November December Chalk Line (2)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the President..................... 2

NAHB Sues U.S. Fish & Wildlife Over Mazama Pocket Gopher and Other Species

From the EO............................... 3 Health Care Reform Facts............ 6 Three Home Shows in 2013...... 10

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) notified the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in late August that NAHB was planning to sue USFWS for violations of the Endangered Species Act, specifically the process for considering the listing of 251 species, including the Mazama Pocket Gopher.

In 2011 USFWS settled a series of lawsuits with two environmental advocacy organizations, Wild Earth Guardians and Center for Biological Diversity. As part of the settlement agreement USFWS agreed to a rigid schedule for acting on listing decisions and in doing so abandoned the statutorily required process for determining the priority of listing rulemakings.

See page 7 for award winners.

Five Counties Strong

Serving

Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pacific & Mason Counties

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE HOME AT A TIME. 1211 State Avenue NE Olympia, WA 98569 360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org

NAHB noted, “Specifically, the USFWS has forgone the required process for 251 species where there has been a “warranted but precluded” finding. NAHB’s members have a vested interest in that process and have been harmed by this violation of the ESA.” See “Gopher”

page 15

2012 Installation and Awards Celebration The annual Olympia Master Builders (OMB) holiday celebration event will take place on Friday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club.

The Association officers for 2013 will be installed into office and awards for 2012 will also be presented. After the awards ceremony, there will be socializing and dancing. Each year, OMB members donate to a charitable organization.

This year, 2012 OMB President James Peterson has asked that donations be collected for City Gates Ministries. The organization assists people in Thurston County in emergency and hardship situations. They are in need of gently used clothing, furniture, food, diapers and other baby

items, and cash. Guests who donate will receive raffle tickets for great prizes.

Please RSVP to Regina at 360-754-0912 or regina@omb.org. You may also register to attend at www.omb.org. Cost to attend is $50/person and includes a fabulous dinner.

Thank you to event sponsors Olympia Overhead Doors, J.A. Goldstein Law Office, PLLC, and ABC Printing.

From the President

OMB Met Challenges in 2012

By James Peterson President

strengths. I said we need to ensure OMB remains relevant for our members.

As the end of the year approaches, I can look back and say I believe we made great progress toward that challenge.

Since this is the final issue of Chalk Line for 2012, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for the privilege of serving as your Olympia Master Builders (OMB) President this year. I have really enjoyed getting to know many of you better and working alongside you throughout this past year.

I started this year by stating that I thought our biggest challenge in 2012 would be to transform OMB in a way that will continue to meet our members’ needs so we can grow and build on our common

One of the steps we took in that direction happened earlier this year when OMB’s board of directors approved the idea of creating an on-line and printed buyer’s guide for 2013. Rather than printing an internal membership directory, we realized our members will benefit more by OMB producing a buyer’s guide that will be distributed to the general public and by having enhanced listing ads on OMB’s website.

Another change in 2012 was how we promoted our home shows. For

all three home shows, we purchased extra signs to increase awareness in the community the weekend of the show. For our Big Home and Garden Show, we experimented with several new ideas – large banners placed at member businesses’ that had high traffic visibility; several sign wavers on high traffic intersections during the show hours, a direct mail piece, some different types of advertising in The Olympian, etc.

The result – we saw a 40% increase in show attendance and our exhibitors, who are mostly OMB members, were very happy.

Wesch, Burgess presented valuable information to OMB members.

Just last month OMB hosted a Critical Areas Ordinance Summit to educate our members and the general public about the recently adopted Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance. Two OMB member land use attorneys, Heather Burgess and Mick Phillips of Phillips,

At the end of this year, I will hand my gavel over to your 2013 President, John McKinlay. I encourage all OMB members to support John and get involved. Remember this association is only as strong as the collective efforts of our members.

As we head into 2013, there are still challenges for us. Before you receive this issue of Chalk Line, Thurston County will have held their final public hearing before creating impact fees for this county. It’s ironic that other jurisdictions around the state have either repealed their impact fees, reduced the fees or delayed the collection time in recognition of the way they hamper economic development and Thurston County is implementing them!

Watch for the 2013 OMB Buyer’s Guide In January Olympia Master Builders (OMB) members and the community will be receiving something new – the “Everything for the Home” 2013 OMB Buyer’s Guide.

The Buyer’s Guide will provide OMB members and the community with a single source for all their home needs. The Buyer’s Guide will also contain relevant articles, tips for hiring a contractor and other home related information to educate consumers.

“We originally planned to print 10,000 copies, but because advertising sales were so strong we are now

also a benefit to OMB members.”

going to be able to print 15,000 copies to distribute to the community at OMB home shows, Tour of Homes, community events, at OMB member businesses, through direct mail or as an insert into local newspapers,” commented OMB President, James Peterson.

If you are interested in displaying the “Everything for the Home” 2013 OMB Buyer’s Guide at your business in 2013, please contact regina@ omb.org or 360-7540912

Peterson added, “As the local home building organization we wanted to make things easier for the consumer with one stop shopping which will cut down on the time and effort people have to spend to find quality contractors for any home need. I believe the 2013 OMB Buyer’s Guide is a benefit for the community and

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PL

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November/December 2012

From the Executive Officer

Change is Constant

By Laura Worf, Executive Officer

They say “Change is constant.” I’m not sure who “they” is, but “they” appear to be right. We’ve certainly seen a lot of change in this industry over the past few years. Earlier this month we saw some changes with our election results. And as we head into the final few weeks of 2012, it looks like change will continue to be with us into 2013 and beyond.

Elections – This was a big election year on the federal, state and county level. The Affordable Housing Council of Olympia Master Builders (TAHC) endorsed 30 candidates – 17 won and 13 lost. Seven of the 17 that won will be new to their office.

On the federal level the results were a mixed bag with two endorsed candidates (Jaime Herrera Beutler and Derek Kilmer) winning and two endorsed candidates (Dick Muri and Michael Baumgartner) losing.

