November 2018 Newsletter

h ba today THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE H O M E B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F S A G I N AW

N O V E M B E R 2 0 18

HBAS Leadership Your 2018 Board of Directors OFFICERS Steve Zietz, President Michele Bueker, Vice President Jeff Nicklyn, Treasurer Jim Boufford, Secretary Kevin Kerns, Immediate Past President

DIRECTORS Tim Gohm Nate Moeller David Schauman Mark Wahl Mike Booker Tom Bailey

Tony Bosco Don Hollis Denis Reichard Tracy Reimus Dan Wortman

Mike Tribble Debbie Beffrey Dennis Dittenber Ron Schauman Jeff Tithof

Passion in our craft. Pride in our community.

Mission Together we are a trusted resource of Building Industry professionals, dedicated to supporting the dream of homeownership, and taking pride in the development of our community.

Values PROFESSIONAL

Vision As Building Industry professionals, we continuously strive to create vibrant and stable communities - providing homes and craftwork that retain value. We envision the long-term growth of our community and association by maintaining quality relationships, community involvement, and being of service to others.

INTEGRITY PASSION ENGAGED LOYAL

Home Sales Stumble in September Interest rates slowing the housing sector amid otherwise positive conditions.

New and existing home sales stumbled in September, as higher interest rates slowed the housing sector amid otherwise positive macroeconomic conditions — including a near 50-year low for unemployment.

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage now stands at 4.9%, up from 3.95% a year ago.

Due to the higher cost of financing, new single-family home sales fell 5.5% in

September from a downwardly revised August estimate. While new home sales remain 3.5% higher on a year-to-date basis, the September rate was the lowest since December 2016. Consequently, inventory increased to an elevated 7.1-month supply.

Meanwhile, existing home sales declined 3.4% in September, falling to the slowest pace in nearly three years — and 4.1%

lower than a year ago.

Median new home sales pricing has decreased over the last year as the mix of supply has shifted. The median new home price was $320,000 in September, compared to $331,500 a year ago.

Click here for the detailed article from Robert Dietz at NAHB.

Opportunity zones could be knocking The Treasury Department and IRS in October released the long-awaited proposed regulations for implementing opportunity zones, a new type of economic development incentive created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Opportunity zones seek to incentivize investment in under- served communities.

Developers may use a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund to help fund projects located within an opportunity zone. This new source of investment could be a powerful economic tool if properly administered.

NAHB has prepared answers for frequently asked questions about opportunity zones and qualified opportunity funds.

Public comments on the

proposed regulations will be accepted until Dec. 28.

“...Certainly a step in the right direction.”

- Brad Hammock, attorney at law (of OSHA memorandum)

OSHA Addresses Incentive Programs OSHA has issued a memorandum clarifying how the policy prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees who report work- related injuries or illnesses applies to certain safety incentive programs and post-incident drug testing policies. OSHA’s intent is to ensure that these programs and policies are not disincentives for reporting work- related injuries or illnesses.

Stakeholders, including NAHB, objected to the prohibition in the rule and the preamble language; many employers have found such programs to improve workplace safety and health.

Small Business Health Plans The Departments of Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor recently proposed a new regulation that increases the effectiveness of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to help employees pay for health insurance. In 2016, NAHB led the fight for Congress to reinstate HRAs, which help home building firms and other small businesses provide health benefits to employees.

Become an Ambassador of the HBA

and their businesses. An HBA Ambassador is someone who strives to help others feel comfortable, enjoys sharing knowledge and learning, and understands and embraces the value of belonging to a closeknit community.

Connect with members, build relationships in the HBA, and keep this Association the pride of the community.

Roles and Responsibilities: -Foster and building spirit and community one or more of the following as interests and schedules permit -Contact new and renewing members periodically to welcome them, share news, invite to events, and to answer questions about membership they may have.

