The
Construction Times
A publication of Northland Area Builders Association
October 2011
NEW Member Publications Two new member publications are soon to be finding their way into your inbox or mailbox. Members can now look forward to The Index, a monthly mini-newsletter containing economic news and market indicators that effect the housing industry. Also debuting this month will be The Public Policy Post, a weekly update detailing legislative and regulatory housing news and issues facing NABA members locally and regionally. NABA SCHOLARSHIP RAFFLE It is no secret that in today’s tough economic times there are fewer NABA members. With fewer members there are less funds raised for the NABA Scholarship Fund and less funds to operate NABA. The NABA Board of Directors in an effort to supplement the NABA Scholarship Fund and NABA operations without raising dues and to promote its builder and associate members is asking members to sell raffle tickets for the upcoming John Deere Riding Lawn Tractor Giveaway. Information will be sent to you on October 1 in the mail with everything you need to know about the raffle. We need YOU to make this venture a success. We are asking each and every member to sell or purchase 6 tickets. Be a TABLE TOP Sponsor
NABA NETWORKING NIGHT
Put your company in the spotlight at a Networking Night by featuring your products and services at an upcoming Networking Night.
October 4
In exchange for a door prize (minimum $25 value), your company will
Tracks Family Restaurant
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Get 5-7 minutes at the podium to talk about products/services Have the opportunity to provide greeters at the Networking Night Be mentioned in the monthly newsletter Have your name & logo on the Networking Night flyer Have a table display
Contact the NABA Office to signup - limited to the first 3 members.
Spooner 5:00 pm Social Hour 6:00 pm Dinner & Presentation See flyer inside newsletter for details RSVP deadline Oct 1
Mission
29148 Mail Road • Danbury, WI 54830 Phone: 715-259-3486 • Fax: 888-825-8073 Email: naba@centurytel.net www.northlandareabuilders.com
NABA Board of Directors President: Russ Smith, Russ Smith Construction 715-462-4170
The NABA, chartered in 1989, is a non-profit trade organization comprised of building and construction industry professionals in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Sawyer and Washburn Counties in Northwestern Wisconsin. Promoting professional growth to its members, the Association provides the resources to stay abreast of our ever changing industry. Every member of the NABA is also a member of the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). To maintain the highest professional standards, our membership adheres to a Code of Ethics, monitors legislative issues, and promotes affordable quality housing.
President Elect: Ed Peterson, Peterson Construction 715-866-7127 Treasurer: Rick Harder, Northern Paradise Homes 715-635-2299 Secretary: Joe Gendrich, Culligan of Ashland 715-682-6585 Directors: Open seat
Code of Ethics Members of the Builders Association subscribe to the following Code of Ethics: n n n n
Todd Knutson, Johnson Bank 715-634-2611
n
Kelly Licht, Culligan of Rice Lake 715-234-8819
n
Jason Olsen, Peoples Bank 715-634-2674
n n
LaNell McGuire, Floor to Ceiling 715-634-4573
WBA State Directors
n
Subscribe to the By-laws of the State and National Associations. Meet or exceed all State required insurance regulations. Maintain a good credit rating in high standards. Respond to consumer complaints, and act on these complaints in a timely manner. Continue to improve their skills and knowledge through educational resources made available at a local, state and national level. Employ other association members to assure the high standards set by its members are maintained. Conduct themselves in a professional manner to maintain the standards of the association. Comply, both in spirit and letter, with rules and regulations prescribed by law and government agencies for health safety, and progress of the community Have a commitment to excellence.
Jack Sjostrom, Sjostrom Construction 715-634-4427 Charlie Johansen, Johansen Electric 715-634-3761 Open seat Open seat
NAHB National Directors Jack Sjostrom, Sjostrom Construction 715-634-4427 Open Alternate Seat
Need Help? Northland Area Builders Association 715-259-3486 www.northlandareabuilders.com National Association of Home Builders 800-368-5242 www.nahb.org Wisconsin Builders Association 608-242-5151 www.wisbuild.org Wisconsin Department of Commerce 608-266-3151 www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/
NABA Staff Jennifer Johnson, Executive Officer
Become a fan of Northland Area Builders Association to receive industry news, updates and network with others in the industry.
Looking Ahead... from the NABA President Russ Smith
Recruiting new members to your local association is an activity recognized and rewarded through the NAHB Spike Club program. Those who participate are called Spikes, and they are among the most valued members of the association. Member-to-member recruitment and retention efforts are highly valued because of the grassroots growth and stability they bring to the association. These efforts lend to the development of the general membership and our leadership pipeline, keeping the face of our Associations true to that of our industry and the wide scope of interests we represent. Spikes are the membership leaders of our Associations, building the voice, power and influence on every level, in every state! Before becoming a Spike, you are a Spike candidate. That means you have earned between one and five Spike credits. Once you earn your sixth Spike credit, you become an official NAHB Spike! Spike credits are earned by recruiting and retaining NAHB and Council members. To retain your status as a Spike you must earn a minimum of one Spike credit (new or retention) each year until you reach a total of 25 credits, at which point you are elevated to Life Spike status. Members earn one Spike credit for each new member they sponsor. When that member renews after his or her first year of membership, the sponsoring member automatically gets one retention credit. Every year the member renews thereafter, the sponsoring member will receive a ½ renewal credit. Spikes receive a ½ credit for recruitment and a ½ credit for the renewal of Affiliate members.
