2015 February Plains Builder by Home Builders Association of F-M

HOME & GARDEN SHOW PLATINUM SPONSOR

PLAINS

BUILDER

A magazine for HBA of F-M members | www.hbafm.com | February 2015

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PLAINS

Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 www.hbafm.com info@hbafm.com Publisher Bryce Johnson Editor Krista Mund Coordination, Design and Production Chelsea Smith

The Plains Builder is published 12 times per year by the Home Builders Association of F-M 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 It is distributed to all members of the HBA of F-M Address editorial inquiries to Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 info@hbafm.com Subscription is part of the HBA of F-M annual dues. The Home Builders Association does not accept responsibility for or endorse any statements or claims made by advertisers or authors of any articles. ASSOCIATION STAFF Executive Vice President Bryce Johnson Director of Development & Education Jenny Erickson Communications Manager Krista Mund Events Coordinator Lindsey Nogosek Director of Accounting & Records Amanda Ohlsen Communications & Office Coordinator Chelsea Smith Membership & Marketing Coordinator Allison Weckman

2015 HBA of F-M Executive Committee and Board of Directors President and National Director Clay Dietrich , Dietrich Homes, Inc. President Elect and National Director Tom Spaeth, Accent Contracting Treasurer Tyrone Leslie, Heritage Homes Associate Vice President and National Director John Koerselman, Red River Drywall & Painting Services, Inc. Secretary Paul Krabbenhoft, Coldwell Banker First Realty Past President and National Director Carlita Dietz, Jay Dietz Construction, Inc. Directors Jason Eid, Eid-Co Buildings, Inc. Harry Gilbertson, Harry Gilbertson Construction Darrick Guthmiller (National Director), Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc. Ursula Hegvik, Smart Spaces, Inc. Kimberly Krueger Tehan, Krueger Construction, Inc. Terry Lipp, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom Sylvia Lunski, Design Direction, Inc. Dustin Murray, Dustin Murray Construction Gary Orth, Cornerstone Specialties, Inc. Todd Rasmussen, Valley Lights Broc Roberson, Stone Ridge Builders, Inc. Robin Swanson, Superior Insurance Ex-officios to the board of directors Senior Life Director Gerald Eid, Eid-Co Buildings, Inc. Life Director and NDAB State Representative John Gunkelman, Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc.

Life Director and NDAB Associate National Director Ken Krajsa, Bell State Bank & Trust Life Director and NDAB Treasurer Dan Lindquist, Dan Lindquist Construction, Inc. Life Directors Don Dabbert, Jr., Dabbert Custom Homes, Inc. John Mahan, Mahan Construction, Inc.

BUILDER FEATURES 10

Year-end Building Permit Report

10 Steps to Success Before Exhibiting in the Home & Garden Show

DEPARTMENTS 5 News Briefs

6 Letter From the HBA of F-M President

12 Letter from the North

14 Letter from the

New Minnesota Code Changes Industry Involvement

New to the industry, check out why Shawn Nelson, Crane Johnson Lumber Company, was voted Member of the Month.

New HBA Benefit: Aflac

Engage Yourself

Looking to be more involved in the Association? Check out five tips from Membership & Marketing Coordinator Allison Weckman to help you make the most of your membership!

Dakota Association of Builders

Builders Association of Minnesota

Letter From the HBC Foundation President New Member Report

NEWS BRIEFS

Hires & Promotions

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota has promoted Gail Richter to manager in finance, Janelle Griggs to program manager of the customer contact center and Jacinta Riedinger to manager of wellness services in the marketing division. Jean Griffin has been named marketing team lead. Bell State Bank & Trust has hired Craig Samuelson as vice president/ client services manager, Dustin Kleppe as vice president/ag business banker and Katie Grant as a correspondent credit officer. Ken Parke has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties as a sales associate. Travis McLaurin has accepted a position at CableOne Advertising as an advertising sales account manager. Cass County Electric Cooperative has hired Andy Weiss as accounting manager and Bill Casey as a power control technician. Jill Stromsborg has joined Dawson Insurance in Fargo as a commercial lines account assistant. Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority has promoted Sheree Spear to tax credit property manager for the Crossroads location and Stacie Johnson to homeless programs manager. Property Resources Group has hired Logan Carney as a commercial Realtor in the commercial sales and leasing division. RDO Equipment Co. has hired Shelina Angeles as an executive assistant, Eric Blum as a financial planning analyst and Megan Wahl as a human resources specialist. Swanston Equipment Co. has added Anthony Hemmelgarn as a heavy equipment technician. Western State Bank has hired Pege Klemisch as a mortgage loan assistant, Marissa Olson as a credit analyst, Kelle Lavecchia as a

customer service representative and Sam Krause as a communications specialist in the sales and marketing department.

Awards & Accolades

Alerus Financial has purchased Interactive Retirement Systems of Bloomington, Minn., effective Jan. 2. The company provides recordkeeping, consulting and administration for 160 retirement plans, 16,200 plan participants and $1.25 billion in plan assets. The North Dakota District Office of the Small Business Administration has awarded BlackRidgeBANK with the annual Director’s Award. The Award is given annually to lenders demonstrating a commitment to financing small business using SBA programs. Tim Heilman, chief information officer at Choice Financial, was named vice chairman of the Fidelity National Information Systems Inc. Advisory Board. The Fargo-Moorhead Association of Realtors’ 11th Annual “Perk Up” Coffee Drive collected more than 250 pounds of coffee this year. The coffee was donated to Churches United for the Homeless, Moorhead. Realtors with Hatch Realty donated over $92,000 to Hatch’s Heroes in 2014. Through their real estate transactions, the Erik Hatch Team gives back to members of the FargoMoorhead area community. Beau Flom was named top listing sales agent and top written sales agent for November at Keller Williams Roers Realty, Fargo. Western State Bank has awarded $1,570 to the West Fargo Packer Backer Association.

Lego Competition at Home & Garden Show

The first-annual Lego building competition is being developed to promote careers in the construction industry to students and parents. This

event is sponsored by Dakota Supply Group, Dustin Murray Construction and Minnesota State Community and Technical College Carpentry Department. The Lego building competition will take place Feb. 28 at the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show. Register early! Only 20 spots for each age group are available. Children must be pre-registered to take part in the competition. Children under 14 get into the show free. Each registrant will receive two free tickets to enter the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show free of charge. All legos and materials for building will be provided. Legos and materials will remain the property of the Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation. 5-8 year-olds 10 a.m. - registration opens 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - contest 11:35 a.m. - judging begins 12:15 p.m. - announce winners 9-13 year olds 1 p.m. - registration opens 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - contest 2:35 p.m. - judging begins 3:15 p.m. - announce winners Prizes for each age group • 1st place - $100 Visa Gift card • 2nd place - $50 Visa Gift card • 3rd place - $25 Visa Gift card Thank you to sponsors Dakota Supply Group, Dustin Murray Construction and Minnesota State Community and Technical College Carpentry Department!

January Plains Builder Correction

The January issue ran an article about the retirement of Kurt Wenzel, City of Moorhead building official. His start date was incorrectly reported as 2012, the correct date is 2002.

52nd Annual Fish Fry Feb. 20

The Home Builders Care Foundation of Fargo-Moorhead is once again partnering with the Fargo Motor Patrol on its Annual Fish Fry. Volunteers help us make this event a success: sign-up to help with the meat and cash raffles, clerk for the auction or serve the fish. HBC also seeks items for the live auction. Items such as a month of snow removal, an evening on a lake, News Briefs continued on page 27

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

2015 Priorities Include Builder Member Recruitment, Operations, Fargo’s Special Election, Legislative Sessions Last month, the HBA of F-M board of directors approved its priorities for 2015.

This year continues with Association leaders working on our five-year strategic plan focused on our future as a membership organization. Recruitment of Builder members, being active in the two state’s legislative sessions, Fargo’s special election and refreshing the Association’s website are top priorities. Leaders and staff will examine HBA of F-M’s operations, events and processes for ways to streamline them. This summary touches on the high points. Our membership goals are aggressive with 90 new members and a member retention rate of 92 percent. We hope to focus on increasing our Builder-member total significantly and find ways to increase engagement within the HBA. The major issue facing the area continues to be flooding. The HBA will continue to support and work for permanent flood protection and the F-M Diversion for the metro-wide area. In conjunction with Home Builders Care Foundation, we will address workforce issues with area high schools and trade schools to increase the availability of trained tradespeople to fill the many construction-related jobs available in our area. Work with the North Dakota Association of Builders and the Builders Association of Minnesota to support a pro-housing agenda at the state legislature for each state. In conjunction with the city of Moorhead and the Builders Association of Minnesota, provide information to our members related to Minnesota’s new building code that became effective last month. Promote a positive property and sales tax environment for housing, including protecting the mortgage interest deduction on a federal level. Expand the building permit reports, including jurisdictions outlying the F-M metro, and move to monthly reporting, allowing for better historical analysis. Hold Candidate Forums for Fargo’s special election in April and work with elected officials in each jurisdiction to promote an environment that encourages home building. Develop a public affairs strategy for involvement with elections in specific markets, including outlying cities, to better understand the level of politics in each community. Examine HBA of F-M’s operations, events and processes to determine if more efficient methods are available or if there is anything our organization is doing that should be eliminated to make efficient use of staff time and efforts. Continue forward with a task force to explore constructing a new facility for the HBA. Launch a new website this year with the help of a task force made up of HBA members. Begin a celebration of the 60th anniversary year (for 2016) with an appearance by NAHB dignitaries at the Annual Meeting & Awards Gala in October. These are the high points of the priorities our board set. If you would like to see the document in full, visit the members-only section of the website: www.hbafm.com or contact the office at (701) 232-5846 or info@hbafm.com.