Statewide race results were disappointing. Only two candidates (Brad Owen and Kim Wyman) won, while four lost (Rob McKenna, Reagan Dunn, Clint Didier and Richard Sanders).

TAHC endorsed candidates did much better in the legislatives races – seven endorsed candidates won (Randi Becker, Gary Alexander, JT Wilcox, Richard DeBolt, Ed Orcutt, Jim Hargrove, and Drew MacEwen) and two lost (Dan Swecker and Dan Griffey).

A very bright spot was the Mason County Commissioners’ race – all three endorsed candidates won

November/December 2012

their elections (Tim Shelton, Randy Neatherlin and Terri Jeffreys). In Lewis County, two of the three endorsed commissioner candidates won (Edna Fund and Bill Schulte).

The Lewis County District 1 race was a little interesting because there were two solid candidates – incumbent Ron Averill and challenger, Centralia City Councilwoman Edna Fund. TAHC decided to endorse both candidates, given their strong support of the industry.

surance that would provide BIAW members better coverage than is currently being offered in the market.

time for change in OMB leadership.

2012 OMB President James Peterson will be stepping aside for 2013 OMB President John McKinlay.

All BIAW insurance agent members will have the opportunity to provide these new commercial insurance products. We will get more details to you in OMB’s weekly electronic newsletter, Chalk Talk, as they become available from BIAW.

This has been a year of change for OMB President James Peterson.

Through it all he has continued to be a strong leader for OMB. Right behind him is another strong leader John McKinlay who will work hard with OMB’s board and staff to deal with changes as they come our way in 2013.

OMB Leadership – As the end of the year approaches, it signals the

In Grays Harbor Wes Cormier won, but Allan Shores lost. In Pacific County both TAHC endorsed candidates lost (Scott McDougall and Richard Makowski). And last but not least, in Thurston County Andrew Barkis lost.

GIVE

A NOTE, S

AVE A NOTE!

Fill in your name & address below. Pass the notes out to all your friends. When they get their carpets cleaning & turn in the noted, we will mail you a coupon to get 5% off your next residential carpet cleaning. Coupons can be combined!

Health Care Act – With the reelection of President Barack Obama, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, also know as Obamacare is quite certain. On page six of this issue of Chalk Line there is information about this new law.

A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning

A representative from the BIAW Health Insurance Program will be speaking at the January General Membership Dinner meeting which will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8 at Indian Summer Golf & County Club. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear specifics on this new law.

“A referral is the best compliment a customer can give.” nd

My Frie

BIAW Commercial Insurance – In November, the Building Industry Association of Washington’s (BIAW) Board of Directors approved a new membership benefit – Commercial Insurance.

t Me Sen

Turn in this referral note to your carpet cleaning technician at time of service and your friend will receive 5% off their next residential carpet cleaning.

For the past year, BIAW has been working with several insurance agent members to create commercial insurance policies for general liability insurance and warranty in-

CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT! 360-701-9544 * 253-691-3150 For more referral notes, find us on Facebook!

3

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Government Affairs Report - The Latest Highlights Olympia Master Builders (OMB) is currently working on and/or monitoring several issues related to the building industry. Visit www.omb.org to see a list of issues. Below are a few recent highlights which include links to further information. To easily access these links go to the online version of Chalk Line at www.omb.org/news.

Thurston County Impact Fees

Olympia Shoreline Master Program

The Thurston County Commissioners held a second public hearing on imposing impact fees on Thursday, November 8. OMB staff testified during the public hearing. At this time the Commissioners are reviewing the information and testimony and will be making a final decision in December.

The Olympia City Council recently proposed reducing restrictions to development on the shorelines from what was proposed by the Planning Commission. Most of the restrictions will still be greater than the current plan. The Council plans to put forth a draft SMP that will go out for public comment at the beginning of next year.

Visit http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/impact/impact_home.html for additional information.

City of Shelton Shoreline Master Program The City of Shelton is in the process of updating their Shoreline Master Program. They have organized a Citizen’s Advisory Committee. OMB staff has been appointed to the citizen’s advisory committee.

Thurston County Hearings Examiner Ron Deering, Jeff Paintier and Angela White were invited to participate in a focus group pertaining to how the Hearing Examiner services are delivered. The County is looking at two different models, one of those being the hiring of an in-house Hearing Examiner. The County Commissioners will be making the final decision on this issue. At this time, a date for the decision in not known.

Mason County Shoreline Master Program Mason County is in the process of updating their Shoreline Master Program.

The City has organized a Citizen’s Advisory Committee to help review and evaluate the SMP. Paul Muldoon, Mason County Resident and OMB member representative has been appointed to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee.

Visit http://www.co.mason.wa.us/community_dev/shoreline_master_program/ for additional information.

Mandatory Fire Sprinklers in Olympia

Lewis County Impact Fees

The Olympia City Council’s Land Use and Environment Committee passed a recommendation to the full City Council to adopt Appendix R & S as part of the code update at the end of this year after hearing a one-sided presentation from the Fire Marshall. Appendix R & S would mandate fire sprinklers in all residential construction. OMB and BIAW staff received personal invitations to attend the meeting but were NOT given time to speak. During the meeting a sprinkler demonstration was given in which the speaker heavily relied on the danger of battery operated smoke detectors; OMB staff made sure to point out during the presentation, that hardwired smoke detectors are now mandated in all new construction. OMB and BIAW teamed up and submitted comment against the mandate.

Lewis County will be holding a public hearing on implementing impact fees in the County at the end of November. The County is looking at impact fees due to a proposed fully contained community. OMB is looking into the details at this time.

Centralia Fire Flow Requirements OMB members and staff have been working to repeal the fire flow requirement in the Centralia UGA for several months. In June OMB staff was asked to give a presentation to the City Council. Unfortunately, the Centralia City Council voted 4-3 not to remove fire flow regulations in the UGA of Centralia.

