we have the opportunity to make a huge difference in the future of our industry.
Wow! I can’t believe I am in the final few months of my role as OMB President. What a year it has been as we are finally getting back into the post-pandemic swing of things again.
PRESIDENT JOHN McKINLAY
I would like to emphasize the importance of our involvement in the upcoming elections. And I can't stress the need for each and every one of us to VOTE. Locally we have the opportunity to make a huge difference in the future of our industry. Please utilize the Voters Guide provided in this issue on pages 9-10 for the list of candidates endorsed by The Affordable Housing Council and the Washington Affordable Housing Council.
The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC), OMB’s political action committee, focuses on endorsing candidates who understand and value the impact of the home-building industry and small business on our local and state economy. We know how politically involved many of our members are and we hope that you will use this as a guide to research and choose candidates who align with the OMB mission.
We also encourage you to consider joining The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC) and let your voice be heard! Having a politically diverse Council is a truer representation of our entire membership. For more information on TAHC, please contact Jessie Simmons at ga@omb.org.
REMINDER: Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th! Drop boxes close promptly at 8:00PM
Chalk Line
Official Publication of the Olympia Master Builders
1211 State Avenue NE, Olympia WA 98506
Phone: (360) 754-0912 • www.omb.org
The Olympia Master Builders is a professional trade association representing 463 member companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties. Our members come from all sectors of the building trades and are committed to “building strong communities, one home at a time.”
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President – John McKinlay
First Vice President – Becky Rieger
Second Vice President – Chris Winters
Treasurer – Kim Asay
Associate Vice President – Rusty Ruiz
Second Associate VP – Forrest Wilson
Secretary – Barb Whitlow
Immediate Past President – John Erwin
Builder At Large - Jeff Kuster
ELECTED DIRECTORS - TWO YEAR TERM
Builder Director - Barry Jespersen
Builder Director – Jeff Kuster
Builder Director – Kirk Haffner
Builder Director – Danny Doyle
Builder Director - Mike Koidahl
Builder Director – Kai Fyrst
Associate Director – Scott Woods
Associate Director – Daniel Berner
Associate Director – Kelly Jensen
Associate Director – Forrest Wilson
NATIONAL DIRECTORS - ONE YEAR TERM
National Director - Builder – John McKinlay
National Director - Builder - Karen McClennen
National Director - Associate - Linda Mosier-Vaudt
STATE DIRECTORS - ONE YEAR TERM
State Director - Builder – John McKinlay
State Director - Builder – Harv Lillegard
State Director - Builder – Andrew Spear
State Director - Builder – John Johnson
State Director - Builder – Steve Waltemate
State Director - Builder – John Erwin
State Director - Builder – Kai Fyrst
State Director - Builder – Karen McClennen
State Director - Builder – Danny Doyle
State Director - Associate – Daniel Berner
State Director - Associate – Janine Ezzell
State Director - Associate - Debbi Boyd
State Director - Associate – John Canfield
State Director – Associate – Bob Kagy
GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER
President – Harv Lillegard, Lillegard Construction
LEWIS COUNTY CHAPTER
President – John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes
MASON COUNTY CHAPTER
President – Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear Construction, LLC
PACIFIC COUNTY CHAPTER
President – Steve Waltemate, SAW Construction Co., Inc.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Teena Williams, Goldstein Law Office, PLLC
ASSOCIATION STAFF
Executive Officer – Angela White
Events Director – Brianna Bedell
Communications Director – Jill Williams
Membership Director – Jenn Wasson
Government Affairs Director – Jessie Simmons
Office Administrator – Rodolfo Bonilla Franco
2022 VOTERS GUIDE
PAGE 2
MESSAGE FROM OUR 2022 OMB PRESIDENT
PAGE 4
MESSAGE FROM OUR 2022 EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PAGE 6
2022 REX AWARDS WINNERS
PAGE 8-10
2022 TAHC VOTERS GUIDE
PAGE 11-12
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
PAGE 14
OMB NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
Hire A Pro MEMBERSHIP Directory
ADVERTISE & STAND OUT
The printed Hire A Pro lists all OMB members by product and service categories and counties. An AD will make you stand out! A minimum of 10,000 guides are printed and distributed to the public. Contact Jenn at membership@omb.org today!
Back cover - $1,500
Inside cover - $1,200
Full Page - $1,000
Half Page - $700
Quarter Page - $500
Eighth Page - $200
Ad Design - $80
VOTING MATTERS!
ELECTION DAY IS ALMOST UPON US AND WE ALL NEED TO MAKE SURE WE GET OUT AND VOTE!
