

2025 Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Andrew Wheeler, T. Wheeler Homes
VICE PRESIDENT
Beth Rhoades, C & R Remodeling
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Justen Maron, Olsen Communities
ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT
Samantha Crabb, Cherry City Interiors
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Oleg Foksha, Foksha Homes
FORMER PAST PRESIDENT
John Hammer, John Hammer Construction
Ryan Brock, Withers Lumber
Dale Kaufman, Kaufman Homes
Dan Reynolds, Saalfeld Griggs PC
Gavin Radigan, Radigan Remodeling
Jed Bennett, Steve Bennett Construction
Scott Kelly, Kelly’s Home Center
Misti Miller, Radigan Remodeling
Yuriy Murashko, Mountain Coast Electric
Leonid Snegirev, LNC Homes
Tony Todd, Cascade Door
Kayla Van Lydegraf, The Fixture Gallery
Kelly Webb, AK Webb Remodeling
Duane West, 3Rs Construction
Mike Riddle, Mike Riddle Construction
Mike Erdmann, Chief Executive Officer mike@HomeBuildersAssociation.org
Haley Hamilton, Director of Shows & Events haley@HomeBuildersAssociation.org
Matt O’Reilly, Director of Member Services matt@HomeBuildersAssociation.org
Roy Shawgo, Director of Safety & Loss Control roy@HomeBuildersAssociation.org
Tracy Mitchell, Contract Accountant accounting@HomeBuildersAssociation.org
Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties
2075 Madrona Ave SE Suite 100, Salem, OR 97302
tel 503-399-1500 | fax 503-399-0651 www.HomeBuildersAssociation.org
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HBA Launches Member-2-Member Discount Program Your Association. Your Impact. Get Involved Today! Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council News
Complying with Oregon OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Program
Mission Statement: We support those who build, improve and supply housing through advocacy, industry growth and professional success.
The Chalkline is published by the HBA and Mt. Angel Publishing, Inc.
Designer: Steve Beckner To advertise, call 541-944-2820 or email jerry.s@mtangelpub.com.
Cover photo: Aerial view of development along the Willamette River between Salem and Keizer. Image by Steve Beckner
As builders, contractors, and industry professionals, we know all too well that the construction industry faces constant challenges—from changing market conditions to labor shortages. However, one of the most persistent threats comes from legislative initiatives that, if unchecked, could severely limit our ability to do business and deliver quality homes to our customers.
This year, the Oregon legislative session is in full swing, and our industry finds itself under intense pressure from multiple proposed bills. Your Home Builders Association (HBA) of Marion & Polk Counties is actively engaged in Salem, advocating fiercely on your behalf against legislation that would negatively impact our businesses and livelihoods.
Two bills in particular stand out for their potential damage to our industry:
Senate Bill 426 would place an unreasonable burden on general contractors and property owners by holding them responsible for unpaid wages of subcontractors’ employees. While we wholeheartedly support fair wages and ethical business practices, this bill unfairly penalizes those who have little to no direct control over subcontractors’ internal payroll practices. It threatens to significantly increase project costs, insurance premiums, and legal complexities— ultimately harming homeowners and consumers through higher housing prices.
Another concerning bill, Senate Bill 78, seeks to restrict replacement dwellings on farmland to either 2,500 square feet or no more than 10% larger than the home being replaced. This proposal disregards the evolving needs of families and property owners, imposing unnecessary limitations on property rights and stifling innovation and flexibility in home design. Such arbitrary restrictions can severely impact rural property values and diminish opportunities for our members who specialize in rural housing developments.
As we go to press, we don’t yet know if we’ll be able to defeat these two specific bills or not. However, thanks to the diligent work of our advocacy team and engaged membership, we’ve successfully killed several other bills that would have significantly harmed our industry.
These ongoing efforts clearly demonstrate the critical importance and tangible benefits of being an HBA member. Our team actively engages legislators, educates policymakers, and mobilizes our membership to speak with a unified voice, demonstrating the real-world impacts of legislation on local businesses, jobs, and housing affordability. Your continued involvement and support is vital to these efforts. Together, we can safeguard our industry, promote sensible policy, and ensure a sustainable future for homebuilding across Marion and Polk Counties.