Three of the four voting against the removal of the regulations sit on the Riverside Fire Authority Board. The fourth vote, Councilmember Henderson, voted against repealing the fire flow regulations because he wants to keep the Council focused on the problems with the Growth Management Act and he also wants the Council to consider adjusting the UGA boundary to give more land back to the County. He stated during the meeting that if he voted for the repeal of the fire flow regulations in the UGA the Council would feel that they had fixed the problems and would not continue to work on those larger issues.

City of Olympia Park Impact Fee Increase The City of Olympia worked with a consultant to prepare a Park Impact Fee Rate Study. Changes to the impact fee rate would most likely be implemented as part of the Imagine Olympia Comprehensive Plan update, scheduled to be adopted by the end of the year. If the Comp Plan process is not finished the City Council wants the new fee rate implemented by January 1, 2013; so a separate and independent annual amendment to the Parks chapter would be necessary.

For more information about any of these issues, contact OMB’s Government Affairs Director, Angela White at 360-754-0912 or email Angela@omb.org.

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November/December 2012

Government Affairs Report

Impact Fees, Impact Fees, Impact Fees

By Angela White, Government Affairs Director

Most of you working in the building industry are aware of impact fees.

An impact fee is a fee charged by government entities on new home construction to cover the cost of infrastructure and related services.

A fee can be charged for parks, roads, schools and fire. Although impact fees are lawful, they remain fundamentally inequitable.

The reality of impact fees is that they are a tax placed on a small segment of the population - the segment purchasing new homes. Many people who purchase new homes are simply relocating within the same community, which creates no additional growth or impact. The same burden is not placed upon a family renting or purchasing a preowned home, even if they come from outside of the area.

According to an October 12 press release from the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), “new home construction provided 41,000 jobs in Washington State in 2011, even in its recession-weakened state. With 300,000 Washingtonians out of work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs and the economy are critical issues.

While it’s no surprise that Washington’s largest private employers are Boeing and Microsoft, what most probably don’t know is that the new home construction industry is the state’s third-largest employer. The research estimates that the first-year impact of 13,825 new single-family homes is nearly $3.1 billion in state and local revenues, $629 million in state and local government rev-

November/December 2012

enues and 41,000 jobs. Over time, the occupancy phase easily swamps the impact of direct construction and its ripple effect. In the next 10 years, the 13,825 single-family homes built in 2011 will provide 7,231 permanent, full-time jobs, $7.3 billion in local income and $2.6 billion in tax revenue.”

to the following are met: (a) New infrastructure is provided for and impact fees are established consistent with the requirements of RCW 82.02.050…”

There will be a public hearing on Monday, November 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Hearing room on the 2nd floor of the Historical Courthouse in Chehalis, WA. We are currently gathering information and getting legal advice concerning this issue.

Unfortunately, most of the revenue generated above goes directly into the general fund instead of paying for community infrastructure and many local governments still take the stance that evil, revenue generating growth must also pay for infrastructure through impact fees along with all the money they supply the general fund.

In Thurston County it looks like impact fees are and have been a foregone conclusion. We didn’t go down without a fight. At a June public hearing I and several other Olympia Master Builder (OMB) members and community members testified against impact fees.

What’s new with impact fees locally?

I will start with the good news first and then things go downhill from there. This year, the hard work of several members of the Lewis County Chapter, and a working relationship with the Realtors® in Lewis County paid off as we successfully worked to have school impact fees repealed in the City of Napavine.

The City had implemented these impact fees several years ago and had not collected a dime to date.

The Commissioners decided to hold an additional public hearing after the elections this November. At this hearing there were several people speaking for the implementation of impact fees as a way to slow growth and/or make growth pay for itself.

Since it was apparent to me that the Commissioners intend to imple-

ment impact fees, I also requested that if the Commissioners move forward that they grant the building industry three things: • the option to delay payment of impact fees until closing, • to wait until April or later to begin collecting impact fees. I stressed that the builders in this community stand on their reputation and as they are quoting clients they should not be forced to go back to a client and raise a quote by $8,000 due to new, immediate impact fees, • to implement the impact fees in stages similar to what the City of Tumwater did with their recent impact fee increase.

Even though the public hearing is over, I encourage you to reach out to your Commissioners and request these options also.

So that I don’t end on a completely sour note I advise you to please re-read paragraph three and pat yourself on the back for all you do to give back to your community. Even if you do this thanklessly, you are the backbone of the economy.

What Others Are Saying

WHAT! Impact Fees in Lewis County!

We recently got word that Lewis County is looking to implement impact fees due to a request for a fully contained community. In the past, the Lewis County Commissioners have always stated to our membership that they do not support impact fees. Well in this case, their understanding is they may not have a choice because of the following:

“The number of U.S. housing markets showing consistent improvement in three key measures of strength expanded by 22 in November to a total of 125, according to the National Association of Home Builders/ First American Improving Markets Index released on November 6, 2012.

This marks a third consecutive monthly gain for the index, which now includes representatives from across 38 states as well as the District of Columbia.”

RCW 36.70a.350 New fully contained communities. “…(1) A new fully contained community may be approved in a county planning under this chapter if criteria including but not limited

National Association of Home Builders.

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Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Health Care Reform The Affordable Care Act is reshaping the manner in which all of us think about health care and health insurance. Over the next few months and years, as the various pieces of the law take effect, it will be important for everyone to understand how the changes being made effect you, your employees, and your business.

Through your membership in Olympia Master Builders, your company has access to a knowledgeable and trusted staff of employee benefit professionals who can help you navigate the upcoming challenges and opportunities of the Affordable Care Act. Please see the information below provide by EPK & Associates and if you are interested in learning more about the BIAW Health Insurance Program, please contact the OMB office at 360-754-0912 or go to www.omb.org.

In the upcoming weeks and months our membership team alongside the BIAW Health Insurance program administrator, EPK & Associates, will be providing you with detailed information on what to expect from the changing health care environment and how to make the most of the changes.

