March/April 2008
Builder Profile: Richards Construction Capitol Perspective: Complete Data Collection Can Ensure Safety
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
March/April 2008 Volume 25 • Issue 2
features Capitol Perspective.............................................................. 6 Representative John Murtha discusses how complete data collection can ensure safety.
Rising to the Occasion....................................................... 12 Incoming President Jason Steen reminds Wisconsin builders that association membership is crucial — now more than ever.
Builder Profile.................................................................... 15 Eric Richards of Richards Construction prefers to be on job sites or working side-by-side with his team.
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Property Shift.................................................................... 18 Learn how we came to today’s reality, where residential properties account for more than 70 percent of Wisconsin’s total property tax burden.
departments President’s Perspective................................................................................. 4 Working Together for a Better Tomorrow Executive Viewpoint...................................................................................... 5 New Leadership, New Strategies Education Edge.............................................................................................. 7 UDC Training 2008: “Knowing It Inside Out” Government Affairs....................................................................................... 8 The Next Big Political Race of 2008? Not What You May Think Member Advantage....................................................................................... 9 WPS Preferred Advantage Plus Local Happenings........................................................................................ 10 Photos and details of WBA local association events around the state. News & Events.............................................................................................. 21
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Wisconsin Badger Builder, (ISSN 004-232) is a bi-monthly publication of the Wisconsin shelter industry. It is the official publication of the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) and is published by WBA, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI 53701 and additional mailing offices. All advertising is subject to acceptance by the Wisconsin Badger Builder editorial review committee. The publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered. The contents of all material available in this publication are copyrighted by WBA unless otherwise indicated. All rights are reserved by WBA, and content may not be reproduced, disseminated, published or transferred in any form or by any means except with the prior written permission of the Wisconsin Builders Association®. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Badger Builder, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscriptions available through membership in the Wisconsin Builders Association®.
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
WBA Seniors Officers President: Jason Steen Osseo (Chippewa Valley) President Elect: Doug Scott Janesville (South Central WI) Treasurer: Jim Kubasta Oshkosh (Winnebago)
Working Together for a Better Tomorrow
Secretary: Don Esposito Madison
President’s
Immediate Past President: Mark Etrheim La Crosse (La Crosse Area) Associate Vice President: Greg Schaffer Madison (Madison Area) Associate Advisor to the Senior Officers: Julie Meyer (Racine-Kenosha)
WBA Staff 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704 • (888) 285-9066 Executive Vice President: Bill Wendle, Ext. 11 - bwendle@wisbuild.org Director of Government Affairs: Brad Boycks, Ext. 16 - bboycks@wisbuild.org Director of Political Affairs: Kate Levanetz, Ext. 15 - klevanetz@wisbuild.org Administrative Assistant: Kimberly Fay, Ext. 10 - kfay@wisbuild.org Director of Accounting Services: Kathy Johnsen, Ext. 12 - kjohnsen@wisbuild.org Accounting Assistant: Mark Nelson, Ext. 25 - mnelson@wisbuild.org Director of Development Council: Pat Stevens, Ext. 22 - pstevens@wisbuild.org Director of Communications: Michael Cline, Ext. 19 mcline@wisbuild.org Director of Safety and Education: Cindi Gruebling, Ext. 18 - cgruebling@wisbuild.org Director of Membership Services: Jane Witt, Ext. 17 - jwitt@wisbuild.org
WBA Insurance Services Agency Manager: Karl Johnson, Ext. 23 - kjohnson@wisbuild.org Sales & Service Associate: Megan Taylor, Ext. 24 - mtaylor@wisbuild.org Editor......................................................... Michael Cline
Published by
Publisher.................................................Kevin Naughton Supervising Editor.............................Jennifer McDermitt Graphic Designer..............................Michele L. Peterson Advertising Sales Manager.............................Brenda Poe Advertising Sales......................................Keri Gustafson (800) 935-1592, ext. 133 kgustafson@printcomm.com