I encourage every member to stay informed about these legislative battles, engage with our advocacy initiatives, and lend your voice when called upon. Join us at the May membership dinner on Tuesday, May 13th at the Salem Convention Center as Oregon HBA CEO Jodi Hack brings us all up to speed on the legislative battles that your association has been engaged in this legislative session.
Thank you for your commitment and support. Let’s continue to build a stronger community together.
Andrew Wheeler
2024 HBA President T. Wheeler Homes, LLC
We’re excited to announce the launch of the HBA’s brand-new Member-2-Member discount program, created exclusively for association members. This innovative initiative provides an exceptional opportunity for members to offer exclusive discounts to fellow HBA members while also benefiting from special savings themselves.
Participating in this program helps your business gain visibility and attract new clients from within the association membership. Additionally, it’s a completely free way of marketing your business, as there is no cost to participate other than offering the discount itself. It’s an ideal way to expand your reach, build stronger relationships, and reinforce your brand reputation within the local industry.
Additionally, the Member-2-Member discount program is designed to help members save money. By accessing exclusive offers available only to HBA members, our goal is to build a program in which you can benefit from cost savings across various products and services. This mutual exchange of benefits creates a stronger network and encourages collaboration within
the association.
We strongly encourage HBA members to enroll and take part. Whether you’re looking to promote your business, take advantage of exclusive offers, or simply support your fellow members, the Member-2-Member discount program is an excellent platform. The process is straightforward, convenient, and free to all HBA members.
Getting started is easy. To register your own exclusive discount or to see what other members are offering, simply visit: www.homebuildersassociation.org/member2member
Check the webpage regularly as new discounts will continue to be added frequently. Don’t miss out on opportunities to save and grow your business through these special member-only deals. Join us in making this Member-2-Member discount program a valuable advantage of your HBA membership.
Let’s build stronger connections—and better businesses— together!
At the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties, our strength lies in our members. With a brand-new Strategic Plan emphasizing deeper, more meaningful member engagement, there’s never been a better time for you to become actively involved in your association and truly make a difference.
Engaged members drive our successes, shape our policies, and help us deliver outstanding events and educational programs. Whether you’re passionate about networking, education, advocacy, community events, or professional development, there’s a perfect fit waiting for you.
Opportunities Await You:
• Membership Committee: Help grow our association by helping develop new membership benefits, recruiting new members, ensuring existing members gain maximum value.
• Consumer Shows Committee: Assist in the planning and execution of the HBA’s two Home Shows at the Oregon State Fairgrounds.
• Government Affairs Committee: Help shape the HBA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry.
• Tour of Homes Committee: Help coordinate the HBA’s flagship event, showcasing exceptional local homes and the builders that construct them.
• Tour of Remodeled Homes Committee: Celebrate innovation in remodeling by bringing inspiring home transformations to our community.
• Networking & Events Committee: Foster connections and professional growth through exciting and meaningful member events.
• Education Committee: Develop valuable learning opportunities to enhance industry knowledge and professional skills.
• Professional Women in Building Council: Empower women in our industry through targeted programming, support, and networking.
• Young Professionals Council: Engage the next generation of industry leaders by providing mentorship, networking, and career development.
Your involvement not only benefits our association—it enriches your professional life, expands your network, and allows you to shape the future of our local home building community.
Ready to take your membership to the next level? We need your talent, insights, and passion. Give the HBA a call at 503-399-1500 to talk to us about how you can play a vital role in your Home Builders Association.
Together, let’s build a stronger future.