Quick Facts - What it means to you Pay Penalty” employing 50 or Topic: Employer Mandate - “Play or 4, states that large employers (those 201 in ins beg ch whi alty pen Pay received a Background: The Play or if one or more full-time employees alty pen a to ject sub be will s) yee ons: more full-time equivalent emplo based on one of the following conditi y”) bsid “Su (a ion uct red g arin t-sh tax credit or cos erage or dable to the 1. The employer doesn’t offer cov provide minimum value or is unaffor not s doe er eith yer plo em the 2. The coverage offered by ain to you. employee. loyees, this requirement does not pert Note: If you have less than 50 full time

(or full time equivalent) emp

on the proportion of pre Topic: Medical Loss Ratios or MLR lth insurance issuers to submit data hea s uire req Act e Car ble rda Affo ts. Large group plans Background: The rovement versus administration cos imp lity qua and ices serv ical clin health care mium revenue spent on on claims and activities to improve lars dol m miu pre of 85% t leas at lars on claims and activities to (over 50 employees) must spend st spend at least 80% of premium dol mu rers insu up gro ll sma and ual a rebate to their quality. Individ dards, they will be required to provide stan se the et me to fail y the If lity. improve health care qua year. s must be paid by August 1st each customers starting in 2012. Rebate erage (SBC) provide consumers Topic: Summary of Benefit and Cov lth insurance companies will soon hea , Act e Car ble rda Affo the by Background: As directed insurance policy benefits and sistent information about health plan con and ple sim g, ailin det s ent um lth insurance companies with doc erstand the coverage they have. Hea und ter bet ers sum con help to is l s commonly used in coverage. The goa health-coverage and medical term of y ssar glo form uni a le ilab ava will be required to make e” and “Co-pay”. those documents, such as “deductibl ies will not be Topic: Pre Existing Conditions -existing condition, insurance compan pre a e hav you if , Act e Car ble rda Background: Under the Affo of 19, this protection was phased condition. For children under the age t tha on ed bas e erag cov you y den beginning on January 1, allowed to d 19 and older, it will be phased in age lts adu For 0.

201 23, ber tem lth status. in beginning on Sep chase a plan, regardless of their hea pur to ts wan who ne ryo eve ept acc 2014. Insurers will have to ldren Up Until the Age of 26 ge of dependents to Topic: Dependent Coverage for Chi s are required to extend the covera ent end dep for ge era cov vide pro t s must proBackground: Plans tha effective September 23, 2010. Plan ge, era cov ce ran insu er oth for ty ool, not dependents on their age 26, regardless of their eligibili ng those who are not enrolled in sch udi incl s, ent end dep ible elig all to vide coverage are married. parents’ tax returned, and those who

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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November/December 2012

OMB 2012 Tour of Homes™ Awards The Olympia Master Builders (OMB) hosted the OMB Tours of Homes™ award ceremonies at the October 2 General Membership Dinner Meeting, which was held at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club.

According to 2012 OMB President James Peterson, “This year’s tour included thirteen homes, represented by eleven builders. There were eleven new homes, and two remodel projects. These new and remodeled homes demonstrated to the community our builders’ passion for excellence.”

Builders for this year’s Tour included: The Artisans Group; Deering & Nelson, Inc.; DeTray’s, LLC; Dickey’s Remodel & Repair; Evergreen State Builders; Lexar Homes; Northwest Family Homes, Inc.; Olympia Construction, Inc.; Schneider Homes, Inc.; Scott Homes; and SoundBuilt NW, LLC. The public at large voted on homes for the People’s Choice Awards. A team of industry experts, from outside the Thurston County area comprised the panel of judges, to select the Judges’ Awards. Judges looked at overall first impressions, attention to detail, balance and function, relationship of design to site, special features and more in deciding who should get top honors.

To see photos of all the homes, go to www.omb.org. Look under the “Current Events” tab to find a link to the 2012 Tour of Homes™.

Chair Karen McClennen of The Olympian thanked her Committee Members: Erik Barrett of RSVP of Olympia; Sarah Huffer of KGY Radio – AM 1240 & 96.9 KAYO Country; Julie Manker of The Olympian; Greg Stevens of Mixx 96.1 FM and Eileen Ryan of Scott Homes.

OMB 2012 Tour of Homes Award Winners, pictured from L – R. (Back Row) Ron Deering of Deering & Nelson, Inc.; Mark Barton of Dickey’s Remodel & Repair; Tessa Smith of The Artisans Group; Diane Gassman of Interior Dimensions, LLC (for Dickey’s Remodel & Repair and Olympia Construction, Inc.); Mark Kitabayashi of Windermere Real Estate (for SoundBuilt NW, LLC), Jeff Kelley of Evergeen State Builders; Nancey Kelley of Evergreen State Builders; Corey Peters of Evergreen State Builders; Chance Wehrer of Coldwell Banker (for Evergreen State Builders); Scott Bergford of Scott Homes, and Daimon Doyle of Scott Homes. (Front Row) Andy Gruhn of Northwest Family Homes, Inc.; Mike Auderer of Olympia Construction, Inc.; Kirby Kelley of Evergreen State Builders; and David Danton of Lexar Homes.

The People’s Choice Award Winners

The Judges’ Choice Award Winners

Best Curb Appeal Evergreen State Builders

Best Curb Appeal Schneider Homes, Inc.

Best Kitchen Evergreen State Builders

Best Kitchen Scott Homes

Best Master Suite Evergreen State Builders

Best Master Suite Northwest Family Homes, Inc. – Briggs Village

Best Floor Plan Deering & Nelson, Inc. Best Remodel Dickey’s Remodel & Repair

Best Floor Plan The Artisans Group

Best Built Green® Features Scott Homes

Best Remodel Olympia Construction, Inc. Best Built Green® Features Scott Homes

OMB thanks our returning Silver Sponsor, Olympia Federal Savings, and Bronze Sponsors, Puget Sound Energy.

Thank you to returning Media Sponsors, The Olympian and Mixx 96.1 FM KXXO.