February at a glance

Feb. 3 Education Committee Feb. 5 Lunch Session:

Minnesota Department of Health on Radon

Feb. 17 NDAB Legistlative Reception

Feb. 18 BAM Building Industry

Day at the Capitol

Feb. 20 Minnesota Contractor

Continuing Education

Feb. 20 Fargo Motor Patrol Fish Fry

Feb. 27- March 1 2015

Red River Valley Home & Garden Show

Clay Dietrich, HBA President Dietrich Homes, Inc. 6

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Building Official’s Corner

Floodplain administration changes

By the time you read this, the new floodplain administration requirements and map have been completed and are Ron C. Strand being enforced. I can’t say whether they Fargo Inspections are living up to your expectations, as Administrator to the severity of their impact, because I think it will still be too soon to make an objective judgment. Regardless, they are being enforced which means that many and extensive areas are now considered within the floodplain that previously were not. How properties are treated within the floodplain has not changed much. In fact, the rules and their application within the floodplain should not be surprising to you all. The same can probably not be said for the areas of the city now known as the Water Surface Elevation Inundation Areas (WSEIA). These are the areas that would get wet should we experience a flood event that measured at a river gauge 41 elevation. The provisions for flood proofing and increased elevation have been extended to include these areas.

Flood proofing construction

At the risk of being repetitive of the information you have received before, during and after these changes, I’m going to include just a synopsis of the rules. Under the newly adopted map and requirements you will be required to use floodproof foundations for: residential structures within the WSEIA; underground parking facilities within such structures within the WSEIA; and, structures within the floodplain. We will be recommending flood-proof construction for structures outside the WSEIA. The point of risk (build to) elevations will be the elevation of the 41-foot river gauge elevation plus 1.2 feet. The existing prohibition of all structures within 100 feet of the floodway is included in the new requirements, along with the exclusions and limitations contained within the minimum and limited-disturbance requirements, which also remain. The requirement to provide a primary flood protection line along rivers and drains also remains a requirement, but will now be applied to require its provision throughout a subdivision in a new development rather than lot by lot.

The engineering and inspections departments are finalizing preparation of floodplain handouts containing these new provisions, which will replace all of the old handout information. They will include new design provisions for the construction of flood-proof foundations, which are quite a bit different and much more robust than the previous empirical design.

Construction values record for 2014

To say that 2014 was a busy year would be a masterstroke of understatement. You all were responsible for a $1-billion construction value year. A record which may well stand for a few years. To say that Sanford Health was the reason for such a big year would be, at least, misleading. Sanford Health provided around $350 million of that total. The other $650 million would have been roughly double the previous Fargo construction record. Incidentally, and to put a finer focus to this construction value number, Sioux Falls, a significantly larger city, is reported to have about $670 million in construction. Anyway that you slice it, this was a year in which we can all take some pride.

Outlook for 2015

2015 is being projected by several designers and builders as looking to be another busy year with similar activity levels, although it would appear we may see a substantial reduction of apartment units constructed after the extremely high number of units (1,897) last year. We will be adding a plan reviewer to our staff to shorten our plan review times a little and we may be able to add some temporary inspections assistance later in the year if our activity levels dictate it. This year we will begin reviewing the 2015 International Codes and will begin hearings for your input on these new editions beginning in September.

Kurt Wenzel’s retirement

One of our best metro area building officials will be retired as of Jan. 23. Kurt was a “go-to” expert on the International Codes even though we teased him a bit about Minnesota being three to six years behind in the code provisions. During our Metro Area Building Officials meetings each month, we had to make sure that we had a variety of code editions on hand for that reason so that we could discuss provisions to try to put together a more uniform enforcement effort for all of our communities. He will be missed but he deserves to be able to relax and do all that fishing he keeps telling us about. Have a good winter, an early dry spring and great start to your 2015 construction projects.

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PUBLIC ISSUES

HBA works with Fargo on floodproof basement requirements

In December, Fargo’s City Commission adopted revisions to its floodproof foundation requirements. HBA of F-M leaders involved with preparatory meetings on these changes were not presented an opportunity to review the final document and were surprised to find troubling changes affecting cost. Association leaders are working with Fargo’s engineering and inspections departments to iron out issues and provide education to the industry on the impending changes so contractors can prepare accurate bids and planning for projects. Stay tuned.

HBA opposes N.D. Senate bill requiring another Diversion impact study

Last month, a bill was introduced in the North Dakota Senate to provide for a study on the impact of the F-M Diversion project. The HBA of F-M submitted a letter to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to recommend a “do not pass” on the legislation. The North Dakota Association of Builders, North Dakota Association of Realtors, F-M Area Association of Realtors, and F-M-WF Chamber of Commerce also voiced opposition. As of press time, the committee had heard the bill, but did not take action. The HBA’s letter argued that the study would be a waste of taxpayer money since the F-M Diversion has been studied for over five years, with the federal study alone costing $22 million. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ study has spent an additional $2 million and found that water retention

measures are not a feasible alternative to a diversion with a staging area. Along with the North Dakota Association of Builders, HBA staff and leadership are also watching bills relating to home warranties, contractor fraud, fire sprinklers in commercial construction, and another bill regarding the F-M Diversion. Watch for more updates in the HBA’s communications, or contact the office at (701) 232-5846 for updates.

Fargo semifinalist in Georgetown Energy Prize competition

The city of Fargo has cleared a major hurdle in the Georgetown University Energy Prize Competition. Fargo has been selected as one of just 50 communities to advance to the semifinal round. Georgetown University Energy Prize challenges small-to-medium-sized towns, cities, and counties to rethink their energy use, and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency. “As a growing city, we see this as a tremendous and timely opportunity to capitalize on our energy, mobilize innovative people and utilize community expertise and resources. The Georgetown University Energy Prize is generating a spirit of cooperation as we implement Fargo’s GO2030 Comprehensive Plan,” said Fargo City Commissioner Mike Williams. The HBA of F-M is a team member in this competition and wrote a letter of support for the application. Semifinalists will now compete over the next two years. The $5 million grand prize will be awarded in March 2017. Watch for announcements about Fargo’s efforts in the competition in the coming

months. Learn more at www.GUEP. org. Find information about Fargo’s Comprehensive Plan at www.cityoffargo. com/go2030.

December HBA Accomplishments

Each month the HBA staff puts together a list outlining what the HBA has done for you, including education opportunities, legislative work, events and meetings staff have attended • HBA of F-M leaders met with local building officals to discuss streamlining the building permit reporting process. • Staff and members helped coordinate the Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo for ninth graders at the Fargodome. This event promotes jobs in the construction industry, among others, to upcoming workforce. • Hosted a free OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course, fall protection and OSHA recordkeeping. • Hosted a lunch session on the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act affecting water heaters in new homes in 2015. • Attended the Diversion Authority Outreach Committee meeting. • Attended the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce’s Public Affairs Committee meeting and its Business Leaders Taskforce meeting. • Hosted a lunch session on the fire sprinkler system mandate that became effective last month in Minnesota. As of press time, January wasn’t over yet, so we’re always a month behind. Thank you for your understanding!

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2014 Building Permits set Record Value, Housing at its Highest Since 2005 by Krista Mund, Communications Manager In terms of construction value, last year was record-breaking with Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo collectively bringing in nearly $1.4 billion through 4,436 building permits. The number of permits issued last year is the highest since 2008. Total permits and values include housing, multi-family, new commercial, residential and commercial remodeling, public and miscellaneous categories. The permit report is included as an insert in this issue of the Plains Builder. Compared to 2013, total construction value more than doubled, total permits increased 8 percent and housing permits increased 2 percent. Compared to the 20-year average, total value more than tripled, total permits were up 12 percent and housing starts were up 33 percent. Housing starts for all communities combined hit 1,178, accounted for 27 percent of total permits issued, and reached their highest level since 2005. HBA of F-M President Clay Dietrich, Dietrich Homes, Inc., says, “It’s an understatement to say our area’s construction sector is busy. With our community as a whole seeing increases last year in all categories, and more people moving here, it’s more important than ever to secure permanent flood protection.” 10

Dilworth, Moorhead and West Fargo surpassed last year’s total number of permits issued, while Fargo was short of reaching last year’s number by just one permit. Moorhead saw the biggest jump in the total number of building permits with

a 23-percent increase over last year. West Fargo was close behind with a 17-percent increase. For housing starts, Moorhead had a strong year with

Building Permits continued on next page www.hbafm.com

Building Permits continued from previous page 209 permits, a 57-percent increase over last year. However, it experienced decreases in its multi-family and commercial permits. Fargo saw a 28-percent decrease in housing starts, but experienced a 52-percent increase in multifamily activity and a 20-percent increase in commercial construction. West Fargo had an 83-percent increase in commercial permits, with strong increases in housing and multifamily permits, too. Dilworth’s housing-permit activity increased by 44 percent. West Fargo was the leader in residential remodeling permits with a 17-percent increase; Moorhead followed with a 10-percent jump. Fargo experienced a slight decrease, and Dilworth’s decreased by 27 percent. Dietrich points out that the reduction in Fargo’s homebuilding and remodeling activity last year may be the result of buyers choosing one of the other three communities who have more robust flood control in place and that will not see the major flood insurance cost impacts that Fargo will. “Each of our communities rely on one another. Many people who work in Fargo, live in Moorhead, West Fargo and Dilworth, and vice versa. The Diversion doesn’t only protect Fargo, it ensures economic vitality for our entire metro area and everyone who lives and works here,” he says. Each quarter, the HBA contracts with Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co. to compile the building permits from Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo into a uniform report for the industry’s and media’s use. It includes summaries for each city, types of construction, valuations and comparisons to the past four years, as well as comparisons to five-year and 20-year averages.