perspective by Jason Steen, 2008 WBA President t is with great pride that I assume the humbling responsibility as leader of the Wisconsin Builder Association. Receiving the trust of the membership to be your leader is an honor that I don’t take lightly. I am very much looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead. Over the next year, you will hear us talk a lot about the Building Industry Council (BIC) and the dues increase for issue advocacy. This is a strategic move on your association’s part to promote housing issues and is very important to help us all keep working and keep our businesses viable. I know there is still concern out there about this and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask some questions. We have set some specific goals for this year to do a Governance review and a legislative audit to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the members. Then this fall, we will do a strategic planning session to set the course for the future. It is very important to get good people from around the state to help us with this. This year will be challenging because of the economy — we need to stick together and stay involved, and we will get through this. History will tell you it will come back, and when it does, it is generally better than it was before. I know I am personally looking at what I am going to do to gear up for the recovery and not worry so much about the “doom and gloom” I hear and read in the papers daily. Over the past few years, the senior officers have worked with WBA staff to enhance the organization’s communication between locals, the state, and NAHB. We will continue to expand the information and communication highway between WBA and its membership, and we will be focusing on a facelift for
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Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
This year will be challenging because of the economy — we need to stick together and stay involved, and we will get through this. History will tell you it will come back, and when it does, it is generally better than it was before.
the Web site. It’s a monumental project which will result in easier access to information for members and the general public, because it includes upgrading the organization’s master database. You’ll be hearing much more about the new and improved Web site this summer when work is expected to be complete. The board meetings will have a different look and agenda this year, so please show up and check it out. We are going to have some fun and try some new things to make the board meetings more interesting and meaningful to attend. I look forward to serving all of you as your president for 2008: a year that will prove to be very busy and filled with many challenges and triumphs. X
New Leadership, New Strategies “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”
Executive
Viewpoint
— Vince Lombardi by Bill Wendle, WBA Executive Vice President ith the 2008 WBA Senior Officers installed, we’ve immediately rolled up our sleeves and started the process of developing a new WBA comprehensive strategic plan. This process is a regular one for WBA, last performed in 2005. The previous three-year plan has run its course, and the leadership is looking at the next three years. Clearly the challenges that confront our industry are completely different from those three years ago. Consequently, our goals and strategies will also change as we develop our organization’s blueprint. While some may view the process of developing a strategic plan as time consuming, the senior officers and I believe it is very worthwhile. In essence, the strategic plan will serve as our organization’s “playbook” which our organization’s committees and councils will use as guidance. One new step to this process is that we are inviting the National Association of Home Builders to audit our organization’s governance structures and policies. We hope that the outside opinions will offer some ways we can strengthen the organization with respect to how we make decisions. If changes are identified, we will evaluate the proposed changes and implement them. So, why do I invoke the words of Mr. Lombardi? We are a team. Our members are the players who take the field and make a difference. As we develop the strategic plan, it is crucial that our members participate in the process by communicating through your local what your priorities, concerns and needs are. That message will be carried into our planning sessions by your local’s representatives when they sit down to begin planning —
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work scheduled to take place this fall. But it’s not too early to begin the line of communication. This is the time to apply your influence as a member of your local, WBA and NAHB to make a difference. Contact your local’s leadership and begin making a difference today. Perhaps you believe WBA should place more emphasis toward promoting new legislation, or you feel WBA should do more to generate better public awareness of the value of hiring a WBA member. Your opinion weighs heavily in this planning process, and we need all members to begin telling their leadership the organization’s priorities as we enter an era of a challenging economy and increasingly complex legislation. These factors affect how all of our members are able to continue their business in the great state of Wisconsin. X
One new step to this process is that we are inviting the National Association of Home Builders to audit our organization’s governance structures and policies. We hope that the outside opinions will offer some ways we can strengthen the organization with respect to how we make decisions. Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
Complete Data Collection Can Ensure Safety
Capitol Perspectives is a regular feature for Badger Builder. In this space, a Wisconsin legislator will provide perspective on an issue. Each guest columnist is offered the opportunity to select their primary issue of concern and present their views independent from any guidelines imposed by the Wisconsin Builders Association®. The views expressed by the columnist are solely their opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the WBA, NAHB, the locals, or the members. The Badger Builder editorial department welcomes reader feedback to the issues featured in this section in the spirit of promoting continued discussion on the important issues affecting our daily lives. To submit comments, please send them to Badger Builder Editor Michael Cline, mcline@wisbuild.org. Only comments in writing will be considered for reprint.
