Letter

Surveys & Celebrations| page 3

Building Officials’ Corner

Mandan Launches Online Permitting & Inspections | page 5

BMHBA News

Member Survey Results | page 8-10

National News

Upcoming Webinars | page 13

NDAB News

Continuing Education Opportunities| page 14

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BMHBA Building Buzz

October 2014

Building Buzz Publisher/Editor: Dot Frank Layout Editor: Chelsea Gleich 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

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 August 2014 BISMARCK - monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.bismarck.org Permit Type

YTD 2014

YTD 2013

New Residential

Single Family Detached

Single Family Attached Duplex

3 or 4 Unit

5+ Unit Residential Garages New Commercial Alter Public

370/$90.63M 212/$39.36M 140/$21.50M 11/$1.75M 1/$1.01M 6/$27.01M 66/$.584M 32/$12.08M 6/$16.58M

489/$109.74M 309/$56.62M 157/$23.48M 7/$1.21M 3/$1.33M 13/$27.10M 72/$606.64M 33/$11.82M 13/$36.64M

MANDAN (July 2014 | Aug. Report Incomplete) - monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.cityofmandan.com

Permit Type

YTD 2014

New Residential

Single Family

Two Family Condos Apartments Remodel and Additions New Commercial Alter Commercial

50/$25.56M 43/$12.01M 0/$0M 4/$.90M 3/$12.62M 89/$1.92M 32/$8.25M 26/$2.90M

YTD 2013

145/$51.19M 105/$29.82M 0/$0M 36/$7.77M 4/$13.60M 88/$1.51M 11/$5.44M 17/$3.11M

October 2014

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BMHBA Building Buzz

A Word from Our President Whew! I’m sure plenty of you are catching your breath after making it though the Fall Parade of Homes. Congratulations for navigating delays and working long days to get parade-ready in time for thousands of spectators to view your skillful construction.

The Fall Parade featured Vance Vetter 37 homes from 25 builders Board President with prices ranging from $199,900 to $649,000. The association appreciates your participation, particularly your support of the changes this parade included: online submission of home details and directions, increased spectator fee, charitable contribution to Homes for Our Troops and the ParadeSmart mobile phone app. I hope you’ve registered to attend the Fall Awards Mixer on Oct. 30 so that we may personally recognize you.

The association hosted Bob Whitten of SMA Consulting in September. Whitten presented Moneyball: Managing by the Numbers. Nearly 20 builders attended the lunch event. Educational opportunities like Moneyball will be expanded as the association moves forward. A recent membership survey, supported action to implement additional educational events. If you were one of the respondents who indicated a desire for more educational events, please contact Dot or Terri at the office with specific training topics that you would like to see covered.

Speaking of surveys, we are working hard to ensure membership programs and benefits are meeting member expectations. As the office increases the use of polls and surveys, please consider sharing your opinions by completing them. Effort is made to keep the surveys concise. Your participation will help us deliver outstanding value for your membership investment. Please turn to page 8 to view a summary of the survey responses from the membership survey.

I’m proud to share that 33 percent of you feel the

value of membership is greater than the cost and an additional 55 percent feel the value is equal to the cost.

One of the best ways to find additional value in our association is the get active. I encourage you to explore the various committees the association has to offer including: Government Affairs, Membership, Events, Home Show and Parade of Homes. Attendance at meetings and events also increases value; believe it or not, business can still be found through a causal conversation or chance meeting at a social event.

Finally, the association urges members to exercise their right to vote no via absentee ballot or at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The BMBHA has joined our peers and the North Dakota Association of Builders to support a NO VOTE on Measure 5 and a YES Vote on Measure 2. Find out additional voting recommendations on our Facebook page.