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NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS

A Cause to Consider Over the course of many years, our

North Dakota Builder and Associate members have done many charitable works and supported many, many causes. It’s this willingness to give back and this willingness to help others that makes me proud of our LeRoy Kurtyka industry for one of many reasons. NDAB President From Habitat for Humanity houses to training our state’s youth in educational builds, from national charitable organization support to local individual causes, our NDAB members have stepped up time and time again. It is with this in mind, that I want to draw attention to a cause in need. Individuals who, after being hurt by one bad representative of our industry, could use a hand from those shining stars we know our state and our membership has in plenty. Chuck Stewart, a disabled veteran, and his wife, Sue could use our help. They were flooded in Minot during the most recent event, and then later that same year, Chuck was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. In order to accommodate Chuck’s declining condition, they decided to sell their home in Minot, buy a lot in Underwood and build a new house that would accommodate his disabilities. Unfortunately their builder passed away during the build process. The new builder they hired fled with $86,000 and left the house in the framed, sided, and roofed stage. With the builder and their construction money gone, the Stewarts still need to have their house completed. They are currently spending their second winter in a camper. Our very own Minot Association of Builders has rallied to this cause and is working with the IBEW 714 and the United Brotherhood of the Carpenters to help the Stewarts finish their house. Eric Wanner, Steen Construction, and Cindy Snay, Coughlin Construction, are the contacts for this project. I am asking that anyone else interested in working on this project and helping out a North Dakota Veteran, contact Vicky, Minot Association of Builders Executive Officer, to find out what in-kind or discounted needs still have to be filled. For cash donations, there is an account set up at Peoples State Bank in Minot. The name on the account is Minot Association of Builders, Stewart House. For more information contact Marion Black, Peoples State Bank, at (701) 8520328. Thank you for allowing me to create awareness for this particular cause. I know many groups and individuals are worthy of our attention, and I know there are many other great works being done under the radar by our Members. This won’t be the first time many of you will help, and I know it certainly won’t be the last time either. And for that, I commend you!

Being Heard

We are already one month into the 64th Legislative Assembly and already I have put in a lot of miles at the Capitol walking between hearings, the chambers and chasing down legislators. For a little background information, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly Kim Schneider is made up of 94 Representatives NDAB Executive Officer and 47 Senators. The state is divided into 47 constituent districts with two representatives and one senator elected from each district. The Legislative Assembly meets every other year and is limited to meeting up to 80 legislative days. The first Legislative Assembly convened on Nov. 19, 1889. As the registered lobbyist on behalf of NDAB, I watch carefully as new bills are being introduced and have great discussions with our Government Affairs Chairman Dan Lindquist on the stance NDAB should take. Through this all, our main priority is that of our over 2,000 members across the state. We want to ensure that there is a voice being heard on your behalf. While I am proud to be representing you and all of the members of NDAB, it takes a team to be successful and I feel it is most important for the Legislators to hear from the experts in the field regarding issues that affect our industry. There are a few ways for you to remain in contact with your legislators including calling, emailing, sending a viewpoint or meeting with them in person. Contact information for your local legislator, or the legislator working on a particular issue can be found at www.legis.nd.gov. As a constituent, you have the right to have your voice heard. I encourage all of you to visit the Capitol during session also. You are welcome to attend any of the hearings, be invited on the House or Senate Floor and meet with your local legislators in the halls. I encourage all of you to come and experience a day at the Capitol. It is a very impressive process and really interesting to be a part of. As a constituent and a member of NDAB, your voice is important. As new laws are discussed, argued, reworded and either defeated or signed into law, you have an opportunity to provide input. Don’t just sit back, but be heard. Another great opportunity is to join NDAB as we team up with the ND Realtors Association on hosting the Oyster and Chili feed at 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Ramada in Bismarck. I hope to see you soon, Kim Schneider NDAB Executive Officer

LeRoy Kurtyka, NDAB President Northern Plumbing Supply

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NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS BISMARCK-MANDAN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION DOT FRANK, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 222-2400 BMHBA.COM • Builders came out in full force for the NDAB Energy Code Class. Forty-two members attended the four-hour training event. • The 56th Annual Banquet attracted more than 125 members to induct three new board members and swear in 2015 Board President Drew Knutson. • Board members participated in an orientation and strategic planning session led by NAHB’s Donna Oliver Jan. 27. Committee chairs also were led in a best practices session. • February Fun Night will be held at Jerome’s Distributing Feb. 12. Board members will compete in a chili cookoff. • Home Show space is selling out. 391 total booths were available and fewer than 10 percent remain. The Show is March 13-15.

DICKINSON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION IRENE SCHAFER, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 483-0044 DICKINSONAREABUILDERS.COM • DAB is back to regular General Membership Meetings now. Our first program for the New Year was Domestic Violence at the January meeting. • We raised over $5,000 in our Gingerbread auction at the Christmas party, allowing us to present a check to Domestic Violence. • Our Home Show is moving forward fast now. We are filling up and expect to go to a waiting list in a few weeks. • The Energy Code meeting in January was very well attended; and a big success.

FORX BUILDERS ASSOCIATION BETTY MCDONALD, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 746-4536 FORXBUILDERS.COM • Jim Bisson of Keith’s Lock & Key hosted a great December Builders after Hours. The Membership Committee members each brought a dish to share. There was lots of food, beverages and fun had by those that attended. Keith’s Lock & Key was also celebrating its 40th year in business. • The Installation of Officers January General Membership Meeting will be held Jan. 27 at the Grand Forks Country Club. • Our annual Contractor’s Education Day is scheduled for Feb. 19 at MuddyRivers. This is an all-day event with the classes approved for Minnesota continuing education credits.

MINOT ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS VICKY FLAGSTAD, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 852-0496 MINOTAB.COM

• We had 33 members attend the Energy Code Training Jan. 8. • MAB continues to coordinate the construction to complete the home of a disabled veteran who was scammed by an unscrupulous contractor from out of state. Our goal is to finish as soon as possible and get them in their “forever” home. We are still in need of funds to complete this work. • Sales are going well for our 40th annual Home & Garden Show March 7-8. Booths are still available for any vendor considering our show.

WILLISTON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION BETH SUNDHEIM, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 572-5744 WILLISTONBUILDERS.COM • 2015 Home and Garden Show is April 24 – 26 . A limited number of booths are still available and there is still time to advertise in the show guide. Contact the office for further information about booths, advertising, and show times. • WABA will be starting up with regular General Membership Meetings beginning Feb. 19, which will be held at McCody Concrete. The meeting will have a special guest speaker and topics of interest in the building industry. The Membership Committee is reaching out to Watford City to increase awareness of the association and establish networking by providing a meet and greet. • WABA is reaching out for proposals to update our web site to provide a more user-friendly site. Proposals are due by the end of next week and will be reviewed at our February board meeting. • WABA is in the process of adding all government agencies to our newsletter circulation in the five counties we cover to add connectivity in our region. Our membership committee will also be reaching out to Builders and Associates in 2015. • WABA has been asked and accepted two positions on the City of Williston’s Builder licensing committee to explore the aspects of license and bonding for Builders and Associates in the city of Williston – one organizational committee meeting has taken place and we will keep everyone updated on future developments. • The county of Williams and the City of Williston have invited the president of the Williston Area Builders Association to a place at the table to work with longrange planning, zoning and transportation needs in this area. It will be a year-long effort looking to put a positive growth plan in place.

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BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF MINNNESOTA

Home Building Industry Day at the Capitol Feb. 18 Each year the builders association hosts a Day at the

Capitol, and this year it’s going to be better than ever. All members of the Association and the home building industry are invited to join us Feb. 18 to deliver the message to the Legislature that the home building industry matters. The event is free for members and it’s more important than ever that we show up in force. This year, the House of Representatives is a new group following last fall’s election. We need to get to the Capitol to build our relationships and educate the new legislators about the issues most important to the residential construction industry. The new Minnesota Building Code is effective as of Jan. 24 and the Radon Code requirements and the Minnesota Residential Energy Code are effective as of Feb. 14. It’s important that we talk with legislators about the process and what needs to change for next time around. That’s where you come in. Be sure to get yourself, your staff, and your home building industry friends signed up for our Day at the Capitol Feb. 18. The event itself is going to be our best yet, but more importantly the message we need to deliver is the most significant yet.

Registration Registration is easy and online at bamn.org/events. Schedule • 11 a.m. Check-In • 11:45 a.m. Lunch & Program (issues overview, talking points and tips for your meetings) • Noon - 4 p.m. Meetings with legislators at the Capitol (transportation provided) • 4 - 6:30 p.m. Legislative reception (all 201 legislators are invited) Location James J. Hill Reference Library 80 4th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102 Thank you to our 2015 Sponsors • ABC • Brush Masters • Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead • Larkin Hoffman • Lyman Lumber Company • Pella • The Builders Group • Xcel Energy BAM provides field guides for 2015 Minnesota code update. Minnesota contractors who are members of the HBA of F-M have access to the Builders Association of Minnesota’s members-only website at www.bamn.org. To acces, request a user name and password from Katherine Nielsen at (651) 646-7959 ext 162.

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

A More Robust Year for Housing in 2015 Jan. 20 - A strengthening labor market, low interest rates,

improving mortgage availability and growing pent-up demand will help to significantly boost single-family housing production in the year ahead and move the housing recovery to higher ground, according to economists speaking at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas today. With economic growth near 4 percent for the last half of 2014 and employment gains averaging more than 250,000 per month last year, NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe said these are the primary factors that have helped consumer confidence jump back to pre-recession levels. “The signs point to a more robust year for housing,” Crowe said. “Household balance sheets are returning to normal levels, home owners’ equity is increasing and significant pent-up demand is rising. More than 7 million existing home sales were postponed or lost during the downturn; and while some are lost forever, we should see some catch-up.”

The Forecast

NAHB is projecting 993,000 total housing starts in 2014, up 6.7 percent from last year’s total of 930,000 units. Single-family production is expected to rise 26 percent in 2015 to 804,000 units. “While a good beginning, this is still well below a normal level of 1.3 to 1.4 million single-family starts,” Crowe said. On the multifamily front, NAHB is anticipating 358,000 starts in 2015, up 2 percent from 352,000 last year. The sale of new single-family homes is expected to hit 564,000 this year, a 29.3 percent increase above last year’s 436,000 in sales. Meanwhile, residential remodeling activity is expected to register a 3 percent gain this year over 2014. The ongoing housing recovery will see single-family starts steadily climb from 49 percent of normal production at the end of the third quarter of 2014 all the way up to 90 percent of normal by the end of 2016, Crowe said. Examining the recovery on a state level, by the end of 2016, the top 40 percent of states will be back to near normal production levels, compared to the bottom 20 percent, which will still be below 75 percent.

Where are All the New Households?