The Professional Women in Building Council has hit the ground running in 2025. We have been excited to see new faces at each and every event so far this year. PWB kicked off the New Year with the Crosswalk Salem to help raise money for victims of violent crimes in Marion and Polk Counties. The month of February brought the annual Galentine’s celebration. Last year, Galentine’s consisted of attending a Krav Maga (self-defense) class in Salem. This year the celebration consisted of a 1920’s themed Murder Mystery party at Paradis Vineyards in Silverton, Oregon. Participants arrived in fabulous attire and got to showcase their best acting skills for the group. With almost 20 attendees (each one being a possible “suspect”) this social event was great for team bonding while getting to know each other in a different light.
influential mentor for their career or life path. You never know who might connect with your story and what you might say or do to help someone on their journey. PWB returns to CTEC for additional outreach events throughout the year to continue to work with our next generation of industry professionals.
Over the course of two days in February, PWB volunteers were featured on a speaking panel at CTEC (Career Technical Education Center) where students got to engage in conversations with panel speakers about their career paths and “how they got where they are”. Valuable insights with unique perspectives were given by the panel speakers to convey to students that there is not just one path that takes us all where we want to be. We each have unique backgrounds and have chosen different steppingstones to get us where we are. While some of us have always known what we want to do, others took some time to figure it out. There are takeaways from each step we make to help shape who we become. As panel speakers, it is exciting to know that you have the potential to connect with a student and become an
The month of March attracted a great turnout of current and potential members as Home Fire Stove hosted our Coffee and Chat in their cozy showroom. During that networking event, we handed out fliers for our 3rd Annual Cornhole Tournament. The Cornhole Tournament is scheduled for Thursday, September 18th this year, coinciding with the HBA BBQ. Since cornhole boards are made by local high school students, new and returning teams and sponsors are encouraged to sign up ASAP to ensure students have plenty of time to make the boards before the end of the school year. Register your teams and order your custom cornhole boards (with your company logo) by following the link on the PWB Calendar of events found on the HBA website. This fun-filled fundraising event helps support the future endeavors of PWB through outreach, community involvement, etc. With future events like “Flipping Houses” at CTEC, Summer Build Camp, Women’s Build with Habitat for Humanity and more - PWB is thankful for the continued support.
PWB Community Project: We are still looking for ideas for our next community project. To submit ideas - or for more information about upcoming events and how you can support PWB - visit our calendar of events or reach out via email to: pwb@homebuildersassociation.org
Together we can all build a strong future!
Misti Miller
by Roy Shawgo, HBA Director of Safety & Loss Control
Oregon OSHA requires employers to protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is a serious concern for workers in the construction industry, as chronic exposure to high noise levels can cause irreversible damage and permanent hearing loss. Employers are required to protect workers from these hazards.
If workers are exposed to noise levels that reach or exceed 85 decibels (dBA) averaged over an 8-hour workday, a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) is required. Contractors must assess noise levels, provide hearing protection, train employees, and maintain records to comply with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.95).
1. Conduct a Noise Assessment
• Measure workplace noise using a sound level meter or dosimeter.
• If noise exceeds 85 dBA over 8 hours, implement an HCP.
• Identify high-noise areas and tasks (e.g., power tools, heavy equipment, machinery operations).
2. Provide Audiometric Testing
• Conduct baseline hearing tests when employees start work in high-noise areas.
• Perform annual hearing tests to track changes.
• Use a certified audiologist or occupational health professional for testing.
3. Supply and Enforce Use of Hearing Protection
• Provide OSHA-approved hearing protection (earplugs, earmuffs) for workers exposed to 85+ dBA.
• Ensure employees properly fit and wear protection.
• Replace damaged or ineffective hearing protection immediately.
4. Implement Noise Reduction Measures
• Use engineering controls (e.g., quieter tools, sound barriers, equipment maintenance).
• Apply administrative controls (e.g., job rotation, limiting exposure time).
• Consider purchasing low-noise equipment when possible.
5. Train Employees Annually
• Cover topics including:
• Effects of noise exposure and risks of hearing loss.
• Proper use and care of hearing protection.
• How to recognize and report excessive noise levels.
• Keep records of training sessions for compliance verification.
6. Maintain Records for OSHA Compliance
• Document noise exposure levels, audiometric test results, hearing protection use, and employee training.
• Keep records for at least two years for noise assessments and duration of employment for audiometric testing.