Election Day is almost upon us, and we all need to make sure we get out and VOTE! It’s also important to encourage employees, co-workers, friends and family members to vote. Elections have an impact on the atmosphere in which you work, and they can directly impact your personal life.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
As far as the home building industry goes, people that hold local office have an immediate effect on how you do business. They make choices that impact the industry, and their leadership sets the tone for the staff you work with in your local jurisdictions.
The Government Affairs program is a top priority for your Association. However, accomplishments in this program are dependent upon the
ability of OMB members and staff to work with elected officials and local staff. We need people who understand what the housing industry brings to the local economy and how important OMB’s mission of providing affordable housing for all economic segments of society is to our local community. Voting matters!
Each year, The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC) evaluates and interviews contenders for elected office to identify candidates that are housing, development, and business friendly. Make sure to visit our election year spread on pages 9 and 10 to find out more about the important campaigns throughout our geographic boundaries.
I don’t think it’s possible to overstate the importance of getting out to vote, especially in Thurston County! Your voice matters!
Our Membership Goal for the Fall Drive is to recruit at least 35 new members between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022!
Here are the details:
• The top recruiter will win the choice of a Blackstone Griddle or a Visa gift card both with a $500 value (must recruit at least 5 members)
• 2nd Place will receive a prize (TBD) with a $200 value (must recruit at least 2 members)
Please join us for the November Call-A-Thon
to all members) on November 3rd from 3:00-4:00pm! Contact Jenn at membership@omb.org for more details!
*In case of a tie a name will be drawn
• Each member that recruits one member will receive a raffle ticket and can enter to win a basket
• Winners will be announced at the Christmas Party on December 9th.
winners
Kitchen Remodel
$40,000-$70,000 - First Finishers, LLC
Kitchen Remodel
$70,000-$135,000 - CW Construction, Inc.
Bath Remodel
Under $30,000 - First Finishers, LLC
Bath Remodel
$30,000-$60,000 - John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.
Entire House Remodel
$200,000- $500,000 - Doyle Construction, LLC
Entire House Remodel
$200,000- $500,000 - John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.
Commercial Remodel
Over $350,000 - Dunamis Interiors & Design Build
Aging in Place Remodel
$35,000- $60,000 - Dunamis Interiors & Design Build
Historical Renovation/Restoration
CW Construction, Inc.
Get Away Room
Dunamis Interiors & Design Build
Name: Company: Products being displayed: Phone: Email:
Member Full Table (includes one dinner) $200= $
Member Half Table $125= $
Non-member Full Table (includes one dinner) $300= $ Additional dinner $30 x ____ persons= $ TOTAL $ Check (Make payable to OMB)
*Each
being displayed: Phone: Email:
Member Full Table (includes one dinner) $200= $
Member Half Table $125= $
Non-member Full Table (includes one dinner) $300= $
Additional dinner $30 x ____ persons= $ TOTAL $ Check (Make payable to OMB)
2022 VOTERS GUIDE
The following candidates have been endorsed by The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC), OMB’s political action committee. TAHC focuses on endorsing candidates who understand and value the impact of the home-building industry and small business on our local and state economy.
TAHC ENDORSED
VIVIAN EASON Thurston County Commissioner, District No. 3 Republican
The Affordable Housing Council can think of no better choice to fill the role of County Commissioner. Vivian has the knowledge and experience to grasp how policy decisions make a real-world impact on our community. She has spent much of her adult life dedicated to the service of her country and her community. With 31 years of military service and 30 years working in county government as a leader in Emergency Management, there is no doubt that she is ready to take on the role and responsibilities of the Thurston County Commission. Vivian will be a truly critical mind when it comes to burdensome regulations and short-sighted efforts that ultimately put the idea of home ownership out of reach for many of our Thurston County Neighbors. The Affordable Housing Council recommends a vote for Vivian Eason on November 8th.
Other Notable Support/Endorsements:
• Thurston County Republican Party
• Rep. Jim Walsh (19th LD)
• Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards (Dis. 2)
DAVE KOLAR Thurston County Assessor Independent
Dave has called Thurston County his home since 1975. He has worked with Intercity Transit, served as a volunteer Firefighter, and most recently ran a local small business. The Affordable Housing Council believes his connection to the community and his business acumen make him the right choice for the position of Thurston County Assessor. Dave has made it his mission to bring responsibility and customer service back to the assessor’s office. The Affordable Housing Council believes he has the right vision to bring the needs of our members back into focus. David Kolar is our choice for a change in the Thurston County Assessor’s office on November 8th.
