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

PLAINS

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

BIRDIE SPONSOR

See page 11 for details on the golf outings!

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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 mailed or emailed 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 rate for members is $15, which is included in 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 9

Basement Construction in Fargo: Wall Bracing Specs Coming Soon From HBA

DEPARTMENTS 5 News Briefs

6 Letter From the HBA of

Get the FAQ on New Closing Rules that Take Effect Aug. 1

12 Letter from the North

Spring Parade of Homes Celebration Recap

16 18

ND, MN Legislative Sessions Come to a Close

HBA of F-M Spike Credit Tally

Ohlsen Celebrates 10 Years at HBA

F-M President

Dakota Association of Builders

Letter From the HBC Foundation President New Member Report

NEWS BRIEFS

Hires and Promotions

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota has hired Leslie Wietstock as director of reimbursement in the Health Network Innovation division. Shelly Stalpes has been promoted to director of the Customer Contact Center and Nichoel Klinghagen has been named manager of the Claims Service Units. Desiree Schweigert has joined Dawson Insurance as a commercial lines account assistant. Deckmasters has promoted Josh Smook to manager/project designer and Kirk Davis to warehouse manager. Eide Bailly has accepted Derek Flanagan, Kayce Halley, Jason Olson and Sandi Piatz as partners. Fargo Glass & Paint Company has hired Nicole Bakkegard as human resource manager and Harwood Warnsholz as territory paint sales representative. Gate City Bank has promoted Kim Settel to personal lending manager at the bank’s corporate office in downtown Fargo. Network Center has hired Brady Dykema as its licensing/inventory controller. RDO Equipment Co. has hired Karla Bitz, Jenna Cole, Ryan Doll, Bobbie Krag, Rebecca Ljungren, Ross Lykken, Alissa Roberts and Cody Walls in its field support office in Fargo. Starion Financial has hired Cheryl Landsem as a credit analyst III and Andrea Berg as a relationship officer. U.S. Bank has hired Angel Evenson as manager of the bank’s location at 505 2nd Ave. N., Danielle Seibel as a sales and service manager at its office at 3802 13th Ave. S., and Patrick Amberson as a sales and service manager at the bank’s location at 1900 N. University Drive. VISIONBank has hired Sirena Aris as an operations assistant, and has

promoted Anna Pangrac to teller supervisor and Brittany Cameron to lead teller. Kathy Olson has joined Western State Bank as vice president/ business banking officer.

Awards & Accolades

For the fifth time, ACME TOOLS has been named the 2014 Tier 1 Distributor Member of the Year by Evergreen Marketing Group, a member-owned cooperative organization founded in 1989 by construction/industrial supply distributors. Distributors and manufacturers are divided into three tiers based on size and then ranked by contribution, growth, participation, and member and manufacturer input. Sam Wilke, a professional engineer with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services has been named as one of Civil & Structural Engineer Magazine’s 2015 Rising Stars in Structural Engineering. The Rising Stars program recognizes structural engineers 40 years old or younger working in the United States who have shown exceptional technical capability, leadership ability, effective teaching or research and public service benefiting the structural engineering profession, their employers, project owners and society. American Family Insurance agent DJ Colter has been recognized for providing outstanding customer experience under the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program. The service excellence distinction is determined through a customer satisfaction survey which measures customers’ overall experience with their current American Family agent. Several agents with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties were recognized with awards at the company’s recent annual convention in Las Vegas. John Knosalla, Jared Blankenship, Mary Eberhard, Meagan Margheim and Mehgan Oye were named to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Chairman’s Circle — Diamond for 2014. Sabrina

Anderson, Mari Santoyo, Kim Meyers and Fatme Younes-Zriek were named to the President’s Circle for 2014. Mark Mason, DeAnne Mason, Cathy Hahn and Rod Richter received the 2014 Leading Edge Society Award, and Kim Kelsh was named to the Honor Society for 2014. Joseph Rizzo, a developer with Beyond Shelter has received certification as a Housing Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. HDFP certification is given to individuals who complete NDC’s housing development finance training series, which includes instruction in single-family home ownership finance, multifamily housing development finance, housing development finance including problem-solving and deal structuring, and the creation and implementation of development programs. Hatch Realty has recognized several of its agents for accomplishments in April. They include: Marc Hedlund, top listings taken and top sold listings; Emily Duma and Angie Nelson, top pended buyer transactions; Nelson, top closed buyer transactions; and Robby Trefethren, top inside sales agent. Insure Forward was named one of Western National Insurance Group’s top 25 central regional agency partners for 2015. The annual recognition is announced to spotlight a group of partners who have excelled based on performance and growth, and demonstrate that they meet high standards of professional excellence and integrity. Network Center has achieved Cisco Advanced Unified Access Specialized in USA. By achieving this distinction, Network Center has proved it has the ability to provide sophisticated, value-added Cisco Unified Access solutions through its sales capabilities, technology skills and service offerings. The company was also named to Penton Technology’s eighth annual MSPmentor 501 Global Edition, a list and report identifying the world’s top 501 managed service providers. New Briefs continued on page 28

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Help Your HBA Grow With ‘1-for-1’ Challenge As our industry heads into the busy summer season, take a moment to think about

all of the companies you do business with each day. Are they HBA members? Each year, the Association sets a goal for new members to recruit in the upcoming year. We share this goal with the entire membership and ask for your help in reaching it. Yet, we have a small number of members, committee members and board members that come through with new recruits. While we are extremely grateful for these individuals and the work they put into recruiting new members, we would prefer it to be a membership-wide effort. On behalf of the HBA board of directors, I challenge you to recruit one new member this year. We will refer to this as the 1-for-1 Challenge. The first step is to take a look at the companies you work with on a day-to-day basis and see which ones are not currently members. You can reference the Membership Directory and Consumer Guide to find out. Copies are available at our office or online at www. hbafm.com/directory. It is important for the Association to continue to grow along with the industry so we can continue to serve as the voice of the industry with our local, state and national legislators. Please keep in mind that we have criteria that members be either Builders in good standing or Associates otherwise related to the building industry. In addition to the satisfaction of helping to grow the membership of the Association, for each new member you recruit your name will go into a drawing to win one of eight $200 cash prizes. The more new members you recruit, the higher your odds of winning! As always, if you need help with your recruits, please contact Membership & Marketing Coordinator Allison Weckman, allisonw@hbafm.com or (701) 232-5846. We also have our membership application available on our website: www.hbafm.com.

Another successful Parade of Homes is in the books

Our 55th Annual Spring Parade of Homes was a great success with positive feedback from the Builders who participated. Thank you to all who helped make this event happen. We appreciate what you do. See pages 20-21 for a recap on the Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes Celebration was May 14 with many door prizes and cash prizes handed out to attendees. See pages 16-17 for a recap and details.

Golf season is here!

There is still time to sign up for the HBA’s Golf Outing June 16 or July 14. For the third year, we have two afternoon flights to choose from! Take advantage of your Association’s most popular social event to get out in the fresh air, network with other members and possibly win some great door prizes. This year’s outings will be at Oxbow Country Club and include a free golf clinic, lunch, dinner and a chance to win prizes. Fill out the registration form included as an insert and send it in to the HBA. Check out page 11 or contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 232-5846 or lindsey@ hbafm.com for details.

Remodelers: Get your projects ready for fourth annual Remodeled Home Tour

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

June at a glance

June 1-12

Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades

June 2

Education Commitee

June 2-6 Spring Board of Directors

June 9 Public Issue Commitee June 10 Membership

Committee

June 12 Events Commitee

June 15 Parade of Homes Commitee

June 16 HBA Golf Outing

June 17-18 NDAB Board &

Golf Tourney

June 25 Lunch Session:

Closing Disclosure Changes

June 30 Lunch Session:

Stormwater Management Panel

Our fourth-annual Remodeled Home Tour is coming up Oct. 3-4. While that may seem like a long way off, it truly isn’t. Think about those clients who may be interested in showcasing their remodeled home or room and opening it up to the public. Previous participants had wonderful feedback and we would like to see member participation skyrocket! Contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 232-5846 or lindsey@hbafm.com for details, or see page 31.

Clay Dietrich, HBA President Dietrich Homes, Inc.

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Moorhead Allows Alternate Methods for Foundation Insulation

by Krista Mund, Communications Manager The HBA of F-M requested alternate methods for insulating basements in Moorhead due to code changes that occurred with the adoption of the 2015 Minnesota Residential Energy Code earlier this year. These alternates were requested as the new code does not consider our building practices due to heavy clay soil in the Red River Valley. In a letter to the HBA of F-M, Moorhead Building Official Jack Nyberg approved of the two methods. 1. Contractors may use two-inch (R10) foam or threeinch (R15) smooth-face foam (without vertical grooves) instead of the code requirement for foam with drainage grooves or the six mil poly drainage plain on the outside of smooth-face foam basement insulation. 2. Contractors may use continuous R15 spray foam insulation on the interior of our concrete foundations (without any exterior insulation). Framing must be held off the foundation wall far enough for the R15 foam to be continuous behind the framing members. The inspections department requires a written request including the signed and printed name of both the builder and building owner for each address on which the alternate methods will be used. In the letter, Nyberg reminds contractors that a 15-minute thermal barrier will be required over all foam insulation installed on the interior of a building.

Background

• Drainage plain requirement - The 2015 Minnesota Residential Energy Code requires a drainage plain on the outside of foam basement insulation that is unnecessary for homes constructed in Moorhead. Soils analysis shows that area soil is impermeable and does not drain water. It also shows that lateral earth pressures are 65 pounds per cubic foot. This information demonstrated that the drainage plain required on the outside of foam insulation for basements will be ineffective. • R-15 continuous insulation on exterior walls - The new code requirement did not include an option for interior application of insulation. HBA leaders found that is inconsistent with the 2012 IECC which allows the

insulation to be continuous on either interior or exterior basement walls. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry amended the code as such to protect block foundation systems from degradation based on analysis by the University of Minnesota. Our area soils prevent use of block foundations and the Association has proof that continuous-poured concrete foundation systems do not degrade when exposed to the elements without exterior insulation applied.