Congratulations to our NABA Spikes - Growing Our Strength Through Member Recruitment, Retention, and Involvement Joe Gendrich Rick Harder Ryan Hexum Jason Olsen Karl Johnson Brian Mast Ed Peterson Pat Block Kevin Miller Pat Sabin Russ Smith Scott Chapin Charlie Johansen Ken LaCoy Jerry Okonek Dale Schleeter Jack Sjostrom
Spike Candidate Spike Candidate Spike Candidate Spike Candidate Spike Candidate Spike Candidate Spike Candidate Level 6 Level 10 Level 6 Level 16 Level 25 Level 25 Level 50 Level 25 Level 50 Level 250
3 3 1 1 1 2 4.5 6.5 10.5 9.5 24 36 40.5 58 37 57 250.5
Membership in a Minute Total Members
Builder Members
Associate Members
Affiliate Members
8/31/2011
81
28
49
4
12/31/2010
80
28
47
5
% change
1.3%
0%
4.3%
-20%
Dennis Ruid, Dennis Ruid Excavating Don Dymesich, KV Tech Corporation Rick Harder, Northern Paradise Homes Jason Olsen, Peoples Bank Ryan Hexum, Slumberland Ken Marienfeld, The Stove Works, Inc.
Dan Hinman, Don Johnson Auto Group Deb Hitchcock-Gale, Coldwell Banker Lakeside Realty Travis Butterfield, Butterfield Inc. Brian Duffy, Northwoods Stove & Fireplace Scott Weber, Sherwin Williams
Ron Kirk, Acme Tools John Solofra, Bergeman Plumbing Bill Otterson, Hardwood Floors and More Nick Kendyall, Northern Lakes Coop
Bill Cadotte, Chippewa Wood Crafters Fred Scheer, A Cabin in Hayward Duane Hoef, Hoefs Construction Kurt Proctor, CBS Construction Lonnie Vreeland, J & L Painting
Jeff Homuth, Hayward Mercantile Josh Peck, Peck Construction
none none
The NABA Board of Directors approved the following new member applications last month. If any current NABA member has reason why this application should not be accepted, please state in writing your reason membership should be denied and mail to be received by 9/10/11 at the NABA office. Bylaws state that we must submit new applications before the general membership for one newsletter.
New Member Spotlight
715-829-2627 - rpsbuilders@yahoo.com RPS Construction Services, LLC of Trego specializes in new home design and construction as well as other services. Owned by Bob Streiff, a second-generation builder, Bob created RPS based on his education and work experience in the construction industry. He received a B.S. degree in Construction Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the fall of 1995. He worked for nearly a decade as a superintendent for a large Twin Cities-based commercial contractor prior to starting RPS. Bob's hard work and dedication is expressed in every project he is involved in no matter the size or complexity. Bob is a state-certified Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) building inspector as well. These credentials keep RPS current with all the existing as well as changing construction codes. What distinguishes RPS from other building contractors is the diversity within the company? Bob works side by side daily with his crew,and has trained them to become versatile in several areas. "I am fortunate to employ a small group of highly talented, extremely motivated workers. I have worked on a variety of commercial projects prior to the inception of RPS. I can honestly say, that of the hundreds of talented men and women I have worked with in the past, my crew stands apart". "Our diversity allows us to have better quality control and eliminates scheduling delays. Especially on smaller remodeling projects that would often require the skill of more than one trade.
A new benefit of membership unveiled in July 2011, the Weekly Job Report is distributed to NABA members every Monday. Each report contains a summary of bidding opportunities throughout the NABA region with links to detailed reports containing information on receiving plan documents on the Members Only side of the Association’s website. Members were emailed their user names and passwords for logging into the NABA website. Contact the NABA office for assistance or to retrieve your information. If your membership lapses, your log in information is deactivated.
SAVE T HE D AT E
Silent Auctions Raffles Association Awards
The full 3 in 1 membership will take effect on your final payment. There are no refunds on this program, any payments made until the third payment will be considered a donation to the HBA in support of the industry. The first payment will be processed upon receiving the completed form. The following two payments are due on the 1st of the following month.
We have the ability to do this as an electronic withdrawl from your bank account. Contact the NABA for details.
Looking for Leaders
2012-2013 Slate of Candidates
The Nominating Committee of the NABA Board of Directors Northland Area Builders Association (NABA) is accepting Past President: Russ Smith, Russ Smith nominations for the 2012-2013 Construction Board of Directors. The Committee wishes for all interested members who desire President: Ed Peterson, Peterson Construction to hold a Board position to actively seek such office by completing the information below and submitting it by President Elect: Joe Gendrich, Culligan of Ashland email or fax to the NABA office. Board seats have a two year term and meet monthly. There are currently two Treasurer: open (vote) open seats. The election will be held at the October Networking Night scheduled for October 4, 2011 in Secretary: Rick Harder, Northern Paradise Homes Spooner. (vote) Nominee’s Name
Directors: Todd Knutson, Johnson Bank (vote) Jason Olsen, Peoples Bank Jeremy Lindgren, Arrow Building Center Spooner (vote) Tyler Crotteau, Muller Heating, Mechanical & Geothermal (vote) Open Seat (to be appointed by the Board - will complete
Company Mailing Address Phone Fax
the remainder of Scott Chapin’s term)
The NABA Board thanks Scott Chapin for his years of
Brief Description of Qualifications & Reasons for service on the Board. Scott has resigned from the board interest in a Board position. due to his busy work schedule.