Other Notable Support/Endorsements:
• Washington State Farm Bureau
• Thurston County Republican Party
• Washington Association of Realtors
WAHC ENDORSED STATE CANDIDATES
CANDIDATES
SHARON TRASK
Mason County Commissioner, District No. 3
Republican
Commissioner Trask is seeking re-election, and The Affordable Housing Council can think of no better candidate for the job. She has called Mason County home since 2004 and is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of the community. Trask has worked as a legislative aid to House Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox, she owns a local small business, and has served as District 3 Commissioner since 2019. Her experience gives her high-level knowledge of the issues facing our membership and how she can tackle the obstacles that come with them. Trask has been a partner in eliminating unnecessary burdens, helping uncomplicate the permit process, and has been an economic champion in support of builders every day. Sharon Trask is the right choice to move the mission of our members forward on November 8th.
Other Notable Support/Endorsements:
• Mason County Republicans
• Republican Women’s Club of Mason County
• Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury
JOHN SNAZA
Thurston County Sheriff Independent
Public safety is not only a priority for the community, but also a priority for builders and a key factor in building safe and secure communities. That is why The Affordable Housing Council supports John Snaza for Thurston County Sheriff. He has held the position of Sheriff since first elected in 2010 and spent over two decades as a Sheriff’s Deputy before that. He brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the job and is determined to keep our neighbors and members safe while they focus on the work of creating a thriving community. The Affordable Housing Council is confident that a vote for John Snaza on November 8th is a vote in pursuit of fulfilling the mission of our membership.
Other Notable Support/Endorsements:
• Director of the State Office of Public Defense
Larry Jefferson Jr.
• Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury
• Grays Harbor County Sheriff Rick Scott
THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNCIL
THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNCIL (TAHC), OMB’S POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE. TAHC FOCUSES ON ENDORSING CANDIDATES WHO UNDERSTAND AND SUPPORT ISSUES WITHIN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY.
REMINDER:Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th! Drop boxes close promptly at 8:00PM
Government Affairs
WASHINGTON STATE BUILDING ENERGY CODES – Items to watch –
The Olympia Master Builders and The Affordable Housing Council remain committed to the mission of providing affordable housing for all economic segments of society. The fact of the matter is that this often involves keeping a close eye on sometimes well intended policy changes that unfortunately ignore real-world applications. Through the support and involvement of our members, we are able to present a point of view that would otherwise be ignored, that is why we implore each of our members to watch the following issues closely.
The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) has passed proposed changes to the current energy code and will be holding 3 public hearings throughout the Fall to allow for comment. There are several changes that stand out right away and will have implications on the cost of building in the immediate future. Specifically, we are keeping an eye on the following:
• Natural gas may no longer be used for space heating for both residential and commercial - heat pumps will be required on all new construction.
• All water heaters must be heat pump water heaters - no natural gas or electric resistance.
• All air handlers and heat pump water heaters must be located in conditioned space.
• Lowering the maximum U-value of windows to 0.28.
• Lowering the maximum air exchange rate to 3.0 ACH50.
• Mandating EV charging circuits for every new home.
The cost implication to builders will depend on the details of each of these proposed changes. OMB and The Affordable Housing Council will be diligently following the progress of these issues, making public comment, raising objections, and pointing out both the good and bad in any proposed changes throughout this process. Meetings started again in September, and we hope our builders will add their voices on these issues. The importance of having those voices of experience and the knowledge of real-world implications at the table cannot be overstated. SBCC meetings resume September 21st, and we ask all our members to pay close attention. Your voice will not be heard unless you show up!
You can follow the SBCC and all future actions here: https://www.sbcc.wa.gov/
You can also contact the Government Affairs Director of OMB, Jessie Simmons, at ga@omb.org
" The importance of having those voices of experience and the knowledge of real-world implications at the table cannot be overstated. "
PRESS RELEASE FROM THURSTON COUNTY:
Thurston County's Plan for Pocket Gophers, Other Species, Approved by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Set to take effect in 2023, the County’s Habitat Conservation Plan will make federal Endangered Species Act compliance less expensive and will improve habitat protection.
OLYMPIA, WA – The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) put its final stamp of approval on Thurston County Government’s plan to locally issue building permits for projects that affect Endangered Species Act (ESA) protected animals, including the Mazama pocket gopher, in unincorporated areas of the county.
This federal approval means the Service issued a 30-year Incidental Take Permit to Thurston County, which clears the way for the county to implement its Habitat Conservation Plan in 2023.
“This is more than a regulatory milestone,” said Thurston County Commission Chair, Carolina Mejia. “The HCP is a community achievement. Building homes, schools, and roads under the ESA rules will now be more affordable, and county conservation efforts will be better. I’m thankful for our federal and county staff, community members, and elected officials for working together on this extremely complex topic.”
County officials say much of the work to ensure smooth implementation of the plan is already in progress. County codes are being updated, and permitting processes are being retooled. And now that the HCP has federal approval, more set up work can move forward. Habitat management plans and personnel can be put in place, mitigation land can be acquired, and reporting systems can be created.