Moorhead Expands Hours, Welcomes New Hires Through Sept. 25, Moorhead will provide expanded office

hours for development services (building codes, engineering, planning, and neighborhood services). Hours of operation will be 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Last month, Moorhead also announced two new hires in building codes to provide timely plan review and inspection service to the construction industry. With these additions, the city will have the same staff level as during the peak building boom of the mid 2000s. • Curtis Coil: assistant building official • Jesse Knutson: combination building/plumbing inspector Coil has worked in the construction industry since 2006 and holds both Minnesota and North Dakota master plumber licenses. Knutson has worked in the construction industry for eight years and recently passed his master plumber license exam. Building Official Jack Nyberg indicates that “the versatility of these new staff members will be additional assets to the City of Moorhead team, allowing us to be more responsive to the increasing volume of construction Moorhead is experiencing.” The following staff members are returning or in place. Returning: • Harold Bradsteen: seasonal combination building/ plumbing inspector In place: • Jack Nyberg: building official • Daniel Castaneda: combination building/plumbing inspector • Dawn Fuxa: office specialist

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Events Highlight PAC, raise over $1K by Michael Pfau, Public Affairs Intern

Dawn Cruff, Green Team Realty, and John Koerselman, Red River Drywall & Painting Services, Inc., teamed up to raise awareness and funds for the North Dakota Association of Builders Political Action Committee (NDABPAC) during the Spring Parade of Homes Celebration May 14. Before the celebration, members started with a PAC Mixer at Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead’s luxury home in West Fargo that was featured on the Parade. Members gathered to learn more about PAC over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, donated by Nancy Kelly, Labor Masters. From there, the members went to the celebration where a wine and beer tree was waiting. Supplied with donated wine from Cruff and donated beer from Koerselman, guests at the celebration event were able to pay $20 for one bag or $30 for two bags. All of the wine and beer were concealed in brown paper bags, giving the element of surprise. The tree raised over $1,000 for NDAB-PAC. Thank you to all of our dedicated members that helped put together these events and to the members who participated!

Dawn Cruff, Green Team Realty, helps Stephanie Lindemann, Revive Contracting, and Paul Lindemann, Lindemann Finish Carpentry, Inc. at the wine and beer tree.

Donate to PAC to Support Your Industry Issues that affect the homebuilding

industry arise every day, and the HBA works hard to be at the forefront of those important issues. With funds secured through PAC donations, the HBA of F-M is able to support proJohn Koerselman BUILD-PAC Alternate housing officials on the local, state and Trustee national level. Red River Drywall & The homebuilding industry has Painting Services, Inc. two PACs that stand behind issues affecting you and your business. National Association of Homes Builder’s BUILD PAC is at the national level, housed in Washington, D.C. Contributions to BUILD-PAC allow for support towards home building issues federally. North Dakota Association of Builder’s PAC is on the state level. All contributions to BUILD-PAC, also contribute to state and local issues, allowing the HBA of F-M and NDAB to support pro-housing candidates in local and state elections. Both PACs are non partisan and support candidates that care about our industry. A small percentage of the HBA of F-M membership invests in PAC, but 100% can be affected by pro-housing legislation. It is not a Builder Member issue only. By increasing the number of members involved in PAC we will help build a solid, unified voice for the housing industry locally, in our state and in Washington. What does PAC do for me? • PAC opens doors to ensure housing remains a key driver of our economy • PAC helps eliminate burdensome regulations • Most of all, PAC is OUR voice locally, statewide and nationally Help the HBA of F-M by fight over-regulation and maintain strong housing growth by contributing to PAC and showing strength in numbers. Together, we show that we care and are concerned about the future of the building industry. We make our contributions to PAC because we believe that cooperation equals strength. As individuals, it’s extremely hard to influence the Legislature or Congress on issues that can devastate our businesses. But working together, we can show our strength, and PAC is our front line of defense. It’s a cooperative partnership that works, but your support is needed. Thank you to all members who have already contributed to PAC or have contributed in the past. The HBA of F-M encourages members who haven’t given to PAC, to seriously consider making their first contribution. Starting with even $20 makes a difference. If you have questions about PAC or making a contribution, please call John Koerselman, Red River Drywall & Painting Services, Inc., at (701) 282-7667.

Thank you to Nancy Kelly, Labor Masters, for donating hors d’oeuvres for the PAC Mixer.

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PUBLIC ISSUES

Highlights: MN Fire Sprinkler Rules by Jenny Erickson, Director of Development & Education

As of Jan. 24, 2015, Minnesota townhomes, twin-homes and single-family dwellings larger than 4,500 sq. ft. must have a sprinkler system installed. Builders Association of Minnesota and the city of Moorhead have been working hard to provide information and determine the installation process. BAM developed a member field guide on the fire sprinkler system requirements. Contact Mary Campbell at (651) 646-7959 ext. 163 or mary@bamn.org to receive your username and password to access the guides. Some highlights include: • Types of sprinkler systems allowed include stand-alone, passive purge and multipurpose sprinkler systems. (Stand-alone sprinkler system is separate and independent from the water-distribution system. Passive purge systems supply water only to the fire sprinklers and a single domestic fixture. Multi-purpose sprinkler systems integrate with the home’s domestic water system.) • The average residential sprinkler system is designed to flow to two sprinklers for ten minutes minimum, needing approximately 225-gallon water supply. • The average coverage of a single sprinkler head cannot exceed 400 sq. ft. • A closet does not need a sprinkler in it if the following are true: • The closet does not exceed 24 sq. ft. • The closet walls are dry-walled • Bathrooms not more than 55 sq. ft. do not need sprinklers, provided the walls and ceilings are drywalled. • There are also requirements for attached garages, attached covered patios, decks and three-and-four-season porches.

The city of Moorhead has distributed information on the process that will be used in Moorhead. • •

•

Determine if you will use a stand-alone fire suppression system or multipurpose (combination) fire suppression system. Stand-alone fire suppression systems • Stand-alone fire suppression systems may be installed by any Minnesota-licensed fire-suppression contractor. The contractor designs the fire-suppression system based on the building plan. • Submit the fire-suppression plan to Minnesota state fire marshal. The fire marshal will acknowledge receipt and issue a “Notice to Proceed” to the fire-suppression contractor. Plan review information and permit application is available at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm or you can contact fire.sprinklers@state.mn.us or (651) 201-7200. • Once you have received the “notice to proceed,” submit the “notice to proceed,” house plans and permit application to Moorhead’s building codes office. • Moorhead issues building permit. • Rough-in inspection is completed once fire-suppression contractor contacts the Moorhead fire marshal at chad.stangeland@cityofmoorhead. com or (218) 299-5433. • Other inspections (framing, insulation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and building) can proceed. Multi-purpose (combination) fire-suppression systems • Select a plumber. At the present time, the rules and licensure for multipurpose sprinkler installation is still being developed. Currently, Uponor is the only company designing combination fire suppression systems. Installation must be conducted by Minnesota-licensed and Uponorcertified plumbers. Uponor-certified plumbers provide house plans to Uponor and Uponor designs the fire-suppression system for the plumber doing the installation. • Uponor designs the combination system for the certified plumber. The MN Fire Sprinkler Rules continued on page 23

Basement Construction in Fargo: Wall Bracing Specs Coming Soon From HBA Revisions to Fargo’s floodproof

basement design became effective in January. The HBA of F-M and its members have worked to clarify the information and process. The HBA has commissioned a standard drawing for wall bracing at the top of the basement where the trusses run parallel to the wall. At press time, the drawings had been submitted to the city of Fargo for approval. Once approved, the drawing can be used an alternative method. This document will be available for members only and will save contractors time and money. Here are some tips in complying with the requirements: Before a permit will be issued, foundation plans must show required construction details per city floodproof specifications. Items inspectors look for on the foundation plan include the type of reinforcing option you are using (contractors can use different reinforcing options for different walls). The HBA recommends working with your concrete company and truss manufacturer to ensure that the correct information is present on the plans before submitting for a permit. The city of Fargo’s “Floodproof Construction Requirements,” document has all information necessary to obtain a permit for floodproof construction and is available from Fargo’s inspections division. We recommend you build more time for the permitting process the first time you build a floodproof basement in 2015. Background: In January, FEMA revised the

Flood Proof Basement Construction in Fargo continued on page 23

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Thank you Sponsors! Birdie Sponsor

Attention Golfers! All abilities are welcome in the HBA of F-M annual Golf Outings. We would love to see a variety of the HBA members out for a round of golf June 16 and July 14 at Oxbow Country Club, 130 Oxbow Dr., Oxbow, N.D.

Registration

There are only a select amount of spots available - so make sure to sign up soon! See the insert included in this issue. Games and great prizes are available on many of the holes and each participant gets a chance at a variety of door prizes during dinner! Plus, a FREE golf clinic, Tips from the Pro, is available to all golfers prior to tee time. Lunch sponsored by BlackRidgeBANK and NAI North Central, will also be available during this time.

Beverage Sponsor

Lunch Sponsors

Registration & Cart Sponsors

Schedule 10:15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:15 a.m. Registration & Lunch 10:30 a.m. Tips from the Pro 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start 5:30 p.m. Dinner, Awards, Prizes

Sponsorships available starting as low as $250!

There are still sponsorships available for this event. Contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com to secure your spot. Aggregate Industries Alerus Allied Building Products Anderson Fercho Appraisal Services Inc Arvig Bell State Bank Carpet World Cass County Abstract Cass County Electric Coop

Hole Sponsors

Central Minnesota Credit Union Crane Johnson Dakota Fastening Dawson Insurance Enclave Fargo Truss Systems Gate City Bank Goodin Company Hebron Brick Supply Lampert Lumber

Luxury Builders/Designs MidStates Truss Network Cabling Services Rebuilding Together Stone Countertop Outlet Stone Holding Company TCI Insurance Waterfront Kitchen & Bath

Dinner Sponsor

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NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS

NDAB Looks Nationally We kicked off June with our annual

visit to Washington, D.C., for National Association of Home Builders meetings as well as our annual meetings with our national delegates U.S. Sens. Hoeven and Heitkamp. Typically we meet with Congressman Cramer too, but the House was on break during our time LeRoy Kurtyka NDAB President there. One of the topics we covered with our legislators was highlighted by NAHB recently and I want to draw attention to it here. Visit www.nahb.org for more information and I’ll look forward to keeping you all up to date on more issues affecting our industry. May 13, 2015 - The NAHB today commended the House for passing legislation that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from vastly increasing federal jurisdiction over the nation’s waterways and wetlands without going through the proper rule making process. “This legislation would prevent a federal land grab that would raise housing costs and harm conservation, water quality, job growth and economic development,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. Approved by a bipartisan vote of 261 to155, H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, would require EPA and the Corps to withdraw their proposed rule and develop a new plan in consultation with state and local governments and other affected stakeholders, including the small business community. The bill also stipulates that such a plan must be based on sound economic and scientific analysis. By proposing to dramatically enlarge the definition of “waters of the United States” to include almost any water body, such as ditches, mudflats, isolated ponds and other water features, the agencies would vastly increase federal regulatory power over private property. “The proposed rule would not add any meaningful environmental protections but it would exacerbate regulatory uncertainty by significantly extending the areas in which home builders are required to get permits,” said Woods. “In turn, this would lead to bureaucratic delays, additional costs and more expensive homes.” The agencies failed to consult with state and local governments before unveiling their plan last year, prompting 34 states to formally request that the proposed rule be withdrawn. Moreover, EPA and the Corps did not adhere to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which requires an assessment on how the proposal would affect America’s small businesses. NAHB is urging the Senate to pass companion legislation S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, sponsored by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.).