David Berson, chief economist at Nationwide Insurance, said the number of new household formations was far fewer in the current economic expansion than in previous recoveries. “Give the job growth we’ve seen in 2014, there should have been better household formations,” he said, adding that the slower pace may be because “the real acceleration in job growth has occurred just recently – in the last six months.” As the economy and job growth continue to strengthen in 2015, Berson said this will be a “significant factor to encourage people who have doubled up to move out on their own.” Moreover, he noted that the real slowdown in household formations has come from the Millennials, who have suffered disproportionately from stagnant wage growth and student debt. However, he added that this key demographic is getting older and ready to set down roots. “The leading edge are now in their young 30s,” said Berson. “Homeownership desire is much higher for those who are in their 30s than those in their 20s.”

A Rising Economy Lifts Housing

Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft also foresees a good year for housing. “We’re projecting 3 percent economic growth in 2015, which would only be the second year in the last decade that we’ve seen growth at that level,” said Nothaft. “A stronger economy supports a rise in household formation and home buying.” Not quite as bullish as NAHB, Nothaft expects that housing starts will rise about 15 percent in 2015, and that home sales will be up 4 percent, which would be the best year for home sales since 2007. He added that nationwide home prices this year should increase about 3.5 percent to 4 percent above last year’s level. With 30-year mortgages currently running at about 3.75 percent, Nothaft called them “dirt cheap” and said he expects rates to rise this year but remain at affordable levels. “If we see economic growth running at 3 percent at an annualized, rate, the Federal Reserve should begin to push up short-term interest rates by the second half of 2015,” said Nothaft. “We see mortgage rates going up to 4.5 percent on the high side at the end of this year, going from dirt cheap to cheap. Overall, affordability for buyers in most markets will be well maintained in the context of strong job and income growth.”

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Steps to Success Before Exhibiting in the Home & Garden Show

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Identify your goals: Be specific about the things you want to accomplish as a result of your participation in the show. Do you want to increase visibility, gain exposure to a large number of customers who might be interested in your products or check out the competition? Concrete goals are important to determine the value of the trade show to your organization.

Advertise your show participation: Use tag lines such as: “see us at Booth 15 at the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show” in news releases and other communications leading up to the show (even if those releases are about something unrelated). Write a news release announcing show-related news. Invite clients to stop by the booth, or set up appointments between them and your spokespeople. Be sure to tag any advertising you are running and to list your show booth number and dates on your company website.

Define measurements of success: For each goal, determine a way to measure its success. Make these measurements as specific as possible. You could plan to hand out 1,000 brochures, obtain contact information for at least 200 prospects, or take a key client out to lunch. These benchmarks will help you decide whether the show was worth the expense.

Put your show plan in writing: The plan should include a workable schedule, a comprehensive list of preparation activities, and an individual assigned for each task. You cannot leave things to chance, or else Murphy’s Law (whatever can go wrong, will go wrong) will surely prevail!

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Develop a key message for your booth exhibit: Like good advertising, a good exhibit clearly communicates one major message. This draws more prospects to your booth than an unfocused multitude of messages.

Order all necessary supplies, including brochures and giveaways: If your marketing collateral needs to be updated or redesigned, take care of this early. You don’t want to run the risk of not having enough brochures to hand out. Design forms to easily capture prospect information—clear forms eliminate guesswork. Consider giveaways to generate attention and a sense of fun. These don’t have to be expensive. Pens, grocery bags or other items with your web address and a catchy slogan can be very effective. Create a unique identity for your booth staff: Decide on the dress code for your staff. Matching blazers, T-shirts or even boutonnieres will make your representatives easily identifiable.

Train your exhibit staff before each show: This is very important! Your staff needs to know what is expected of them. They need to be briefed on all new programs and initiatives that should be emphasized. They must know how to run the demos and presentations, and they should know some basic troubleshooting. Nothing looks more unprofessional than demos that don’t work. Design PowerPoint presentations and demos for the booth: These will draw attendees to your booth and help them learn more about your business. Presentations will allow you to communicate information to many prospects at once. Design an open, inviting booth: An open booth design, with no tables obstructing access, invites attendees to come in. Your logo should be big enough to be seen from a good distance. Maximize “walking around” space by mounting brochure displays on walls. Use interesting graphics to draw people’s attention. For demos, laptops and flat-screen monitors are space-efficient. If space permits, provide comfortable chairs to encourage prospects to linger. A portable booth should be reasonably easy to set up and take down. The six key elements of a display booth are graphics, color, lighting, literature, booth layout and location. www.hbafm.com

Home & Garden Show Seminars

Kimberly Lacy from HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block

Curb Appeal Made Simple: Learn easy ways to make the exterior of your home more appealing with simple tips and tricks. Curb appeal sets the tone for your entire home. Attend this seminar to be sure you are conveying the tone that you want. What to Renovate: This seminar will show you how to properly phase your renovation projects. You will also learn which projects are Do-It-Yourself and which ones you should hire out. You won’t want to miss this seminar if you have a remodeling project in the future.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

Larry Meyer, Comfort Choice Homes

Comfort Efficient Home The comfort efficient home concept allows homeowners and

builders to use dollars and comfort levels as the common measuring stick for energy efficiency. Gone are discussions of mandatory efficiency standards, or minimum code certifications—instead we’ll talk in terms of monthly mortgage payments and energy bills. We will show how to minimize a home owner’s total monthly payments by making wise choices upfront before construction starts. We’ll analyze key structural components of a home and HVAC systems and insulation levels that make the most sense. Learn how high comfort and free energy efficiency is available today. • Learn about 50%, 60%, and 70% energy savings homes built in FM area over last 3 years.

• By attending this seminar YOU WILL BE ABLE TO: • Explain the concept of energy optimization using monthly mortgage dollars and energy savings • Describe the steps taken to accurately model a home’s energy performance before you build • Define building and mechanical selections that maximize monthly savings and comfort • Learn about testing techniques to verify the expected performance after construction • Learn how we can partner with you and your contractor to build the most comfortable home Presenter: Larry Mayer is owner of Comfort Choice Homes. He is an energy engineer and a certified passive house (CPHC) consultant from PHIUS for 90% energy reduction buildings and has over 20 years’ experience in commercial and industrial buildings energy performance contracting design and measurement. Seminar Sponsored by:

BRONZE SPONSOR

BEVERAGE SPONSOR

ASSOCIATION SUPPORT SPONSOR

ELECTRONICS SPONSOR

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What You Need to Know from Moorhead as State Implements New Codes Minnesota residential sprinkler code requirements now in effect

by Lisa Vatnsdal, Moorhead Housing Finance & Marketing The 2015 Minnesota Building Code became effective Jan. 24. A new provision is a requirement for residential fire sprinklers in certain housing types and sizes, including: • Two-family dwellings • Townhouses • Single family dwellings of 4,500 square feet or more (including all floors and basement but excluding garage area) The residential sprinkler requirements are part of both the International Residential Code and International Building Code. Minnesota has adopted these national standards. The city of Moorhead would prefer that sprinklers remain a consumer choice option, but will work with the HBA of F-M, area home builders and contractors as this statewide safety code is implemented. Transition Details: Sprinklers will not be required in homes for which complete plans and a building permit application were received by Jan. 23, 2015 (or later if the code implementation date is extended). Please note that construction must commence within six months of the permit issuance in order to keep the permit active. Please call for an inspection within the six-month window to document progress. Implementation: Fire Sprinkler Permit: Permits are issued by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, see https://dps.mn.gov/ divisions/sfm/programs-services/Pages/fire-Sprinkler. aspx. A “Notice to Proceed and Work Authorization” will be issued upon receipt of the plans, permit application, and permit fees. This authorization is issued by email and will serve as confirmation that the plans have been accepted for review. A copy of the authorization letter should be kept on the job site. This authorization allows fire protection contractors to initiate work pending the review of the plans, hydraulic calculations, and permit fees. This authorization is contingent upon correcting any deficiencies noted in the plan review process or as a result of any inspections conducted. Water Service: Moorhead Public Service requires 1-inch water services to building lots, which will accommodate all or most sprinkler systems. For a fire sprinkler system that is separated from domestic water service, Moorhead Public Service will allow the waterline dedicated exclusively for the fire sprinkler to bypass the water meter. If a combined fire sprinkler and domestic service is installed, the sprinkler line must also be routed through the water meter. Moorhead Building Codes and Moorhead Fire Department staff are knowledgeable about the code changes for 2015 and invite you to contact them with any questions you may have as we all work together to address this new fire protection measure. • Jack Nyberg Building Codes (218) 299-5424 • Rich Duysen Fire Department (218) 299-5440 • Kris Knutson MPS Water (218) 477-8071 18

The city of Moorhead has prepared a brief FAQ for contractors to share with their customers: www.cityofmoorhead. com/home/showdocument?id=1878. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition website has more information for consumers, home builders, and real estate professionals: www.homefiresprinkler. org.