November/December 2012

Best of Show – (Production) SoundBuilt NW – Lacey plan

Best of Show (Custom) The Artisans Group Judges’ Special Award for Best Practical Use of Built Green® Features Lexar Homes

Best of Show Evergreen State Builders 7

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Spike Party: Who Done It?

The Spike Party Murder Mystery was held Friday, November 2. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Prince Prawn (Paul Muldoon of Edward Jones Investments) murdered Nad Hitt (Doug Karman of Frontstream Payments) and turned out to be Nindsey Noman’s (Janine Ezzell of Chicago Title) daddy.

Bob Kagy of ABC Printing did the Robot dance and Fed-X (Harv Lillegard of Lillegard Construction) tap danced.

The annual Spike party is held to recognize members who have recruited others to join Olympia Master Builders that year.

From left: London Wilton (Kim Ruiz), Wack Pickleson (James Peterson of Lanza Construction), Rico Fabio (Rusty Ruiz of Hung Right Doors), Nindsey Noman (Janine Ezzell of Chicago Title), Nad Hitt (Doug Karman of Frontstream Payments) and Zangelina Holie-Hitt (Judy Karman).

From left: Meece Witherfork and Uba Vermon AKA Karen McClennen of The Olympian and her sister Sharri reading their clues for the next round.

At left: Nindsey Noman and Robert Frowney, Jr. AKA Janine Ezzell of Chicago Title and her date Robert arriving.

From left: Beerstin Dunce and Wack Pickleson AKA James and Gina Peterson of Lanza Construction and Dom Bruise AKA Ross and Trivonna Irwin of Cabinets by Trivonna reading clues to start dropping hints about who done it.

What’s in your benefit toolbox?

Partnership

Benefits

Value

Service

We’ve partnered with Regence BlueShield and the BIAW for 20 years. These long-standing partnerships allow us to provide companies with the best benefits possible. We can offer Medical, Voluntary Dental, Vision, Basic Life, and AD&D at prices you can afford because of these partnerships.

We are stronger together.

Companies typically see 8 – 18% savings on health plans in our program. Not only do we provide you with great savings, we focus on service to ensure the best bang for your buck.

Trust

Nov. / Dec. Class Calendar Register today by calling the BIAW 360-352-7800.

Classes are held at the OMB office1211 State Avenue NE, Olympia 98506 Reading & Understanding Construction Drawings This class is designed for builders,

The BIAW Health Insurance Program has exclusive plan administrators at EPK & Associates. The service provided through EPK and the customer service center at Regence BlueShield adds to the program’s value.

sub-contractors, remodelers, building department workers and material suppliers, new employees or as a refresher course. Learn to read drawings and find information needed to provide a material take-off.

Thursday, Nov. 29 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost: $145 members, $199 non-members.

The BIAW Health Insurance Program is a name built on trust. For over 20 years, we have provided comprehensive health benefits to companies in the building and construction industry at a price they can afford. Today we are 2,400 companies strong with 60,000 insured lives and still growing.

Business Management for Building Professionals This course will give you a solid founda-

Put your trust in us. You’ll be glad you did.

tion in those best business practices so valuable to smaller businesses: planning, organizing, staffing/ directing and controlling. Designation credit: CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, CGP, Master CSP. Cont. edu credit: CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master SCP, CMP, MIRM. 6 AIA. Thursday, Dec. 6 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost: $225 members, $275 nonmembers.

We strive to provide the best every day.

To get your quote today, call 1-800-545-7011 extension 6 or visit www.epkbenefits.com

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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November/December 2012

OMB Member Spotlight Throughout 2012 each issue of Chalk Line will be featuring companies who have been OMB members for over 20 years.

Associate Member

Associate Member

Bob Kagy

Linda Mosier-Vaudt PRO-BUILD Member Since 1980

ABC PRINTING, INC. Member Since 1986

As a child, I went to the lumber yard with my father and it only seemed natural to work there later. I joined the local trade organization because one of my builder customers asked me to join.

ABC Printing, Inc. specializes in print and mail. We are a full service print company which provides both digital and offset print, bindery and mailing services. I started in the industry because I needed a job! I started by jogging newspapers off the back of presses. Starting in January 2013, I will be the Building Association of Washington’s Second Vice President.

Trivia Tidbits:

1. What has kept you an OMB member for so many years?

The good OMB does to keep housing affordable and under as little extraneous regulation as possible. Plus, it helps promote my business when I am active in the organization.

Trivia Tidbits

1. What has kept you an OMB member for so many years?

Homebuilding is a market leader for a healthy economy. OMB is full of great people.

2. Who or what inspires you?

Jon Conde, a past Vice President of ProBuild. He taught me to set people up to succeed.

2. Who or what inspires you?

Teddy Roosevelt

3. What is your best business practice?

We seek to provide materials in a highly ethical environment, and save our customers time and money.

3. What is your best business practice?

Listening to clients, then building a suite of products to accomplish their marketing goals.

4. What one thing do you want others to know about your company?

ProBuild is the nation’s largest provider of building materials to the production builder, custom builder, remodeler, or do-ityourselfer. We believe in the building industry!

4. What one thing do you want other to know about your company?

ABC utilizes cutting-edge variable-data printing, web and mobile marketing techniques to give clients true 1-to-1 personalized marketing to best capture their own customers.

7009 Martin Way Lacey, WA 98509 360-456-4545 bob@abcprinting.net www.abcprinting.net

November/December 2012

9

1830 Black Lake Blvd.

Olympia, WA 98512 (360) 754-0300 linda.mosier-vaudt@probuild.com www.probuild.com

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

OMB Producing Three Home Shows This Spring!

Hold on to your Home Show Hat! Olympia Master Builders (OMB) is producing three home shows in 2013, and all before Memorial Day! Typically, the Chapter shows have been held in the spring, and the Olympia BIG Home & Garden Show in the fall. However, Saint Martin’s University offered OMB a spring show date, which vendors had been requesting for quite some time and the Home Show Committee accepted their offer!