Advocacy Advocacy is a big piece of your

membership at the local, state and national levels. We advocate for what is best for the building industry at city commission meetings, during the Legislative session and with members of Congress. We work closely with our members and the advocates at the National Association of Home Builders to ensure that our voices are Kim Schneider NDAB Executive Officer being heard on the issues that are of importance to the homebuilding industry. BuilderLink is a great national grassroots program through NAHB that connects members of Congress to their constituents. Your voice is the strongest and holds the most impact when it comes to those who represent you. As NAHB reminds us, if you have a state in homebuilding, then you know that every day Congress makes decisions that affect the home building industry and your bottom line. Another way to support advocacy work is donate to NDABPAC or BUILD-PAC. If you haven’t yet, it may be because you aren’t aware of exactly what a PAC is and what your contribution really is used for. NDAB-PAC is the North Dakota Association of Builders’ Political Action Committee. It is a non-partisan political action committee which provides support for candidates who are friends of the building industry. BUILD-PAC stands for Builders United in Legislative Decisions Political Action Committee. Just like NDAB-PAC, BUILDPAC disburses money to candidates and committees – both Republican and Democrat - and works hand-in-hand with NAHB’s advocacy team to be your voice at the national level and on Capitol Hill. Both PACs believe there is strength in numbers and act as a front line of defense for the industry, monitoring legislative issues, supporting pro-housing, probusiness candidates. Matters that are critical to the industry that are currently being monitored include tax, housing finance and immigration reform, preserving the mortgage interest deduction, flood insurance, and energy efficiency and environmental issues. NDAB-PAC has representatives from each of the six local associations with each having a trustee and alternate trustee represented across the state. BUILD-PAC has over 150 trustees that represent from across the nation, including a trustee from North Dakota, and are made up of members who understand the issues impacting their home states. According to NAHB, BUILD-PAC has raised over $1.88 million and disbursed more than $1.5 million to Congressional candidates and committees in the 2013-2014 election cycle. BUILD-PAC is one of the most recognized and well-respected PACs in Washington and NDAB is proud to be a part of its team. All levels of contributions are welcomed and appreciated and can be given in the form of personal check, cash or credit card. BUILD-PAC has levels ranging from Delegate up to Capitol Club. If interested in learning more about donating, please call our office or visit www.ndbuild.com/ndab-pac/ or www.nahb.org/buildpac. www.hbafm.com

NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS BISMARCK-MANDAN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION DOT FRANK, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 222-2400 BMHBA.COM • The Spring Parade of Homes attracted more than 3,500 adult attendees. The Parade featured 43 homes in Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln with an average price of $429,680. • The association hosted NAHB’s webinar “The Remodeler’s Guide to Happy Customers.” The event was held in the association board room and included lunch and discussion. • The Spring General Membership Meeting & Awards Ceremony was held at the Baymont Inn & Suites on May 12. More than 100 members enjoyed a meal, association updates and congratulated Parade of Homes award winners. • The Annual Membership Picnic will take place June 11 at The Post in Mandan. Free beer, a catered BBQ and cash bar serve as event staples.

DICKINSON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION IRENE SCHAFER, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 483-0044 DICKINSONAREABUILDERS.COM

• Dickinson builders are looking forward to a very busy summer. • We wrapped up our Home Show and are busy working on Home Show 2016. We are 25-30 percent booked for next year. • The annual picnic and golf scramble will be scheduled for August. Watch for more details.

FORX BUILDERS ASSOCIATION BETTY MCDONALD, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 746-4536 FORXBUILDERS.COM

• Our annual Sporting Clay Shoot was held at the Dakota Hunting Club. Thank you to Andersen Windows & Doors for sponsoring the event. It was a great day for everyone. Thank you to all the station sponsors and shooters. • The welcome mat is out for those coming to Grand Forks for the June NDAB Board of Directors Meeting and the Birdie with the Builders Golf Outing June 17 and 18.

• The 2015 Project House is completed and we are proud to announce that we have a buyer. Graduation for the Northland Community & Technical College students that worked on the house was May 15. Scholarships were presented to the residential carpentry students.

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

• Annual MAB Trap Shoot Night and Fun Night will be at 5 p.m. June 22. Steak Fry sponsored by Real Builders • Annual Past Presidents' Golf Tournament will be Aug. 17 with registration starting at noon. • September Builders After Hours will be hosted by Verendrye Electric at its Minot office.

WILLISTON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION BETH SUNDHEIM, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 572-5744 WILLISTONBUILDERS.COM

• Our 2015 5th Annual Home & Garden Show was a great success with increased booths and attendance. Miss North Dakota and Miss Williston State College were present for pictures and to sign autographs. A community booth was overflowing with the police department, fire department, Williston State College, Catholic Health and The Rotary Club. The food drive for Salvation Army brought in 323 pounds of food. WABA donated $500 to Salvation Army. • May’s General Membership Meeting was sponsored by The city of Williston building department and Montana Dakota Utilities. Updates on building codes were provided along with Association news. We encourage you to be a part of the active networking in the building industry.

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

Get the FAQ on New Closing Rules that Take Effect Aug. 1

on May 15, 2015 As NAHBNow reported last month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will institute new rules on Aug. 1 regarding disclosures under the Truth in Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act that will affect all home builders, particularly those with a real estate lending arm. NAHB has put together a new FAQ and other resources listed below to prepare you for the changes so that your home closings will not be delayed. Under the new procedures as a result of the Dodd Frank Act, four documents will be merged into two. The Good Faith Estimate and Truth in Lending disclosures will be eliminated and combined into a new single Loan Estimate form, or “LE.” In addition, the final Truth in Lending Disclosure and HUD1 Settlement Statement are being replaced by the Closing Disclosure, or “CD.”

What Do These Changes Mean?

Under the new rule, the biggest change is that the Closing Disclosure must be provided to the consumer a full three days prior to the closing, and if there are changes during that 72hour period, the closing could be delayed. Currently, the HUD-1 Settlement Statement can be presented to the buyer on the day of closing and any changes to the statement can take place during the loan closing. In addition, the Loan Estimate must be delivered to the prospective buyer no later than three business days after receiving the application.

Changes Aimed at Helping Consumers

These new rules are intended to streamline the loan application process and make it easier for consumers to understand by clearly spelling out the most relevant details all on one page – the interest rate of the mortgage loan, the amount of the monthly payments and a listing of all the closing costs. For consumers applying for adjustable rate mortgages, the documents will explain how their interest rate and future monthly payments could change based on certain factors. During the rulemaking process, NAHB was actively involved by submitting comment letters, both individually and with coalition partners, urging the CFPB to ensure that any changes that would make it easier for consumers to understand and comply with the settlement process would not place any undue burdens on builders, lenders and other housing professionals. The HBA of F-M will hold a Lunch Session in June to cover this topic. See page 23 for details.

Builder Confidence Falls Two Points in May

May 18, 2015 Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family 14

homes in May dropped two points to a level of 54 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. It is a nine-point increase from the May 2014 reading of 45. “Despite this month’s slight dip, builder confidence in the new home market remains above the 50-point benchmark,” says NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. “Overall, the second quarter of 2015 is shaping up to be very solid.” “Consumers are exhibiting caution, and want to be on more stable financial footing before purchasing a home,” says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “On the bright side, the HMI component measuring future sales expectations has been tracking upward all year, mortgage rates remain low, and house prices are affordable. These factors should spur the release of pent-up demand moving forward.” Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current singlefamily home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor. The index’s components were mixed in May. The component charting sales expectations in the next six months rose one point to 64, the index measuring buyer traffic dropped a single point to 39, and the component gauging current sales conditions decreased two points to 59. Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the South and Midwest each rose one point to 57 and 55, respectively. The Northeast fell by one point to 41 and the West dropped three points to 55.

Housing Production Jumps 20.2 Percent in April

May 19, 2015 Nationwide housing starts rose 20.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.135 million units in April from an upwardly revised March reading, according to newly released data from the U.S. Commerce Department. This is the highest level of housing production since November 2007. Both housing sectors registered production gains this month. Single-family housing starts increased 16.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 733,000 in April while multifamily starts rose 27.2 percent to 402,000 units. “Our builders tell us that consumers are slowly returning to the market,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. “This month’s report shows release of pent-up demand and evidence of a sustainable housing recovery.” Housing Production Jumps 20.2 Percent in April continued on next page www.hbafm.com

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS Housing Production Jumps 20.2 Percent in April continued from previous page “The April gains make up for the production dips we saw in the past two months, but single-family housing is still only about halfway back to what could be considered a normal market,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “With low interest rates and affordable home prices, we expect more upward momentum in the months ahead.” Combined single- and multifamily starts were up in three out of the four regions in April. The Northeast posted an 85.9 percent gain, the Midwest rose 27.8 percent and the West increased 39 percent. Housing production dropped 1.8 percent in the South. Overall permit issuance rose 10.1 percent in April to a rate of 1.143 million. Multifamily permits registered a 20.5 percent gain to a rate of 477,000 while single-family permits increased 3.7 percent to 666,000. Regionally, the Northeast, South and West posted respective permit gains of 38.8 percent, 9.9 percent and 3 percent. Permits dipped 1.3 percent in the Midwest.

