From the President, Tom Stringham

1717 11th Ave / Helena, Montana 406.442.4479 www.montanabia.com

WINTER 2020

A MAGAZINE FOR MBIA MEMBERS

CONSTRUCTION: Doing Their Part Combatting the Pandemic by 3D Printing Masks

+ Innovative Products: 2020 IBS Awards + COVID-inspired Home Design Ideas + Independent Contractor Myths & Misconceptions + Advanced Framing for Energy Efficiency

+ Executive Director Message + GRIP Update 2020 + Community Work in the Time of COVID-19

Photos by Wandering Albatross Photography

Just kidding. No one had any idea that 2020 would be… well, so “2020.” With everything that has happened this year, it’s a wonder that we’ve made it this far. Despite the shutdown in March, we worked very hard with the Governor’s Office to ensure that construction was included as an essential service. Thank you to MBIA General Counsel and Lobbyist Abby St. Lawrence, MBIA Executive Director Steve Snezek, and MBIA State Representative Kim Chambers. They were really on it when we needed them and absolutely made an impact in keeping us all working. And thank God we did – because, as we all know, the demand for housing since late April has been unbelievable.

As members in this industry, we are having to adapt to this new environment, facing new challenges like lumber shortages, price increases, long lead times, mill shut downs, wildfires, and hurricanes – OH, MY! On top of this, we are having to learn new construction practices to ensure the safety and health of our workers by following the Governor’s directives on social distancing, masks, and sanitary practices – and also different demands in the marketplace. In my business, I have had more clients ask about things that they have never placed as major priorities before, such as high-speed internet for working at home, newer HVAC methods for cleaner indoor air quality, extra bathrooms as families come together in these times of need, and workout rooms to try and stay active and fit at home. These are just some of the things my clients have been asking about, and I’m sure that you are fielding some of the same questions.

While the home-building industry has been very good, our local associations have been struggling. Due to the COVID situation, we’ve had Home Show cancellations, Parade cancellations, etc. These events are the life-blood of our local associations. While our membership state-wide has not really taken a hit, the fiscal hit to our local associations has been dramatic. Please talk to your local association to see how you can help. When we come out of the virus situation, we want to have viable local associations to keep us all engaged, conduct our Home Shows and Parade of Homes, work with our City and County Governments on regulations that affect us, and provide us an avenue for networking. Please talk to your local association to see how you can help make a difference.

Finally, I just wanted to say a quick thank you to all of you who have entrusted and allowed me to serve you as president for this past year. It has been strange, but very rewarding. I was reminded at every turn how important this association is to our day-to-day business, and to provide an avenue for us to trade best practices – both around the state and around the nation. As we approach 2021, rest assured you are now in the capable hands of our new state president, Rob Martin.

Thank you, TOM STRINGHAM, MBIA PRESIDENT

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Chartered in 1902, Citizens Alliance Bank has proudly served its Minnesota customers in nine communities, while expanding its footprint to Montana in 1998 after acquiring First Valley Bank in Seeley Lake. The Bank subsequently acquired First Bank of Lincoln in 2013, and then opened its first Loan Production Office in Great Falls in 2017, which was then converted into a full-service branch in 2018. Citizens Alliance Bank is a true community Bank with local decision makers and employees. With an asset size in excess of $900 million, resources are available to take on large and sophisticated customers and projects, but efficient enough to not sacrifice service and our value for the individual customer relationship. Chartered in 1902, Citizens Alliance Bank has proudly served its Minnesota customers in nine communities, while expanding its footprint to Montana in 1998 after acquiring First Valley Bank in Seeley Lake. The Bank subsequently acquired First Bank of Lincoln in 2013, and then opened its first Loan Production Office in Great Falls in 2017, which was then converted into a full-service branch in 2018. Citizens Alliance Bank is a true community Bank with local decision makers and employees. With an asset size in excess of $900 million, resources are available to take on large and sophisticated customers and projects, but efficient enough to not sacrifice service and our value for the individual customer relationship.

202 Great Falls 2nd Avenue S, SuiteGreat Falls 202 202Great- 2nd Falls, MTAvenue S,59405Suite 202 (406)403-7460Great Falls, MT 59405 (406)403-7460 503 Lincoln Main Street, POLincoln Box 9 503Lincoln, MTMain Street, 59639PO Box 9 (406)362-4049Lincoln, MT 59639 (406)362-4049 www.citizensalliancebank.com www.citizensalliancebank.com

3084 Seeley Highway 83Seeley Lake N, POLake Box 720 3084Seeley Lake, Highway 83MT 59868N, PO Box 720 (406)677-2464Seeley Lake, MT 59868 (406)677-2464