CMBA January 2020 On The Level Magazine

LEVEL

January 2020

Central Minnesota Builders Association

Meeting Sponsor

CMBA Membership Meeting 1 Wednesday, January 15 Eagles Club

After

Before

CMBAonline.org

2

It’s a Celebration!

Installation of 2020 Officers and Directors & Recognition of the 2019 Committee Chairs and Outgoing Directors

Outgoing Board–Chris Froelke, RetroGreen Energy

Outgoing Board–Sue Lentner, Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty

Remodelers Council ChairBruce Bonebright, Quad City Contracting

GOLF OUTING–Jamie Kuklok, Corporate Connection

MEMBERSHIP– Peggy Donabauer, Central MN Credit Union

SPECIAL EVENTS/ PROGRAM– Alexa Sandbakken, Heartland Security Services

CMBA President, Spike Rookie of the Year – Ron Euteneuer, Great Northern Environmental Solutions LLC

SPORTING CLAY SHOOT– Pete Cluever, Xcel Energy

Spike of the Year & Commercial Council ChairDale Gruber, Dale Gruber Construction Inc.

Spike Chair-Bill Landwehr, Goodin Company

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS – Will Huston, Westwood Professionals Services Inc.

2019 HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW-Tony Steinemann, ADS Designs, LLC

TOOL FOR SCHOOLS FUNDJenifer Odette, Brandl Motors

TOUR OF HOMES–David Werschay, Werschay Homes Inc.

5:30 Social | 6:30 Dinner

Jackpot drawing $81

Dinner cost $19 Add $5 for RSVP's after January 8th.

Bring your Moolah $50 Moolah = two chances to win a $50 gas card

Dinner will be a two meat buffet RSVP here | colleen@cmbaonline.org | 320.251.4382

Meeting Sponsor:

No show dinners will be invoiced. Save $5 per dinner through January 7th.

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12pm Spring Tour of Homes FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE

12pm Spike Mtg @ Liberty Bank MN

JANUARY 2020

7:30am Home Show Mtg 7:30am 10am Special HomeShow Events Mtg Mtg 8-4 Builders Education Eagles Club

12pm RC Brd Mtg

7:30am Remodelers 12pm Spike Mtg @ Liberty Bank MN

Council Breakfast & Tour of Foley House

4pm Board Mtg 5:30pm Membership Meeting

10am Tools for Schools mtg

9am Membership CMBA Closed Christmas Eve Committee mtg

Las Vegas Link to Register

8-4 Builders Education Eagles Club

FEBRUARY 2020

View CMBA Online Calendar Here

8-4 Builders Education Eagles Club

7:30am HomeShow Mtg

12pm RC Brd Mtg

Calendar subject to change—watch online

7:30am Commercial Council Breakfast, St. Cloud City Hall

4pm Board Mtg 5:30pm Membership Mtg 8-12 Lead Refresher 1-5 Lead Refresher

10am Tools for Schools mtg

CMBA 2020 Spring Tour of Homes—February 28, 29, March 1 and March 6-8 CMBAonline.org

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5

ON THE

LEVEL

Three in one membership

January 2020

Central Minnesota Builders Association

Advertisers in this Issue Page Number 5 Builders Carpet Inc. dba Focal Point Flooring 13

Federated Mutual Insurance

22

NAHB Member Advantage

7

Thermo-Tech Windows

2

Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty

17

Xcel Energy

Contact Us Give CMBA a call for more information regarding member services and a free list of member professionals.

CMBA 1124 W St. Germain Street, Saint Cloud, MN 56301 (320) 251-4382 CMBA STAFF emails Bonnie Moeller bonnie@cmbaonline.org Executive Director

Colleen Corrigan

Three Classes FREE for CMBA Members

CMBA Education is a SNAP in 2020 BUILDERS CONTINUING EDUCATION Courses are approval pending by the MN Department of Labor and Industry to satisfy continuing education for builders, roofers and remodeling. MN licensed contractors are required to obtain 14 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. 50 minutes equals 1 hour of credit. Each 7 hour courses contain energy to satisfy the one hour energy code requirement.

Classes include a continental breakfast, and lunch.