Regards, Vance Vetter, President

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Page 4

BMHBA Building Buzz

September 2014 Anniversaries Alliance Real Estate | Jan Hoge | Join Date: 1997 Real Estate/Developers

Bartlett & West | Greg Feser | Join Date: 2013 Engineers

Bismarck Heating & Air | Tom Kambeitz | Join Date: 2008 Heating & HVAC

Bismarck Technical Center | David Peterson Community Organization, Home Builder

Blue Hawk Audio Video | Mike Wilkinson | Join Date: 2013 Audio/Video, Home Theaters, Spas/Pools

Camp Bros. Heating & Air | Jim Camp | Join Date: 2001 Heating & HVAC

Capitol City Welding | Ross Nathan | Join Date: 1988 Welding

Coldspring | Reid Kubesh | Join Date: 2013

Granite Countertops, Building Supplies, Countertops, Retaining Walls

Creative Wood Designs | Mike Ness | Join Date: 2001

Cabinets, Custom Cabinets, Kitchen/Bath Remodel & Design, Staining (Trim)

D&M Industries | Dan Narveson | Join Date: 2010 Cabinets, Doors, Millwork, Windows

Eide Ford | Jesse Peterson | Join Date: 2009 Auto Parts/Service, Auto Sales

Fabricators Unlimited | Betty Narlaock | Join Date: 2004 Countertops, Granite Countertops

Imperial Flooring, Inc. | Chris Svanes | Join Date: 2001 Flooring, Interior Design

J & S Home Builders | Shelley Gramling | Join Date: 2013 General Contractor, Home Builders (Custom), Remodeling

October 2014

2014 Board of Directors PRESIDENT Vance Vetter Vance Vetter Homes Phone: (701) 751-8218

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

SECRETARY/TREASURER Lynn Klein Gate City Bank Phone: (701) 355-7633

Paula Haider Haider Glass Specialties Phone: (701) 250-6787

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Drew Knutson Knutson Homes, Inc. Phone: (701) 258-3464

Nathan Jones Tollberg Homes Phone: (763) 205-2037 Scott Moran Hallmark Homes Phone: (701) 471-8796 Bill Schmid Townsquare Media Phone: (701) 250-6602

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Greg Zenker Ferguson Enterprises Phone: (701) 663-2446 Chad Moldenhauer K & L Homes, Inc. Phone: (701) 258-4584 Shannon Reichenberg Diversity Homes Phone: (701) 220-8177 C.J. Schorsch Fleck’s Furniture & Appliance Phone: (701) 323-0891

August 2014 New Members Alliance Real Estate| Arnie Kosobud Real Estate/Developers

Alliance Real Estate| Janel Buchholtz

Klemetson Woodworks Co. | Paul Klemetson | Join Date: 2003

Website: homesforsalebismarck.com

Matrix Design | Paul Breiner, AIA | Join Date: 2011

Website: bismarckproperties.com

Missouri Valley Petroleum | James Froelich | Join Date: 1995

Website: karinhaskell.com

Paramount Builders, Inc. | Jarred Roloff | Join Date: 2007

Website: vannetthomessales.com

Cabinets, Countertops, Custom Cabinets

Architecture, Home Designing, Planner/Designer, Interior Design Propane

Home Builders (Custom), General Contractor, Framers, Concrete Contractor

Ramkota Hotel | Dave Achtenberg | Join Date: 2010 Hotels & Restaurants

Redford Signature Homes | Deborah Luptak | Join Date: 2007 Home Builders (Custom), Home Builder, General Contractor

Rocks & Blocks Landscaping, LLC | Andy Thomas | Join Date: 2005 Landscaping, Masonry/Brick/Stone, Retaining Walls

SEH | Chris Saxton | Join Date: 2013

Architecture, Energy, Engineers, Land Development Services, Land Surveying

Studs to Rugs, Inc. | Tim Rosene | Join Date: 2011 Home Builders (Custom), Remodeling

Ted Lipp Drywall, Inc. | Ted Lipp | Join Date: 2008 Drywall

Toman Engineering Co. | Harvey Schneider | Join Date: 1993 Drafting Services, Engineers, Planner/Designer