• Be prepared for OSHA inspections and requests for compliance documentation.
Key Takeaways for Contractors
• Assess noise levels in the workplace regularly.
• Provide hearing tests and monitor employees’ hearing health.
• Require hearing protection where necessary.
• Train employees on noise hazards and protection.
• Reduce noise at the source through engineering or administrative controls.
• Maintain records to prove compliance with OSHA standards.
By following these steps, contractors can meet OSHA requirements, protect their workforce, and avoid penalties. Implementing a proper hearing conservation program ensures long-term safety and compliance in noisy work environments.
May
May 13th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm HBA Member Dinner at the Salem Convention Center
Topic: Legislative Update from OHBA CEO Jodi Hack Register at www.homebuildersassciation.org
June
June 24th, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Off-the-Clock Member Networking Contract Furnishings Mart Register at www.homebuildersassociation.
July
July 11th Tour of Homes Builders Bash Kickoff Party Register at www.homebuildersassociation.
July
July 12th – 20th 2025 Tour of Homes
More information at www.tourofhomes.net
Take advantage of these exclusive member discounts. Contact the HBA for information on how to enroll.
Substantial member discounts on health insurance with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon through the HBA’s Building Industry Insurance Trust.
Avenue Mortgage Inc.
Jeff Laeng 503-949-6302
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals
Visay Naggi 503-371-3013
Coachella Construction Jaime Olvera 503-957-4191
Downs Construction Sergei Gostevsky971-343-2155
Last year, members saw average savings of 42 cents per gallon on unleaded gas and 57 cents per gallon on diesel in the HBA’s fuel discount program with Ed Staub Petroleum.
Gentry Family Construction Tim Gentry 503-881-9880
Kasha Construction Dan Bernard 503-979-5332
Holt Homes Aly Rutherford 503-333-3357
Integra Built Allyn Wright 971-217-2986
MP Construction LLC Matthew Peters 503-910-0892
Members in the HBA’s group workers compensation program with SAIF Corporation gets exclusive member discounts and customized safety and loss control consultation.
NW Tile and Flooring LLC Roman Kulik 503-931-2207
Pure Energy Group Inc. Jordan Sinn 971-218-6374
Spray-Net Willamette Valley Sam Espindola 971-406-6196
Winsome Landscape, LLC Francisco & Yesi Cid 971-701-1117
by James Day
Changes have come to the process by which property in the floodplain in most of Oregon’s counties can be developed. And more changes are due moving forward.
These changes will affect where and how developers and builders can work in the floodplain and also impact how cities and counties meet federal guidelines on floodplains in a way that likely will limit development.
Local governments and builders are facing this new reality because of lawsuits seeking to protect fish stocks in riparian zones and areas prone to flooding once in a century.
A federal program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency assists property owners with flood insurance where it is required. And moving forward in Oregon property owners, developers and cities and counties must abide by the new floodplain rules to be eligible for the insurance program.
Local governments participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulate the activities that take place in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. In exchange, FEMA offers flood insurance to property owners and renters. The combination of floodplain management and insurance for communities that adopt basic floodplain management standards is designed to encourage responsible development and reduce flood damage without eliminating the ability to build in flood-prone areas.
The state Department of Land and Conservation Development coordinates implementation of the NFIP in Oregon through an agreement with FEMA. Almost all cities and counties in Oregon that are subject to flooding participate in the NFIP. DLCD staff provide assistance and training to local floodplain managers, property owners, surveyors, real estate agents, and others to ensure they remain in good standing with the NFIP.
All NFIP-participating communities in Oregon (there are 227) were required by Dec. 1, 2024, to begin implementing one of three “Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures” to achieve “no net loss” of floodplain function (this includes flood storage, water quality and riparian vegetation).These measures are 1) adopting a model ordinance prepared by FEMA; (2) requiring a habitat assessment and a mitigation plan for floodplain development on a permit-by-permit basis; or (3) prohibiting floodplain development in special flood hazard areas.