Thurston County developed its HCP with the Service in response to the listing of Mazama pocket gopher subspecies and other animals under the ESA in order to support economic development and conservation of native wildlife.
Once implemented, Thurston County’s HCP will streamline local permitting and reduce regulatory burdens. Projects that affect covered species will no longer need separate federal permits in addition to county permits.
The HCP will also improve local habitat conservation by making sure it is conducted in a manner consistent with the ESA. The HCP proposes the creation of a network of large, connected, professionally managed habitat sites that will support the recovery of these species. This method will shift the burden of habitat improvement from the
individual permit applicant to the county government.
HCPs are one of the many tools under the ESA that promote strong partnerships with landowners on behalf of conserving listed species on private and non-federal lands. Public comment was received at multiple points during the development of Thurston County’s plan, including during a scoping period in 2020 and again on a draft Environmental Impact Statement in the fall of 2021. Public meetings were also held jointly with the Service and Thurston County to answer questions from the public.
"We are thrilled to reach this point in our collaboration with Thurston County,” said Brad Thompson, State Supervisor with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Years of hard work have gone into the development of this plan and we’re looking forward to this new chapter in our partnership, one that both protects imperiled species and supports economic growth in the county.”
Species covered under the Thurston County HCP include three subspecies of Mazama pocket gopher, Oregon spotted frog, Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, and the Oregon vesper sparrow.
The final Record of Decision and other documents are available online at www.fws.gov/wafwo
More information on the Thurston County Habitat Conservation Plan is available at www.ThurstonHCP.org.
PWB Pretty Wicked BBQ
FRIDAY,
Special thanks to oUr event spoNSors:
Thank You
RENEWING Members! Renewed in June & July 2022
ONE YEAR
Better Homes NW
Next Level Concrete, LLC
2-4 YEARS
Mr. Do Right Construction
Extreme Excavation
Toepelt Log, Inc.
Granite Gallery, LLC
Louws Truss, Inc.
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
Epic Realty
General Sheet Metal, Inc.
5-9 YEARS
A+ Septic & Plumbing Services
Commercial Property Services, LLC
Franciscovich General, Inc.
Premier Stone & Quartz, LLC
Olsson Insulation
American Pump & Electrical
Northwest Cascade/Honey Buckets
Lifetime Granite
Real Estate of the South Sound
Sterling Breen Crushing
M & C Drywall, Inc.
Rochester Lumber, Inc.
Edward Jones Investments
Mosier-Vaudt Consulting
Lloyd’s Automotive
10-14 YEARS
Exodus Engineering, Inc.
Yelm Plumbing & Pumps
Custom Source Woodworking
AB Fine Homes, LLC
Little River, Inc.
Capital Electric, Inc.
JT Painting Company, LLC
New Members! welcome Joined in June & July 2022!
15-19 YEARS
Adam Laneer Construction, Inc.
Turner Insulation Company, Inc.
Advance Environmental, Inc.
Heritage Restoration, Inc.
Capitol Lumber, Inc.
Brooks Plumbing Co.
20-24 YEARS
Ashby Homes, Inc.
Quigg Bros., Inc.
25 YEARS
CH2O, Inc.
McMeekin Construction, Inc.
Rainier Valley Construction
MC Squared, Inc.
Adroit Contractors, inc.
Mr. Electric
Smithco Home Builders, LLC
B & R Flooring America
Millennial Metalworks, LLC
PO Box 828, Yelm, WA 98597 (360) 584-3870
ariel@millennialmetalworks.com
Sponsor: Kim Asay
Pacific Pressurized Systems and Repairs
118 Bridle Path Ln., Chehalis, WA 98532 (360) 827-2780
pacific.psr.@gmail.com
Sponsor: John Johnson
Jet Realty
413 17th Ave SE., Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 464-7873
cecilia@ceciliafelix.com
Sponsor: Debbi Boyd
Cambria
22051 68th Ave S., Kent, WA 98032 (360) 549-0644
margaret.manning@cambriausa.com
Sponsor: Gina Carlson
Brim Tractor
350 Duffner Drive, Lynden, WA 98264 (360) 767-0600
raina.stuberg@brimtractor.com
Sponsor: Daimon Doyle
Emerge Electrical, LLC
119 Bear Creek Lane, Winlock, WA 98596 (360) 771-3869
jonathan@emergeelectrical.com
Sponsor: John McKinlay
James Hardie Building Products 6544 103 Rd Ave SW., Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 252-0393
andrew.preece@jameshardie.com
Sponsor: Merrilee DeForest
CoLab
502 Washington St., Olympia, WA 98512 (360) 742-6186
anthony@colabmediaco.com
Sponsor: Daniel Doyle
1211 STATE AVE. NE
OLYMPIA, WA 98506
$1.25 per copy
360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org