Have you been to the NABA website recently? Your customers have and here is a snapshot of what they have been visiting. In July, the NABA members listed to the right were the most visited directory listings. Consumers are looking for you - It is so important that we have the correct contact information listed for your business. Take a moment and check to see that we have a correct email address, website address and phone information for you. If you find an error, please contact the NABA office right away. Your NABA membership listing allows you to have a direct link to your website right from ours. Members can also place a NABA logo along with logos for the NAHB and WBA on their websites as long as you are current on your dues. Please link back to the appropriate association websites when you use one of the logos. You may have also noticed that some members have a video or advertising as part of their directory listing. We are in the process of creating videos for all of our builder members. Videos are uploaded to the NABA YouTube channel and posted on our Facebook page. Videos are copyrighted by NABA.
Top Member Directory Page Hits Northstar Landscaping Arrow Building Center Hayward Arrow Building Center Spooner Dahl Construction Lipka Construction Mast Construction Trudeau Construction Dykstra Construction
NABA Website Hits 2011 (thru August) 2010 (Jan - Dec)
Mike Hansen Construction 18,666 20,979
Northland Recreational Homes
Tuesday, October 4 Tracks Family Restaurant, Spooner 5:00 pm Cash Bar 6:00 pm Dinner
Guest Speaker: Brad Boycks, Wisconsin Builders Association will be updating us on current industry issues and candidates running for office Also taking place will be elections for seats on the Board of Directors (please see slate of candidates in this newsletter). All members of record have the opportunity to vote and must attend in order to do so. NABA bylaws do not at this time allow for electronic voting. Please RSVP before October 1 with number attending. Cost $15/person if received by 10/1 or $20 at the door.
NABA Board of Directors Installation Dinner Tuesday, November 8 The Steakhouse & Lodge, Hayward 5:00 pm Cash Bar 6:00 pm Dinner (Prime Rib/Roast Turkey Buffet with Mashed Potato & gravy, Broccoli/Carrot/Cauliflower blend, dinner salad, rolls, coffee & water)
Join us in honoring our outgoing and incoming Board of Directors. Please RSVP before Nov 1 with number attending. Cost $20/person if received by 11/1 or $25 at the door.
NORTHLAND AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
BEYOND THE BASICS BUILDING SCIENCE SEMINAR Presented by: Kevin Hogan - Outreach Manager for Focus on Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program and Focus on Energy’s New Homes Program
November 3, 2011 • Spooner Ag Research Center (W6646 Hwy 70, Spooner) 4 ceu credits Dwelling Contractor Qualifier 7:30 am Registration & Continental Breakfast (included) 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Seminar Cost: $25/person ($10/member) This seminar will include the following information: Ÿ Diagnostic tools, procedures, and their role in performance testing Ÿ How to recognize air sealing opportunities Ÿ The role air infiltration plays in determining comfort, energy efficiency, durability & indoor air quality Ÿ Various types of air sealing products & insulation types Ÿ Advantages & disadvantages of various insulation types Ÿ Attributes of dense-packed insulation Ÿ The three heat flow transfer mechanisms Ÿ The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label on windows Ÿ How HVAC and water heating equipment affects whole house performance Ÿ Description of principles property Ÿ How air movement takes place in homes Ÿ Relationship of water vapor to relative humidity and dew point Ÿ How to calculate dew points Ÿ The consequences of uncontrolled moisture movement Ÿ Four critical requirements for mold growth Ÿ How to calculate Heating Degree/Cooling Degree Days Ÿ How to calculate conductive heating loss Ÿ Difference between pressure/air barriers and thermal boundaries Ÿ How night sky radiation affects rook decks Ÿ How to calculate insulation amounts/densities for open attics and wall & floor cavities Ÿ How to calculate R values Ÿ What Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are Ÿ The need for mechanical ventilation & how to determine properly sized equipment Return completed registration form with payment by Nov. 1 to: NABA, 29148 Mail Road, Danbury WI 54830 Company: Attendee(s): Mailing Address: Phone: Email: Qualifier #:
Are YOU missing out on $700 cash? The Northland Area Builders Association (NABA) along with the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, have entered into a strategic partnership intended to boost economic growth in Wisconsin’s residential construction industry. In this pilot program, Focus on Energy is offering financial incentives to current NABA members to join Focus’s New Homes’ Program.
funds annually and you can receive up to $1,500 for each certified home.