These measures apply to both new development, such as a subdivision or redevelopment of an existing property. For example if you own a home in the floodplain and want to make “substantial improvements” such as adding a second story, the floodplain rules kick in. Ditto for agricultural land on which you want to add a barn, a chicken operation or any structure that has at least two rigid walls and a roof.
Things were happening so quickly that the state got involved and asked for a delay. In September, 2024 Oregon Governor Tina Kotek wrote to FEMA requesting that the agency pause the floodplain work, citing a lack of public process and impossible deadlines. FEMA responded in November acknowledging the deadline challenges while noting that the agency must meet the requirements of the court orders.
And perhaps future requirements. A draft environmental impact statement is due this year, a final (EIS) and “record of decision” are expected in 2026 and implementation of the final plan is expected in 2027.
But communities still are required to move forward with their chosen compliance measure. It is thought that most jurisdictions will choose the mitigation and permit-by-permit
approach. Such mitigation planning already is common in Oregon, particularly on property that contains wetlands. To counter any filling in of floodplain as part of a development, a property owner must work to create offsetting infrastructure such as dams, levees, floodwalls, bridges and/or culverts.
The new floodplain system already is causing confusion statewide, according to stakeholders and builders as well as planners and administrators for local governments. The permitting process is slowed because local jurisdictions still are learning how to apply the new directives. Property owners must submit costly environmental assessments proving their development won’t harm habitat. And for the first time local governments are being required to integrate the species act into their local land-use regulations if they want to remain in the flood insurance pool. In essence local governments are being forced to choose between existing state law, infringing on property rights or losing access to federal flood insurance altogether.
Also, adding new standards for protecting listed species in flood zones poses challenges to Governor Kotek’s home construction supply goals as Oregon battles a severe housing affordability crisis. Adding species act restrictions on development sends standardized and predictable permitting out the window.
Timeline on the issue
Here is how we got here:
In 2009, the Portland Audubon Society and others sued FEMA, alleging that the agency’s administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The act requires federal
Continued next page
Oregon cities, communities and builders are facing new rules and procedures on developing in the floodplain. The effort is designed to protect endangered species.
Credit: Zsak Ferenc Tibor / Unsplash.
NFIP: The National Flood Insurance Program provides insurance to help reduce the socio economic impact of floods.
EIS: Environmental Impact Statement, a requirement when working with floodplains and endangered species
Floodplain: Any land susceptible to being inundated by floodwaters from any source in which you have a 1% or higher chance of experiencing flooding each year. SFHA: Special flood hazard area is the property that will be inundated by a 100-year flood event.
ESA: Endangered Species Act is the primary law in the United States for protecting and conserving imperiled species.
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency aims to assist Americans before, during and after disasters.
PCIM: Pre-implementation compliance measures notes the options cities and counties have to prevent floodplain losses
DLCD: State Department of Land Conservation and Development works with local governments and state and federal agencies to address land use needs.
from the FEMA NFIP Floodplain Management handbook.
agencies to consult with the US Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) when their actions may affect an ESA-listed species, in this case primarily salmon, and/or their habitats. As part of the settlement terms, FEMA agreed to cooperate with NMFS in preparing a biological opinion evaluating how FEMA’s implementation of the insurance program in Oregon impacts ESA-listed species and habitats.
In 2016, NMFS issued a biological opinion (BiOp) which concluded that FEMA’s implementation of the NFIP in Oregon jeopardized the livelihood of more than a dozen ESA-listed fish species. NMFS also provided recommendations to FEMA about
The 2024 election has restored President Donald Trump to power and this has meant a series of dramatic changes in how the federal government operates and spends money. He has spoken negatively about FEMA, but he has not disbanded it. He has proposed fundamental changes in the Endangered Species Act, but the impact of such changes has not been felt. And as a general rule executive orders and congressional action that affect federal funding often impact state budgets as well. The state Department of Land Conservation and Development notes at the top of its website: “Every change in the federal administration carries potential impact on Oregon and, like other natural resources agencies across the country, DLCD is monitoring these changes closely.
how it could change implementation of the NFIP in Oregon to avoid the impacts. NMFS called for FEMA to implement a “no net loss” of floodplain function standard on all development within the mapped floodplain in an area that includes 30 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Those not affected are in the extreme southeastern portion of the state.