Capitol
perspective by Representative John Murtha ne of the purposes of state government is to keep citizens safe and secure. The State of Wisconsin has numerous provisions and statutes to protect its citizens from natural disasters, criminal activity and other accidental occurrences. One of the most common occurrences is residential fires.
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Insurance Coverage for the Residential Building Industry
Many have heard the saying : “If you don’t learn from past mistakes, you will be doomed to repeat them.” Residential fires are very much a testament to that saying. In order for people to learn from the mistakes of the past, proper data must be collected to provide builders, realtors and homeowners the information they need to better prevent a fire from breaking out in a residential building. Under current law, the Department of Commerce is required to maintain records of all fires that occur in Wisconsin. However, the department is not required to collect data on how and why a fire started or if the facility was equipped with fire sprinklers or fire alarms.
Continental Western Group and Reynolds & Reynolds join forces to offer WBA members a GROUP DIVIDEND PROPERTY & CASUALTY
Insurance Program, including: • General Liability • Builders Risk • Tools & Equipment • Workers Compensation • Business Auto • Property Insurance
CWG agents throughout Wisconsin can offer WBA members industry specific coverage. Independent agents not representing CWG can access this program through Reynolds & Reynolds. Contact your local Continental Western Agent or Reynolds & Reynolds at (800) 767-1724.
Endorsed by:
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
In order for people to learn from the mistakes of the past, proper data must be collected to provide builders, realtors and homeowners the information they need to better prevent a fire from breaking out in a residential building.
To resolve this problem, I am introducing a bill that will require the Commerce Department to include certain information in these records for building fires. The information required includes the cause of the fire, the age and purpose of the building, the number of units, and the existence of any fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems. Such a law will finally bring this much-needed data to home builders, realtors, fire inspectors and homeowners across the state. We will finally be able to look at data so we may understand the accidents of the past to prevent fires from occurring in the future. Government can’t prevent natural disasters or fireproof every structure, but it can take real-world steps to make buildings safer, and in one small way, keep the citizens of our state a little bit safer. X
UDC Training 2008: “Knowing It Inside Out” Education
Edge by Cindi Gruebling, Director of Safety & Education he Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) has announced details about the 2008 Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) training seminar series titled, “Knowing It Inside Out.” Training will focus on content from Comm 21 “Construction Standards” and Comm 23 “Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Standards.” Each “Knowing It Inside Out” training session will consist of four hours of instruction emphasizing wall assemblies as they relate to the structure of the building. Three distinct areas of the dwelling will be explored: the basement, the garage and the main level. Material selection, fastening, manufacturer’s installation instructions, fire separation, membranes and flashing, and penetrations are covered. Instructor Devin Rains is the energetic and engaging presenter. He is an instructor in the Architectural Technician Program and Construction and Remodeling Program at Madison Area Technical College. A product of his family’s construction company, Rains is a graduate from the University of Missouri, a Certified Professional Building Designer by the National Council of Building Designers, a Certified Graduate Builder and Certified Aging in Place Specialist by the National Association of Home Builders, and a certified UDC construction and HVAC inspector. As Code consultant to the Wisconsin Builders Association, Rains has taught, reviewed, and presented Code throughout Wisconsin. He speaks from experience. You won’t be bored. Every time I’ve seen Devin present, the audience is totally engaged. He tells great stories, and he uses an excellent 3-D, computer-generated model to illustrate his points. I always hear positive things about Devin after his presentations. Instructor Devin Rains is on a mission to improve building quality. “The client who