The HBAS Ambassadors attract, engage, and help to retain new and renewing members of the Association, focusing on value and a high-quality membership experience. Ambassadors strive to create a sense of community, with the intentions of growing our Association.

-Attend or help facilitate member orientation meetings and/or After Hours events to help welcome members and guests

Ambassadors hold high importance in the future growth and leadership within the Association by engaging, educating, and making sure all members understand how the HBA can support them

-Help coordinate connections with other members, volunteers, and leaders to create networking opportunities

Your HBAS Ambassadors •

Bridget Sadenwater, Greater MI Construction Academy

•

Debbie Beffrey, Credit Services of MI

•

Fred Wydra, Farmers Insurance

•

Jeff Tithof, Tithof Construction

•

Jennifer McDurmon, Independent Bank

•

Kevin Quiroz, PaintBox Creations

•

Laura Hill, The Maytag Store

•

Michele Bueker, Bueker Development

•

Mike Tribble, Yeo & Yeo CPAs

•

Tony Bosco, Quality Windows & Doors

•

Kyle Henion, Rummel Insurance

•

Zack Robinson, My Member/Duclos Insurance

Photo Credit: Freepik

-Attend events and meetings to communicate with other members, collect potential leads, or engage with prospective and under-engaged members -Report members’ concerns, etc. to Membership Committee for follow up -Help educate prospective members on the importance of belonging to the HBA -Visit new members and encourage participation in programs, classes, committees, etc.

-Attend monthly Ambassador Team lunch meetings Being an HBAS Ambassador will help you develop your networking opportunities while volunteering at various functions. Ambassadors serve in a leadership capacity as a liaison between the Association and its’ members.

Contact HBA Saginaw today to become an Ambassador today.

60 Hour Builder Pre-License Course Residential Builder License Course & Lead Renovator Certification

WHEN January 14, 15, 21, 22, 23 2019

PRESENTED BY ED WENZ

WHERE HBA Saginaw 3165 Cabaret Tr. S. Saginaw, MI 48603

This course is the State approved Residential Builders Licensure course.

You will learn all seven disciplines (42 hours of instruction) in addition to electives (18 hours of instruction) to fulfill the 60 hour State requirement.

Instruction includes a full 8 hours daily with the final day being Full Lead Certification (included FREE with this course).

You will receive the application forms and information needed regarding the Residential Builders exam during this course.

COST HBAS Members - $850 Non-Members - $1050

($200 Discount applied to HBAS Membership if you join)

Limited Seating.

Payment required at time of registration. Full refund if canceled 2 weeks in advance.

You will receive 9 books, including the residential code book FREE with this course.

Company: _______________

Name: _______________

Address: _______________________________________ Email: ______________________

Phone: ____________

__ Invoice Me

__ Credit Card

__ Check Enclosed

Cardholder Name: _________________________________ Card No. ___________________ Exp. Date: _____ CVV: ____

RSVP BY DEC. 31

Send Registration To: tdimercurio@hbas.org | Fax: 989.793.0459 | hbas.org

Under “Education & Resources�

Election Wrap-Up HBAM Friends of Housing sees an 86% success rate!

Friends of Housing Sees an 86% Success Rate!

If you attended the HBA of Michigan Fall Board meeting last week, you heard your Government Affairs team layout a likely divided government scenario on the election.

Overall, Friends of Housing (our political action committee) had an overall success rate of 86% last night.

The following will be sworn in at the statewide level: Governor: Gretchen Whitmer (D)

Attorney General: Dana Nessel (D) Secretary of State: Jocelyn Benson (D)

Friends of Housing did not make an endorsement in the race for Governor and saw the other two major statewide races go to non-endorsed candidates.

In terms of Michigan’s Supreme Court, two candidates will be sworn in on January 1st: Justice Beth Clement (FOH endorsed) and Megan Cavanaugh, who unseated Justice Kurtis Wilder.

Friends of Housing won one and lost one.

The State Senate and State House will stay in Republican control with thin majorities.