Minnesota energy code requirements go into effect Feb. 14

by Lisa Vatnsdal, Moorhead Housing Finance & Marketing The 2015 Minnesota Energy Code is scheduled to become effective Feb. 14. Home builders should be aware of changes regarding: • Foundation Insulation: Residential foundations must be insulated to an R-15 level. • BlowerDoor Testing Requirements: Builder must conduct a blowerdoor test on residential buildings documenting the air infiltration level to confirm the home’s energy efficiency. These requirements are part of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code and Minnesota has adopted these national standards. Transition Details: These energy conservation code provisions will not be required in homes for which complete plans and a building permit application are received by Feb. 13. Please note that construction must commence within six months of the permit issuance in order to keep the permit active. Please call for an inspection within the six-month window to document progress. Implementation: Please document the required insulation on your building plan. Blower door test results can be submitted to the city of Moorhead building codes office. The certificate of occupancy can be issued once the city has the required documentation that the home has passed the blower door test and all required inspections. Please send the blower door results/report to: • Email: buildingcodes@cityofmoorhead.com • Fax: (218) 299-5399 • Faxing is not always reliable, so please call (218) 2995424 to confirm whether your test results have been received. Email submissions are preferred. • Office: 500 Center Ave., 4th Floor Moorhead City Hall, Moorhead, MN 56560 Local Staff—ask us! Moorhead Building Codes staff are knowledgeable about the code changes for 2015 and invite you to contact them with any questions you may have as we all work together to address the new energy conservation requirements. • Jack Nyberg, Building Codes, (218) 299-5424 Are you signed up for e-Notification? Builders and contractors should sign up for e-Notification at www.cityofmoorhead.com to receive Building and Housing Updates. www.hbafm.com

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Industry involvemenT by Chelsea Smith, Communications & Office Coordinator Shawn Nelson started at Crane Johnson Lumber Company nine months ago. Prior to graduating from Minnesota State University of Moorhead with a degree in operations management, Nelson spent five years in the military. After graduating, he worked for Titan Machinery for a year and traveled all over the U.S. to train stores on software systems. Crane Johnson has been around since 1883. Originating as a small lumber yard, today Crane Johnson has grown into a multi-faceted company. Crane Johnson’s headquarters are in Fargo with additional locations in Mayville, N.D., Surrey, N.D., Perham, Minn., and Pelican Rapids, Minn. The company offers much more than lumber. Crane Johnson established its truss manufacturing subsidiary, Mid States Truss, in 1965. It also sells windows, siding, doors, millwork, decking, and roofing and has an inhouse credit department, drafting department and full-service delivery. With such an extensive history, it’s no wonder that the employees at Crane Johnson are very experienced. “We have guys here who have been doing this for 25 years and have some of the best accounts in town,” says Nelson. “It’s been challenging to build my own customer base, but I have amazing people here to learn from.” Day-to-day, Nelson spends half his time in the office and half his time out. From the office, Nelson works with his customers to estimate materials based on plans and blueprints they bring in. He also helps any customer that walks through the door to help them figure out their project. In his time outside of the office, Nelson visits contractors and job-sites, and participates in HBA activities. With a competitive market, Nelson says Crane Johnson 20

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PICTURE OF SHOWROOM.

prides itself on its service. “We are all about service. When you come to us, you know you will be taken care of,” says Nelson. With the high demand for materials, Crane Johnson is working with contractors to get their materials to them as fast as possible. Nelson also wants to stay educated on changes within the industry. “The products are always changing and that’s the hardest part of this job, staying on top of it and being knowledgeable about the products,” says Nelson. With code changes and changing colors and styles, there is always something new to learn. Nelson became involved with the HBA of F-M a few months into the job. “I wanted to get to know the industry even more, so that’s when I started participating in the HBA,” says Nelson. “I knew it was a good opportunity to network with people in the industry.” Nelson is involved with the Membership Committee. He volunteers his time to the Association through help with ramp projects and delivering World of Thanks packets. Each January, members volunteer their time to hand out World of Thanks packets to other members. Each packet includes a 2015 directory, HBA member window cling, Health Plan information and committee information including meeting dates. Nelson was chosen by the HBA staff as February’s Member of the Month. Six times a year, the HBA staff chooses a “Member of the Month” to recognize volunteers who do something extra for the HBA. Each October, the Extra Mile Award is given to one of those members and is awarded at the HBA’s Annual Meeting.

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Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., GraphsandLaughs, LLC

Economic Forecast for 2015: Sunny Days with Occasional Cloudy Periods Looking at 2015, the domestic

economic landscape finally looks solid if unspectacular. Unemployment rates should keep falling, house prices are likely to rise by 5 percent, and despite poor global economic conditions, the American economy will strengthen. Moreover, despite a deep partisan divide in Washington, the government will not close down nor will it fail to pay its bills. In addition, the ongoing improvement in household balance sheets, the improving fiscal health of state and local governments, and the likely rise in capital expenditures by firms, albeit not very large, all but insures better economic growth. The only serious domestic problems are weak wage growth and inflation that is a bit low. With this in mind, I expect full-year 2015 GDP to come in at no less than 2.85 percent, a healthy rise from the expected 2.4 percent GDP growth experienced in 2014, and the strongest since 2005. As for new housing starts, they should rise by about 14 percent, with total starts coming in at 1.14 million. For all of 2015, singlefamily starts should total 750,000 up from 640,000, while multifamily starts should hit 390,000, up from 350,000. Housing sales should rise by about 5 percent and end the year at 5.6 million. Housing inventories should rise by about 200,000 units, to 5.5 months of inventory, up from 5.0 months now. Given the improving labor market, expect net new monthly job growth to average roughly 220,000 per month, which, while down from 240,000 per month in 2014, is excellent given the shrinking size of the working age population. As a result, the unemployment rate should steadily fall from 5.8 percent today to 5.2 percent by year end and possibly lower, depending upon the behavior of the labor force participation rate (LFPR). If the LFPR rises, and that would be a good thing, unemployment may end at 5.3 percent, but if the LFPR falls, an unemployment rate of 5 percent

would not be out of the question. Inflation will remain completely benign, with overall inflation possibly drifting lower, while core inflation (which excludes food and energy) shows modest upward drift. The combination of anemic growth in Europe and Japan and declining oil, gas and commodity prices will keep the consumer price index essentially where it is now, slightly below 2 percent. Add to this declining import prices due to the rising U.S. dollar and slow wage growth, and core personal consumption expenditure inflation, the Feds preferred inflation measure, will not exceed 1.7 percent, well below their 2-percent target. This will give the Federal Reserve ample time to slowly raise the federal funds rate from where it is now, between 0 percent and 0.25 percent, to 1 percent by year end, with the first rate rise probably occurring in June. The thing to keep in mind is that this rate rise, the first in a decade, is likely to be accompanied by some stock and bond market volatility. As a result of faster GDP growth in 2015, 10year Treasuries will end the year at 2.7 percent and 30-year mortgage rates will probably hover around 4.5 percent as the yield curve flattens due to faster rising short-term rates. But a combination of slightly easing credit market conditions and increasing consumer spending due to increased employment and rising wages will keep the economy and the housing market on track despite mildly rising interest rates. Finally, I put the chances of a recession in 2015 at 5 percent. So look forward to steady economic activity in 2015 and fear not rising interest rates. Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. is President of GraphsandLaughs, LLC and can be reached at Elliot@graphsandlaughs.net. His daily 70 word economics and policy blog can be seen at www. econ70.com.

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Students Present at IBS, Gain Industry Experience Three of our local National Association of Home Builders Student Chapters

Dan Parrow, ISR Homes Home Builders Care Foundation of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 www.hbcfm.com Home Builders Care Foundation was created in 1993 by the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead. It is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization. It was established with funds donated by HBA members, fundraising events and the HBA itself. The purpose for its creation was to provide an outlet for the builder, remodeler, and companies related to the building industry to show the community that there is more to the building industry than demolition, construction and remodeling. The HBA handles the administratvie duties for the foundation at no charge. Any contribution designated to the foundation goes directly to the foundation and its charitable work.

President Dan Parrow, ISR Homes Vice President Bob Kochmann, Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc. Secretary Casey Beckerleg, Stenerson Lumber Treasurer Monica Hart, Monica Hart Interior Design Past President Mike Anderson, Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

competed the International Builders’ Show at Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas, students from Minnestoa State Community and Technical College, North Dakota State College of Science and North Dakota State University competed in the Residential Construction Management competition. The competition has divisions for two and four-year programs with a different project for each. Students begin working on the project in September and submit the written portion of the competition by the end of December. At the International Builders’ Show, students present to a panel of judges who have reviewed the written proposal. This experience is a challenging and rewarding one for our local students. This gives some industry experience on submitting projects for investment. It encourages critical thinking and problem solving while also challenging them to learn about finance, marketing and other aspects of running a small business. At press time, everyone was still at the show. A full report and pictures will be in the March issue.

Workforce development goal creates new competition

This year’s Home & Garden Show will feature a new Lego Building Competition. The competition will be Feb. 28. There will be two age groups, 5-8 and 9-13. Students will build home-type structures on site, which will then be judged. Our hope for this event is to promote building to kids as young as five while also promoting the great career opportunities in our industry. Thank you to sponsors Dakota Supply Group, Dustin Murray Construction and M State Carpentry Department.

TRUSTEES Dave Anderson, Dave Anderson Construction Dan Beecher, Foam Doctor’s, LLC Carl Blank, Structural Materials, Inc. Randy Cramer, NAI North Central Sylvia Lunski, Design Direction, Inc. Chad Maloy, Gate City Bank Brad Morris, Casselton Lumber Dustin Murray, Dustin Murray Construction

Address inquiries to Jenny Erickson 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 jenny@hbafm.com

M State Carpentry and Construction-related programs.

Last year, we learned that M State was adjusting the carpentry program to a oneyear certificate program to align with enrollment. Enrollment has been low in many of the construction-related programs. Your HBA and HBC boards are working with the advisory groups to make sure the curriculum aligns with the needs of the industry, while also recruiting students to help keep enrollment strong. If you are interested in supporting these programs or would like to provide input on the curriculum, contact Jenny at (701) 232-5846 or jenny@hbafm.com.

Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades

Our 18th annual Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades will take place June 1-12. This Academy for students ages 15-21 and is a great avenue for exploration of the industry. Please consider sponsoring a student for $75. This sponsorship helps defray the cost to students to attend. See the form included as an insert.

Dan Parrow, HBC President ISR Homes 24

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#246 Corner

The Fargo-Moorhead, ND Chapter of the National Association of Women in Contracting would like to invite your company to consider presenting a program at one of our monthly membership meetings. The Fargo-Moorhead, ND Chapter was chartered in 1978 and includes members from all aspects of the construction industry. These unique NAWIC and NAWIC Education Foundation programs help us educate the community about the construction industry, generate an interest in our next generation of construction workers, and enhance the success of women in construction. These programs, along with our community involvement with many charities throughout the year, help us promote the construction industry in a multifaceted approach.

Monthly programs, opportunities

If you are interested in being a speaker, leading a tour, or giving a hands-on demonstration to our chapter to continue educating the community and our members, contact Amy Berg at (218) 234-6633 or aberg.nawic@yahoo.com.

NAWIC Education Foundation adult education certification programs Below is a brief overview of some of the NAWIC/NEF Programs that are available to promote the construction industry.