Eagles Club, 730 41st Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56303

Building Know ledge 2020 Tues., Jan 14 & Feb 4 | 8-3 pm Presented by Building Products Inc. & Rinke-Noonan Law Firm     

Attic Ventilation Energy Importance of Codes Deck Framing Construction Law-Mechanic's Lien Update and Employment Law

Building Blocks, 2020 Tues., Jan 28 | 8-3 pm Presented by Andy Schreder, Rum River Construction Consultants       

Code adoption update MN State Energy Code Exterior overview, code references Roof Details Wall Cladding Footing/Foundation options & advances Concrete reinforcement innovations

colleen@cmbaonline.org Communication | IT | Exec Asst

Jenny McDermond office@cmbaonline.org Administrative Assistant

Government Affairs Consultant Steve Gottwalt Steve@cmbaonline.org

Visit us online www.cmbaonline.org On The Level magazine is the official publication for the Central Minnesota Builders Association. Add me to the list of subscribers.

ON THE LEVEL has 10 issues per year sent electronically to members and others associated with the building industry.

Neither the advertisers, nor CMBA will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc. herein contained. For advertising rates or address change information contact CMBA. Suggestions and ideas are welcome.

One Advertising Price Full page ad—$150 Click to Advertise

LE AD REFRESHER CL ASS | Wednesday, Feb 19 CMBA Office—8-12 pm or 1-5 pm (4 hour refresher offered two times) Presented by North Dakota Environmental Training Institute CMBAonline.org

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About the Cover: 2020 CMBA President Tony Steinemann, ADS Designs LLC

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CMBA 2020 Board of Directors OFFICERS/DIRECTORS

Meet your 2020 CMBA President 1 st V/P Nate Moeller Paramount Construction

2nd V/P/Treas.

Jack Brandes

Secretary Robin Gohman

Lumber One Avon

Liberty Bank MN

CMBA President Tony Steinemann, ADS Designs LLC

Dear fellow CMBA members,

Membership Committees, coordinated and chaired the Home & Lifestyle My name is Tony Steinemann, I am Show and I am a member of the Reyour 2020 President of The Central modelers Council. I currently serve as MN Builders Association. I am the one of our representatives on the owner of ADS Designs and the first Board of Directors for Builder Associassociate President for our associaation of Minnesota (BAM). I believe tion. At ADS Designs we specialize in that having been a part of these comcustom Architectural designs for addi- mittees and boards has helped me to tions, remodels, and new home deunderstand the importance of our signs. association to our industry and community.

As a lifelong resident, I am proud to call Sauk Rapids home. I have been I am excited to be the 2020 CMBA married to my lovely wife Jen, for 19 President and to have the opportunity years and we have three very active to be able to represent our associachildren; Jayden(16), Andrew(11), tion at many events throughout the and Tyler(11). Some of my interests year. Some of my goals as your 2020 and hobbies include hiking, fishing, CMBA President are to serve and hunting, running, and going to the honor our association in the best way Boundary Waters Canoe Area. I con- I possibly can by continuing to offer tinue to enjoy traveling with my family more for your membership and to and seeing our great country and be- educate our current and potential yond. members about the benefits of the membership. I will continue to advoIn 2005, ADS Designs was created cate for all aspects of the housing as a side business as I wanted to industry by investing in our future keep focusing on the design side workforce with programs like “Tools while incorporating the structural for Schools�. It is so important to exknowledge I had gained working full pose our youth to our industry and all time at Mathew Hall Lumber. After a the potential areas for a career. few short years, my client base had grown to a point that I decided it was On a final note, early 2020 will again time to make it a full time career. bring new Building and Energy codes Since then I have focused on incorpo- to us. The CMBA is bringing in top rating the structural elements along notch speakers to offer our members with offering advanced design options free education on code changes. This to help my clients visually see their free education is just another benefit designs and dreams. of your CMBA membership.

Since joining the CMBA in 2009 I have enjoyed getting involved in our association. I have served on the Board of Directors for the past 4 CMBAonline.org years, sat on the Tour of Homes and

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Tony Steinemann

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Associate V/P Jeremy Salzbrun H&S Heating & A/C, Residential & Service LLC

Rachel Gruber Dale Gruber Construction

John Muller SB Restoration Services

Past President Ron Euteneuer

Jim Alvord Restore 24 LLC

Great Northern Environmental Solutions

Marty Czech

Alex Mastellar

Premier Real Estate Services

Rinke-Noonan

Stuart Swenson

David Werschay

SUNCOM Development, Constr., Management

Werschay Homes Inc.

NAHB DIRECTORS 2020 Jack Brandes, Lumber One Avon Nate Moeller, Paramount Construction Tony Steinemann, ADS Designs

BAM DIRECTORS 2020 Steve Noble, Noble Custom Homes Tony Steinemann, ADS Designs Ron Euteneuer, Great Northern Environmental Solutions LLC David Werschay, Werschay Homes Mike Gohman, W. Gohman Const. Co.