Beginning on January 1, 2019 the Senate Republicans will control the chamber with a 2216 majority – it takes 20 votes to get something passed in the Senate. Our builder’s caucus will go from one to two in the Senate with Jon Bumstead and Rick Outman winning their elections. Unfortunately we lost a staunch supporter, and HBA member last night.

Senator O’Brien wasn’t able to pull off a victory this year and lost her Senate seat.

The State House will maintain their majority with a 58-52 majority, it takes 56 votes in the House to get anything passed.

So, what’s next? Leadership for Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate chambers will be determined on Thursday, November 8.

Your government affairs team will look at what we can accomplish in lame duck – there are 14 session days until the 99th Legislative session adjourns for the year. We will also be seeking a member from each local to serve on the HBA of Michigan Legislative committee and to be on the advisory board of Friends of Housing. Members on these committees serve for two years, following the legislative and election cycle. You need

to be appointed by your local association to be on either one of those committees.

Please contact your local EO if interested.

With so many new legislators, it will be crucial that your local association appoints a member to serve on each of these committees, and that they build relation-ships with their legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dawn Crandall at 517646-2567 or by emailing her at dawn@hbaofmichigan.com.

Upcoming Events December 4 Builders Roundtable @ 8am @ HBAS December 5 Ambassador Team Meeting @ 10am @HBAS December 6 Home Show Meeting @ 10am @ HBAS December 11 Professional Women in Building Meeting (Time & Place TBD) December 12 Board of Directors Meeting @ HBAS @ 12 December 17 HBA Connect Holiday Party @ Stardust Aces Lounge @ 5:30pm Click here to register.

Thank You for Renewing in October!

• Access Construction & Design, Inc • Andersen Windows • Bedford Plumbing & Heating LLC • Boufford Builders, Inc. • Carrabs Custom Painting • Gohm Insurance Restoration

• Joe Karpuk • Mid-State Earthworks, Inc. • O'Connor's Carpet One Decorating Center* • R.A.Townsend Company • Saginaw-Shaiwassee* Habitat for Humanity • Schiebner Construction • Standard Electric Co.

Recruit a Member & Win!

*Denotes Premier Members • Stanley Steemer • Team Holly CPA • Tradesmen International* • Ultimate Builder.Com • Vondette Roofing

We’re in the middle of a membership contest. Until December, you will compete with the Board of Directors to see who can recruit the most new members. For every new sign-up, you’ll get a GOLD STAR, $20 added to the grand prize, and an entry. If we meet our 5% growth goal, we’ll draw a winner, and give the best recruit a special prize.

Contact Your Local Code Official Much input was received for the next edition of the I-Codes.

The International Codes Council recently conducted public comment hearings on the next edition of the I-Codes. Input the ICC received will influence changes made to its model building codes. Eligible ICC members will be voting online on the proposals in midNovember.

NAHB has launched “One and Done,” a campaign to spur members to contact at least one local code official before the November vote. NAHB will provide members the voting guide on critical proposals to deliver to their local building officials.

All you have to do is sign up for the program and make one contact. By engaging with code officials, home builders are more likely to see better building codes.

affecting all home builders whose jurisdictions will adopt some version of the next model codes.

NAHB members from across the Federation will be called upon to make sure these changes are cost-effective — and don’t price new homes out of the reach of typical buyers.

“It’s up to us. We are the voice of the American home buyer,” said NAHB Construction, Codes and Standards Chair David Sowders, a home builder in Kentucky.

The good news: It’s not a heavy lift.

Interested volunteers can fill out the form at nahb. org/oneanddone. An NAHB staff member will contact respondents and explain the next steps.

This fall, NAHB will produce a voting guide highlighting the proposals that are most impactful on home builders.

The committee is calling on the Federation to name one member in each HBA to give that guide to a local code official who will vote — either in person or online — after the upcoming public hearings on these code proposals.