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You won’t be bored. Every time I’ve seen Devin present, the audience is totally engaged. He tells great stories, and he uses an excellent 3-D, computer-generated model to illustrate his points. recognizes quality is likely to return and refer you to others,” he said, “and I think continuous quality improvement is generally associated with continuous learning.” “Knowing It Inside Out,” Rains said, “gives you the opportunity to learn the codes hidden within the Code. You’ll not only satisfy Code requirements, you’ll enhance the quality of your product.” Participants will also get an “inside look” at some of the proposed changes to the UDC. Building Code changes often. These UDC training sessions are a great way to stay current with Uniform Dwelling Code requirements. Staying current is the best way to avoid delays and headaches if inspections reveal lapses in building code compliance. The cost for each session is $89 per online registrant or $94 for each paper registrant. That low cost includes a continental breakfast, a fat course workbook with presentation printouts, sample forms, and a wealth of information to keep your building methods current. We recommend online registration, because you’ll be alerted if you’re trying to sign up for a sold-out session. Each session begins at 8 a.m. and ends at noon. Continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. We’re also offering a limited supply of UDC 2004 Commentary binders. UDC 2004 is the current version but, of course, there have been updates. We worked with the Department of Commerce to include an outline of those changes at the front of this two-inch-thick binder. We’re making the binders available for $30, but there were only 29 left before registration started — and they’re going fast.
Here is the schedule: • Jan. 30 — Green Bay — Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Green Bay/Stadium • Feb. 5 — Brookfield — Brookfield Suites Hotel & Convention Center • Feb. 12 — La Crosse — Stoney Creek Inn • Feb. 20 — Stevens Point — Holiday Inn • Feb. 28 — Kenosha — Kenosha Conference Center — Best Western Harborside Inn • March 12 — Eau Claire — The Florian Gardens • March 25 — Fond du Lac — Holiday Inn of Fond du Lac • April 2 — Minocqua — The Waters of Minocqua • April 17 — Minong — Heartwood Conference Center & Resort • May 2 — Madison — Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel “Building is a system,” said Rains. “You need to know how each component relates to the whole system. That’s what we’ll be exploring.” These workshops have been approved by the Department of Commerce for 4.0 continuing education credits for UDC-Construction Inspectors and for Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification. Course ID #9193. The 2008 series of UDC training seminars is the third in a series that includes last year’s “From the Ground Up” seminars and 2006’s “From the Ground Down” seminars. Go to www.wisbuild.org to register or to download a registration form for “Knowing It Inside Out.” You can also call (608) 242-5155 for a registration form. X
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
The Next Big Political Race of 2008? Not What You May Think Government
Affairs By Brad Boycks, Director of Government Affairs ith the start of the caucus and primary elections for the party nominations for president of the United States now in full swing, most people in Wisconsin are now starting to pay attention again to campaign 2008. Some people look favorably upon election season, while others would rather not listen to the radio, watch television, go to the mail box or answer the phone for fear of hearing or seeing anything political. With all the attention the candidates running for president are now receiving, it is no wonder that most people believe that is the next big election with which we are faced. In Wisconsin, we actually have a very important election coming up well in advance of going to the polls in November of 2008. On Tuesday, April 1, the voters of Wisconsin will go to the polls to again vote for their preferred candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This year, Justice Louis Butler faces
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Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