Take advantage of the opportunity to join Focus on Energy and differentiate yourself from your competition. All builders tell potential homeowners they build good quality, energy-efficient homes, but only Focus on Energy Builder partners can prove it. Each Focus on Energy certified home is inspected by an accredited, third party, unbiased building science expert, confirming that each home Focus on Energy works with nearly 400 builders in has met all New Homes Program standards and Wisconsin. These builders have certified over testing requirements. 16,000 energy efficient homes since 1999, that’s nearly 4 homes per day for the past 12 years. Focus *Note: This is a one-time promotional payment and on Energy builder partners currently certify over this offer is only available to current NABA builder members whom are not currently active Focus on 30% of all homes built in Wisconsin annually. Energy Builder partners. Becoming a Focus on Energy Builder is easy! Just complete the attached Focus on Energy Program Ally Application, select a building performance Know someone who isn’t a NABA Member? consultant, and send the completed paperwork to Focus on Energy. Be sure that the application says If you know someone who is interested in becoming a “Northland Area Builders Association” on it. NABA member and is a Focus on Energy participant, they That’s it. That’s all you have to do to get started. After your first home is certified, Focus on Energy will send you a check for $700*. As a Focus on Energy Builder you are also eligible to receive up to $3,000 in cooperative advertising reimbursement
may qualify for a $200 rebate on their NABA membership dues from Focus on Energy/WECC. This one time rebate is only available to Focus builder participants and new member applicants. Applicants must be or become a Focus participant before applying for membership in order to qualify for the rebate.
Want to see your ad in the NABA newsletter or on the NABA website? Contact Jennifer at NABA for details. Mention that you saw the ad rates in the NABA newsletter and your ad will run for an extra month - 4 months for the price of 3!
- minimum of 3 month contract with ad to be placed in the NABA monthly newsletter & to be paid in advance. Member provides completed ad in jpeg format. Size: 3.75” x 2/75” $20/month - minimum of 3 month contract to be paid in advance with ad to be placed on NABA website featuring a clickable hyperlink to individual advertiser’s website homepage. Member to provide completed ad in jpeg format. Size: 356 pixels x 271 pixels $50/month
Many HBPP members are already saving time and money through this program. Registering is free and easy. HOW TO REGISTER Go to www.mynpp.com. Click “Join Now”. Select “Construction”from the dropdown menu. Select “Residential”from the Category dropdown menu. Select “HBPP” from the Association dropdown menu.
For customer service, call 800.810.3909, or e-mail customerservice@mynpp.com Ashley Ahlgrim Construction Account Manager ashley.ahlgrim@mynpp.com
HOME BUILDER
Up to 35% discount on safety supplies and personal protective equipment Specializing in safety support, including first aid, and protection for head and face, hearing, respiratory and hands
Wireless applications for data collection at 50% discount on set-up fees Captures time and attendance, cost codes, job tasks, breaks and GPS tracking of employees
Discounted, contracted prices on over 30,000 supplies and services Free next-day delivery on most standard orders over $30
National Purchasing Partners serves over 100,000 member organizations, and is one of the largest group purchasing organizations in the nation. NPP negotiates discounted rates on many products and services, and passes the savings to our members. NPP is owned by Virginia Mason Medical Center, a non-profit healthcare facility recently named the nation’s top hospital of the decade.
Corporate Discount - 22% off all calling plans $34.99 & higher and free activation Employee Discount - 18% off calling plans $34.99 and higher Select Accessory Discount - 35% (corporate) and 25% (employee/family) $20 Unlimited Data feature for Blackberry and PDA devices - corporate lines only (standard pricing is $44.99) Broadband Access (data card access) discount of 18% off Variable discounts on phones (depending on phone) Verizon Eligibility Requirements: Each Member must be a construction, heavy highway or remodeling company, or other trade craftsman (e.g.: a subcontractor such as an electician or plumber whose primary trade is within the construction industry).
Hire the best people and reduce employee turnover Comprehensive Employment Screening solutions at discounted rates
15% off list price at Sherwin-Williams stores for HBPP members and employees 20% to 50% discounts on paint coatings
NEWS & UPDATES Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services formerly WI Department of Commerce
WI Commercial Building Code Updates: The Safety and Buildings Division has created PDF files of the September 1, 2011, Wisconsin Commercial Building Code language. These files may be printed and inserted into the loose-leaf three-hole versions of the adopted model codes. (You might want to print the pages on colored paper.) These insert pages are of the modifications of the International Code Council Codes and do not include all of the language of the Wisconsin code, Comm 60-66. The pages are not the official code language; they are provided for convenience. While every effort was made to have exact language, no guarantees are given. Paper copies of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code can be obtained from state Document Sales, or is free online at http://dsps.wi.gov/sb/SB-CommBldg2011InsertPages.html . The adopted ICC codes - International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and International Existing Building Code - are available from the ICC. The WCBC references the International Fire Code, which also is available from ICC. An "Enrolled" version of the Commercial Building code, combining in one document the Wisconsin codes and the ICC codes, is not available. The adopted ICC codes - International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and International Existing Building Code - are available from the ICC at http://www.iccsafe.org/e/category.html. The WCBC references the International Fire Code, which also is available from ICC.