Real Estate/Developers

Alliance Real Estate| Jeff White

Real Estate/Developers

Alliance Real Estate| Karin Haskell

Real Estate/Developers

Alliance Real Estate| Pat Vannett

Real Estate/Developers

Alliance Real Estate| Terri Benson-Holmstrom Website: homesforsalebismarck.com

Real Estate/Developers

Bianco Realty| Sheila Krebs

Website: biancorealty.com

Real Estate/Developers

Bismarck Motor Company| Bob Kupper Website: nissanofbismarck.com

Auto Sales/Service

Century 21 Morrison Realty| Mary Ohlhauser Real Estate/Developers

Glass Doctor of Bismarck| Ben Goergen Website: glassdoctor.com/bismarck

MB Homes| Mario Spasovski

Website: mb-homes.net Home Builder (Custom, Multi-Family), Land Development Services, General Contractor

Pacific Homes, LLC| Victor Odeychuck Home Builder

October 2014

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 5

Building & Planning Officials’ Corner City of Mandan Launches Web-Based Permit Program On Aug. 1, 2014, the City of Mandan Building Department launched a new web-based building permit program.

“The program is designed to be very user friendly to help the contractor get the information that he needs quicker and easier right at his computer or smart phone that has Internet access,” said Building Official Doug Lalim.

Contractors not only will be able to access current project information, but also history on projects that have already been finished. The contractor also will be able to see all current detailed charges on his account and generate reports on payment history.

“In the near future, we will have online bill

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events!

Oct. 2: Government Affairs Committee Meeting Oct. 14: Events Committee Meeting Oct. 9-10: OSHA 10 Construction Course Oct. 15: Membership Committee Meeting Oct. 28: BMHBA Board Meeting Oct. 30: Fall Awards Mixer

payment capabilities,” added Lalim.

If you, as a contractor, have active building permits after Aug. 1, 2014 and have not received your activation letter to access the online information, or have problems activating your account please contact Lalim or Carolyn at the City of Mandan Building Department at 701-667-3230. This online program is a voluntary program and does not have any additional fees to access the program.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

October 2014

Sporting Clays Shoot a Success Members continued to show their support of our association by snagging up all 10 station sponsorships, picking up several tiered sponsorships, the dinner sponsorship and prize sponsorship slots. Please know that event sponsorships help our office stay open and fund our advocacy, education and networking efforts.

The association thanks: Platinum Sponsor BNC Bank; Dinner Sponsor Acme Tools; Prize Sponsor Timber Ridge Plumbing & Heating; Gold Sponsors CS Doors, Inc. and Haider Glass Specialties; Silver Sponsor D&M Industries and Station Sponsors Allied Building Products, Dakota Community Bank and Trust, Gate City Bank, K&L Homes, Inc., Knutson Homes, Inc., North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co., Northern Plains Plumbing Heating & Air, Quality Title, Inc., Starion Financial and Vance Vetter Homes. The association also would like to extend its gratitude for resident griller Tom Haider and the Events Committee members who helped put this event together.

Check out photos from the event at www.facebook.com/ bmhba.

Free Safety Training

Your HBA has partnered with the North Dakota Association of Builders, the North Dakota Safety Council and Workforce Safety to host free OSHA 10 training for members on Oct. 9-10. Seating is limited.

Register online at bmhba.com/events.

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Call 222-2400 or email info@bmhba.com to find out how.

October 2014

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 7

Networking 101 Expert networkers also are skillful small talkers. But, it’s a myth that people are born with the gift of gab or without it. Anybody can learn to small talk and to use small talk to create valuable networking relationships.

Often people think they have a network because they belong to a lot of organizations. Not so. You can fill out the membership forms, pay your dues, receive the newsletter, and even go to events, and still not have a network. You only have a network when you create active relationships that are mutually advantageous.

People say, cynically, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” They see networking as an opportunity to use people. That’s not the way to do it. What’s really important is WHO KNOWS YOU. You need to effectively tell vivid stories that illustrate your expertise and attend many events at organizations to increase your visibility.

Great Connections – Networking Checklist

• Who did I introduce myself to? How many names do I remember? What lead or resource can I be on the lookout for, for each of them?

Save the Date!

Registration is now open for our Fall Awards Mixer.