One and Done Campaign This November, members of the International Code Council who are eligible to vote will make decisions on changes to the building and energy codes

“We are the voice of affordability in this industry.

No one else will do it for us,” Sowders said. “Most code officials see things the same way — they aren’t interested in

complicated, expensive changes that don’t make homes more safe or efficient.

“If just one member of each HBA gives this guide to one code official to explain why these changes are important to home builders and their clients, we’ll end up with a usable building code.”

Interested volunteers can fill out the form at nahb.org/ oneanddone. A Construction, Codes and Standards staff member will contact respondents and explain the steps to take.

For additional information, contact Craig Drumheller at cdrumheller@nahb.org.

Click here to get involved with the One and Done Campaign.

For more on codes and regulations, click here.

Helping to Boost Retirement Plans The Department of Labor is working on a rule to help small businesses strengthen retirement security for employees. The proposed rule would make it easier for small businesses to offer retirement savings plans to employees through Association Retirement Plans, which would allow small businesses to band together to offer 401(k) plans to their employees. NAHB is actively engaged in promoting retirement security.

Supreme Court Hears Takings Case The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 3 heard arguments in Knick v. Township of Scott, an important land use case that could decide whether a plaintiff can bring a Fifth Amendment “takings” claim in federal court.

NAHB filed an amicus brief in June.

NAHB hopes the ruling will provide relief from the 1985 Supreme Court decision, “Williamson County,” which

requires a property owner to go through state court prior to bringing a takings case in federal court.

It’s time for the HBA Connect

Holiday Party When Monday, December 17 5:30p - 8:30p

Where Stardust Aces Lounge 3750 Bay Rd. in Saginaw

2nd Annual Bowling Tournament! $100 per team, or $20 single bowler 1st, last, & most spirited team prizes.

(Only 5 teams can register, and if you sign up as a single, we’ll find a team for you!)

Raffles, Prizes, Food & Drinks 50/50, enter-to-wins, & even a surprise or two! Bring the family & enjoy the hospitality of the HBAS, our Event Champs, & Stardust! Great food, cold drinks, & fun for everyone!

Bring in gently used winter gear or toys to donate to the Keep ‘em Warm drive!

Don’t forget your ugly sweater!

Register Today return to HBAS, or register online at hbas.org under Events Email RSVP to: tdimercurio@hbas.org | Fax to 989.793.0459 | Mail to 3165 Cabaret Tr. S. Saginaw, 48603

GUESTS: COMPANY: PHONE: EMAIL: Call Terese at 989.793.1120 to register your Bowling Team

What to do if ICE Visits Your Job Site ICE raids are on the rise. Know your rights and obligations if ICE comes knocking on your door.

NAHB has teamed up with

ensure that all field super-

designed to assist state and

immigration law experts

intendants are prepared and all

local associations and their

to provide members with

employees know that the first

members with ongoing cases,

information on what to

thing to do is to contact their

legal education seminars on

expect – and what to do

boss.

building industry-related issues

– if a job- site gets a visit

to all members and affiliated

from U.S. Immigration and

Legal Issues

HBAs, and a host of other

Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Office of Legal Affairs

industry-related programs.

ICE has ramped up oversight

(OLA) manages and supervises

The OLA also works with NAHB

of employers’ obligations to

all legal programs for NAHB

committees to advance the

verify the validity of each

and works on a diverse array

industry’s interests relating to

employee’s identity, and is

of legal matters to advance

the risks associated with the

serving up inspection notices

NAHB’s overall mission

construction of new homes and

all over the country. The

including litigation, regulatory

remodeling and to help the

publication, “When ICE Comes

and advocacy matters. You can

members identify, manage and

Calling: U.S. Immigration &

reach an attorney on staff at

minimize such risk.