Senate Bill Would Fix Flawed EPA Water Proposal that Harms Housing, Economy

May 19, 2015 The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today urged the Senate to pass pending legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency to go back to the drawing board and withdraw its proposed “waters of the United States” rule that would needlessly raise housing costs, trample states’ rights and add more regulatory burdens to small businesses. Testifying before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Randy Noel, third vice chairman of NAHB and a home builder from LaPlace, La., told lawmakers that home building is one of the most regulated activities in this country. “As a small business owner, I can tell you from 30 years of home building experience what it will take to make this regulatory rule successful,” he said. “It needs to be consistent. It needs to be predictable. And it needs to be timely. Most importantly, it needs to focus on protecting true aquatic resources. The proposed rule provides none of that.” For years, landowners and regulators alike have been frustrated with uncertainty regarding the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. When the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed this rule, it was supposed to provide clarity

and certainty. Unfortunately, the proposed rule falls far short of that goal. Instead of clarity, it provides broader definitions of existing regulatory categories, such as tributaries. It also seeks to regulate additional areas that are not currently federally regulated, such as adjacent non-wetlands, floodplains and other waters. “This rule is so extreme that the federal government would actually regulate roadside ditches or isolated streams that may flow only after a heavy rainfall,” said Noel. The vague definitions would trigger additional expensive and time-consuming permitting and regulatory requirements for home building and other industries that would harm job and economic growth and increase housing costs, he added. “I have been forced to walk away from building projects due to excessive permitting and mitigation costs,” said Noel. “The only winners with the proposed rule would be lawyers, because this rule would certainly lead to more litigation.” Moreover, the federal agencies failed to consult with state and local governments before unveiling the proposal last year, as required by law. EPA and the Corps also never assessed how the proposed rule would impact small businesses, as mandated by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and failed to provide an accurate and statistically valid cost-benefit analysis to accompany the plan. Last week, the House passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act. The bill would force the agencies to withdraw this rule, go back and consult with state and local governments, conduct meaningful discussions with small business stakeholders, and produce an accurate cost-benefit analysis. The agencies could then re-propose an updated rule. Senate bill S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, accomplishes this same goal while also providing the agencies with some guidance on how to identify a jurisdictional water. The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). “NAHB strongly urges the Senate to act quickly to prevent the agencies from finalizing this flawed rule,” said Noel. “Enacting the Senate bill will provide the clarity we all need on what constitutes a water of the United States.”

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CELEBRATION SPONSORED BY by Allison Weckman, Membership & Marketing Coordinator The HBA of F-M membership celebrated a very successful Spring Parade of Homes May 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn. It was a perfect night to recognize the Builder participants and trade partners who put 90 beautiful homes on the 55th annual Parade. Over 150 members attended and had the chance to win one of our amazing door prizes and take part in our regular 1/4, 1/4, 1/2 game with a chance to win up to half the pot. The evening’s door prizes were donated by CenturyLink, DJ Colter

Agency, Capital Credit Union and Valley Landscaping. Thank you to all of the participating Builders, suppliers and trade partners, Parade of Homes Celebration Featured Sponsor CenturyLink and HBA’s Parade of Homes Committee. Area Operations Manager, Terry VanWatermulen, from CenturyLink spoke about the future of homebuilding. “Fiber technology allows developers and home builders to attract home buyers that need high-speed Internet with speeds up to one Gbps,” VanWatermulen says. “Whether it’s the ability to download movies faster, play online games, or have superior connection to run a business from home, fiber delivers a better user experience for families.” The three luxury featured homes raised $9,625 for Home Builders Care of FargoMoorhead Foundation. For more details on the homes see page 20. Thank you to Monica Hart, Monica Hart Interior Design, for being the emcee for the evening. Hart has owned her business for seven years and is an active HBA member where she has served on the Parade of Homes committee and is currently treasurer for HBC.

Welcome new Parade Builders!

Travis VanDoren VanDoren Building Company LLC

Randy Brogren Outdoor Concepts, LLC

Blake Brogren Outdoor Concepts, LLC

Ben Anderson Benjamin Custom Homes, LLC

Qin Ni Qin construction Inc.

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PRIZE WINNERS

First-Time Parade Entry Category Winner of $100

Grand Prize Winner of $900

Travis VanDoren, VanDoren Building Company

Steve Larson, Heritage Homes

Winner of $400

Dan Wendt, Wendt Construction, Inc.

Winner of $250

Jason Eid, Eid-Co

Multiple Parade Entry Category (more than three entries) Winner of $100 Jason Eid, Eid-Co Homes

Other Builder cash drawing winners

Clay Dietrich, Dietrich Homes $100 Harry Gilbertson, Harry Gilbertson Construction $100 Gary Orth, Cornerstone Specialties $50 Doug Mjolsness, Doug Mjolsness Construction $50 Dan Parrow, ISR Homes $50 Vern Hanson, Hanson Bros., Inc. $50

Participation Payoff winner Tom Spaeth, Accent Contracting

Social Game (Putting Contest) winner $50 off a single golf outing registration Nick Langeberg, Dietrich Homes, Inc.

Winner of $50 to Scheels from CenturyLink Rachel Kinneberg, Dietrich Homes, Inc.

Valley Landscaping Door Prize Brian Hanson, Heritage Homes

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Good News, Bad News on F-M Area Diversion Actions

by Krista Mund, Communications Manager The HBA of F-M is very involved in the effort to secure permanent flood protection and supports construction of the F-M Area Diversion. Here are the latest updates: • Legislation supporting P3 projects advances - U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (N.D.) announced last month that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on Energy and Water has included language and funding in its 2016 appropriations bill that supports flood projects for Fargo, Minot and LaMoure. As a member of the committee, Hoeven worked to secure the provisions, which will help these communities move forward on flood protection projects. Of interest to the F-M area, this legislation provides the means to fund construction of permanent flood protection projects with an emphasis on public private partnerships like the F-M Area Diversion. “P3 projects” are public works projects financed and built by private firms, which proponents say is more efficient than waiting for drawn-out federal appropriations. • Judge stops construction of Oxbow ring dike - John R. Tunheim, U.S. district judge in Minneapolis, ordered work on the Oxbow-Hickson-Bakke Ring Levee Project to stop until the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources completes its environmental review of the F-M Area Diversion project. The Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority has asked the judge to reverse the decision. The Oxbow-Hickson-Bakke ring levee is designed to protect these communities from existing flooding and to protect against water that would be stored upstream of Fargo-Moorhead by the diversion project. • Assessment district passes election - Voters approved an assessment district April 30 to help finance the F-M Area Diversion. Seventy-nine percent of the 623 million votes returned were “yes” votes, the Cass County Joint Water Resource District said in a release.

You don’t have to brag when

you’re in good company.

The Good Company Program – An Exclusive Benefit for NAHB Members • Builder Backed Service Program • Front Line Warranty Service • New Construction Home Warranty Service Agreement

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You’ll consider yourself in good company... so will your buyer.

ND, MN Legislative Sessions Come to a Close

by Krista Mund, Communications Manager North Dakota’s legislative session ended in late April. As of press time, Minnesota’s regular session had ended, but legislators faced a special session to complete unfinished work. Here is a brief recap outlining the sessions and what’s next. If you would like more detail on any bills the HBA of F-M, NDAB or BAM dealt with, contact the office at (701) 232-5846.

North Dakota

• The HBA and NDAB opposed SB 2147 which was a “One Call” excavation notice system. It failed the House 24-65 on March 27. This bill required every excavator working in North Dakota and making One Call locate requests to pay each effected utility’s locate costs after the second locate request on a project. There were no specifics as to the limit of those individual costs as the bill said “…the excavator is responsible for reasonable costs associated with relocating facilities in that location.” • SB 2167 would provide a legislative management study of the One Call system. The HBA and NDAB supported this bill, which was passed by both chambers, signed by the Governor, and filed with the Secretary of State March 17. • SB 2257 relates to extending the housing incentive fund program and tax credit while continuing to provide an appropriation. The bill was voted on and defeated in the Senate 14-33 April 8. • SB 2278 relates to contractor licensing, renewal and late fees. The HBA supported this bill, which passed the Senate 42-2 April 14.

Minnesota

The regular 2015 legislative session adjourned at midnight May 18. though Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed the Omnibus Education bill. According to the Builders Association of Minnesota, a special session likely will be held before July 1. Where and when the special session will be held is up in the air as legislators and staff relocate to allow for renovations of the capitol building to continue. Top lines for the home building industry are: • The six-year code cycle, etc. language was presented to the Governor and signed into law last month. • The sprinkler mandate prohibition language did not survive as it was viewed as veto-bait as legislators worked to close up the regular session. A variety of issues including the 50-foot agricultural buffer, wetland items such as permitting authority and fees in lieu of land dedication, and the gas tax remain in limbo until the dust settles and legislative leaders and Gov. Dayton assess what is vetoed and what issues remain to be addressed during a special session. BAM will continue to keep members updated as the dust settles and there is a clear line of sight to the true end of the 2015 legislative work. www.hbafm.com

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Thank you Parade Builders!

HBA Celebrates Successful Parade by Lindsey Nogosek, Events Coordinator Thank you to the Builders who participated in the 55th Spring Parade of Homes. This was the largest Parade of Homes since 2007! Check out a few photo highlights to the right.

Luxury Featured Homes raise over $9,600 for HBC

The three “featured” homes on the 55th Annual Parade of Homes raised $9,625 for the Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation! Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead, Dietrich Homes, Inc., and VanDoren Building Company, LLC volunteered their homes to be “luxury featured” homes and welcomed nearly 2,000 consumers into their homes! Featured homes must be priced over $750,000 and have unique points of interest. Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead’s’ entry was located in The Wilds at Westport in West Fargo at 4708 Chokecherry Ct. W. The home was priced at $899,900. Its modern look and luxurious features made this home stand out. Dietrich Homes, Inc.’s home was in West Fargo’s Shadow Creek development at 551 Lizzie Pl. and was priced at $1.2 million. This unique home had a “pub” feel to the basement and featured an impressive master bathroom. VanDoren Building Company’s home was located in West Fargo’s Strawberry Fields at 3405 4th St. E. Its home was priced at $920,000. This was VanDoren’s first residential build, and it impressed with unique features to the home like a walk-in heated shower. Some additional features included reclaimed lumber, “smart” home technology, spa-like bathroom, wine cellar, full bar, theater room and gourmet kitchen.