ï‚­ Newest Members in the drawing:

Kendall Custom Homes LLC

WINNER DRAWN OCTOBER 14, 2020 9

Local, State & National News Benton County has just enacted several mostly clean-up changes to its Development Code (for areas outside city limits), most notably sections pertaining to storage structures, shoreland alterations, and home-based businesses. We engaged CMBA members in reviewing the changes and communicated directly with county development staff about their potential impacts.

Steve Gottwalt, Government Affairs Consultant

As 2019 came to a close, area cities approved their budgets for the new year, including development and building-related fees.

St. Cloud’s SAC/WAC fees are on a multi-year stepped schedule which drives a $150 increase in both SAC and WAC, and the city has indicated it will be looking for additional fee increases for 2021. We helped get Sartell to freeze SAC/WAC fees for 2020, and the city plans to review fees as part of their Comprehensive Plan update process during the coming year. Sauk Rapids increased SAC fees for 2020, but did not increase WAC. Waite Park and St. Augusta held SAC/WAC fees steady for 2020. St. Joseph reduced WAC $1,500.

2020 FEES

ST. CLOUD

SARTELL

Fischbach Meet and Greet

Seated L-R: Steve Noble (Noble Custom Homes); Michelle Fischbach (CD7 candidate);

Dale Gruber (Dale Gruber Construction, Inc.) Standing L-R: Steve Gottwalt (CMBA The St. Cloud Area Government Affairs); Jane DeAustin (CMBA Government Affairs); Will Huston Chamber of Commerce (Westwood Professional Services); Bonnie Moeller (CMBA Executive Director) Government Affairs Division hosted a break-out forum with area On December 4th, CMBA hosted a Q&A lawmakers December 13th focusing on meet-and-greet with Congressional District “wage theft” laws and employee leave (CD) 7 candidate, Michelle Fischbach, and mandates that are adding further adminmembers of the CMBA Board and Governistrative burdens and costs to doing busiment Affairs Committee. Members disness in Minnesota. CMBA members were cussed a variety of issues impacting our among the participants. There was consenindustry, including: USMCA, workforce, sus these laws have tremendous negative housing affordability, Association Health impacts and costs on all businesses, while Plans, economic development and immionly a small number of employers appear gration reform. Fischbach is running to to be “bad actors.” Participants also quesunseat long-time incumbent CD7 Contioned the role of government in dictating gressman Collin Peterson. Fischbach such policies that create uneven regulaserved briefly as Government Affairs Directions from community to community, and tor for CMBA prior to running for Congress. make it more difficult for employers to respond creatively to workforce needs.

BAM Board and Holidays Party SAUK RAPIDS

WAITE PARK

ST. AUGUSTA

ST. JOSEPH

SAC

*$2,650

$3,075

*$2,400

$1,500

$3,000

$2,500

WAC

*$2,650

$3,821

$2,000

$1,500

$3,000

$3,500

SIN. FAM. TRUNK SWR.

NA

$2,546/AC

*$2,772/AC

NA

NA

varies

SIN. FAM. TRUNK WTR.

NA

$2,546/AC

*$5,413/AC

NA

NA

varies

$1,196/lot

$978/lot

$500/lot

NA

NA

NA

RES. PARKLAND DED.

* = increase from 2019 (based on 2020 fee schedules posted as of December)

In early December, Sartell began working with a new planning consultant, Ashley Kaisershot of Sourcewell, who is based out of Staples, MN. Kaisershot will work with City staff, Planning Commission and City Council as Sartell updates its Comprehensive Plan in 2020. That process is expected to provide greater clarity so Sartell can lift its current moratorium on R5 (multifamily) development. The City of Sauk Rapids has also indicated it will examineCMBAonline.org R5 development in the new year.