Customs Enforcement on the

legalaffairs@nahb.org

Job site,” offers a look at how these inspections work. The

The OLA’s caseload includes

publication is not legal advice:

cases in the U.S. Supreme

Employers should consult

Court, the U.S. Courts of

with immigration counsel and

Appeals, and state appellate

establish a response protocol

courts. The OLA administers

in case of a raid or audit, and

the Legal Action Fund, a service

Lesson Plans Promote Construction Careers Setting up curriculum to engage and encourage the future of the Industry.

NAHB has partnered with the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M University and the University of Oklahoma Construction Science Program to create lesson plans that building professionals can use to encourage interest in construction careers among students in grades 5 through 8. View the lesson plans on the Skilled Workforce Development Resources page under the Lesson Plans tab. The lesson plans are intended to engage students, be consistent with the

school’s required curriculum, and be applicable for schools across the United States. Each lesson plan includes a handson activity where students apply the math and science principles being taught. The lesson plans cover a wide range of topics including home and green building design, energy consumption in a home, the importance of communication and basic physics and engineering concepts.

NAHB is encouraging members and HBAs to review the lesson

plans and reach out to local school systems to request an opportunity for a member to make a classroom presentation.

The plans are detailed and include an overview, a script and handouts, as well as PowerPoint presentations where appropriate. They are structured to make it as easy as possible for a builder to teach a lesson on home building. To facilitate a building professional entering a classroom and teaching a class, the lesson plans are written to fit within the specific curriculum that is covered in each grade and to be applicable in as many states as possible.

Since curriculum elements vary from state to state and district to district, building professionals seeking to offer a lesson should consult with the school principal or the teacher to make a lesson as effective as possible.

Empowering Women Through Leadership Education Community Networking

WB

Professional Women in Building

The PWB Mission

Join Today

Live to Work, Not Work to Live

The Professoinal Women in Building Council is the voice of women in the Building Industry; dedicated to promoting Industry professionalism, and supporting members at the local, state, and national levels.

Through education, professional development, and networking opportunities, PWB helps members acquire and develop invaluable leadership and business management skills that boost career success.

Why?

Council members are educators - helping the public understand that a skilled trades life is a good life fulfilling, enriching, and successful. Council members are leaders - working hard to change the stigma of trades while providing unique opportunities for women, and mentoring the future leaders of our Industry. Council members are problem-solvers finding creative solutions to Industry issues, such as diversity and inclusivity.

PWB dreams of a better tomorrow, and tries to make that happen through community support and student education. PWB wants see other women succeed in life, giving them the opportunity to be influencial and powerful leaders. This is a Council of strong women and men looking to do good in the world around them for the simple joy of doing so - without a "what's in it for me" mentality. We can build a better, more successful future together.

If PWB sounds like the place for you, please contact us to get started.

hbas.org • •

Pam Barnes, President, PWB Council pam.barnes@bldr.com | 989.695.5393

•

Nicole Schultz, Vice President, PWB Council

•

Bridget Sadenwater, Secretary/Treasurer, PWB Council bsadenwater@gmca.edu | 989.832.8879

Meet Your Professional Women in Building Council Meet Linda Tomandl, PWB Director, of O’Connor’s Carpet One

“Hi! This is Linda from O’Connor’s Carpet One!”. We’ve all heard her voice on the radio, and know that Linda Tomandl is the effervescent spokeswoman and sales manager at O’Connor’s.

However, before she came to O’Connor’s, Linda had a different dream in mind.

Linda originally graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts and an Elementary Education degree. Though, shortly after student teaching, she decided to stay in the retail world.

Linda managed, supervised, did marketing for, and helped with buying for Town and Country Fashions. It was September of 1972, and the store had just opened in the then brand new Fashion Square Mall.

Over the next 20 years, Linda built the Town and Country Fashions business to 17 stores across the state. When they closed in 1993, she headed over to O’Connor’s, where she grew to love the people, her business and her work even more. “If you love your job, then your work becomes your play”, says Linda of her job. O’Connor’s is part of the Carpet One Co-Op – the largest flooring cooperative in North America – which gives them the buying power and national advertising to compete in today’s market. To stay up to date and knowledgeable, Linda has attended two Carpet One Conventions per year since she began at O’Connor’s – this has helped her become a certified floor cover specialist, and she now supervises a team of 20 professionals.