Federal residential construction fall protection rules getting stiffer Changes in federal Occupational safety and Health Administration rules to protect residential construction workers from falls phase in period ended September, 2011. Residential construction employers will have to provide workers with fall protection required by the construction fall protection standard issued in 1994 (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13)). OSHA is withdrawing a previous policy that allowed residential construction employers to generally use alternative procedures for worker fall protection. OSHA says falls are the leading cause of death for workers in construction and the change provides residential construction workers with greater protection from being injured or killed on the job. Under the new procedures, where residential construction employers find that traditional fall protection is not feasible or creates a greater hazard in residential environments, employers will still be allowed to implement alternative procedures that will assure worker protection after developing a written site-specific fall protection plan. OSHA has developed training and compliance assistance materials that are available on OSHA’s fall protection page, including an educational slide presentation that describes methods usable by employers during various stages of construction. These methods including safety nets, guardrails, and personal fall arrest systems such as body harnesses, lanyards and lifelines. OSHA will provide a free compliance assistance service for small businesses with fewer than 250 employees at any one facility, and no more than 500 employees nationwide.
2011-2012 PLUMBING & POWTS Continuing Education Department of Safety & Professional Services Online Continuing Education Courses: If you are unable to attend the classroom courses, another way of obtaining credits is the online classes. You can watch previously recorded classes on your computer, answer the associated questions, and mail the answers along with the fee to S & B to receive credit. Visit www.dsps.wi.gov/SB/SB-DivContinuingEdVideo.html for details. Sizing the Building Water Supply System (3 ceu for MP, MPRA, MPRS, JP, JPRA, JPRS, Comm Plbg Insp, UDC Plbg Insp, and Utility Contractor) In Depth in Situ Soils (3 ceu for MP, MPRS, JP, JPRS, POWTS Mainainer, CST, POWTS Insp, Comm Pblg Insp_ S & B Drain and Vent 2009 (3 ceu for MP, JP, UDC Plbg Insp, and Comm Plbg Insp)
Correspondance Courses To request Copies of the correspondence courses, mail a copy of the request form with payment to S & B and the courses will be sent to you. After studying the course, return the accompanying questions with the fee to receive credit. Visit www.dsps.wi.gov/sb/docs/SBFORMCORRESPONDENCECOURSEORDER.pdf Water Sizing (3 ceu for MP, MPRA, MPRS, JP, JPRA, JPRS, Comm Plbg Insp, UDC Plbg Insp, and Utility Contractor 타 Comm 82.32 Traps & Direct Fixture Connections (1.5 ceu for MP, JP, UDC Plbg Insp, & Comm Plbg Insp) 타 Comm 82.33 Indirect and Local Wast Piping (1.5 ceu for MP, JP, UDC Plbg Insp, & Comm Plbg Insp) 타 Comm 82.34 Interceptors & Catch Basins (3 ceu for P, JP, UDC Plbg Insp, & Comm Plbg Insp)
In Person Courses November 2011 - Hayward Flat Creek Inn and Suites 10290 Highway 27 South Registration (next page) and payment must be received at least two weeks prior to the class (keep a copy for your records). Please send registration form to Safety & Buildings at address on registration form (top left). Nov 9 8:30 -11:30 am At-Grade and Pres Dist Design 12:30 - 3:30 pm IDS Justification for Perf Design Nov 10 8:30 - 11:30 am Plumbing Information Q & A 12:30 - 3:30 pm Products and Water Treatment
REMINDER: DOC Fines for Using Unlicensed or Unregistered Subs A rule change effective December 1, 2010 will authorize the Wisconsin Department of Commerce (DOC) to impose forfeitures on those who do not comply with certain licensing, certification and registration requirements, or those who hire persons or entities who have not registered or do not have required credentials. In 2009, DOC started to require various trades involved in building or modifying structures to register as a building contractor. However, those that hold certain credentials, such as contractors who have a dwelling contractor certification, are exempt from this registration requirement. This new rule will allow DOC to impose forfeitures on those who do not have their registration, or certain other credentials, such as a dwelling contractor certification. In addition, forfeitures may be imposed on an entity or individual who contracts with another entity or individual who fails to comply with licensing, certification or registration requirements. Thus, a general contractor who has its dwelling contractor certification may be subject to a penalty if the general contractor contracts with a subcontractor who does not have its certification or registration. WBA objected to this rule, arguing among other things that the forfeiture amounts were excessive. In final version of the rule sent to the legislature, the forfeiture amounts were significantly reduced. Under the revised rule, the forfeitures for failing to comply with the licensing/ certification/ registration requirements, or for contracting with an entity that does not meet these requirements, are as follows: first offense, $250; second offense, $500; and third offense, $1000. In addition to authorizing the imposition of forfeitures, as a result of a statutory change, this rule also expands the trades subject to registration to include those that construct, install or alter mechanical equipment and devices such as boilers, gas systems, piping and mechanical systems serving a building or structure. The requirement was also expanded to include those involved in the construction, installation or alteration of permanent devices or structures regulated under the amusement or sanitation code.