Meanwhile, Oregonians for Floodplain Protection (OFP), a coalition of industry groups and Oregon cities and counties, formed to challenge the BiOp. In 2017 OFP sued NMFS and FEMA, asserting the BiOp wrongly concluded that FEMA’s implementation of the NFIP in Oregon negatively impacts ESA-listed species and habitat. A federal district court judge in 2018 dismissed the lawsuit as premature, explaining that no action could be taken to challenge the BiOp until FEMA began implementing its recommendations.
In 2021, FEMA produced a draft implementation plan for the NFIP-ESA process, outlining FEMA’s plans to modify the flood insurance program in Oregon based on the BiOp.
In September, 2023, the Northwest Environmental Defense Center (NEDC) and the Center for Biological Diversity (CDB) brought suit against FEMA, claiming that FEMA’s failure to meet the deadlines set forth in the biological opinion continues to harm floodplain-dependent species.
FEMA dropped the hammer on July 15 of last year, announcing that by Dec. 1 all NFIP-participating communities in Oregon must select and begin implementing one of the three “Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures” noted above to achieve “no net loss” of floodplain function.
Coming up, FEMA’s draft Environmental Impact Statement is due sometime this year; a final (EIS) and “record of decision” are expected in 2026 and implementation of the final plan is expected in 2027. Yes, that means there likely will be further changes. Stay tuned.
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The Spike Club is an exclusive group of members who contribute to the growth of the association by recruiting and retaining members. Spikes maintain a special status, have the respect of their peers as valued members of the HBA and are recognized for their efforts locally and nationally. To become a Spike, bring in six members to the HBA. Applications for prospective members may be obtained from the HBA office, or call to have one sent to the prospective member.
ALL TIME BIG SPIKE 1500+
John Gooley 2784
STATESMAN SPIKE 500+
Ric McNall 812
SUPER SPIKE 250–499
John Mills 453
Rick Massey 442
Dan Dorn 376
Jeffrey Green 380
Chuck Foster 295
Jubal Frost 286
Mike Riddle 284
Jordan Schweiger 284
Greg Conser 254
Steve Johnson 254
ROYAL SPIKE 150–249
Tom Wheeler 220
Don Druliner 204
Rick Ziebell 175
RED SPIKE 100–149
Kelvin Dettwyler 147
Rob Rardin 129
John Hammer 106
Matt Holstege 101
Brad Moore 104
Gordon Root 112
Jodi Bailey 115
GREEN SPIKE 50–99
Kent Kaufman 95
Dan Fitzgerald 92
Rich Kansky 85
Eric Olsen 79
Bob Cavell 76
Larry Bilyeu 75
Don Sturgeon 73
Kathy Temple 65
Eric Jensen 50
Jim Hobbs 48
Ryan Bloedel 48
Kerry Kuenzi 66
Eric Templeton 63
Oleg Foksha 64
Serge Serdsev 60
Mike Smith 56
Patrick Jackson 58
Randy Melton 51
Rich Tovar 51
LIFE SPIKE 25–49
Mark Shipman 32
Hunter Emerick 30
Chad Robb 31
Kimberly Woodward 46
Jason Sawyers 43
David Hafner 40
Nolan Fridley 40
Andrew Wheeler 38
Laura Dorn 31
Peter Strauhal 23
Kevin Stone 28
Randy Reeves 28
Rich Fry 26
Steve Hurley 26
Kraig Kelly 25
BLUE SPIKE 6–24
Jason Robertson 23
Brett Tallan 14
Don Lulay 12
Gary Epping 12
Santiago Sarmiento 13
Chad Montgomery 11
Ricky Fast 10
Chris Rasmussen 10
Jim Sparkman 9
Samantha Crabb 10
Eric Olson 8
Kelli Terjeson 8
Dale Van Lydegraf 7
Caleb Remington 7
David Qualls 8