Join us on Oct. 30 at the Ramada Hotel as we celebrate the category winners from the Fall Parade of Homes and enjoy fine dining together.

Sponsorships are available, many of which include event tickets. Visit bmhba. com/events to register and view sponsorship opportunities.

• Did I meet new people as well as talk to people I already knew?

• How many times was I a great connector, introducing people to other people?

• Do I know who the leaders are? Did I greet them, become known to them, help them?

• Did I arrive early or at least on time?

• What did I give away?

• What plans did I make to extend the event beyond the event?

• Did I give away/exchange business cards? With whom? Why? Did I jot down a reminder?

• Did I listen generously? How did it build the relationship?

• What follow-up did I do?

The BMBHA offers many opportunities to grow your network throughout the year. The next networking opportunity is our Fall Awards Mixer, which is Oct. 30.

Find that event and more online at www.bmhba.com/ events.

Cast your vote

N o v. 4 !

Find youR polling place and ballot info at vote.nd.gov

Page 8

BMHBA Building Buzz

October 2014

And the Survey Says...

BMHBA membership survey reveals strengths and opportunities The BMHBA recently polled all members to gauge their perceptions of the association and gain recommendations for program improvements. In all, 77 respondents completed the online survey, of which 38 percent were builder members, 38 percent were associate, and 24 percent were affiliate members. The respondents represented a nice spread of new and long-standing members: 29 percent have been members for four or less years, 28 percent for 5-9 years, and 43 percent for 10-plus years.

Members were motivated to join and are prompted to renew their membership for many reasons, however, the top three factors included: networking, industry news and education. Associate members echoed those factors when

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October 2014

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 9

And the Survey Says...

BMHBA membership survey reveals strengths and opportunities their responses were isolated. Builder members ranked education as their first factor followed by networking and industry news.

In addition to discovering why members join and renew, the association wanted to determine how well we deliver on the factors that prompt members to put pen to paper on their membership dues checks. Fiftyfive percent of respondents rated their satisfaction with networking events as above average or excellent with another 30 percent ranking networking events as satisfactory. When asked about industry news, respondents rated access at 45 percent satisfactory, 39 percent above average and 11 percent excellent.

Finally, they rated their satisfaction with educational offerings as 33 percent satisfactory, 25 percent above average and 9 percent exceptional. Unfortunately, 21 percent of respondents indicated that they didn’t take advantage of educational offerings.

The association takes great pride in the Continued on page 10.

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Page 10

BMHBA Building Buzz

October 2014

And the Survey Says... {Continued} BMHBA membership survey reveals strengths and opportunities Continued from page 9.

responses associated with the value of membership. When asked whether the value of their membership was greater than, equal to or less than the cost of membership, 34 percent indicated it was greater than, 54 percent equal to and 12 percent less than.

Based on the responses to the types of activities members are most likely to participate in, the association will focus on making marketing,

Review Us on Houzz.com As a home building and remodeling professional association, your BMHBA relies on recommendations from members. We would appreciate it if you would write a brief review for us on Houzz.com, the largest and most influential directory of remodeling and design professionals.

Use this link - http://www.houzz.com/ writeReview/cmd=r/n=bmhba - to write your review.

educational and event opportunities available.

Those opportunities will be scheduled to accommodate the most members, which according to the survey, would be in the early morning or at noon between January and March.

If you have specific requests or ideas for events or educational offerings, please let us know. You may email info@bmhba.com or call 222-2400.

ParadeSmart App Extends Beyond the Parade Dates If you haven’t downloaded the BMHBA’s free Parade of Homes app, we encourage you to do so. Despite the fact that the Fall Parade has come to an end, the app is still active and serves as an excellent tool to market your business. Homes will continue to be marketed as “For Sale” until the builder changes that status through their personal log-in access or by telling the association. Additionally, builders may populate the Gallery with additional photos of their Parade Home. Search ParadeSmart in the Android and Apple stores for the app.

BMHBA Building Buzz

October 2014

Page 11

Manage Your Change Orders & Protect Your Bottom Line

By Wayne Solberg, One Source Lighting Change Orders...cope with them or proactively manage them?

