WELCOME |
FROM THE PRESIDENT A PUBLICATION OF When I got into the leadership track for MBIA a few years ago, I knew that the year I was president would be just like this. 1717 11th Ave / Helena, Montana 406.442.4479 www.montanabia.com
ON THE COVER WINTER 2020
A MAGAZINE FOR MBIA MEMBERS
MOSTAD CONSTRUCTION:
Doing Their Part Combatting the Pandemic by 3D Printing Masks
INDUSTRY NEWS + Innovative Products: 2020 IBS Awards + COVID-inspired Home Design Ideas + Independent Contractor Myths & Misconceptions + Advanced Framing for Energy Efficiency MEMBER NEWS + Executive Director Message + GRIP Update 2020 + Community Work in the Time of COVID-19
Photos by Wandering Albatross Photography
DESIGN BY
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 1131 Poplar St / Helena, Montana www.edgemarketingdesign.com
4
WINTER 2020