As an incentive for vendors to participate in multiple shows, OMB will be offering discounts for vendors who register for two shows and additional discounts for vendors who register for all three shows. These discounts allow vendors to pick and choose booth size and location for any and all shows, as booth prices vary between shows and also booth location.

All 2012 show vendors will receive notification of first right of refusal by mail in early December. At this time, vendors may return their completed registrations to OMB, requesting their same booth space as last year.

Beginning in early January, registrations will open for all shows, and all spaces.

The OMB BIG Home & Garden Show Committee is also exploring an idea of planning a VIP event the Friday night before the show. OMB staff will keep all vendors posted on this new and exciting aspect of the show!

For more details about any of these shows, or how to register to be a vendor, please feel free to call the OMB office at 360-754-0912.

OMB BIG Home & Garden Show

Saint Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion, Lacey, WA

April 13 & 14

Lewis County Home & Remodel Show Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, Chehalis, WA

April 20 & 21

Grays Harbor Home & Garden Show Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, Elma, WA

May 18 & 19

Printing is more than Ink on Paper...

7009 Martin Way PO Box 3309 Lacey, WA 98509 (360) 456-4545 www.abcprinting.net It’s the quality in craftsmanship that goes into every job we print.

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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November/December 2012

National and State Update From the

How Times Have Changed 450 430

New Home Sales in Recovery

410

According to the BEA, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased at a 2% annualized rate during the third quarter. This was an improvement, albeit a small one, from the 1.3% rate of growth during the second quarter and matches the 2% rate for the start of 2012. GDP growth has only exceeded 2.6% for one quarter (the final quarter of 2011) since the start of 2010.

As the overall economy has slowed, housing has generated an outsized share of the expansion. Home building and remodeling (residential fixed investment, or RFI) added 0.33 percentage points to the final tally of GDP growth, or 17% of the total. In the second quarter, RFI yielded 15% of net growth and 22% in the first

From the

Did the Supreme Court just shut the door on lawsuits to recover damages from permitting agencies?

We were reminded this week that policy is made in every branch of state government, including the courts. On October 30, the Washington Supreme Court announced that it would not review the case of Pierce County property owner

November/December 2012

quarter of 2011.

390 370

These numbers are impressive considering that RFI remains only 2.5% of GDP as of the third quarter and housing starts remain half the size of a normal, healthy market.

350 330 310 290 270 250

Of the three primary elements of the housing sector (new home construction, remodeling and existing home sales), new home sales continue to experience the largest gains, increasing in September 5.7% to an annual rate of 389,000, the highest level since the home buyer tax credit expired in early 2010. The three-month moving average of new home sales has increased steadily for more than a year as more housing markets begin to see rising home prices and improving consumer sentiment.

Jul-09 Aug-00 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 June-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 June-11 Jul-11 Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 June-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12

With data in from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), it is becoming clear that home building is a leading source of economic growth for 2012.

The number of completed homes for sale and ready for immediate movein remains at a record low of 38,000 as builders remain cautious about building ahead of the market and as credit access remains tight.

With prices rising and new home construction increasing, housing is finally provided the boost to economic growth that the sector typically provided at the end of a recession. This did not occur at the end of the Great Recession due to historic price declines, excess

The supply of new homes for sale fell to a seven-year low of 4.5 months as the pace of sales picked up, but the inventory advanced by only 2,000.

inventories and pent-up housing demand associated with a weak labor market.

Now that the virtuous circle of home building and economic growth is beginning to take hold, it is useful to keep in mind factors that could hold back the growth for housing.

These negative factors include policy uncertainty (particularly relating to finance and taxes), lack of builder and land developer credit, and mortgage access for prospective home buyers.

Birnbaum Case Won’t Be Heard by WA State Supreme Court In practice, the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Ms. Birnbaum’s case leaves in place a Court of Appeals ruling which essentially bars permit applicants from suing for damages they incur as a result of permitting delays.

Wendy Birnbaum.

You might remember Ms. Birnbaum’s story from the September issue of Building Insight (page 12).

Ms. Birnbaum sued the county for damages when it took more than five years to issue a decision on a permit application that should have taken only 120 days to review.

Madsen and Justices Charles Johnson, Susan Owens, James Johnson, and Charles Wiggins.

Remember, we vote for Supreme Court Justices in Washington.

The decision to not take up the case was a unanimous decision of Department I of the Supreme Court, composed of Chief Justice Barbara 11

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Membership Report

Enhanced Listings Available on the OMB Website

By Regina Adams Membership/Marketing Coordinator Have you been to www.omb.org lately? Have you seen the updated searchable Member Directory? Go to http://www.omb.org/resources/ membership-directory and search “Custom Builder” in the business activity field to see an example of the enhanced listings that are available to all Olympia Master Builder (OMB) members.

OMB’s new Enhanced Listings are an excellent way to get your logo and contact information seen by more

people who are looking for what you offer. They also include a short description about your company (up to 240 characters). Enhanced listings can be started at any time.

As an added bonus, if you purchase an Enhanced Listing, when consumers are searching for a company name by a particular letter, your listing is shown first there too!

Enhanced Listings start at $150 per quarter per category and there are discounts for committing for a year and for enhancing multiple listings.

Call Regina at 360-754-0912 if you have any questions about Enhanced Listings or if you would like to get yours started.

LEW RENTS - Equipment -

* RENTALS

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SALES

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Proud OMB Associate Member Since 1988 “Helping to Support Our Local Community Builders Since 1928” OLYMPIA 360-357-7731 2216 East 4th Avenue

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

www.lewrents.com 12

WESTSIDE 360-357-3314 405 McPhee Road SW

November/December 2012

OMB Hosts CAO Summit Olympia Master Builders (OMB) hosted a Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Summit in October to give OMB members and Thurston County citizens an opportunity to educate themselves on the regulatory changes made when the Thurston County Commissioners passed the re-written Critical Areas Ordinance earlier this year. Over 70 members and citizens attended the CAO Summit.