election by the voters to a 10-year term on the court for the first time. Justice Butler was appointed to the court by Governor Doyle in August of 2004 to serve out the term of former Supreme Court Justice Diane Sykes. Justice Butler’s Web site published the following biography: “Justice Butler earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University in Appleton in 1973 and then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1977. For 14 years, from 1979 to 1992, Justice Butler served in the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office as an assistant public defender, with positions as an appellate lawyer, a trial lawyer and in management. In 1992, he was appointed as a judge on the Milwaukee County Municipal Court, where he served for 10 years until his election to Branch 9 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2002.� Justice Butler will be challenged for his seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court by current Burnett County Judge Michael Gableman. Judge Gableman’s Web site says he earned his Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law in 1993. While attending law school, he served as a law clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, Minn., where he helped prepare federal criminal cases for prosecution and defend the government’s arguments on appeal. Upon graduation, he served as a law clerk for judges in Douglas County, Minn. (1993-1995) and in Brown County, Wis. (1995-1996). Prior to his experience on the bench, Judge Gableman was appointed district attorney for Ashland County (1999) by Governor Tommy G. Thompson and subsequently won election to the position. As district attorney, he was the lead prosecutor on cases as diverse as arson, sexual assault, domestic violence and white-collar crimes. He also served as a front-line prosecutor in Marathon County (1997-1999) and Langlade County (19961997) as an assistant district attorney. Those watching this court race expect a few things out of this upcoming race. Many expect this to be the most expensive race in Wisconsin Supreme Court history, which would make it more expensive than the race won by Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler in 2007. Most think that Justice Butler will emphasize his experience and time on the court while Justice Gableman will promote the fact that he is tougher on crime issues than Butler and “law enforcement’s choice for Wisconsin Supreme Court.� Newly installed WBA President Jason Steen has established a committee to interview and study the records of both of these candidates and will be recommending further action on this very important race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to the WBA Board of Directors very soon. X
Exclusive Benefit Design for the Wisconsin Builders Association: WPS Preferred Advantage Plus Member
Advantage By Karl Johnson, WBA Insurance Services he WPS Preferred Advantage Plus is a comprehensive health insurance program offered to Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) members and their employees. This program offers three plan options, so you can select a plan that’s a perfect fit for your business. Choose from Builders Enhanced PPO, Builders Value PPO, or Builders HSAQualified HDHP.
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Freedom to Visit Any Provider WPS Preferred Advantage Plus provides affordable, convenient access to physicians and health care facilities throughout Wisconsin. We offer cost-effective regional and local networks as well as comprehensive statewide coverage. And all of our networks feature flexible in-network and outof-network benefits with no referrals. Simply choose the right network to suit your needs and budget.
Account management — Check the status of claims, send secure messages to our Member Services staff, reference forms and materials, and order ID cards. Locate network providers — Use our Find a Doctor tool to quickly and easily locate Preferred Providers. Quality and safety data — Access quality and safety data collected by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, such as the Leapfrog Group, in order to make more informed provider and care choice that lead to safer outcomes. We also provide a variety of timesaving Employer Web tools designed to make it easy for you to manage and administer your plan.
Value Care: Serious Help for Serious Conditions Up to 20 percent of your workforce may, at some point, experience a catastrophic, chronic, or episodic illness. WPS Value Care provides a variety of results-oriented programs designed to help Continued on page 21
Your Benefits Delivered, Minus the Hassle We go the extra mile to make using your health insurance a seamless experience. Our streamlined claims processing system handles claims quickly and efficiently, enhancing cost-effectiveness and accuracy. And our highly trained, caring Member Services staff is right here in Wisconsin to answer any questions you or your employees may have about your health plan. Just call the phone number listed on the back of your WPS ID card.
Control Costs with ConsumerSelect.sm Combine ConsumerSelect with your WBA plan and discover a way to control health plan costs while still offering your employees meaningful choices. We work with you to design an affordable “base plan.” Your employees can either choose the base plan, or buy up to a richer plan design. WBA groups of any size can offer employees up to four different plan options. Ask your agent for details.