Benjamin Custom Homes LLC Blue Ridge Builders BMW Homes, Inc. Brookstone Property Building Concepts Century Homes Cornerstone Specialties Dabbert Custom Homes Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead Dietrich Homes, Inc. Differding Signature Homes Doug Mjolsness Construction, Inc Eid-Co Homes Fiske Construction, LLP Hampton Homes, a division of Windows Plus, Inc Hanson Brothers, Inc Harry Gilbertson Construction Heritage Homes Holly & Company Classic Homes ISR Homes Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc Krueger Construction, Inc Labellken Homes Landmark Homes Monarch Homes Outdoor Concepts Paula Rae Homes & Gardens, Inc Platinum Homes Plecity Kowalski Construction, Inc Prairieland Homes, LLC Qin Construction, Inc Reliant Custom Homes, LLC RHR Construction, Inc Rick Halvorson Construction, Inc. Serenity Homes of Fargo-Moorhead Spire Custom Homes T & S Custom Homes, Inc Thomsen Homes Titan Homes, Inc Turn Key Construction, Inc Urban Prairie Homes V & H Construction, Inc VanDoren Building Company, LLC VanOverschelde Custom Homes, LLC Verity Homes Wendt Construction Co, Inc

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MN Fire Sprinkler Rules continued from page 9 plumber submits design, drawings and calculations to the home builder. Calculations are based on the pipe length and incoming water pressure. • Submit the sprinkler plans along with the house plans and building permit application to Moorhead’s building codes office. • Moorhead will conduct a review of the building and fire suppression system. • Plumber will call Moorhead building codes for a drain, waste and vent and water pipe inspection. • Other inspections can then take place.

Sprinkler systems in lakes country

If you are doing work in lakes country where the inspection process is different, please note that the contractor is responsible to build to the current code. For a stand-alone system, follow the process of submitting the plan to the state fire marshal’s office for approval. For a multi-purpose system you will need to work with Uponor to design the system.

Insurance discounts are available for home owners

Robin Swanson, Superior Insurance, says, “Insurance discounts can range from 4 – 10 percent depending on the insurance company and if bathrooms, attics and closets are included in the sprinkler system.” Information provided by city of Moorhead, the Builders Association of Minnesota and Robin Swanson, Superior Insurance. For more details, contact HBA of F-M at (701) 232-5846.

Flood Proof Basement Construction in Fargo continued from page 9 area’s floodplain map and raised the 100-year flood plain to 39.4 feet which put an additional 2,300 buildings into the at-risk category. Current FEMA guidelines require no more than a 5-foot differential between the base flood elevation and the top of the basement floor. In order to keep building basements, Fargo had to take steps to ensure the basement exception granted by FEMA could continue to be used. The city of Fargo determined that revisions were needed to the “Structural Design Requirements for Floodproofed Basements Design Guide” in order to be approved by FEMA and continue to utilize the basement exception.

Changes to the Closing Process Starting Aug. 1, real estate closing

procedures will change. The Good Faith Estimate, Truth in Lending and HUD-1 Settlement Statements are being replaced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new integrated disclosure forms, the “Loan Estimate,” and “Closing Disclosure.” The biggest change is that the closing disclosure must be provided to the consumer a full three days before the closing. If there are any changes during that 72-hour period, the closing could be delayed. The Title Company will present information on how this new process will work and why it will affect new home construction. Details: When: 11:30 a.m., June 25 Where: HBA of F-M, 1802 32nd Ave. S., Fargo Cost: $10 (includes lunch)

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades in Full Swing This June marks the 18 annual Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades. th

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

This is our best method for introducing students to the industry. Students from all over the area can experience trades ranging from pouring concrete to framing to electrical work to plumbing. The Herdina Academy has continued to evolve to help students find their way into our field. The steering committee continues to explore partnerships to help support the students. The HBA received an Association Excellence Award for the work done on the Herdina Academy. The training is unique to our area and has helped HBA of F-M and Home Builders Care to focus on workforce development. This year, the partnership with Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program continues and five students are attending from the Youthbuild program. We also explored partnerships with Rotary in order to help provide monetary and transportation support to students as needed. I would also like to thank all of our Adopt-A-Student sponsors. We appreciate all of the industry’s support of this program. See the July issue for a full recap. Adopt-A-Student Sponsors

George Blank, Structural Materials, Inc. Clay Dietrich, Dietrich Homes, Inc. Jason Eid, Eid-Co Buildings Harry Gilbertson, Harry Gilbertson Construction John Gunkelman, Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc. Darrick Guthmiller, Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc.

\Ryan Hoss, Matrix Properties Corporation Nancy Kelly, Labor Masters Dave Kraemer, Minnesota State Community & Technical College Tom Spaeth, Accent Contracting Jeff Swenson, Twin City Garage Door, Inc. Dustin Ulmer, Roers Construction and Development, Inc. Home Builders Care is currently working on ways to expand our giving opportunities. We have started thinking about merit-based scholarships, re-training for second careers and other ways we can help continue to build our workforce. If you haven’t donated to Home Builders Care yet this year, please consider making a contribution. This is the Foundation for the industry. We are dedicated to providing a positive outlet for the housing industry.

Past President Mike Anderson, Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

Address inquiries to Jenny Erickson 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 jenny@hbafm.com HBC receives checks for the Luxury Featured Homes and Fish Fry

Dan Parrow HBC President ISR Homes 24

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DECKMASTERS Remodels Showroom DECKMASTERS recently remodeled its entire showroom at 5507 53rd Ave. S., Fargo. The company, which has been in business for 26 years, has been at its current showroom since 2003. With ever-changing styles and options in the industry, the owners decided to remodel DECKMASTER’s 13,600-square-foot showroom and deck lumberyard. The new showroom features 29 decking products, 11 full-size decks, 41 railing displays, six full-size pergolas, 14 fence displays, one full-size gazebo and a basketball court. DECKMASTERS has also hired two employees, Josh Smook and Kirk Davis.

Smook has a background in architectural design and deck construction. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in construction management in 2011. Smook’s hometown is Aberdeen, S.D. His hobbies include cooking, relaxing and hanging out with his friends. He has a twin brother and a younger sister. Davis is originally from the Fargo area and has over 20 years experience in warehousing. In his free time, he enjoys music, playing with his dog, “Kye,” camping, and hiking. “It’s been a new experience. I like the people I work with,” says Davis.

Josh Smook

Kirk Davis

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Moorhead Business Association Works to Grow its Community

by Chelsea Smith, Communications & Office Coordinator You don’t have to own a business in Moorhead, but you do have to be interested in growing Moorhead business and supporting the Moorhead community to join the Moorhead Business Association. Moorhead Business Association, which has 125 members, began five years ago, when the Greater Moorhead Development Corporation, dating back to the early 1940s, dissolved. Out of its ashes, Roger Olson, Sig Olson & Sons Plastering, Inc.; Les Stenerson, Stenerson Lumber; Neil

Mayor Del Rae Williams speaks at the Moorhead Business Association’s First Annual Meeting.

The Moorhead Business Association’s Board of Directors from left to right: Mark Vanyo, Coldwell Banker Real estate; David Hunstad, Old Lutheran/First Ave Promo; Pat Kovash, Kovash Marine; Roger Olson, Sig Olson and Sons Plastering; Bruce Bekkerus, A1 Automotive; Mike Edenborg, Central Minnesota Credit Union; Anna Hanson, ByteSpeed; and Les Stenerson, Stenerson Lumber. Not Pictured Keith Phillips, Farmers Insurance.

Qualey, Bell State Bank & Trust; and Chuck Chadwick, Greater Moorhead Development Corporation pulled together to begin something new. The association held its first Annual Meeting in April, featuring a speech from President Les Stenerson, Stenerson Lumber, and Mayor Del Rae Williams. They also featured historian Mark Piehl, who discussed the history of recreation along the Red River. The MBA fosters growth of Moorhead business through advocacy, networking and information. An important issue the MBA took on and won, was working against officials who wanted to close ramps off the interstate on Highway 52 and I-94 in 26

2011. Not only does the MBA work to be the voice of Moorhead on major advocacy efforts, it also values a good working relationship with representatives, state legislators and city staff. It works closely with city hall, to help open communication lines between members and city staff. Stenerson says, “we try to promote Moorhead positively to help bring in new business. We are not anti-Fargo we are Pro Moorhead.” The MBA meets twice a week, 7-8 a.m. Wednesday mornings at the Moorhead Fryn’ Pan, and 5-6 p.m. Thursday nights for “560 Connect.” The venue for Thursday night meetings rotates among Moorhead bars and restaurants. Olson serves as MBA secretary-treasurer. “You don’t have to be a member to join us for our Wednesday morning meetings, come check out what we are about,” Olson says. The HBA of F-M and the MBA work together to fight overregulation on the home building industry, if you are interested in working with the MBA to begin a Builder committee, contact Stenerson at (218) 233-2754 or visit www. moorheadbusinessassociation.org for more information. www.hbafm.com

Meet Your Committee Chair by Chelsea Smith, Communications

& Office Coordinator Russ Richards, Rebuilding Together, is the Remodelers Council chair. He has served on the Remodelers Council Russ Richards, for six years and became president in Rebuilding Together January. “I became involved to meet other people in the remodeling industry, to learn more and to build a network of resources,” Richards says. He enjoys getting to know people and developing friendships while serving on the council. “At Rebuilding Together we are always looking for skilled people that are willing to donate a few hours to help low-income families live in a safe and healthy home,” Richards says. “Several council members have donated their time in helping us rebuild homes and improve lives.” Richards says the Remodelers Council plays an important role for the HBA of F-M in helping bring together industry professionals, specifically within the remodeling industry to build relationships. The Remodelers Council plans to work with Rebuilding Together on a ramp project in honor of Remodelers Month. Favorite service provided by the HBA: Home Shows What you never knew about me: Traveled to Haiti, Peru and Guatemala on mission trips Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with trees and mountains VIPs I’ve met: Ronald Regan, Mohammed Ali, Angie Dickinson, and Larry Mahan Favorite TV program: Bonanza Last book you read: The Shack Check out page 32 for a recap on the Remodelers Council Picnic!

A handicap-accessible ramp project the Remodelers Council worked on last year.