Visit www.nahb.org/ma to learn more about money saving discounts available only to members
Small Business News IRS Says No Tax or Recordkeeping Needed on EmployerProvided Business Cell Phones In guidance issued on Sept. 14 to clarify the tax treatment of employer-provided cell phones, the Internal Revenue Service said there is no tax or special record keeping required when the phones are primarily used for non-compensatory business reasons. This also applies to arrangements in which small businesses provide cash allowances and reimbursements to their employees for work-related use of personally owned cell phones. “Under this approach, employers that require employees, primarily for non-compensatory business reasons, to use their personal cell phones for business purposes may treat reimbursements of the employees’ expenses for reasonable cell phone coverage as nontaxable,” the guidance said. “Under the guidance issued today, where employers provide cell phones to their employees or where employers reimburse employees for business use of their personal cell phones, tax-exempt treatment is available without burdensome recordkeeping requirements,” the IRS said. The guidance relates to a provision in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, enacted last fall, that removed cell phones from the definition of listed property, a category under tax law that normally requires additional recordkeeping by taxpayers.
NEW NABA Partnership - Home Builder Purchasing Program These days every business is looking for ways to trim budgets and save money. To help with this, NABA has partnered with the National Purchasing Partners - Home Builders Purchasing Program. This partnership will allow even our smallest NABA member companies to take advantage of special discounts just for the construction industry from Verizon Wireless, Staples, and more. To find out more about the program and how to start taking advantage of the savings, please contact the NABA office for your registration information. There is no cost to join for NABA members. See flyer in newsletter for additional details.
NEWS and UPDATES from National Association of Home Builders Builders Call on Congress to Stop Conforming Fannie-Freddie changes contain nearly 30% of all owneroccupied homes. Bipartisan legislation to extend the current Loan Limits From Falling to Lower Levels With the Oct. 1 deadline rapidly approaching for the conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to be lowered, NAHB is calling on Congress to move swiftly to extend the current loan limits to prevent further damage to the already fragile housing market and lackluster economy. “Congress must act now to prevent the loan limits from reverting to lower levels,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen. “A drop in mortgage loan limits would reduce housing demand and place downward pressure on home prices in major markets,” he said. “This would exacerbate the current housing downturn, trigger more foreclosures, impede job growth and endanger the fragile economic recovery.” NAHB is engaged in a major grassroots push and association members are being urged to contact their members of Congress and seek their support for immediate efforts to extend the current loan limits. Federal lawmakers can be contacted in two ways — by calling 866924-NAHB (6242); or by writing them via NAHB’s Builderlink (www.capitalconnect.com/builderlink/) web page. If Congress fails to act, the loan limits will revert to the lower levels for high-cost areas established under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The national ceiling for mortgages securitized by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or insured by the FHA would drop from $729,750 to $625,500 and the formula for establishing area loan limits would become more restrictive, producing decreases for areas in addition to those currently bound by the national ceiling. Loan limits are based on a percentage of median area home prices. A recent NAHB study found that if the limits are allowed to revert to 2008 levels, millions of homes would no longer be eligible for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA funding and would have to be financed with mortgages requiring higher interest rates, fees and downpayments and more stringent credit standards. While the changes would affect only a minority of counties in the nation, those areas represent large concentrations of homes and population. The counties affected by the changes in the FHA limits contain nearly 60% of all owner-occupied homes; the counties affected by the
federal home loan guarantees is pending in both chambers of Congress, but with the Oct. 1 deadline looming, time is running short. “Credit conditions for home builders and home buyers are already extremely tight,” said Nielsen. “Reducing the loan limits would further restrict overall mortgage liquidity and make it even more difficult for potential buyers to purchase a home. Congress must not allow this to happen.” For more information, email Scott Meyer at NAHB or call him at 800-368-5242 x8144.
James Tobin Named to Lead NAHB Lobbying Team NAHB announced on Sept. 19 that James Tobin has been named its new senior vice president for government affairs. A dedicated government affairs professional with more than 15 years of policy and management experience, Tobin will serve as the association’s chief lobbyist and oversee its federal government, state and local government, and grassroots advocacy teams. “Jim’s broad policy background, which includes tax, environmental and transportation and land use issues, along with his leadership and management skills working previously as the vice president of government affairs, makes him the ideal candidate to lead one of the best lobbying shops in Washington,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen. The government affairs team has already enthusiastically embraced the new leadership and is energized about tackling the many issues before us,” added Nielsen. “With Jim at the helm, the team will continue to advance the cause of housing on Capitol Hill without missing a beat,” he said. For the past 13 years, Tobin has represented NAHB on Capitol Hill. From 1998 to 2004, he served as a congressional representative and federal legislative director, where he managed the association’s environmental and land use policy, including issues related to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and transportation. He served as NAHB’s tax lobbyist and managed the association’s grassroots program from 2004 to 2006, and during the previous five years he was vice president for government affairs. “Having worked closely with Jim during
his entire tenure at NAHB, I am absolutely confident he is the right person to lead our government affairs team, particularly during these challenging times for the housing industry,” said NAHB CEO Jerry Howard. “Jim has the full support of our organization to take the lead in promoting and advancing NAHB’s political and legislative objectives and making the strategic hires to help supplement an outstanding team that is already in place,” he said.