Powerful Member Web Tools WPS provides WBA members access to comprehensive online tools designed to inform, support, and empower health care consumers. These easy-to-use Web tools help members learn how to work more effectively with health care providers and better understand and utilize their health plan. Member Health Center — Access extensive online health and wellness resources designed to help improve outcomes through efficient care. Information on more than 3,200 health topics helps members better understand medical conditions and treatment options. Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
Local Happenings
Racine Kenosha Builders Association Sheboygan County HBA The Sheboygan County Home Builders Association (SCHBA) celebrated its 30th anniversary at their recent Holiday Party. Since May of 1977, the SCHBA has been promoting the home building industry in the area, serving the community and providing educational and networking opportunities for our members. Currently, 200 member firms enjoy the benefit of membership through the SCHBA.
Driven by volunteers, the members annually provide recognition to those that stand out among the rest. The members, by secret ballot, select one of their peers as the Builder Member and Associate Member of the Year. This year the proud recipients of these honors are Ken Halverson, Binder & Halverson Inc. Gen. Contr., member since 1991, who received the Builder Member of the Year Award for 2006, and Becky Radue of Home Interiors Flooring and Design Center, member since 2001. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication.
VP Julie Meyer of Johnson Bank installs the 2008 Racine Kenosha Builders Association president, John Jerde of Jerde Builders and Designs, at the Dec. 11, 2007 Installation Banquet. Other officers include: Kellie Zierk of Carpetland USA and Flooring, 1st vice-president; Dave Bennett of Southport Heating and Cooling, 2nd vice president; Patti Beaudin of Perma Structo Inc., treasurer; and Kurt Kamm of Newport, secretary. Darryl Spang of American TV and Appliances will serve as out-going president, John Darrey of Darrey Construction as builder director, and Sheree Hagen of Knight Barry Title, Kenosha, as associate director. To celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2008, the RKBA created scholarships named in honor of three lifetime members. These scholarships will be awarded to local high school seniors who are planning to pursue a field of study related to the building trades. These scholarships are granted in honor of Darrey Construction (John Darrey), Perma Structo Inc., (in memory of Erwin “Buck” Sweet) and Big Buck (Darrell Graf). These members all were instrumental in the founding and the preservation of the Racine Kenosha Builders Association and are recognized for their dedication to excellence in business and their commitment to the community. Pictured is Darryl Spang of American TV & Appliances presenting Patti Beaudin of Perma Structo with their plaque.
Valley HBA VHBA was awarded “Best Enthusiasm” in the small company category for its water station sponsorship at the Community First Fox Cities Marathon in September.
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Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
Local Happenings La Crosse Area BA
The La Crosse Area Builders Association completed its third extreme-home makeover version of its Rebuilding Dreams community service arm in December with the gutting and partial demolition of the Owens family home. The family purchased a home from a seller who covered up massive cat urine issues as well as structural issues that made the house unlivable. The family was paying a mortgage on the house they couldn’t sell, plus rent, and due to the former owner being on a pension, no money could be garnished to pay for any of it, including legal fees. More photos from the project can be viewed at www.labaonline.com.
Paul “Stretch” Mendel (Lautz Custom Builders) the project’s very dedicated project manager gets interviewed for television after putting in 12-16 hour days each of the nine project days. He was one of many dedicated volunteers who made the project happen.
Every home gets uglier before it gets prettier. Kickapoo Homes and LABA’s remaining founding member, Bushek Construction, did all of the framing in the basement that transformed the tuck-under garage and unfinished basement into a family room, three bedrooms, a bathroom and storage.
Mid-Shores HBA With the help of dozens of Mid-Shores HBA members, area businesses and the community, a handicap-accessible addition was built for the Glenn and Kerry Cummings family’s Hilbert home. The Cummings family was involved in a 2006 vehicle accident that left their 12-year-old son Parker paralyzed. The construction project included a fully handicap-accessible bedroom and bathroom and a garage space large enough to accommodate a future lift van with entry to Parker Cumming’s bedroom. Pictured at the build are Ted Birschbach (Roehrig & Savola Builders Inc.), Steve Nennig & Jeff Hedrich (Hedrich Construction Inc.), Jerry Arenz (Arenz Construction), Gary Roehrig (Roehrig & Savola Builders Inc.), Rick Mueller (RAM Enterprises) and Parker Cummings.