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News Briefs continued from page 5 Four associates of RE/MAX Realty 1, Moorhead, were recognized at the RE/MAX INTEGRA Midwest regional awards celebration Feb. 11. Honorees were Del Boschee, Platinum Club and Lifetime Achievement awards; Bruce Johnson, Platinum Club award; Jo Kvamme, Executive Club and Hall of Fame Career awards; and Curt Winter, Executive Club award. Robb Johnson, an associate with RE/MAX Realty 1, Fargo, was honored with the 100 Percent and Hall of Fame awards at the recent RE/MAX Mountain States regional awards celebration. Three associates with RE/MAX Realty 1, Fargo, were recognized at the RE/ MAX Mountain States regional awards celebration Feb. 12. Honorees were Robb Lund, 100 Percent and Hall of Fame awards; Steve Lunde, Platinum Club, Lifetime Achievement and #1 Commissions Earned (Team North Dakota) awards; and Luke Bothum, Executive Award. Allyson Burcham of S&S Landscaping was honored for her winning entry in the plant materials division of the display contest sponsored by the North Dakota Nursery and Greenhouse Association. Burcham’s winning entry showed a display of plant combinations that were eye-catching and customer friendly.

Moorhead extends business hours for development services

Through Sept. 25, the city of Moorhead will provide expanded office hours for development services (building codes, engineering, planning and neighborhood services). Hours will be: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The additional hours of operation recognize that contractors and do-ityourself home owners take advantage of the daylight and warm weather to maximize the construction season.

Mark Your Calendar: Golf Outing June 16, July 14 The HBA of F-M’s annual Golf Outing at Oxbow Country Club offers two afternoon flights for all members. Don’t wait to sign up as space is limited and registration is on a first28

come-first-serve basis. Cost is $100 per person. Registration includes “Tips from the Pro” golf clinic, golf cart, green fees, promo bags, lunch, dinner and the opportunity to win one of the many exciting door prizes during dinner! See page 11 for more details and check out the insert for your registration and sponsorship form. Those interested in attending can contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 2325846 or lindsey@hbafm.com.

interested, contact the HBA office at (701) 232-5846 or info@hbafm.com.

Muddy Boots Picnic July 29, Family Picnic Aug. 13

Remodeled Home Tour: Forms out in June

Contractors, mark your calendars to attend the HBA of F-M’s contractor appreciation event, Muddy Boots Picnic, July 29. Bring your crew for a free meal on the HBA lawn. Don’t miss a family night at the HBA of F-M’s annual picnic Aug. 13 at Rheault Farm, 2902 25th St. S., Fargo. Join us for a barbecue dinner, craft beer and bouncy games for the kids.

HBA seeks Fall Parade of Homes sponsors

The HBA of F-M seeks sponsors for its Fall Parade of Homes Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4. Parade sponsors will be promoted through the Parade magazine, on the HBA website, in the Plains Builder and in radio advertising. Contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com.

Nominations open for Builder, Associate of the Year

Each Fall, the HBA of F-M presents Builder and Associate of the Year awards at its Annual Membership Meeting in October. A committee made up of past winners and HBA Executive Vice President Bryce Johnson is now accepting nominations for consideration. Call the HBA at (701) 232-5846 or email info@hbafm.com if you have suggestions.

HBA welcomes nominations for board of directors

It will soon be time to elect members to serve on the HBA of F-M board of directors. Directors with terms expiring at the end of 2015 are: Harry Gilbertson, Harry Gilbertson Construction, and Sylvia Lunski, Design Direction, Inc. If you are

The North Dakota Association of Builders will hold its golf Tournament, Birdie with the Builders, June 18 at the Vardon Golf Club in Minot. Registration deadline is June 12. Visit www.ndbuild. com/events for more details and to register.

Entry applications will be sent out this month for the 4th Annual Remodeled Home Tour! Applications will be due in July. This is the time to be making sure you have projects ready and moving to have them complete by the Tour dates: Oct. 3-4. For an extended lists of tips see page 31. If you have any questions, please contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 2325846 or lindsey@hbafm.com.

Work on 2016-2017 Development Map is underway

E&M Consulting is working on the HBA of F-M’s Development Map for 2016-2017. Salespeople will be contacting HBA members about advertising and including as many of the Fargo-Moorhead area’s developments as possible. Please know that any correspondence from E&M is on behalf of your Association. Watch for an advertising rate sheet coming soon! If you have questions, or would like to reserve listing or ad space, contact Justin with E&M at (800) 572-0011 or (701) 526-1937.

Home Builders Care collects items for 2016 Fish Fry auction, raffle Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation will be taking over full planning for the 2016 fish fry. Funds raised from the event benefit HBC and its charitable endeavors. The Fish Fry features a silent auction and raffle. HBC seeks to collect an

News Briefs continued on page 31 www.hbafm.com

Crudely April HBA Speaking Accomplishments Historically, the price of West Texas Each month, the HBA staff compiles a list outlining what

Intermediate Crude (WTI) has always been slightly higher than the price of North Sea Brent Crude, the major benchmark off which two-thirds of the world’s internationally traded crude oil is priced. WTI has historically been more Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. expensive because it is “light sweet GraphsandLaughs LLC crude,” meaning it contains less than 0.5 percent of sulfur and is considerably lighter than water and lighter than any other crude oil, and therefore the world’s most valuable oil. Despite possessing these very desirable physical characteristics, for the last several years WTI has regularly traded for less, sometimes much less, than Brent. This situation is not only detrimental to American oil exploration and production firms but also U.S. households. Interestingly, this situation can be easily righted if only Congress would pass legislation. Let me explain. Until 1973, U.S. oil, like all other goods and services, could be easily exported. However, an export ban was imposed after the 1973 Arab oil embargo in an attempt to prevent future oil shortages and arguably to help the U.S. gain energy independence. For decades the ban had no obvious impact as the U.S. was a huge oil importer. But now, due to hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, the U.S. now produces about twice as much oil as it did a few short years ago and is now the world’s second-largest oil producer. Because the U.S. used to import large quantities of oil, and because due to geography and politics the imported oil was primarily “heavy sour crude,” most American refineries are ill equipped to refine the high quality WTI coming from the new and newly-invigorated U.S. oil fields. As a result, U.S. crude oil is quickly filing up storage tanks and in the process driving down the price as domestic supply vastly exceeds refiner demand. If Congress were to lift the export ban, the price of WTI would rise to the world price, which would expand domestic oil exploration and production and increase rig counts and employment in the oil patch. Counterintuitively, it would also reduce the retail price of gasoline. This is because gasoline is tied to the price of Brent, since all refiners except American ones distill crude into gasoline from oil priced off of Brent. Because the export ban does not cover distilled products like diesel, gasoline and jet fuel, the price American refiners charge for distillates is the world price, even though the crude they purchase is cheaper due to the export ban on domestic crude. Gasoline here and abroad would thus be cheaper because the release of more U.S. crude onto the world market that is now bottled up onshore due to the export ban, would reduce, albeit slightly, the price of Brent, and in the process slightly reduce the price of distillates including gasoline. Of course there is never a free lunch in economics. Were the export ban lifted, the losers would include domestic refiners as Crudely Speaking continued on page 31

the HBA has done for you, including education opportunities, legislative work, events and meetings staff and members have attended. • Hosted a free OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course for 37 attendees. • Launched the second-largest Parade of Homes in history featuring 90 homes by 47 HBA of F-M Builder members. • Hosted a lunch session on blower-door testing and thermal imaging cameras at the HBA. • Hosted a meeting with utilities and trenching/ excavating companies on the location of electric meters and potentially co-locating utilities in one trench to provide safer locate services down the road. • Attended HBA of F-M member Rigel's customer appreciation lunch. • Gathered members to provide feedback regarding workforce to the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation as it completes an extensive study. • Attended the Northern Region Association of Safety Professionals' monthly meeting. • Spoke to the Fargo city commission regarding possible reconsideration of its supportive vote of the assessment district. • Provided background to the Fargo city commission on proposed changes to the city's flood proof basement guidelines. • Staff attended a meeting in Detroit Lakes on Minnesota State Community and Technical College's mobile training grant. • Participated in the first annual Moorhead High School career day, and members and staff presented at Davies High School's career day. • Released the first-quarter building permit report and hosted a press conference that was well-attended by local media. • Attended the F-M-WF Chamber of Commerce's Public Affairs Committee meeting. • Attended the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation's Annual Meeting. • A task force has continued meeting to assist staff in moving ahead with a new website and association management software for the HBA of F-M. • Started a Home & Garden Show Task Force to discuss exhibitor feedback and potential changes for the 2016 show. • In addition to education and special meetings, five committees came together for regular monthly meetings, the HBA of F-M executive committee and board of directors met, and the Health Plan Management Committee had its quarterly meeting. As of press time, May wasn’t over yet, so we’re always a month behind. Thank you for your understanding!

www.hbafm.com

News Briefs continued from page 28 assortment of items throughout the year. For more information, contact Jenny Erickson at (701) 232-5846 or jenny@hbafm.com.

SafeCam is a program that allows citizens and business owners to register the locations of their video surveillance systems with the Fargo Police Department. When a crime occurs, we will be able to identify the locations of the video surveillance systems and enlist registrants help to collect video evidence. The goal of SafeCam is to deter crime and promote public safety through collaboration between the Fargo Police Department and the community we serve. Citizens and business owners who register with the program will receive a window sticker to show they are participating in the program, and may act as a deterrent. SafeCam is free and secure. Registration can be deleted at any time. Registration is easy and only takes a few minutes. Register a camera today at www.fargopolice. com. Crudely Speaking continued from page 29

they would pay more for crude, and foreign oil producers such as the Saudis, Russians, Canadians and others as they would receive slightly less for theirs. That said, repealing the ban makes sense. It would save U.S. consumers money and slightly increase returns to investors in the oil patch. And if the Saudis are unhappy, they can recall that the export ban only exists because they embargoed us 40 years ago! 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.