The need for change orders can result from differing conditions which can invalidate design assumptions, or a change in work scope such as when a homeowner decides to add more/better windows and doors, move a wall, or even when the project may be 90%+ complete and out of the clear blue, the customer informs the builder they need a full blown dog kennel with drain, plumbing, etc. Every change in the contract, down to a paint color change, should be documented in the form of a change order even when there is a no change-in-price item. It’s best not to rationalize that consequences of a lower bid can be overcome with more change orders as it’s not that easy.

Before work commences, builders and home owners should work together to develop a concise, correct, complete, and clear scope of work so that the building plans, proposals, and contract provide for all the necessary work. Before the contract is signed to build a customers’ home, it may be wise to explain to the customer the procedure used for handling change orders, maintaining precise documentation identifying the change, why it’s needed, and track the extra work or change through reliable job journal and job cost recording as the builder then has solid supporting information to present itemized changes to the customer.

TREND ALERT

Change orders can be an obstacle to a project’s progress and most of the time, the builder is unable to recover enough out of the change order to make it worth the investment in time and production.

Change orders can become muddled as far as placing responsibility and cost.

Most integrated construction accounting software programs include change order options. With these programs a builder can keep better track of changes that have been made to an original agreement. In addition, it enhances communication between the customer and the builder, which ensures both parties are aware of expectations and outcomes.

Currently have no change order form to use?

The wheel doesn’t have to be re-invented to design a change order form from scratch. Contact these organizations for more information on available change order forms: National Association of Home Builders, American Institute of Architects, Associated General Contractors, American Subcontractors Association.

If you are a member of BMHBA, your local association membership includes an NAHB membership so you will pay a lower price for the form compared to a nonmember.

So why just cope with change orders when change orders can so easily be managed, thus, protecting your bottom line?

Wet Rooms Are Today’s Choice for Beautiful, Usable Bathrooms

Inviting, accommodating and a feast for the eyes—wet rooms are showing up in more and more homes and wowing visitors at new-home showcases.

Wet rooms—essentially open-concept or barrier-free bathrooms—are tiled continuously from floor to ceiling and across the floor surface, giving a sleek,

unified appearance.

The shower is open to the room or enclosed in clear glass, and has no raised threshold to step over. Sinks, countertops and vanities mounted to the walls hover above the unbroken plane of the floor.

The wet room’s uninterrupted sight lines give a feeling of space to even a relatively small room.

The continuous floor surface makes for easy cleanup and allows people in wheelchairs or with restricted mobility to move freely.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

October 2014

National News Recent Economic Releases The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released the August Pending Home Sales Index, a measure of the rate of signed contracts to purchase an existing home.

The index rose 3.3 percent in July, although completed contract sales (existing home sales) were off in August.

Look for a small positive change.

The July Case-Shiller price index also was released.

The measure of existing home prices calculated to adjust for changes in the composition of the homes sold has been negative for the last couple of months as inventories begin to rise and investor demand cools.

Some slowdown has been expected that could allow more first-time buyers into the market.

The Census Bureau released the August construction spending. Spending on multifamily, single-family and remodeling has seen a see-saw pattern for the past months as the slow start to the year plays out in monthly expenditures on the homes and remodeling jobs started earlier. Some improvement should finally begin to show through.

Finally, employment numbers for September were released. August figures were a bit of a disappointment but the last six months’ average has remained above 200,000, and that trend should continue. Job growth is the necessary ingredient to the housing recovery.

Help Wanted: Hiring Help

The National Association of Home Builders prepared the following questions to assist members in the hiring process.

While the pool of potential applicants is small in BismarckMandan, there are excellent resources available to assist you in the hunt for hired hands. Visit jobsnd.com for job posting and applicant searches.

Common Interview Questions • "Tell me about yourself."

• "Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our company interests you?"

• "Why did you leave your last job?"

• "What are your best skills?"

• "What is your major weakness?"

• "Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?"

• "What are your career goals?" or "What are your future plans?"

• "What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?"

• "What salary are you expecting?"