The Foundation offers these home-study certified programs: Certified Construction Associate (CCA) – a six-part course (ACCE accredited) Construction Document Specialist (CDS) – a two-part course Construction Industry Technician (CIT) – an overview of the construction industry and its processes Construction Bookkeeping Technician (CBT) – learn to set-up and operate a simple bookkeeping system for a construction company

NAWIC Education Foundation youth programs

The Foundation also offers programs to introduce school age children to a career in the construction industry: Block Kids: grades 1-6 – program stimulates ideas and creates an awareness of the construction process Accessory Structure Project (ASP): grades 8-12 – a cross-curriculum team project that promotes awareness of the construction industry while promoting leadership and teamwork CAD Design/Drafting (CDD): grades 9-12 – program brings real world drafting problems to the classroom

Women in Construction Week (WIC Week)

Each year during the first full week of March, we celebrate women in the construction industry by hosting fundraisers, community events, educational seminars, and networking opportunities. To learn more about NAWIC, NEF and the NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation (NFSF) check us out at www.nawic.org. To learn more about the Fargo-Moorhead, ND chapter, go to www.nawicfm246.org or email the chapter at nawicfm246@gmail.com.

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News Briefs continued from page 5 certificates for cleaning services or other fun things that would make great auction items. HBC will receive a portion of the proceeds. Thank you to these companies that donated auction items: • Accent Contracting • Eid-Co Buildings • Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom • Smart Spaces, Inc. • Green Team Realty Another way to support the event is to become a sponsor. For $200 you will receive one book of ten tickets, promotion on table tents, signage and in announcements during the event. Sponsors include: • Accent Contracting • Bell State Bank & Trust • Camrud-Foss Concrete Constr., Inc. • Design Direction, Inc. • Dietrich Homes, Inc. • Jay Dietz Construction, Inc. • Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc. • Red River Drywall & Painting Services, Inc. • Superior Insurance Thanks to Bierschbach Equipment & Supply for sponsoring the admission tickets for the Fish Fry. HBC and HBA of F-M are presenting a TV raffle, as well as a fish bowl raffle, and will sell raffle tickets at the event.

March 9 deadline for Spring Parade of Homes registration

Builders, don’t forget the Spring Parade of Homes is right around the corner: April 30 - May 3 and May 7-10. Registrations are due March 9. Take advantage of consumer traffic to market your company and build leads. Check out the January Plains Builder to hear about other Builders’ experiences on the Parade and watch out for the Parade of Homes registration in the mail!

Do your part to help workforce development: adopt a student for the Construction Trades Academy

For $75, you can support a high school student as he or she explores the world of construction. The Academy allows students to interact with members

of the construction industry and experience a variety of construction activities. Students that attend this two-week session in June are often interested in continuing in the industry. In addition to adopting a student, Home Builders Care Foundation, HBA of F-M and Minnesota State Community and Technical College need the help and support of contractors and trades people from all areas.

Thomsen Homes celebrates grand opening

Thomsen Homes held a grand opening ceremony Jan. 15. The new office and design studio is at 3168 41st St. S., Fargo. Congratulations!

Put your membership to work through NAHB

As a National Association of Home Builders member you can take advantage of a variety of benefits. Visit www.nahb.org/ma for more information on the Member Advantage program. Experience the great benefits for yourself and tell your fellow members what great deals you can find from companies like GM, Lowe’s, Office Depot, GEICO, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, UPS, Dell, Hertz, Budget, Wyndham Hotels, Hewlett Packard and more!

Homes for Sale by Fargo North High School’s Construction Technology program

Fargo North High School’s Construction Technology program will build two homes in the 20142015 school year. Homes can be pre-purchased, allowing for some customization with finishes. The homes are three-bedroom, two-bathroom ramblers with a minimum bid of $58,000 - $60,000. Homes may be viewed at North High School, 801 17th Ave. N., Fargo. Contact Doug Snare for construction details at (701) 241-4701 or Denise

Jonas (701) 499-1008 for pre-sale options.

2015 dues deductibility statement correction

The 2015 dues deductibility statement included in the January Plains Builder had an error for the Affiliate portion of the dues deductibility statement. The portion of your dues used for lobbying for Affiliate members should be 10.15 percent of the total dues or $3.04. After April 1 the portion of your dues used for lobbying for Affiliate members will be 7.58 percent of the total dues or $3.79.

HBA hires two public affairs Interns

The HBA has hired two part-time Public Affairs interns. Mike Pfau is a North Dakota State University undergraduate student majoring in public relations and advertising with a minor in French. He has managament experience in the service industry. Pfau studied in France for six month. He is originally from Fargo and is an avid soccer fan. Tessa Wakefield graduated from Concordia College with bachelor’s degrees in history and political science. She has interned at a variety of organizations the past few years, including archives and historical societies. Wakefield was born and raised in Moorhead. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and watching Minnesota Twins baseball.

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What’s up with the HBA Staff? Jenny Erickson

allison turns 30!

Jenny Erickson enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas for the International Builders’ Show. It was nice to enjoy 50 degree weather. She is also looking forward to a trip to Puerto Rico in April. While in Puerto Rico, she will be kayaking in bioluminescent bays, fishing for Tarpon and exploring the El Yunque rain forest.

Bryce Johnson Bryce Johnson enjoyed a break over the holidays where she spent time with her husband, Wade, and her girls, including oldest daughter Jenna and her boyfriend, Casey. Her family ice-skated, baked and watched movies. In January, Johnson and her husband traveled to Frisco to watch the Bison win! At the end of January, Johnson traveled to Las Vegas for the International Builders’ Show. Her family is now busy with basketball and getting back into their schedule.

Krista Mund Krista Mund and her family traveled to Orlando in mid December, enjoying all that Disney World and Universal Studios has to offer. She and her husband, Paul, also went to Frisco last month to witness the Bison win their fourth national championship. Her daughter, Annie, turned 13 last month (yikes!) and is busy with the indoor soccer season. She’ll participate in three indoor tournaments between now and April. Daughter, Noelle, finished up her thirdgrade basketball season last month, is playing indoor soccer, and started horseriding lessons, too.

Lindsey Nogosek Lindsey Nogosek and her husband, Kory, are enjoying life and staying busy with their 21-month-old daughter, Remy and three dogs, Mimi LaRue, Murphy and Moe. Remy is busy talking (a lot!) and learning new and fun things.

Christmas was spent at home in Fargo with Kory’s family and Lindsey successfully pulled off a nice Christmas dinner! They look forward to traveling to Lindsey’s home state of Colorado in July and everything else that 2015 will bring.

Amanda Ohlsen Amanda Ohlsen and her husband, Tyler, are keeping busy with their young family. Kaylee has started a session of gymnastics and has begun planning her birthday party for next month when she turns four. She has also been learning a lot in preschool and no longer misses the number 16 when counting! One-year-old Coen is steadily walking, nearly running, everywhere and exercising his newly found independence and curiosity. It’s so much fun to watch him learn while playing, such as what happens when he puts a toy inside another one over and over again.

Chelsea Smith Chelsea Smith and her girlfriend, Brittany, enjoyed a relaxing vacation in California over her birthday! While in California they visited San Francisco, enjoyed Sonoma and all of the wine it had to offer, hiked and visited the beach in Santa Cruz. Smith is looking forward to spending Superbowl Sunday with her family and celebrating her sister’s 25th birthday in March!

Allison Weckman Allison Weckman has enjoyed the last couple of months with her family and watching her two kids grow. Nolan turned four last month and Nora will be 8 months old on the Feb. 25. While she enjoys all of the time spent with family, she is looking forward to heading to Florida at the beginning of the month with friends to celebrate being in their 30’s. Allison turned the big 3-0 in December. Check out page 27 to learn more about the two new Public Affairs interns!

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Home & Garden Show Exhibitor List Members

Exhibitor Booth # ABC Seamless..................................... 1060, C330 Accent Kitchen & Bath...................................... 155 Aire Serv of Fargo............................................ 575 American Federal Bank..................................... 285 Arvig Security & Home Automation................ C535 Basement Technologies of North Dakota, Inc. ........................................................................ 715 Bath Fitter...................................................... C348 Bell State Bank & Trust..................................C100 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties............................................850 Bernie’s Water Conditioning.............................. 165 Beyond Outdoors..............................................320 Braaten Cabinets, Inc........................................ 615 Budget Blinds of Fargo..................................... 910 Building Concepts............................................. 515 Cambria............................................................ 975 Capital Credit Union......................................... 1195 Cass County Electric Cooperative..................... 865 Central Minnesota Credit Union...................... C370 CenturyLink......................................................230 Coldwell Banker First Realty............................1190 The Color Wheel..............................................C121 Comfort Choice Homes..................................... 180 Crane Johnson Lumber..................................... 595 Culligan Water Conditioning.............................. 495 Curb Design......................................................200 D & M Roofing Company............................... C282 Dakota Fence................................................... 120 Dakota Grinding................................................ 365 Dakota Spas..................................................... 855 Dakota Wall Systems, Inc................................. 787 DECKMASTERS............................................... 100 Design Direction, Inc...................................... C565 Design & Living Magazine.................................. L6 Eid-Co Homes............................................... C480 Electro-Watchman, Inc.................................... 1000 Encore Home Improvements.......................... C255 EZ Open Garage Door.................................... 1287 Fabricators Supply............................................980 Fabricators Unlimited........................................970 Fargo Glass & Paint Co....................................840 Fargo Tractor....................................................940 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Showroom........................................... 695 First Class Mortgage...................................... C550 First International Bank & Trust....................... C130 FM Home & Patio.......................................... C540 FM Water Systems/Kinetico.............................205 The Foam Doctors LLC.................................... 1187 Foltz Buildings..................................................630 The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead...................... C465 G & J Awning & Canvas, Inc............................780 Gate City Bank.................................................400 Geothermal Solutions Incorporated.................... L40 Greenscape Companies, Inc........................... 1260 H2 Design/Build.............................................. 785 Hebron Brick Co............................................ C290 Heritage Homes................................................860 Hirshfield’s Paints and Window Treatments......1160 Holly & Company Classic Homes, LLC............. 610 Home Geothermal Systems...............................890 Home & Hearth................................................ 997 Home Heathing & Plumbing.............................. 995 Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2 ............................................................. C400, L60 I’ll Tile & Stone.............................................. C320 Innovative Basement Systems..........................1100 Interior Affairs................................................... 765