December 18th, the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) held its Board Meeting and annual Holidays Party at the eclectic venue of Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul. BAM said a fond farewell to outgoing Executive Vice President, Remi Stone, who has taken a new position in CA, and welcomed its new Executive VP, former State Senator Grace Keliher. BAM continued on page 19

BAM Board Meeting and Holiday Party

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Building Permit Report

Cold Spring

2015 10

2016 14

2017 20

2018 27

2019 13

Nov-18 Nov-19 2 0

January - December 5 Year History

Jurisdiction 2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Cold Spring Foley St. Augusta St. Cloud

11 3 13 93

10 6 13 100

14 6 21 113

20 7 16 109

27 9 14 86

St. Joseph

6

7

18

12

19

Sartell

73

61

81

52

61

Sauk Rapids

29

33

45

29

31

Foley

5

6

7

9

6

0

0

St. Augusta

13

20

16

14

14

1

3

St. Cloud

99

97

106

84

87

6

7

St. Joseph

6

16

12

19

11

0

1

Sartell

49

80

49

55

52

2

8

Sauk Rapids

31

43

29

31

28

1

4

Waite Park

2

7

2

5

3

0

0

Rice

Waite Park

2

2

7

2

4

2

3

8

9

22

0

0

Rockville

Rice

8

2

3

8

9

7

11

3

6

4

0

0

Rockville

7

7

11

3

9

224

297

252

259

240

12

23

Total

245

241

319

258

269

Total

Five year building permit report Jan.—Dec.

Building Permit Report Year to Date January-November

Residential real estate activity composed of single-family properties, townhomes and condominiums combined. Percent changes are calculated using rounded figures. Based on residential market activity in the cities of St. Cloud, St. Joseph, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park.

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reakfast with

uilders

Remodelers Council Breakfast with Builders and Tour

Recommend a Meeting Topic

Thursday, January 9 7:30 am Breakfast and Tour Tour the historic 8,300 sq.ft. Foley-Brower-Bohmer-Larson House 385 3rd Avenue South, St. Cloud MN YouTube sneak preview tour.

The home was once considered the finest in the city of St. Cloud. Designed by architect A.E. Hussey, the construction was estimated to have cost $35,000, a substantial amount for that period of time. This historic four level, 8,300 sq ft home built in 1889 for timber and railroad magnate Timothy Foley, is being restored. Learn about the fascinating historic preservation process, and the future plans for one of Minnesota’s 10 most endangered historical places.

Sponsor: Arvig

Sponsor a Council Meeting All Council Breakfasts are typically held the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 am Become a Council member – by attending three meetings September – June $12 w/RSVP, $15 at door.

(No show RSVP will be invoiced.)

RSVP Online - cmbaonline.org home page upcoming events/find the event and click register By phone 320.251.4382 colleen@cmbaonline.org

Commercial Builders Council Breakfast with Builders

Wednesday, February 5, 2020 7:30 am at St. Cloud City Hall-400 2nd St S, St Cloud, MN eTRAKiT “Search Permit” system for the city of St. Cloud allows builders to view permits, track inspections, and print permits and inspection record cards. Katie Vollbrecht, Senior Plan Reviewer, will explain how the system works, and answer questions on the permitting process.

Bad Habit Brewery Tour in December

CMBAonline.org

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Oktoberfest Meeting

Platinum Sponsor

CMBAonline.org

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2019 CMBA Christmas Holiday Party

Special Events Programs Committee Chair—Alexa Sandbakken, Heartland Security Services; Sam Herschman, Tradesman International; Vice Chair—Tim Nelson, Home Town Title LLC; Tonia Zimmer, Central Minnesota Credit Union; Mark Traut, Traut Companies; Mary Jo Schepers, Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty; and Herman Roerick, Central Landscape Supply, Inc.

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Strength in Numbers Renewals Thank you to the following members, who renewed their membership in November

New Member

2-4 YEARS GTX, Garage Tech X-Treme ............. 2015 Innovative Basement Systems .......... 2015 FIRST YEAR

40-48 YEARS Ferche Millwork, Inc. ......................... 1974 Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty .......................................................... 1974 Tony's Lifetime Exteriors, Inc. ........... 1978 30-39 YEARS Trimpac, Inc. ..................................... 1983 Franz Hultgren Evenson, P.A. ........... 1985 Gray Plant Mooty .............................. 1985 25-29 YEARS ABC Seamless of St. Cloud, MN ....... 1990 T R & L Hommerding Const. Inc. ...... 1994 20-24 YEARS KMAC, Inc. ........................................ 1995 Tops Plus .......................................... 1996 The Design Team.............................. 1997 St. Rosa Lumber Inc. ........................ 1998 15-19 YEARS Total Recreation Inc. ......................... 2000 C & D Granite .................................... 2002 Sharp-Edge Hardwood Floors, LLC .. 2003 Tischler Wood Products, Inc. ............ 2004 10-14 YEARS One Mortgage LLC............................ 2005 Westwind Woodworkers Inc. ............. 2005 Geyer Rental ..................................... 2008 Serenity Homes Inc. .......................... 2009 5-9 YEARS KB Concrete Inc. ............................... 2011 Solid Results Construction, Inc. ........ 2012 DRSC Concrete, Inc. ......................... 2013 Randy Schwartz Remodeling ............ 2013 RE/MAX Results - Lance Bukowski .. 2014

CMBAonline.org

Builders Carpet Inc. DBA Focal Point Flooring ................ 2018 Custom Remodel and Repair by John2018 Hiltner Companies Inc ....................... 2018

Member Changes Name Change Associated Benefits & Risk Consulting Formerly Liberty Insurance Agency, Inc.