• "What have I forgotten to ask?"

Additional interview questions that get the applicant to offer insight into specific areas of employment and personal decisions and drive.

Applicant’s Qualifications • What can you do for us that someone else can't do?

• What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?

• What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?

• Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?

What is important to you in a job?

What motivates you in your work?

What have you been doing since your last job?

What qualities do you find important in a coworker?

Applicant’s Career Goals What would you like to be doing five years from now?

How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?

What type of position are you interested in?

How will this job fit in your career plans?

What do you expect from this job?

Do you have a location preference?

Can you travel?

What hours can you work?

When could you start?

Applicant’s Work Experience What have you learned from your past jobs?

What were your biggest responsibilities?

What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?

How does your previous experience relate to this position?

What did you like most/least about your last job?

Whom may we contact for references?

Applicant’s Education How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?

What were your favorite classes/activities at school?

Why did you choose your major?

Do you plan to continue your education?

October 2014

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BMHBA Building Buzz

National News Upcoming Webinars Visit nahb.org. Click on Education & Events and choose E-Learning: Webinars and Online Courses. BMHBA members are members of NAHB. To create an account, you’ll need your PIN, which may be requested by emailing info@bmhba.com or calling 222-2400.

Top 10 OSHA Citations for Construction and How to Avoid Them

Wednesday, Oct.15, 2-3 p.m.

During this webinar, you will receive a list of the top 10 OSHA citations in the residential construction industry and specific requirements and methods to comply with these standards.

Presented by NAHB Construction, Codes and Standards

The Next 'Genderation': Unlocking the Full Potential and Emerging Trends for Women in Building

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2-3 p.m.

This program will address opportunities for the employer as well as the individual employee to create a better understanding of the value and unique abilities that women bring to building while uncovering some unusual trends that attract women to join the building ranks — and the variety of jobs that entails.

Presented by NAHB Professional Women in Building

Online BAR, PREP Gives Easy Access to NAHB Designations with Quick Results and Big Savings

NAHB Education launched online versions of the Builder Assessment Review (BAR) and Professional Remodeler Experience Profile (PREP). These assessments are the first steps that candidates take to earn the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designations. The BAR and PREP evaluate a builder or remodeler’s knowledge in several core business areas. Students do not pass or fail the assessments; rather, their results steer them to relevant courses that will make them more well-rounded.

Members can find the 145-question BAR at nahb. org/BAROnline or the 150-question PREP at nahb.org/

PREPOnline. In addition to enjoying the convenience of taking these assessments from your own desktops, members will save more than half off the regular price – only $95 – to take the BAR and PREP online. Participants receive their results within 48 hours, compared to 4-6 weeks.

If you have questions about the online BAR/PREP contact Andrea Raggambi at 800368-5242 x8153.

Housing Market Index Webinar Replay Available

NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe recently presented a webinar going over the results of the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The replay is available online at nahb.org/HMIWebinars. Similar reviews will be conducted quarterly; the next one will be held on Monday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m., following the release of the report at 9 a.m.

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Page 14

BMHBA Building Buzz

NDAB NEWS

Volume XXI, Issue 23

Monthly News from the North Dakota Association of Builders

Right now, out-of-state environmental groups are trying to fund their organizations with North Dakota tax dollars by passing the Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment. Already, these groups have spent more than $1 million just to get the measure on the November ballot. They pretend the amendment is meant to protect our state’s water and wildlife habitats, but it’s really about taking advantage of our state’s prosperity to pay for their salaries and pet projects.

The amendment would create a constitutional mandate requiring five percent of the state’s oil and gas tax revenue to be placed into a massive new conservation fund. Amendment supporters have repeatedly referred to it as a “small percent” – but the reality is that “small percent” is actually $150 million every year, $3 million every week, or the big picture, $300 million every session. It’s not a small percent!

What’s worse is the amendment requires between 75 and 90 percent of the fund be spent every year. This would be the first ever spending requirement that would be mandated by our state’s constitution. It also opens the door for irresponsible spending because the board overseeing the fund will have to spend the required amount of funds or they would be in violation of the constitution. That makes it difficult to judge projects based on merit.