Part of Linda’s job is networking, which she loves to do, and it was how she became involved with the HBA almost as soon as she started at O’Connor’s. She recognized the importance of getting to know HBA members and how well they could work together.

As Linda got more involved with the HBA, she eventually joined the Professional Women in Building Council. She was drawn to the PWB because of the

leadership opportunities and the community involvement – like working on Habitat for Humanity builds, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and helping the Underground Railroad by hand-making blankets. Linda’s been involved through PWB on committees for auction events, scholarships, and the Home and Garden Show.

On top of being involved with the HBA and PWB, Linda is also a member of the World Floor Covering Association, the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, the Saginaw Township Business Association, and Peace Lutheran Church.

Linda keeps busy by traveling to places like Australia, Hawaii, Greece, Argentina, Russia, and Costa Rica. When she’s not traveling, Linda spends as much time as she can golfing, or with her four grandchildren and their many sports activities. These things all reflect the four most important thing in Linda’s life: faith, family, friends and work.

Linda warmly invites any woman to become a part of the Professional Women in Building Council at the Home Builders Association of Saginaw.

Why do Millennials Join Skilled Trades?

Nearly half of millennial electricians believe employers should showcase how a job in the skilled trades solves everyday challenges and makes a difference in people’s lives.

In an effort to not only understand millennials who enter the skilled trades, but also to help employers learn how to attract the next generation to the trades, Klein Tools, a family-owned manufacturer of hand tools, released its annual “State of the Industry” survey. The survey collected information from more than 800 union and non-union electricians.

Age and Reason Electricians are Entering the Industry Results showed that more than half of millennial electricians, 57%, entered the industry when they were 25 years old or younger. Of these electricians, 77% entered the field as an apprentice.

These millennials are choosing a career in the trades for the following reasons: -- 52% of millennial electricians chose to enter the field because they enjoy problem-solving and the technical aspects of the electrical industry -- Half of young electricians chose a career in the industry due to the field’s job security -- This generation of electricians also sought out an electrical career because they prefer to work with their hands.

“As employers, we must continue to offer apprenticeship and training opportunities to

>>

Photo Credit: Freepik

StandOut Your marketing should work as hard as you do.

Members Only

With Creative Services, we’re offering special rates on the things you need to help grow and market your business.

Whether it’s a new ad, logo, or a Facebook page, you’ll be glad you called.

DESIGN MARKET

Millennials, Cont.

continue to encourage the next generation to enter the skilled trades,” says Mark Klein, president of sales and marketing at Klein Tools.

Klein points out that his company is reaching out to the future workforce through partnerships at the local and national levels. For example, Klein Tools’ newest Pliers Promise initiative partners with Project H.O.O.D. and the HVAC

“We must continue to... Encourage the next generation to enter the skilled trades.”

EVOLVE

Want Creative Services?

Terese DiMercurio, Exec. Asst. tdimercurio@hbas.org Ph. 989.793.1120 hbas.org

Technical Institute to equip Chicagoans with the resources, skills, tools and experiences needed to be successful in the field.

There is also an apprentice program through The Electrical Training Alliance that develops unique hands-on opportunities for apprentices around the country.

How Employers Can Recruit the Next Generation In order to change the perception of what a career in the trades entails, employers need to showcase the many benefits skilled trade jobs offer to the next generation.

Nearly half of employers offer apprenticeship opportunities; however, millennial electricians

believe employers can do more to recruit the next generation.

-- Nearly half of millennial electricians believe employers should showcase how a job in the skilled trades solves everyday challenges and makes a difference in people’s lives.

-- 45% of young electricians feel employers can highlight real life stories of how exciting a career in the skilled trades can be through videos and social media.-- Millennial electricians also believe employers should feature the high-tech skills required for the job and the flexibility a career in the trades offers.