Kendall Custom Homes LLC Rep: Rick Poplinski 800 Riverside Dr. SE St. Cloud, MN 56304 (320) 333-2391 Sponsor: Ted Schmid, Lumber One Avon Single Family Residential Builder

Main Contact Restorations by Wayne/dba Kostreba Contracting Joseph Kostreba 1200 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Verizon Wireless Shawn Anderson 3520 W. Division St. St. Cloud, MN 56301 (320) 333-1037 shawn.anderson2@verizonwireless.com

New Address Artisan Renovation and Design 849 Meadowlawn Ct. Sartell, MN 56377 Pending-New Alex Brick & Stone/ Lake Country Fireplace & Exteriors No Longer Member Millner Construction Inc.

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Sponsors and new members could win a 55” TV— see page 9.

Contest runs through October 2020

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Receipts January 2020 What have we done for you lately?

Hosted the Annual CMBA Christmas Holiday Party at the Marriott Courtyard with 157 in attendance 72 members attended the Tools For Schools Fundraising November membership meeting.

Received $2,015 in pledges. The Fund Balance as of 10/31/19 is $16,210 Interviewed candidates for the GA position. Entered a two-year contract with Steve Gottwalt to serve as the CMBA Government Affairs consultant The Home & Lifestyle Show has 173 booths reserved, 65.53% sold, vs 80% this time last year. Anticipate the show to be down 16 % from last year.

Served on the BAM EVP search taskforce. Grace Keliher will start as BAM EVP in January.

Grace worked as the Director of GA for MN School Board Association from 2004 to present and served as MN State Senator District 27 from 2000 – 2002.

Attended the BAM Winter Board Meeting, Holiday Party and 45th Birthday Celebration at Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul MN.

CMBAonline.org

Attended Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the River’s Edge Convention Center featuring author Lee Strobel Attended the St. Cloud Development Summit by MN Real Estate Journal Secured the Continuing Education programs and CE sponsor for 2020 Commercial Builders Council had 23 folks attend the Bad Habit Brewery tour, St. Joseph Hosted a Build PAC presentation for Michelle Fischbach

NAHB International Builders’ Show: CMBA has 7 members registered to attend the International Builders Show Jan 21-23, 2020 Las Vegas. Full registration is $500. First time attendees can attend for $150.

Opening Ceremonies with Keynote Speaker Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Spike Concert - Doobie Brothers.

MN designated hotel is Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Go to www.buildersshow.com for more information.

Finalized the 2020 CMBA budget for board approval

Tools For Schools 2019 Summary Goal: Total Raised from Members: Sporting Clay Shoot Event Income Amount given to Schools 2019

$27,172 $17,115 (12/30/19) $8,170 $18,397 (13 schools)

2020 Spring Tour of Homes: The Tour is scheduled February 28, 29, March 1, and March 6-8, with 22 homes registered so far.

The final deadline to enter a home is Friday, January 3rd.

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Continued from page 10

also thanked and recognized outgoing 2019 Board President and CMBA member, Steve Noble. CMBA members Mike Gohman and David Werschay were elected to the BAM Board of Directors.

There is a potential new push for residential sprinklering mandates in the wake of a recent fatal apartment fire in Minneapolis. State Representative Mohamud Noor (DFL-Mpls.) is leading the charge, focusing primarily on retrofitting old muti-family structures that lack sprinklers. However, other lawmakers have expanded the discussion to include new home construction. This is an issue we will watch closely during the 2020 State Legislative Session.

A little about me…

In December, I began serving CMBA as your new Government Affairs Consultant. As some of you know, I served nine years on the St. Cloud City Council, including serving on the city’s Planning Commission, the Area Planning Organization Board, chairing the St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership Board and serving on the St. Cloud Regional Airport Board. I also served six years representing much of the St. Cloud area as a State Representative, earning “Minnesota Public Affairs Official of The Year” from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) in 2009. I have big shoes to fill with the departures of Jane DeAustin and Michelle Fischbach, and look forward to working with each of you!