J & J Repairs & Roofing LLC......................... 1250 Jordahl Custom Homes................................... 1035 JR Construction............................................. C520 Kallod Construction Inc....................................... L3 Karl’s T.V. & Appliance..................................... 325 Kensok’s Hardwood Floors, Inc.........................480 Kochmann Brothers Homes Inc........................ 1185 L2H Development............................................. 555 Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.................. C316 Lako Drilling, Inc................................................ 141 Lampert Lumber................................................740 Laney’s, Inc.................................................... 1220 Lindsay Ecowater Systems............................. C563 Livewire Electrical Contracting........................ C503 Luxury Bath....................................................... 110 Luxury Designs.............................................. C322 M State............................................................. 125 Marvin Windows and Doors..............................1140 MGI Landscapes & Outdoor Living....................650 Midcontinent Communications...........................490 Minnkota Windows...........................................1010 Monarch Homes................................................ 195 Moorhead Public Service............................... C373 Naseth Construction Inc...................................1170 Nelson Window Company.................................240 Newman Fence................................................. 925 Northern Stone.................................................420 Northern Turf Management, Inc.........................300 Northland Truss Systems, Inc............................250 Olson Awning & Canvas...................................800 Olson Pools & Spas......................................... 210 One Hour Heating & Air and Benjamine Franklin Plumbing.....................520 Opp Construction............................................ 1030 Park Co. Realtors............................................. 735 Paul Davis..................................................... C372 Pella Windows & Doors....................................640 Poss Custom Cabinets...................................... 375 Prairie Rose Painting and Roofing.....................805 Prairie Supply Inc........................................... C345 Precision Concrete Cutters, Inc. & Egress Window Systems............................... 310 Precision Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Cooling �� C356 Premium Decks................................................ 675 Price-Rite Home Improvement Inc..................... 225 Pro Landscapes................................................505 Property Resources Group................................370 Quality Cabinets, Inc...................................... C240 Radiant Homes................................................. 510 Rainbow Play Systems of North Dakota............ 160 Red River Glazing Majestic Shower Doors �� 915 Reiles Acres 9th Residential Development........635 Rigels Appliance............................................... 810 Rocking Horse Farm....................................... 1070 Rose Creek Design & Little Blind Shop............................................. C200 Rusco Window & Cabinets...............................990 Sensible Security........................................... C334 Showplace Kitchens..........................................570 Simonson Lumber and Hardware.....................1130 Site on Sound Inc........................................... 1265 Smart Spaces...................................................500 Solutions...........................................................360 Stained Glass Overlay...................................... 525 Starion Financial...............................................690 Steamatic of the Red River Valley..................... 465 Structural Materials Inc..................................... 170 Swenson Masonry LLC..................................... 965 T & S Custom Homes, Inc................................305 Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage............445 Thermo-Tech Premium Windows & Doors........670

Thomsen Homes............................................... 135 Total Basement Finishing by Innovative........... 1200 Town & Country Credit Union......................... C341 Town & Country Realty, LLC............................ 775 TrinSPIN, Inc....................................................770 Tubs of Fun!...................................................... 115 Twin City Garage Door...................................... 545 U.S. Bank...................................................... C525 Valley Central Vacuum...................................... 697 Valley Lights.....................................................270 Valley Mortgage.............................................. C501 VanOverschelde Custom Homes.......................330 Verity Homes.................................................... 245 Waterfront Kitchen & Bath................................290 Western Products..................................240, C380 Western State Bank........................................ C170 Windows Plus, Inc............................................ 710 Your Home Improvement Company................... 190

Non-Members

Exhibitor Booth # 4D Sprinklers................................................. C220 A Spice Above/Dirt Grabber Mats................. C307 Alexandria Homes, Inc...................................... 935 American Custom Decks................................ C304 Anderson Homes, Inc........................................550 Aqua Lawn & Landscape............................... C437 B. Giddings Services...................................... C497 Backup Power Source....................................... 535 Baileys PDR Inc............................................. C275 Barnesville Homes Inc................................... C309 Barnsville Economic Development..................... 565 Basement Water Controlled...............................920 Bemidji Millworks Inc....................................... C185 Bergeson Nursery.......................................... C470 Blocks to Rocks................................................ 275 Blue Ox Timber Frames................................. C430 BlueWater Lodge........................................... C355 Boulder Creek Custom Homes.......................... 655 Cass County Soil Conservation District �� C310 City of Fargo - Forestry Department................ C410 City of Fargo - Recycling............................... C440 City of Kindred................................................ C561 Coatings Unlimited............................................880 CollegePro Painters.......................................... 782 Costco Wholesale............................................C110 Dakota Monument Company............................. L85 Darla’s Hip Klips............................................ C303 decoCRETE......................................................380 Dog Poo Crew................................................ L105 Dogwatch Hidden Fence................................. C140 Dust Busters Furnance & Duct Clng. Inc �� C265 Earthloop Geothermal Systems LLC..................660 Edward Jones Investments - Jon Simmons �� C541 Enercept SIPs................................................... 435 Exclusive Home Products LLC.........................C115 Extreme Panel Tech., Inc............................... C230 Fargo Garage Floors & Doors......................... C150 Flags West....................................................... 410 Freedom Chiropractic Health Center............... C369 Grace Electric................................................ C450 H.A. Thompson and Sons............................... C481 Hankinson CDC................................................ L35 Harmonious Architecture...................................430 Hass Geosystems, Inc.................................... C165 Hazelwood Flagpoles........................................ L55 Healing Arts Chiropractic................................ C305 Hi-Dow Massagers........................................ C405 High Plains Water Treatment.......................... C155 HighPoint Homes........................................... C420 Hillsboro...........................................................280 Homark Homes.................................................680

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Non-Members continued

Home & Living Magazine............................... C545 Home Run.............................................................. Products................. 987, 1090, C195, C215, C225 Interstate Spray Foam....................................... L45 Invisible Fence of Fargo................................. C555 Jack Chivers Realty..........................................930 JD’s Salsa in Seconds................................... C336 JT Lawn Service............................................ C222 Jumbo’s Sloppy Joe Sauce............................ C486 Lake Region Electric Cooperative.................... C160 Lakeland Log & Timber Frame Homes �� C507 Lakes Specialty Services................................ C175 LeechLakeCabins.com...................................... 412 Life Chiropractic Center....................................C112 Linwood Homes Ltd..........................................340 Lumber Liquidators........................................... 150 M&E Sales.......................................... C318, C344 Maple River Winery........................................ C375 Mark Enterprises Inc....................................... C135 Mayville-Portland EDC...................................... 885 Merry Maids................................................... C435 Midwest Decorative Stone and Design �� C284 Midwest Grinding Inc........................................ 685

Midwest Misting............................................. C350 MN Warehouse Furniture & Amish Gifts �� C260 Modern Living Concepts Custom Homes �� C301 Monkey Bars Storage...................................... C515 Morton Buildings............................................ C343 My Pillow Inc....................................................460 NAWIC - Fargo-Moorhead, ND #246 �� C371 Nectar of the Vine........................................... 1005 New York Life................................................... 927 Nichols Family Chiropractic............................ C487 Nikle Photography........................................... C122 Nodak Custom Curb & Landscape................. C482 North American Cedar Works, Inc................... 1075 North Country Marketing, Inc........................... C190 North Dakota One Call......................................900 Northern Sky Lights....................................... C363 Northern-Air................................................... C365 Norwex.......................................................... C203 Oasis Landscapes............................................ 385 Orange Expo Trading..................................... C205 Origami Owl.................................................... C177 Outdoor Worx Inc.............................................. L25 Partylite Gifts................................................. C295 Prairie Restorations, Inc................................. C358 Rausch Granite Interiors................................... 725

Reliable Energy Solutions, Inc........................ C446 Revier Window Detailing................................ C250 Ron Holstrom Antiques Floors & More ��875 Royal Prestige Cooking Show...........................470 Sam’s Club.................................................... C285 Scentsy......................................................... C202 Signature Landscapes.......................................600 Snirt Stopper - The Ultimate Garage Door Seal...................... C120 Stoney Creek Woodworks.............................. C229 Studio Renaissance.......................................... L95 Superior Sleep.................................................. 485 Tastefully Simple............................................. C183 Thirty-One........................................................ L20 Tie Boss...........................................................790 Tintmasters Home & Business.........................1015 Ultimate Patios................................................ C212 Valley Home Improvements...............................905 Vertical Health Chiropractic................................. L4 Voyageur Log Homes..................................... C187 WaterFurnace International..............................1180 Watkins Products............................................ C125 Whitebirch, Inc................................................. 1210 Zenergy............................................................ 295

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OSHA Recordkeeping:

logging work-related injuries and illnesses

Under OSHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recordkeeping rules at 29 CFR 1904, covered employers are required to prepare and maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses using the OSHA 300 forms. More than 1.4 million establishments must maintain OSHA logs on an annual basis under the rules. If you employ more than ten employees and are not classified as a partially exempt industry, you are among those required to record workrelated injuries and illnesses using OSHA forms 300, 300A, and 301. If you are required to maintain the OSHA 300 logs for workplace injuries and illnesses, you must post your 2014 annual summary by Feb. 1 using the annual summary form

(Form 300A). The summary must list the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in calendar year 2014 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form.

Review records

Before the annual summary is prepared, you must review the 300 log to verify that entries are complete and accurate. Make sure that you take time to review the forms for technical errors as well as to review accident reports and other materials, and ensure that all recordable incidents have been included. You have a duty to update and maintain records for five years and provide them to OSHA inspectors when requested. After reviewing and verifying that your log is accurate for the past year, fill in the summary information on Form 300A. Tally the total number of work-related injuries and illnesses from the log to complete certain category totals, such as the number of deaths, total number of injuries, and total number

of cases resulting in days away from work. The annual summary requires you to include a calculation of the annual average number of employees covered by the log and the total hours worked by all covered employees (full-time, parttime, temporary, and/or seasonal). If your company did not experience any work-related injuries or illnesses in 2014, you still need to complete the summary form by entering zeros in the summary categories. If your company has more than one physical location, you should complete separate forms 300 and 300A for each location.