Article courtesy of Industry Week.

Seeking Clarity on WOTUS Waters of the US Confusion abounds, but clarity could come soon.

The definition of Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) currently varies from state to state.

The number of states subject to the Obama Administration’s 2015 rule, and those subject to the prior 1986 WOTUS definition, has shifted in just the past few months. On Aug. 16, the U.S. District Court for South Carolina halted the Trump Administration’s

Suspension Rule. As a result, the 2015 rule became applicable in 26 states, with the 1986 definition of WOTUS applicable in 24 states.

But on Sept. 12, the U.S. District Court for Southern Texas issued a temporary injunction against the 2015 rule in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Then, on Sept. 18, the U.S. District Court for North Dakota added

Iowa to an existing injunction.

Now, the 2015 rule applies in 22 states, and the 1986 definition applies in 28 states.

The Department of Justice is seeking clarity.

Click here for detailed information about WOTUS.

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Home & Garden Show SPONSORED BY

WHY EXHIBIT? The Home Builders Association of Saginaw Home & Garden Show is the largest expo of its’ kind north of Detroit. With over 5,000 people in attendance in a single weekend, you’re sure to meet new and potential clients, sell product, and get engaged with the community. Don’t let the great opportunity pass you by.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY

Out with the old, in with the new...

We’re always looking for ways to make the Home & Garden Show even better. Instead of the Home Show Journal, we are offering exclusive advertising in our NEW Insider Value Guide. This booklet will be “a resource for exclusive exhibitor information and savings” for guests at the Show.

Whether you’d like to place an ad, offer a discount or have a coupon, it’s up to you!

Also new this year, we’re offering several great sponsorship opportunities! Be a part of the best event yet by supporting the Show.

AND! Back by popular demand we will be featuring four fantastic food vendors in our Refreshment Corner. Some Show features were too good not to have back!

German skilled trades boom, but workers not on tap Refugees may be one solution to lack of skilled tradespeople in Germany.

Click here for full article by Mischa Ehrhardt for Duetche Welle News.

Labor shortages are holding the sector back. “It’s the people who make these trades successful,” said Wollseifer.

The industry is wooing young people in particular to opt for vocational training. Skilled trades firms play a crucial role for young and motivated

refugees in Germany. According to the ZDH, a half of all refugees who start training in Germany work in such companies. It is controversial whether young refugees can remedy Germany’s shortage of skilled workers. For apprenticeship-willing young people, it is a sellers’ market.

Because of the shortage of

Industry Salary Summary Pro Remodeler Magazine Director of Content Erika Taylor looks into salaries.

Recently, the Miami herald came out with a report that contractors in Florida are struggling to fill positions paying $75,000 with full benefits and no degree required. The story was picked up by the national news and everyone dutifully repeated the figures.

What kinds of jobs are the most challenging to fill? How did that Florida contractor know whether $75,000

$

was a competitive salary for that position? How much experience was he asking for, and is that in keeping with local market conditions?

We decided to conduct a salary survey for remodelers. We targeted 15 individual markets.

The wages remodelers are paying, along with a bit of data from other areas. We decided to focus on production staff. We take a special look at production wages because

skilled workers, companies are competing furiously to get young people who want to do training or apprenticeships. The ZDH is also trying to change an image that still prevails in the minds of many people: The picture of physically heavy, dirty and exhausting work and poorly paid jobs. But that is by no means true.

of the extreme workforce shortage hitting the skilled trades. I learned a lot from working on this project, but perhaps the biggest lesson was one that I wasn’t expecting. It has to do with perseverance and a spirit of generosity. Many people believed in this project, and put in considerable time and effort to help get the word out. NARI (both national and local chapters), Remodelers Advantage, and a number of individual industry members put their names on the line on behalf of our study. Much of the credit for the success of this project goes to them.

For detailed article, click here.