If the amendment passes, it will legally establish the conservation fund as the number one funding priority in the state. That means that every year, $150 million that would otherwise be available to build roads and new schools, adequately fund our children’s educations, sustain property tax relief, and address the state’s many other critical needs will be syphoned out of the general fund. Over the 25-year life of the amendment, North Dakota will be left without $4.8 billion that won’t be available because of the conservation fund.

North Dakota has a lot of needs these days and conservation is among them. Our communities are expanding and we need resources to address that growth while still preserving North Dakota’s outdoor heritage, but the conservation amendment goes too far by stripping the state of $150 million every year. That just makes it harder for us to address our other critical needs.

The state needs to take a responsible approach that balances conservation with our other needs. The Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment isn’t about balance; it’s about taking $150 million away from our communities every year and placing it in the hands of out-of-state environmental groups looking to line their own pockets. It isn’t about protecting the environment at all. It’s about the money. Measures like this are horrible, it helps small interest groups and it’s important to know it takes the control out of our elected officials. Our legislator’s hands will be tied and will have less money to work with on our true needs for North Dakota!

We encourage you to visit www.NDCommonSenseConservation.com to find out more about the flawed conservation amendment and what you can do to help us stop it. Vote NO on the Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment on November 4th!!

Ken

October 2014

Growing and making an impression

The Conservation Amendment is wrong for North Dakota!

Ken Callahan NDAB President

October 2014

In early September 22 members from North Dakota traveled to Phoenix, AZ to participate in the National Association of Home Builders Fall Board Meeting. While the Fall Board meetings tend to have the lowest attendance rate for members, I am proud to Kim Schneider share that we had representation from each of the NDAB Executive Officer six local associations and it was noticed by the other states. One big issue many states were discussing is getting younger members involved in their associations. One comment I heard over and over was how young all those from ND looked and wanted to know our secret to obtaining and retaining new members that want to be so involved. We have great leadership and great mentoring that goes on while we all are building relationships. If you aren’t currently involved in your local association, I highly encourage you to check it out, get involved and be active not only at the local level, but at the state and National level. I am proud to share that NAHB recently recognized NDAB for having one of the highest member retention rates in 2013! We appreciate each and every one of our members for their continued loyalty! The new award we received looks great on our wall!

Members have the opportunity to take part in voting on important issues at the National level. At the recent Fall Board, there was discussion around by-law changes in regards to the number of meetings NAHB holds, which after 2015, there will only be the International Builders Show and one other in-person board meeting. The executive committee does have the power to call an in-person meeting if they see fit, otherwise, the use of teleconferences and video conferences will be used to cut down on the costs of travel and room reservations. It was also voted that Affiliate membership dues will be raised to $15. Many topics were discussed, ideas shared and relationships built during our time in Phoenix. I encourage all who can attend the upcoming International Builders Show to do so which is being held in January in Las Vegas.

When we aren’t traveling and winning awards, the members of NDAB are doing good work for our community. In August, NDAB was proud to donate a tool trailer and equipment valued at $15,000 to Minot’s Northern Lights Habitat for Humanity. The trailer and equipment was purchased by Educational Dollars that was granted to NDAB years ago and at that time was used to provide many educational opportunities to young people at the ND Youth Correctional Center in Mandan, ND until their construction program was discontinued. Now it will continue to provide new educational opportunities through HHNL who uses volunteers, Job Corp Students and High School students during their home building projects. The tool trailer and tools are already being put to good use on one of the Habitat’s homes and all of us at NDAB are very proud to see the trailer being used for such an awesome project.

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 1720 Burnt Boat Drive, Suite 207, Bismarck, ND 58503-0801 701/222-2401 or 800/326-4746 www.ndbuild.com

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BMHBA Building Buzz

October 2014

Around the State Dot Frank, Executive Officer 701-222-2400

 bmhba.com

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Esteemed NAHB speaker Bob Whitten presented Moneyball: Managing by the Numbers on Sept.