Congress Urged to Reauthorize Flood Insurance Program for Five Years With the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) set to expire on Sept. 30, NAHB continues to work tirelessly to make sure there is no lapse in the program. Earlier this summer, NAHB key-voted support of the House bill that would reauthorize and reform the NFIP through Sept. 30, 2016. This legislation passed with strong bi-partisan support, 406-22. On Sept. 8, the Senate Banking Committee approved its bill, which also provides a five-year reauthorization . While the committee’s bill provides many thoughtful reforms that would also ensure its financial stability — along with actuarial based rates for its policyholders — NAHB has several concerns with the legislation and continues to work with the Senate to address them. In the past few years, the NFIP has experienced several short-term lapses in authorization, forcing many home buyers to delay or cancel closings when they were unable to obtain NFIP insurance for a mortgage. In other instances, builders were forced to stop or delay construction on a new home due to the lack of flood insurance approval, resulting in unnecessary delays and job losses. NAHB supports a long-term extension of the NFIP to ensure the nation’s real estate markets operate smoothly and without delay. The association continues to work with House and Senate lawmakers to ensure the program does not expire on Sept. 30 and to push for a long-term reauthorization. Established in 1968, the NFIP offers affordable flood insurance to home owners and businesses in flood plains and other low-lying areas that otherwise might not be able to obtain coverage. More than 20,000 communities nationwide participate in the insurance program, which currently covers about 5.6 million policyholders. For more information, email Kedrin Simms Brachman at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8413.
Wisconsin Builders Association Monday Morning News September 19, 2011 US Senate race heats up on both sides Since U.S. Senator Herb Kohl announced he would not seek re-election it was expected the flood gates would open and the jockeying on both sides of the political aisle would begin. Last week that is exactly what happened. First out of the gate with an official announcement was former U.S. Congressman Mark Neumann. Mr. Neumann announced his intentions to run for the open U.S. Senate seat first on the Charlie Sykes Show on Milwaukee’s AM 620 on Monday, August 29. "I'm running for the Senate because the $14 trillion debt is destroying our country. This debt not only hurts our economy in the near term, but also threatens to end the American dream. The day of reckoning isn’t in 50 years, it’s coming now,” Neumann stated. “We see it already in our credit rating downgrade. That won't be the last one without getting the debt under control. Poor credit ratings mean high interest rates, high unemployment, lower housing values, and a fundamentally altered America." Following a week later was the announcement by Congresswomen Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison) that she too would be forgoing another run for Congress to instead run for the U.S. Senate. In a video posted on YouTube Baldwin said, “I’ve heard story after story from people across Wisconsin on how their families and communities have been hurt by the economy, they feel like no one cares, like no one’s listening to them. That’s why I’m running for the U.S. Senate, to stand up for you no matter how tough the odds or how powerful the special interest it means fighting against.”
Who else is likely to run for U.S. Senate? There are a number of other names that have been mentioned as possible candidates for U.S. Senate, many who will likely make their intentions known in the next few weeks or months. Many expect that former Governor Tommy Thompson will take the plunge and run this time around after having passed on a number of previous opportunities to restart his political career. Tommy announced campaign co-chairs in the past few weeks along with the hiring of well-known fundraisers which seem to indicate a formal announcement is just around the corner. Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald is looking like a candidate for U.S. Senate as well but appears to be moving a little slower while still also focusing running the state Assembly and finishing up the fall floor period. Fitzgerald was able to build name recognition in early 2010 as a leader on issues such as the budget repair bill and the state budget that helped finally balance the state’s budget with a possible surplus. Fitzgerald hopes to capitalize on those looking for a new face to lead the Wisconsin GOP in the U.S. Senate. Finally, former State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) has also been toying with making a run as well. Kanavas decided against another run for state Senate last fall after having served in the upper house since a special election in 2001. Kanavas would also be a fresh face on the state stage and would bring a number key contacts in GOP rich Waukesha County as well. In a Democratic primary, two names get mentioned the most as possible opponents to Tammy Baldwin are former Congressman Steve Kagen (D-Green Bay) and current Congressman Ron Kind (D-La Crosse). It appears that Kagen is likely to run for U.S. Senate citing the fact that you need to carry the Fox River Valley to win a statewide election in Wisconsin and he did that with two successful runs for congress. After the Baldwin announcement all eyes were again on Congressman Ron Kind to make a decision about his political future.
Kind announced that he would sit out a race for U.S. Senate leaving Congresswomen Baldwin as the only announced candidate on the democrat side so far.
Walker addresses NAHB Recently over sixty WBA members along with several hundred NAHB members from across the country were treated to a speech by Governor Scott Walker. Walker appeared as part of the NAHB Fall Board Meeting that took place last week in downtown Milwaukee. Walker spoke of the work that has been done in this state to get our budget back on track and contrasted that with other states (most notably Illinois) who have raised taxes and laid off thousands of people and still do not have a balanced budget. In addition to state issues, Walker also touched briefly on federal issues, bringing to light comments that President Obama made just the night before chiding both Walker and Ohio Governor John Kasich for the changes they both championed this winter to collective bargaining laws. After the speech, some WBA members wondered if the slight focus on national issues indicated a look to a future, higher office someday for Governor Walker.