  

Upcoming Events: The 2020 Minnesota Legislative Session begins February 11 th and must end no later than May 18th. CMBA will be working closely with our colleagues at BAM to stay ahead of development and building issues at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Mark your calendars: Building Day On The Hill is set for Wednesday, March 11th. This is a great opportunity for you to engage with and educate our legislators about development and building issues as they work on legislative proposals during session. CMBA has reserved a bus and we have a room set aside as a base-of-operations at the State Office Building near the Capitol. Watch for more event details and registration information shortly at cmbaonline.org.

We are working to schedule a Q & A meeting with District 6 Congressman Tom Emmer in February. Watch for more information as we finalize details.

Best wishes for a safe and success-filled New Year 2020!

The Largest Home Show in Central MN Outdoor Living Area - Landscape Display Lifestyle Stage - Free Expert Seminars

 Friday 12-7pm , soft open 9am Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 10am–4pm

I have begun meeting with several area planning officials, starting with St. Cloud Planning Director, Matt Glaesman. The goal is to build relationships, continue getting out in front of issues, and engaging CMBA members in reviewing and providing early input to proposed regulatory shifts, fee changes, and other development and building issues.

In Conjunction with Junk Junction (open Friday and Saturday) SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

Gold Sponsors

BUILDERS—Registration closes January 3rd Spring Tour dates February 28, 29 March 1 & March 6, 7 & 8

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Members in the Community

Rajkowski Hansmeier Ltd Timothy Hrubetz has joined Rajkowski Hansmeier as an associate attorney. Hrubetz will be primarily practicing in general litigation, insurance defense and real property.

Timothy Hrubetz

Great River Federal Credit Union.

Officially announced it’s newest branch location coming in 2020! Great River will be expanding into the Big Lake community to further service members in Sherburne County. The new Big Lake branch will be located right off of Highway 10, near the Northstar Metro Transit station in Big Lake

Westwood Professional Services

Tammy, Sam, Natalie & Will Huston

Opportunities to support a colleague—Will Huston, Westwood Professional Services is in the ongoing treatment of his daughter, Natalie, for High Risk Neuroblastoma. Thanks to Will’s co-worker for sharing. caring bridge site along with some ways to help.

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union

Jed Meyer

Jed Meyer, President and CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union was named the 2019 Sartell Citizen of the Year. He helped secure funding for a financial education program in Sartell High School with Kiva, an international nonprofit which provides loans for needs in developing countries. “Ninth grade AP students in that program helped match a Kiva loan to a town in Vietnam that needed water filtration equipment.

Now, every 9th grade student at the school is involved in the program.

And they've helped connect over 120 loans to people in need in over 30 countries. The credit union also helped start that same program at Apollo High School,” Meyer said.

Federated Mutual Insurance Congratulations to the family of Chris Yasgar, Federated Mutual Insurance. Jack Neal Yasgar was born November 6th.

Lauren and Jack Yasgar

CMBAonline.org

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Members in the Community

Dale Gruber Construction Steve Raeker, Controller/Office Manager celebrating 25th year with DGC/HCP! New employees joining the team are: Jason Gleason, Ed Nistler, Kevin Casto, Hunter Wieczorek and Eric Grimm.

Steve Raeker

Liberty Bank MN Our sympathy to the Mark Bragelman family. Mark’s mother, Evelyn Bragelman, 91 of St. Cloud passed away on December 27, 2019 at St. Benedicts Care Center. A private family memorial service was held on December 30, 2019 and she was laid to rest at Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Evelyn Bragelman

Introducing Steve Gottwalt Government Affairs Consultant CMBA hired Steve Gottwalt as the new Government Affairs Consultant. Gottwalt steps into the part-time contract role, replacing Michelle Fischbach who recently left the position to run for Congress in Minnesota’s 7th District. Jane DeAustin recently retired after holding the position for 17 years. Gottwalt will represent CMBA members before local, state and national government officials, the business community and the public, and monitor government affairs activities, keeping CMBA members informed about relevant issues.

Gottwalt served nine years on the St. Cloud City Council (1997-2006), including serving on the city’s Planning Commission, the Area Planning Organization (APO) board, and chairing the St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership board. He also served six years representing much of the St. Cloud area in the Minnesota Legislature (2007-2012) as State Representative for District 15A/14A. Gottwalt has remained active in government affairs at the local, state and national levels, and continues to serve as part-time Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of County Health Plans (MACHP). Gottwalt lives in St. Cloud and is a member of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

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CMBAonline.org

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