10. The event attracted close to 20 builder members.

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59 members grabbed their guns for the Association’s Annual Sporting Clay Shoot. The event featured 10 stations, dinner and a shotgun giveaway.

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Discussion continues with City of Mandan regarding infrastructure financing. The association will be soliciting feedback from members to submit options for special assessment reform.

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The Fall Parade of Homes featured 37 homes. A portion of event admission revenue benefited the nonprofit Homes for Our Troops. New this year was a free ParadeSmart app that parade-goers downloaded to help them navigate the homes.

Dickinson Area Builders Assoc.

Irene Schafer, Executive Officer 701-483-0044 dickinsonareabuilders.com

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Dickinson Area Builders rented office space. We have also hired a part-time person to staff the office.

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We are in the midst of gather things together, from several areas and from storage. We expect to have Silvia Schoch on board the first of October.

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We elected board members at our September meeting. Re-elected are: Arnold Karsky, Chuck Olsen, Caleb Otto and Lance Kilwein.

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Erin Wallander was appointed to complete the balance of Renee’ Bailey’s term of office.

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Our Safety Training session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14th.

It will be held in the conference room at Butler Machinery.

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Installation of new board members will be held at our GMM in October.

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

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The HBA of F-M is planning a networking social Oct. 7 with North Dakota and Minnesota legislators up for election in November. It will have a theme of Builders, Bacon and Ballots featuring bacon-themed appetizers!

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

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MAB annual meeting & awards banquet is scheduled for October 14th at the Grand Hotel. The evening will begin @ 6:00 with a social hour and silent auction.

Members continue working with volunteers to construct a home in Moorhead for a veteran and her ten-year-old daughter as part of the Home Builders Care Build with Habitat. The HBA of F-M and Home Builders Care will host a house blessing ceremony upon completion of the build.

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The November Builder After Hours will be hosted by Souris River Designs on November 11th at their newly enlarged and remodeled showroom.

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We are working on setting up recertification classes for lead paint renovation and initial certification with the Environmental Training Institute in Grand Forks for March of 2015.

The HBA of F-M will host its Annual Awards Gala Oct. 30 and present Builder and Associate of the Year, BEAM Award, Extra Mile Award and scholarships.

The HBA will host the BAR/PREP Oct. 9 and a lunch session on five of the best tech applications for real estate and construction Oct. 28.

Forx Builders Association Betty McDonald, Executive Officer 701-746-4536 forxbuilders.com

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We had 91 golfers participate in our Annual Golf Outing held at Valley Golf Course.

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The event was sponsored by Marvin Windows & Doors. Thanks go out to our Co-Chairs Chip Shea, Andy Shea and Kyle Weber for a fun time.

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Our General Membership Meeting will be October 14th at Muddy Rivers. The Builder and Associate of the Year and BEAM Awards will be presented.

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Deitz Business Promotions will host the October 23rd Builders after Hours at their new location.

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The Forx Builders will again participate in the North Valley Career Expo for hundreds of area sophomores that will learn about career availabilities that are in the Valley. The Expo will be held Oct. 29th at the Alerus Center.

North Dakota Association of Builders

Williston Area Builders Association Beth Sundheim, Executive Officer 701-572-5744 willistonbuilders.com

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October 18 & 19 is the Fall Parade of Homes and can be viewed on ipad or iphone with the use of the ParadeSmart app. We will have 14 homes entered in the parade.

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October 21 is the WABA Annual Awards Banquet & election.

Save the Date: November 14, 2014 is the NDAB Annual Banquet in Grand Forks. Tickets go on sale October 1st and can be purchased by calling 701-222-2401 or by emailing Heather at heather@ndbuild.com There is also a block of hotel space for NDAB at the Canad Inns Destination Center in Grand Forks.

The rooms and the special rate are being held for NDAB Members until October 12th.

We will have a great program for you during the Annual Banquet and would love to have you join us!

Please save the date! More details to come when ticket sales open on October 1st.

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October 2014

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #72 Bismarck, ND 58501

2600 Gateway Avenue Suite 1 Bismarck, ND 58503

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