Heather Burgess and Mick Phillips of Phillips Wesch Burgess, PLLC gave an informative presentation outlining many of the changes builders, remodelers, landscapers and property owners in Thurston County will need to be aware of before starting a project.

Just a few of the changes outlined in the presentation: • The Thurston County Farm Bureau filed a Petition for Review on September 9 to the Western

Washington Growth Management Hearings Board challenging the new CAO on, among other things, a violation of the public participation requirements. This appeal will not stop the implementation of the new CAO. • There is a new permit process, The Critical Areas Review Permit (CARP). A CARP may require special reports from qualified experts. The CARP review fee is $1,935.

• There are vegetation restrictions in all Critical Areas and Buffers such as: you may not remove native vegetation, noxious weeds and invasive plants may be removed by hand with a permit and new gardens for personal consumption require a CARP.

Heather Burgess of Phillips Wesch Burgess, PLLC speaks to the audience at the OMB CAO Summit. the full 35 page presentation is available at http://www.omb.org/ publications.

• The new CAO reduces wetlands regulated from 25,000 square feet to 1,000 square feet.

Thank you to Phillips Wesch Burgess, PLLC for the informative presentation, Woodlawn Funeral Home for providing the space to hold the Summit and KGY Radio for helping

If you would like more information,

get the word out to the public. This event would not have happened without your support.

2012 FALL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE NOW is a perfect time to recruit new members.

They get FREE incentives worth over $1,400!

(Here’s a few: free 2” x 2” ad in The Olympian; free Rock Chip Repair from Clear View Auto & Window Glass; free Solar Site Survey from South Sound Solar; free 1/2 hour consultation at J.A. Goldstein Law Office, PLLC; $250 KAYO The Sound Bucks for radio advertising; AND MORE!)

You could earn a trip to Las Vegas!

Contact the OMB office for more information - 360-754-0912.

November/December 2012

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Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Chapter Reports Grays Harbor

In November the Chapter met at the Mazatlan Restaurant and heard from Leonard Barns and Stan Pinnick of The Port of Grays Harbor. They also selected their 2013 Chapter officers.

The Grays Harbor Chapter will meet on December 6 at the Collin’s Inn in Ocean Shores at 6:00 p.m. for a Holiday Social. Watch the Chalk Talk for more information.

members are urged to attend the November 26 public hearing regarding impact fees which will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissions Hearing Room, 2nd floor Historical Courthouse in Chehalis.

South Pacific

The South Pacific Chapter will not meet until January 2013. Ray Bonney of Bonney’s B.J.& R. Const, Inc. will be the 2013 Chapter President.

Lewis County

Mason County

At the November Lewis County Chapter meeting, Lewis County Commissioner Ron Averill and County Staff presented information regarding proposed impact fees in Lewis County. All Lewis County

The Mason County Chapter November 13 meeting was a tour of the new PUD 3 facility. Afterwards Chapter members elected their 2013 officers. Aaron Nester of Reli-

ant Builders, LLC will be the 2013 Chapter President.

The Chapter will be holding a Christmas Party at Tupper’s Floor Covering & Interior, Inc. on Tuesday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m. The Tupper’s encourage you to bring food for a baby food drive.

Welcome New Members

Thank You

Carter Logging Shirley Carter PO BOX 288 Montesano, WA 98563 P: (360) 249-2211 F: (360) 249-2299 E: carterlogging@gmail.com Sponsor: Carmen Smith

to these renewing members September / October 2012

35+ Years

B & R Flooring America

30+ Years

Kell-Chuck Glass

25+ Years

Adair Homes, Inc.

20+ Years

Adroit Contractors, Inc. Christopherson Wood Floors Doors Unlimited, Inc. Kaufman Construction & Development, Inc.

15-19 Years

Holroyd Company, Inc. Hudson’s Drywall, Inc. Skillings - Connolly, Inc. Blakely & Hout, Inc. Floor Technology, Inc. Kinney’s, Inc. Ford Electric Company, Inc. Lindstrom & Son Construction

10-14 Years

Aro Glass Lacey Door & Millwork Andrew Spear Construction Norm’s Construction, Inc. Dan Sallee Construction, LLC Harrington Construction

Frontstream Payments JNA Networking Services Lanza Construction, LLC

& Dev., Inc. Weatherguard Roofing, Inc. Allied Building Products Dennis Company Dr. Roof, Inc. Coastal Construction Group P & P Investments Premier Media Group R.G. Forestry Consultants Sierra Pacific Windows

2-4 Years

A-1 Roofing, Inc. Barckley Construction & Electric Bar-None, Inc. Capital Electric, Inc. Granite Gallery, LLC KC Maintenance Services Lenkerbrook Services Rodda & Sons West, LLC Always Safe & Lock, Inc. Bliss & Skeen CPA’s Heritage Woodworks & Remodel Lossing Construction T & S Cleaning, Inc Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Windermere Real Estate /Puyallup, Inc.

5-9 Years

North Pacific Electric, Inc. Ron’s Stump Removal & Tree Service, LLC South Sound Bank Carlson Electric LLC Express Employment Professionals Goebel Septic Tank Service, Inc. Heritage Restoration, Inc. Olympia Supply Co. Advance Environmental, Inc. Allied Electric Service, Inc. Capital City Stove & Grill Labor Works, Inc. Tyler Rental, Inc. J T S General Contractor, LLC Owens Davies Fristoe, Taylor & Schultz, P.S. Bayshore Construction California Closets Dave Rockwell Construction

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

1 Year

Awards West Printwares, Inc. David Evans & Associates Envirotech Contractor Services Evergreen State Builders Greenview Training Solutions RSVP Olympia