Certification

Once the summary report is completed, a company executive must sign the 300A form to certify that he or she has reviewed both the OSHA 300 log and the 300A summary and that he or she reasonably believes that the annual summary is correct and complete. OSHA considers four specific management officials to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;company executivesâ&#x20AC;? for purposes of certifying the report: 1. An owner of the company; 2. An officer of the corporation; 3. The highest-ranking company official working at the establishment; or 4. The immediate supervisor of the highest-ranking company official working at the establishment.

Posting period

Your 300A must be posted in your workplace for the 3-month period from Feb. 1 to April 30. You do not post the 300 log. You should post the 300A in a conspicuous place where other employee notices are posted. Make sure that the form does not get covered by other documents on a bulletin board and does not get defaced, altered, or marked up during the three-month posting period. Even if there were no recordable injuries or illnesses, you must still complete and post the 300A summary with zeros. The OSHA 300 form can be found at www.osha.gov/ recordkeeping/RKforms.html.

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REMODELERS LETTER FROMCOUNCIL THE PRESIDENT

Russ Richards, Remodelers Council Chair Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area, Inc. Home Builders Association of FargoMoorhead Remodelers Council 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 www.hbafm.com Address inquiries to Allison Weckman 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 allisonw@hbafm.com

MEMBERS ABC Seamless Accent Contracting ACME TOOLS Allied Building Products Corp. Arvig Braaten Cabinets Inc. Crane Johnson Lumber Company Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc. Dave Anderson Construction Design Direction, Inc. Dustin Murray Construction Fargo Linoleum Company Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom Fiske Construction, LLP Foam Doctor’s, LLC Granites Unlimited Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C, Inc. Homemakers Villa Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc. Lake Agassiz Habitat For Humanity Laney’s, Inc. Minnkota Windows, Inc. Norandex Opp Construction Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of the Red River Valley Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area, Inc. Red River Electric, Inc. RRC Specialties, Inc. Simonson Lumber Smart Spaces, Inc. Stenerson Lumber Stone Countertop Outlet Stone Holding Company Syverson Tile & Stone Twin City Garage Door, Inc. Western Products, Inc.

Talk to home owners now for the 4th annual Remodeled Home Tour Consider talking to your home owners now about allowing their home on the

Remodeled Home Tour. The trick is to plan early! Don’t wait until right before the Tour to try and find a willing home owner to jump on board. Now is the time to talk to clients and home owners, making the agreement prior to starting a project. Working with your homeowners on this from the beginning allows for any questions and arrangements to be taken care of and planned out. Consider different incentives to offer the home owner that may help him or her agree to their home being a part of the Tour. Here are some great options: • Offer a price break or discount on their project. • Offer the painting of another room in the home. • Offer a cleaning service to come in after the Tour is complete to get their home back to normal. • Reserve a room for them at a hotel (in or out of town, depending on their preference) to give them somewhere to stay while the Tour is running. • Buy them a gift card for dinner on you so they don’t have to worry about cooking and cleaning before the Tour begins the next day. Feel free to contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 232-5846 or lindsey@hbafm.com with any questions.

NAHB predicts residential remodeling market set for modest growth in 2015 Jan. 20 - Residential remodeling is set for modest growth in 2015, according to experts at a press conference hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. Remodelers appearing on the panel agreed with the forecast, citing home owners’ changing demographics and increased financial security. NAHB projects that residential remodeling spending on owner-occupied singlefamily homes will increase a modest 3 percent in 2015 over 2014, and another 1.5 percent in 2016. “Remodelers are responding to calls from home owners on steadier financial footing than recent years,” said 2015 NAHB Remodelers Chairman Robert Criner, GMR, GMB, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Newport News, Va. “From major kitchen remodels and bath facelifts to room additions, the members of NAHB Remodelers look forward to providing professional remodeling services in 2015.” “Among our clientele, a demographic shift towards remodeling urban homes is taking place,” said Mike Nagel, CGR, CAPS, a remodeler from Chicago. “Our recent jobs tend to be in the city and the projects have increased in size.” “Existing homes sales and house prices both hit soft spots in 2014 that dealt a glancing blow to residential remodeling businesses,” said Paul Emrath, NAHB’s vice president for survey and housing policy research. “We expect those drags are behind us in 2015, an outlook consistent with the optimism expressed by remodeler members in our recent Remodeling Market Index (RMI) survey.”

Thinking about joining the Remodelers council? Contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com www.hbafm.com

Engage Yourself MEMBERSHIP CORNER

Looking to be more involved in the Association? Check out five tips from Membership & Marketing Coordinator Allison Weckman to help you make the most of your membership!

“You get out of it what you put into it.” Everyone’s heard it before, but do you really take it to heart? The best way to feel like you are getting something out of your membership dues is to become involved in the Association, and we have many opportunities for you to do just that!

Attend a member meeting. The HBA hosts five member meetings each year, with two of them being free. We challenge you to join us once this year! Attending with a co-worker or spouse can help break the ice for your first meeting. The ‘Chilly’ Cook-off March 12 at Braaten Cabinets allows you to sample multiple chili entries and get complimentary beverages, plus if you submit a chili entry, you can win bragging rights, as well as cash prizes! The Associate Appreciation & Family Picnic Aug. 13 at Rheault Farm provides a grilled meal, complimentary beverages, lawn games and even inflatable games for the kids! All five meetings give you the opportunity to network with your peers and stay on top of what’s going on in the industry, while having a great time!

2 3

Volunteer. The HBA is always looking for helpful volunteers. Whether it is helping mark booth spaces on the floor for move-in at the Home & Garden Show, delivering magazine racks to Hornbacher’s for our consumer events, or delivering our annual World of Thanks packets, you can volunteer when the timing is right for you. Register a team for the Golf Outing! The HBA hosts two golf outings in June and July. Participate in one or both events and consider being a sponsor for added recognition. The Golf Outings offer a way to let loose on the golf course with your friends in the industry.

4 5

Join a committee! The New Year is a great time to join a committee, or to re-commit to a committee you’re already on! HBA committees meet for about an hour once a month and are a great way to get to know your fellow members and be more in-tune with what is going on within the Association. We have something for everyone: education, events, membership Parade of Homes, Public Issues and Remodelers Council. Let your fellow members know more about you. Is your company working on a unique project? Are there interesting things within the building industry that you are a part of? The HBA is here to promote our members, not only to other members, but consumers, too. Let us know if you have an idea for the HBA’s Plains Builder or the HBA’s social media.

Don’t hesitate to contact me at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com if you would like to become more involved in the Association. I look forward to seeing new faces at committee meetings, member meetings and volunteering at the HBA. www.hbafm.com

NEW MEMBERS

ASSOCIATE

DJ Colter Agency - American Family Insurance 415 38th St S, Ste D Fargo, ND 58103 DJ Colter (701) 235-6641 Business Activity: Insurance Sponsor: Ken Krajsa, Bell State Bank & Trust Jacklitch Insurance Agency 602 2nd Ave N Wahpeton, ND 58075 Paul Jacklitch (701) 642-6022 Business Activity: Insurance Sponsor: Harriet Buchholz, Jacklitch & Associates Insurance - Harriet Buchholz Insurance Agent Schmit Inc. 401 4th St Wyndmere, ND 58081 (701) 439-2353 Business Activity: Industry Related Support & Services Sponsor: John Koerselman, Red River Drywall & Painting Spiker Moving, LLC 541 16th St NE West Fargo, 58078 Sean Spiker (701) 373-5788

Business Activity: Storage & Moving Sponsor: Clay Dietrich, Dietrich Homes, Inc.

BUILDER

Enclave Development LLC 325 7th St S #300 Fargo, ND 58103 Ben Meland (701) 478-4300 Business Activity: Builder - MultiFamily, Developers Sponsor: David Reid, Radiant Creative Homes

ASSOCIATE - AFFILIATE Curt Sauer Stone Countertop Outlet 2414 University Dr S Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 893-3430 Business Activity: Countertops

Moorhead, MN 56560 (218) 287-1018 Business Activity: Roofing, Siding Supplier Jeanna Yaggie DJ Colter Agency - American Family Insurance 415 38th St S, Ste D Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 235-6641 Business Activity: Insurance

BUILDER - AFFILIATE

Sharon Wieland Windows Plus 600 2nd Ave NW, Ste A West Fargo, ND 58078 (701) 237-4000 Business Activity: Doors & Millwork Contractor, Windows

Kirk Begin Stenerson Lumber 1702 1st Ave N Moorhead, MN 56560 (218) 233-2754 Business Activity: Lumber Yard, Windows Randy Marum Norandex 4108 30th Ave S

Thank you 2015 Member Meeting Sponsors!

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ADVERTISER INDEX

Acme Tools Aggregate Industries Arvig Bell State Bank & Trust Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Camrud-Foss Construction Carpet World Cass County Abstract Company Cass County Electric Cooperative Central Minnesota Credit Union Coldwell Banker First Realty Crane Johnson Lumber Co. Dawson Insurance FM Title

9 23 38 19 38 19 37 22 22 38 7 19 14 37

Goodin Company Hauck & Buchholz Drywall, Inc. Knight Printing Lampert Lumber Minnkota Windows, Inc. Northland Truss Systems Property Resources Group Rigels, Inc. Stenerson Lumber Stone Countertop Outlet The Title Company Valley View Verity Homes Xcel

www.hbafm.com

39 7 4 8 2 14 22 37 19 19 22 2 38 3 37

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Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Ave. S. Fargo, ND 58103 www.hbafm.com | info@hbafm.com (701) 232-5846 | (701) 280-1108 fax

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FARGO ND PERMIT NO 1387

est. 1956

Lunch Session: Radon in Minnesota Homes Feb. 5 Minnesota Building Contractor Continuing Education

Lunch Session: Succession Planning

Feb. 20 March 12

EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Refresher Courses

March 9, 16, 26 March 24-27

Residential Construction Safety: OSHA 30-Hour

Minnesota Power Limited Continuing Education Residential Construction Safety: OSHA 10-Hour Minnesota Code Change Updates

March 13

April 7-8 April 9

Buka Bark 7982-38

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WILSONART速 LAMINATE

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Offered by Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead

2015 Minn. Contractor Continuing Education

Jan. 16 & Feb. 20