Watch for Remodeled Home Tour Applications

by Lindsey Nogosek, Events Coordinator Entry applications will be sent this month for the Fourth Annual Remodeled Home Tour! Make sure to have projects ready and in production to be finished by Tour dates: Oct 3-4. Taking before-and-after pictures is extremely helpful for potential customers to view as they help show the major transformations possible for any home! Remember, the tour accepts almost any type of remodel, from bathrooms to closets to landscape makeovers. Having prospective clients look at your work firsthand is the best way to promote your work. Past Remodelers Council Chair Ursula Hegvik, Smart Spaces, Inc., says, “This event is such a unique opportunity for our members to showcase their work in a real-life environment and is extremely popular with the public! My company has had wonderful success by being able to talk to people face-to-face in a home setting.” Entry cost is $600 for the first entry and $500 for each additional entry, plus an additional $105 refundable sign and flag deposit per home. You will receive promotion through television, radio, print, online and the HBA of F-M’s full-color magazine that ties in with the Fall Parade of Homes. In comparison to the Parade of Homes, which showcases new homes, remodelers encounter unique challenges when working with owners of existing homes to let the public through the front door. Here are tips from contractors who have successfully entered projects on the first three tours. • Talk to customers about the tour before work begins on the project so they are aware of it from the start. • Discount the project as an incentive for participation. • Offer to clean the home thoroughly before the event. • Buy a hotel stay for the tour dates if the owners would rather remain offsite to keep the home and its contents in order. • Conversely, if home owners would like to stay in the house and visit with attendees, make them feel welcome and part of the “team.” • Offer help in limiting access to private areas of the home with signs and ropes. • Counsel home owners on locking up valuables, personal items and removing prescription drugs from the home during the tour. • Station staff people in each remodeled room. • Assign vendors and designers to talk about products and layout with attendees. • Offer to paint areas that lead to the remodeled area to spruce them up, such as exterior walls, entry ways or hallways. • Fix small annoyances that will mean a lot to a home owner. Tom Spaeth, Accent Contracting, has entered projects on the first three tours with great results. He has performed easy fixes like tightening a loose deck rail or supplying and installing a new storm door for no charge. “Sometimes small things like this really help the client feel that you are fully engaged with the project and that you want their home to look its best for the tour,” he says. “When you show the client you are willing to do things at no cost to them and small cost to you it really helps.” Remodeler’s Council members are available to assist in staffing home entries during the event if needed. Contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com. If you have questions about registering for the event, contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 232- 5846 or lindsey@hbafm.com.

www.hbafm.com

REMODELERS LETTER FROMCOUNCIL THE PRESIDENT

Russ Richards, 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. Luxury Builders/Designs Minnkota Windows, Inc. Norandex Opp Construction Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of the Red River Valley Rebuilding Together FargoMoorhead 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.

HBA Members Enjoy Remodelers Council Picnic Despite Rain The Remodelers Council hosted its picnic May 15 to celebrate National Remodeling Month. Unfortunately, rain caused the picnic to be held indoors in the HBA conference room. The Remodelers Council served over 40 HBA of F-M members. Thank you to sponsors Allied Building Products and Syverson Tile & Stone. Each company donated door prizes for the attendees. Scott Anderson, Allied Building Products, and Darrick Guthmiller, Kochmann Brothers Homes, won a granite cheese board from Syverson Tile & Stone;

Darrick Guthmiller, Kochmann Brothers Homes; Steve Breyer, Stenerson Lumber Company; John Gunkelman, Dakota Construction of Fargo; and Kevin Gustman, Twin City Garage Door enjoy the Remodelers Council Picnic

Kevin Gustman, Twin City Garage Door, won a glass vessel sink from Syverson Tile & Stone; Nichole Myers, Accent Kitchen & Bath, won a gift card from Allied Building Products and Joey Eiman, Laney’s, won a duffle bag from Allied Building Products. Congratulations to the winners. We also want to thank those that attended the picnic, Dan Beecher, Foam Doctors LLC, for grilling and all of our volunteers. If your company does any remodeling, consider joining the Remodelers Council.

The Council has a separate dues structure of $70 per year and is recognized by the National Association of Home Builders as a “Remodeler.” Remodelers Council members get extra exposure on the HBA website and in the Membership Directory & Consumer Guide. The Council helps plan the Remodeled Home Tour and constructs handicap accessible ramps for homes in need in the community. To find out more information or to join, contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com. www.hbafm.com

NAWIC Student Member Graduates from NDSU!

by Amy Berg, CBT, CIT, Chapter President Megan Meyer, a student member of the NAWIC Fargo-Moorhead, ND Chapter #246 graduated with honors on May 16 from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Meyer is the oldest of three children of Karl and Geri Meyer of Meier Grove, Minn. She chose a career in engineering with the help of her high school math teacher after seeing how she loved Megan Meyer math and solving problems. Of all the engineering disciplines, Meyer chose civil engineering because it is something that directly affects the community in a positive way. At NDSU, Meyer was very active in student activities. Serving as president of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, they increased membership by three times from the previous year, added more activities to gain recognition on campus and in the community and she also gained more leadership skills and is now able to speak more confidently in front of a group. She also served as vice president of corporate relations and fundraising and secretary and membership drive chair for the Society of Women Engineers. Her duties included helping the organization get funding from various companies in

the area, found speakers for meetings and helped to get more people involved in the organization. This also gave Meyer insight into what is like to be a woman in a male-dominated field, along with building lasting relationships with other women in engineering. Her on-the-job training included working on North Dakota Department of Transportation projects relating to transportation as a student design assistant and as a civil engineering intern last summer for Sambatek in Minnetonka, Minn., doing traffic control and various details for a bridge-repair project. Meyer became involved with NAWIC when she was the recipient of its local chapter scholarships in 2012 and again in 2013. As a student member she assisted in various events, working at the Ronald McDonald house, the booth at the Home & Garden Show and attended meetings when her busy class schedule allowed. When asked about advice to young women regarding a career in construction, Meyer says, “Do anything that interests you, even if it is normally only for men. Don’t let a maledominated field stop you from doing something you love.” Congratulations to Megan on her graduation from NDSU and we wish her all the best as she moves into the next chapter of her life: working as a project engineer in land development for Lamp Rynearson and Associates in Omaha, Neb. To learn more about NAWIC, NEF and the NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation (NFSF) check us out on the website 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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MEMBERSHIP CORNER

Spike Superstar Shawn Nelson

Crane Johnson Lumber Company

Spike Credits

27.5 What is the Spike Club?

The Spike Club was started by the National Association of Home Builders to recognize memebrs who recruit and retain members to their local association. You earn one new member recruitment credit for each new Builder or Associate member that you sponsor. You receive one retention credit for all first year renewals of Builder and Associate members provided that renewal occurs. You can also earn a 1/2 credit for recruiting an affiliate member and a 1/2 credit for their renewal.

What is a Spike Superstar? An HBA

member who is a Spike Club member that has exemplified a ‘superstar’ attitude towards member retention and recruitment.

Q&A

with Shawn Nelson, Crane Johnson Lumber Company

How long have you been on the Membership Committee? March 2014

Why did you join the Membership Committee? To become more engaged in the building industry by networking with people in the industry, to help build my career as an estimator and sales rep with Crane Johnson. Why would you encourage other members to join a committee? It’s a great way to build connections and relationships with people in an industry that is very competitive, the more people you know, the easier it is to succeed. What is your favorite thing about the HBA? All of the things it does to help businesses in the homebuilding industry to be successful. Also, all of the great people on committees and valuable resources at the HBA office.

www.hbafm.com

HBA of F-M Spike Credit Tally Candidate

Credits

Casey Anderson....................................... 1 Mike Anderson.......................................... 1 Dan Armbrust....................................... 0.5 Joyce Balstad...........................................2 Mike Becker.......................................... 0.5 Dan Beecher.......................................... 1.8 Kirk Begin.................................................3 Stacey Belka..........................................5.5 Justin Birkelo............................................3 Dann Bjornstad...................................... 1.5 Mike Brekke........................................... 1.0 Gerald Brossart.........................................2 Harriet Buchholz....................................... 1 Colleen Buechler....................................... 1 Julie Carlson......................................... 0.5 Toby Christensen................................... 1.5 Kevin Christianson....................................3 Dllona Clendenen................................. 0.5 DJ Colter.............................................. 0.5 Kim Conzemius..................................... 0.5 Ben Dahl.................................................. 1 Sue Dahl.................................................. 1 Chad DeSmith.......................................... 1 Ronald Dick.............................................. 1 Nick Dietrich............................................. 1 Carlita Dietz...........................................5.5 Dan Doeden..........................................2.5 Kyle Eid....................................................3 Perry Eidem..............................................4 Troy Fingalson.......................................2.5 Scott Fluge............................................... 1 Scott Fougner...........................................3 George Fraza...........................................3 Vicki Fredrikson........................................ 1 Renee Freeman........................................2 Lori Funfar............................................... 1 Devin Gaard.............................................3 Darin Gador..............................................3 Mark Gagner............................................. 1 Jim Gast.................................................. 1 Galen Gess........................................... 1.5 Greg Gibb................................................. 1 Harry Gilbertson........................................4 Neil Graf...................................................2 Gary Grandbois.................................... 0.3 Barb Grande............................................. 1 Tracy Green.......................................... 0.5 Jeremy Gregoire....................................... 1 Aaron Greterman.................................. 0.5 Kevin Gustman.........................................2 Jason Gustofson....................................... 1 Dean Halvorson........................................ 1 Ralph Hansen...........................................3 Mike Harlan.......................................... 0.5 Monica Hart.......................................... 0.5 Donald Hastings.......................................3 TJ Haugrud............................................... 1 Chris Hawley............................................ 1 Tracy Hazelton.......................................... 1 Ursula Hegvik....................................... 0.5 Chuck Helmstetter................................. 1.5

Kim Hochhalter......................................... 1 John Hough..............................................2 Brenda Jacobson.................................. 0.5 Erik Johnson.............................................3 Eric Johnson............................................. 1 Joey Johnson........................................... 1 Ralph Johnson...................................... 0.5 Rob Jordahl........................................... 1.5 Darren Klabo........................................ 0.5 Scott Kneeland......................................... 1 Heidi Knutson........................................... 1 Marc Knutson........................................... 1 Greg Krueger............................................ 1 Chris Lange.............................................. 1 Robert Leslie.........................................4.5 Paul Lindemann........................................3 Paul Linstad.............................................. 1 Rob Lyngstad........................................2.5 Charles Matthees.................................. 0.5 Kelly McCalla........................................ 0.5 Steve Meyer............................................. 1 Dustin Murray........................................ 1.5 Tyler Odden..............................................3 Chad Ohnstad...........................................2 Cody Parr................................................. 1 Brad Paul............................................. 0.5 Mark Payne.............................................. 1 Joel Peterson............................................ 1 Edwin Ployhart..........................................2 David Reid................................................ 1 Broc Roberson...................................... 0.5 Eric Rokke................................................ 1 Riley Rude................................................ 1 Dave Schmidt...........................................3 Richard Schmit......................................... 1 Chris Schuler............................................2 Randy Schwartz........................................ 1 Chris Shea................................................ 1 Richard Simonson.................................. 1.5 Brice Skarnes....................................... 0.5 Rick Stremick............................................ 1 Mike Sunquist...........................................3 Scott Swanholm.................................... 0.5 Jim Thompson....................................... 1.5 Dan Van Winkle........................................ 1 Nick VanOverschelde............................ 0.5 Jeremy Wallace........................................3 Kent Westby............................................. 1 Jim Wieland.............................................. 1 Ed Wilson.................................................4 Mike Winter..............................................3