14

Exodus Engineering, Inc. Luke Moerke 6927 Munn Lake Dr SE Olympia, WA 98501 P: (360) 918-1369 E: luke@exodusengineer.com Sponsor: Dan Miller Jessica Jensen Law PS Carmen Rowe 2604 12th Court SW, Suite B Olympia, WA 98502 P: (360) 705-1335 F: (360) 570-2038 E: carmen@jessicajensenlaw.com Sponsor: Scott Nolan Keller Supply Co. Dennis Sirianni 1210 Carpenter Road SE Lacey, WA 98503 P: (360) 491-0550 Sponsor: John McKinlay Landscaping Services, Inc. Nick Fediay P O Box 3336 Lacey, WA 98509 P: (360) 413-1699 F: (360) 413-1699 E: nfediay@comcast.net Sponsor: Greg Bailey GreenHaven Interactive Dave Parkhurst 24629 80th Ave East Graham WA 98338 P: 253-906-2705 E: davep@davep.com Sponsor: Scott Nolan

November/December 2012

“Gopher” The Olympia Master Builders (OMB) and the Home Builders Association of Austin Texas are the only two local home builder associations in the United States affected by this agreement because the species affected by this settlement agreement are only found in those two local associations’ geographical areas.

“In September, OMB’s Board of Directors voted to have OMB listed as an “interested party” in this lawsuit because of the far reaching effect this settlement agreement can have on OMB members in Thurston County. Specifically, OMB is concerned the USFWS will list the Mazama Pocket Gopher as an endangered species and the result could be devastating for property owners in Thurston County,” commented OMB President, James Peterson. He added, “Some experts predict if the Mazama Pocket Gopher is listed as an endangered species, no one in Thurston County will be able to get a grading permit.”

While NAHB is pursuing a lawsuit MA_4.25X5.5Ads_2011:Layout 1

Continued from page 1

with USFWS, OMB has been part of a community coalition that has been working on the local level to provide information to the USFWS regarding the Mazama Pocket Gopher. This coalition has successfully convinced the Washington State Fish & Wildlife Services that a new inventory of the Mazama Pocket Gopher should be completed and the results forwarded to the USFWS.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION Executive Committee

President..............................James Peterson First Vice Pres.................... John McKinlay Treasurer.................................. Scott Nolan Assoc. Vice Pres.............. Blake Knoblauch Second Assoc. VP.......................Ross Irwin Secretary.................................... Tina Allen Immed. Past Pres....................Janine Ezzell Builder at Large......................Ron Deering Bldrs. Council Chair.......... John McKinlay

USFWS was required to make a decision by September 29th regarding the Mazama Pocket Gopher per the settlement agreement with the two environmental advocacy organizations. In a big win for the local community coalition groups’ efforts; the USFWS filed a motion in U.S. Federal Court to defer a decision on the listing of the Mazama Pocket Gopher until November 29, 2012. An even bigger win would be if the NAHB lawsuit is successful and USFWS is required to give the listing of the Mazama Pocket Gopher and the other 250 species the full due process required by law before making a listing decision.

3/21/11

2:45 PM

Builder Directors

Mike Auderer Andy Gruhn Harv Lillegard

Scott Bergford John Kaufman Walt Robertson

Associate Directors

Kim Asay Rusty Ruiz

Rich James Holly Constantine

Legal Counsel Jay Goldstein

National Directors

Daimon Doyle James Peterson

Page 2

Linda Mosier-Vaudt

State Directors

Tina Allen Ron Deering Harv Lillegard Don Koidahl John McKinlay Aaron Nester James Peterson Jim Simmons

National Association of Home Builders

Put your membership to work now.

Tim Dickey Janine Ezzell.

Blake Knoblauch.

Karen McClennen.

Paul Muldoon.

Scott Nolan.

Carmen Rowe.

Lori Wirkkala

Life Directors

Jack Anderson Debbi Boyd William Childress Michael Cornforth Daimon Doyle Peter Fluetsch Don Koidahl Mason Manning Linda Mosier-Vaudt Brian Panush Tommy Poplin Mark Shaffer Andrew Spear

Money-saving discounts that benefit your business, your employees, and your family Visit

www.nahb.org/ma

for these and other participating companies.

Rick Borovec Clark Burkheimer Patrick Connor Merrilee DeForest Stuart Drebick Bob Kagy Bob Love Karen McClennen Al Mullins Bill Peters Rob Rice Greg Stevens Brad Wilson

Life Members

George King Mary Gordon, Honorary Douglas DeForest, Honorary

Lewis County Master Builders

President...................................Scott Nolan First Vice Pres....................... Jason Reimer Assoc. Vice Pres........................Rich James Secretary............................... Rick Borovec Immed. Past Pres...................... Scott Nolan Builder Directors.................... Don Koidahl Dave Danton, Dustin Westfall Associate Directors.................. Emma Ball, Becky Rieger, A.J. Treleven

Mason County Master Builders

President.................................Aaron Nester First Vice Pres....................... Rob McGuire Assoc. Vice Pres....................Todd McPhee Secretary..................................... Bob Love Immed. Past Pres................... Rob McGuire

South Pacific County Master Builders

President................................Lori Wirkkala First Vice Pres.......................... Ray Bonnie Immed. Past Pres...................... Glen Trusty

Twin Harbors Master Builders President.............................. Harv Lillegard First Vice Pres..................................... TBD Assoc. Vice Pres........................ Rusty Ruiz Secretary....................................Bob Smith Immed. Past Pres........................ Mike Foss

Association Staff Executive Officer......................Laura Worf Dir. Member Services......Stacey Genzlinger Govt. Affairs Director................Angela White Bookkeeper............................Sally Darrow Mbr. Services Coordinator...Regina Adams

Chalk Line is the official publication of the Olympia Master Builders, an affiliate of the Building Industry Association of Washington and the National Association of Home Builders. The Olympia Master Builders can be contacted at 1211 State Avenue NE, Olympia, WA 985064234. Telephone 360-754-0912 or 800-456-6473. Fax 360-754-7448. Visit our web page at www.omb.org.

November/December 2012

15

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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OLYMPIA, WA PERMIT #159

1211 STATE AVE. NE OLYMPIA, WA 98506 $1.25 per copy 360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org

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Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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November/December 2012