Permit reform passes assembly Recently both the state senate and assembly were back in session for the first time since July and the first time both houses have met since the recall elections of this summer. While the state senate mostly took care of some housekeeping matters, like swearing in their two new state senators (Senators King and Schilling), the assembly voted on a number of bills as well. One bill that WBA has been very supportive of is Assembly Bill 177 (AB 177) which will help shorten the timing and the bureaucratic hoops to jump through in order to receive a Chapter 30 permit. If AB 177 becomes law, it will: •Require the DNR to approve a Chapter 30 permit with specific time deadlines in place. •Not weaken environmental protection. Nothing in AB 177 changes ANY environmental standard. •Avoid the request-for-information merry-go-round. It allows the DNR to request more information from an applicant, but that request needs to be clear, timely and complete. •Tighten up the deadlines for permit applications. In today’s electronic world, interested parties have nearly instant access to chapter 30 permit applications; there’s no reason to wait a month for those parties to decide whether to request a public hearing. We are very happy to report that AB 177 received a strong bipartisan vote in the state assembly this week and is now in committee in the state senate. All GOP members of the state assembly voted in favor of the bill in addition to independent Bob Ziegelbauer and democrats Hintz, Steinbrink, Young, and Vruwink.
Domino effect for Congress Tammy Baldwin’s announcement that she will run for U.S. Senate now creates an open congressional seat and those dominos also began to fall. Recently two Madison area state Representatives both announced they would be running for Congress as Democrats, Mark Pocan and Kelda Helen Roys. Pocan actually followed Baldwin once before by taking her seat in the state Assembly after she ran for Congress in 1998. Pocan has a solid liberal voting record as a member of the state Assembly but is also a small business owner and at one time worked as a local government affairs staff member for the Wisconsin Realtors Association. Roys has served as a member of the state Assembly since 2009 and has served in a leadership role for the minority Democrats since the start of this session. It appears Roys is also asking Democrats to send a younger, “next generation” person like herself to Washington. Roys stated, “There is a vacuum in the next generation of progressive leaders in Washington, D.C. Congress has become less responsive to the public, and especially, to the concerns of my generation and our children’s generation. For too long, huge corporations have bent not only our economy to their advantage, but our government as well. Corporate interests have won out at the expense of the public interest, and that is wrong.” Questions or comments? Please contact Brad Boycks, Director of Government and Political Affairs for the Wisconsin Builders Association ®. You can reach Brad at bboycks@wisbuild.org or 888-285-9066, x16. You can also visit the WBA web site: www.wisbuild.org
October 2011 Sun
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Wed
Thu
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Sat
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NABA Networking Night in Spooner
WBA Leadership Development Training
Board Elections
Chula Vista
7
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WBA Board Day Chula Vista
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NAHB University of Housing Certified Aging in Place Course (18 & 19)
NABA Board Meeting 5:00 pm
Milwaukee 23
24
30
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NABA Raffle Ticket stubs and money due at NABA Office October Membership Renewal Deadline
25
26
2011 - 2012 Date Nov 3
Nov 8
UPCOMING EVENTS Event NABA Contractor Education Day - Beyond Building Science Basics (4 ceu) NABA Board Installation Dinner/Networking Night
Location
Time
Spooner Ag Research Center
7:30 am
Steakhouse Lodge & Restaurant, Hayward
5:00 pm
Nov 16
NABA Board Meeting
Hayward
5:00 pm
Nov/Dec
NABA Contractor Education Day - Onsite UDC Code Update (1.5 ceu)
OK Construction project site (near Cty A & H intersection)
7:30 am
Dec 8 & 9
Dec 9
Jan 12
NW Regional Professional Builder Workshop - Initial Dwelling Contractor CVHBA, Eau Claire Certification & Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Cont Education (12 ceu) NABA Holiday Mystery Flat Creek Eatery, Dinner & Awards Night Hayward NABA Contractor Education Day - What you Weiss Community Library, Need to Know about OSHA Hayward (3.5 ceu)
7:00 am
5:00 pm
7:30 am
Jan
NABA Ice Fishing Event
tbd
tbd
Jan 18
NABA Board Meeting
Hayward
5:00 pm
Feb 7
NABA Networking Night
Spooner
5:00 pm
Feb/March
NABA Contractor Education Workshop OSHA 10 Hour (2 days)
tbd
tbd
Feb 15
NABA Board Meeting
Hayward
5:00 pm
Mar 6
NABA Networking Night
Hayward
5:00 pm
Mar 21
NABA Board Meeting
Hayward
5:00 pm
Mar 24 & 25
NABA Home Expo 2012
Antholz Gym, Spooner Middle School
Apr 2
NABA Networking Night
Spooner
5:00 pm
Apr 18
NABA Board Meeting
Hayward
5:00 pm
May 1
NABA Networking Night
Spooner
5:00 pm
May 16
NABA Board Meeting
Hayward
5:00 pm
Late May
NABA Golf FUNdraiser
tbd
tbd