Spike Member

Credits

Terry Becker...........................................22 Stan Birky.................................................6 Bill Blixt.............................................. 23.8 Clay Dietrich.............................................6 John Koerselman................................. 18.5 Dawn Lahlum.........................................6.5 Tyrone Leslie.......................................... 19 Dan Lindquist.........................................9.3 Sylvia Lunski........................................ 15.8

Nancy Michelsen..................................... 19 Gary Orth.................................................6 Tom Spaeth............................................ 12 Robin Swanson.........................................6

Life Spikes

Credits

Dave Anderson...................................... 40 Mike Arnold........................................ 56.5 Brent Atkins........................................ 34.3 Pat Bellmore....................................... 52.5 Clark Bernard................................... 204.5 Jo Carney........................................... 26.5 Cindy Cooper.................................... 468.5 Sue Cosgriff......................................... 31.5 Aubrey Costello.................................. 27.5 Terry Cullen............................................27 Don Dabbert, Jr................................. 108.3 Tim Day.............................................. 78.5 Kari Dunn........................................... 40.5 Rick Duval.......................................... 69.5 Gerald Eid......................................... 170.5 Jason Eid........................................... 27.5 Bob Footitt..............................................74 Charlie Funfar...................................... 230 John Gunkelman..................................... 81 Darrick Guthmiller................................. 130 Todd Halvorson................................. 108.5 Vern Hanson....................................... 70.5 Ryan Hoss..............................................39 Peter Johnson...................................... 31.8 Nancy Kelly........................................ 74.5 Paul Kochmann................................. 291.5 Bob Kochmann.................................. 108.8 Paul Krabbenhoft.................................... 31 Ken Krajsa.......................................... 1053 Chris Kulesa...........................................78 Drew Likness....................................... 81.5 Terry Lipp.......................................... 164.8 John Mahan.......................................... 136 Brenda Martinson................................119.5 Craig Mazour...................................... 99.5 Scott Mollberg..................................... 73.5 Amber Nefzger.................................... 48.5 Shawn Nelson.................................... 27.5 Dave Olson......................................... 69.5 Gary Opp............................................ 34.5 Cary Parkinson.................................... 259 Dan Passolt........................................ 55.5 Jamey Pesek........................................ 159 Todd Rasmussen.................................. 129 Marcus Roman.................................. 145.5 Stan Ryland........................................ 96.5 Dawn Schmitt.........................................89 Rod Shafer........................................ 291.5 Les Stenerson..................................... 42.3 Ruth Strahm...................................... 321.5 Jeff Swenson..........................................69 Terry Welle........................................... 129 Deanna Wierima................................. 53.5

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NEW MEMBERS

ASSOCIATE 1st Choice Plumbing LLC 5135 167th Ave SE Kindred, ND 58081 Ken McMahon (701) 428-3841 Plumbing Sponsor: John Gunkelman, Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc. JW Kitchens 5675 26th Ave S Fargo, ND 58104 Audrey Newman (701) 388-9584 Appliances; Bath & Ktichen Contractor; Bath & Kitchen - Supplier; Cabinetry & Woodworking Contractor; Cabinetry & Woodworking - Supplier Sponsor: John Gunkelman, Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc. Liberty Fence, Inc. 2707 12th Ave S Moorhead, MN 56560 Kari Peters (218) 233-9512 Decks; Fencing - Contractor Sponsor: Justin Birkelo, Gateway Chevrolet Cadillac

ADVERTISER INDEX Acme Tools Aggregate Industries 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 Crane Johnson Lumber Co. Dawson Insurance FM Title Goodin Company Hauck & Buchholz Drywall, Inc. Lampert Lumber Minnkota Windows, Inc. Northland Truss Systems Property Resources Group Rigels, Inc. Stenerson Lumber Stone Countertop Outlet The Title Company Valley View Xcel

13 15 22 38 22 19 22 19 38 7 37 27 38 39 7 17 2 27 19 38 22 22 22 2 3

Thank you 2015 Member Meeting Sponsors!

www.hbafm.com

by Krista Mund, Communications Manager Amanda Ohlsen celebrated ten years at the HBA of F-M last month. She accepted the Association’s accounting and records coordinator position in 2005 as her first job out of college. Promoted to director of accounting and records in 2012, Ohlsen is responsible for accurately preparing and maintaining all financial statements and records for the HBA of F-M, F-M Home Builders Health Plan & Trust and the Home Builders Care of FargoMoorhead Foundation. She also handles maintenance of the Association’s membership and records data and assists with the HBA’s human resources duties. Ohlsen’s position has expanded constantly with the HBA of F-M’s growth, resulting from more activity by the Home Builders Care Foundation, staffing and human resources changes, and implementation of the Affordable Care Act, affecting the HBA’s health plan. HBA Executive Vice President Bryce Johnson says, “Amanda keeps exceptionally accurate records and pays high attention to detail, and is deadlineoriented. She’s everything you would want for someone taking care of the financials and records.” Johnson also points out Ohlsen has placed a great foundation of organization in her position and is wonderful at historical record-keeping in the office. She keeps the rest of the staff and all three organizations on-task with budgets, which is a major endeavor. “Amanda has a mind for numbers and I feel confident and have great trust in her work when presenting facts and figures to the different boards we work with,” Johnson says. From a member’s perspective, Ohlsen is viewed as the behind-the-scenes coordinator of a huge amount of financial information allowing member leaders to make decisions to lead the Association in the right direction. HBA President Clay Dietrich says, “Amanda is a dedicated professional

who can be counted on to have our financial records and current budget position up to date. Our board members appreciate her steadfast attitude and dedication to the Association and all the different aspects of our organization. Congratulations on ten great years, Amanda!” Originally from Bismarck, Ohlsen moved to Fargo to attend North Dakota State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She and her husband, Tyler, and their two children Kaylee and Coen live in West Fargo. In her spare time, Ohlsen enjoys activities with her family, cooking and gardening.

ay Amanda’s First Day

Amanda with Events Coordinator Lindsey Nogosek and Director of Development & education Jenny Erickson

Ohlsen Celebrates 10 Years at HBA

Amanda helps a member load Parade signs

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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 est. 1956

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Companies will only be approved for one foursome prior to May 26

hba

Starting May 26, if there are still openings, additional entries will be accepted.

(Exception: event sponsorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; additional entries will be accepted May 18-22.)

outing June 16 & July 14

(Rain dates June 23 & July 21) Oxbow Country Club I 130 Oxbow Dr, Oxbow, ND

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT First Entry

JUNE 16

JULY 14

1. Name:________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________ Email, Phone:__________________________________ 2. Name:________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________ Email, Phone:__________________________________ 3. Name:________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________ Email, Phone:__________________________________ 4. Name:________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________ Email, Phone:__________________________________

Schedule

10:15 - 11:15 a.m............................... Registration & Lunch 10:30 a.m................................................ Tips from the Pro 11:30 a.m.................................................... Shotgun Start 5:30 p.m................................................................ Dinner

Additional Entry

JUNE 16

JULY 14

*Additional entries will only be accepted after May 26, if space is still

available. Entries will be taken in order of when initial entry was submitted. Exception: Event sponsorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; additional entries will be accepted May 18-22.

Registration form must be received the Friday prior to chosen event date. Payment must accompany the form.

Cancellations must be made by June 9 or July 7, respectively, to receive a refund.

$100 per person

(Includes green fees, golf carts, golf tips, lunch, dinner and prizes)

Payment Must accompany the form!

Amount____________ Check Number______________

Visa

Mastercard

Card Number____________________________________________________ Expiration date__________ Security Code_______ Billing Address________________________________

City________________ State______

Zip____________

Signature__________________________________________ Date_____________________

Return form and payment to the HBA of F-M, 1802 32nd Ave S, Fargo, N.D. 58103 | Fax: (701) 280-1108 For questions on signing up a team or individual golfer contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 232-5846 or lindsey@hbafm.com Sponsorship opportunities still available. Contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com.

hba outing

June 16 & July 14

(Rain dates June 23 & July 21)

SPONSORSHIP Oxbow Country Club

OPPORTUNITIES EAGLE $2,500

HOLE $250

Early Registration

Six free golfers total*

Early registration

Logo on signage (scorecard, program cover and Plains Builder cover)

Company name on a sign at a hole Company name listed in the Plains Builder

Recognition on www.hbafm.com Opportunity to speak at opening announcements or dinner

All sponsorships listed above are for both golf outings, the price covers both events. *Total free golfers across both event dates. As a sponsor, you also have the choice to provide one, or all, of the following options for both event dates! (Please indicate choices below)

PROMOTIONAL ITEM FOR GOLF BAGS DOOR PRIZE

Must provide up to 144 per day. Item you will provide ________________________

Please circle date(s) you will provide for

JUNE 16

JULY 14

GAME ON A HOLE

The company will supply signage, prize and attendant. Prize must be of $50 value or higher. Games are subject to approval to ensure consistent play on course. Game _______________ Preferred Hole _______________ Prize _______________ By signing below, Company agrees to the indicated sponsorship of the HBA of F-Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Golf Outing. Please complete and return this agreement by Friday, April 17. Early registration for one foursome is open to sponsors only beginning April 20 (Tournament Sponsor may register both free teams at that time). Registration for all members opens May 4. Additional foursome entries will be accepted May 18-22. Return agreement and payment to Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, 1802 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, N.D. 58103. For details or questions, contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com.

Company___________________________________________ Name (Please Print) _____________________________________________

Signature_________________________________________________________ Date ________________________________________

MUDDY BOOTS PICNINC Thank you Gold Sponsor!

Wednesday, July 29 Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Appreciation picnic for contractors

Take a break from the job site and treat your crew to a picnic lunch on us! Please call at least 48 hours in advance with the number of those attending. If you need to cancel, please notify us at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com. Attendees will be registered to win a KitchenAid Stand Mixer from Gold Sponsor, Rigels.