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
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Rising to the Occasion
Incoming President Jason Steen reminds Wisconsin builders that association membership is crucial — now more than ever. by Jennifer McDermitt t isn’t the easiest time to be a builder right now, let alone to lead a statewide building association, however Jason Steen of Steen Construction is not only ready for the challenge, but he is also looking forward to it. Steen came to the building industry humbled after spending many years in what he calls the “School of Hard Knocks” and credits the association for turning him into a professional. As 2008 president of the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA),
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he aims to spread the word throughout Wisconsin about the many benefits of membership during these challenging economic times. “Many builders are struggling in our state, and they might be thinking of cutting their membership as a way to save money, but I want them to realize that it is during these tough times that the association benefits you the most,” said Steen. “As an association, we need to preach the benefits tirelessly, because people right now need to know what they are getting for their dollar.”
Many builders are struggling in our state, and they might be thinking of cutting their membership as a way to save money, but I want them to realize that it is during these tough times that the association benefits you the most. As an association, we need to preach the benefits tirelessly, because people right now need to know what they are getting for their dollar. 12
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
— Incoming President Jason Steen
The Path to Involvement
Farm Life Preparation Unlike many in this industry, Steen didn’t grow up in a family of builders. Instead, he grew up on farm, but Steen credits farm life for instilling two very important qualities that later benefited him in his company: a strong work ethic and a passion for woodworking. After graduation, Steen spent the next eight years working for a paint spray booth factory, traveling the country and installing the booths for customers. Steen calls this time “practical experience.” “During my time with that company, I learned the ins and outs of hiring and working with contractors and subcontractors, and I gained experience as a job foreman,” said Steen.
As Steen’s children grew older, however, he found himself away from home too much and desired a career that would keep him close to his family. In 1992, Steen started Steen Construction of Osseo, and while he dove right in, he admits his beginning was rather humble. “I took any job I could — mostly the small projects no one else wanted to bother with,” he joked. “But, one day someone asked me if I could build them a home, and although I wasn’t really sure if I could, I said, ‘Yes, I can.’” Steen’s can-do attitude has served him well. His first year of business produced gross receipts of around $200,000, and today he boasts $5 million gross annually. Steen credits his humility as part of his success. “I’ve never been afraid to ask questions — in fact, I ask a lot of questions, because I want to learn as much as I can to become better at whatever I do,” said Steen.
Steen also credits his involvement in the builders association for his success. In 1997, the executive officer of the local association, Chippewa Valley HBA in Eau Claire, encouraged Steen to become a member. “He thought I could benefit from the Parade of Homes — that’s how he roped me in,” joked Steen. Apparently he was right, as Steen has entered the Parade of Homes every year since. As he learned more and more about the association and attended the meetings, Steen was offered more opportunities to get involved, and eventually joined some of the committees and served on the boards. In 2001, Steen served as Chippewa Valley HBA’s president, which exposed him more to the state association. “I’m one of those people who, when I decide I like something, I get fully involved. There’s no in between for me,” he said. Steen followed the same path at the state level: attending meetings, joining committees and eventually holding office. Steen Continued on page 14
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
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Rising to the Occasion Continued from page 13
believes strongly in the power of communication, and he not only hopes to spread the message of association benefits, but he also wants to improve communication between locals and the state. “We’ve seen this improve dramatically over the last few years, and I want to further that mission,” Steen said. “The locals are the lifelines of this organization, and we need to hear from them.”
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An Eye for Details Steen Construction’s motto, “Building the American Dream with an eye for the details,” is certainly true, but its owner also has an eye for talent and recognizing those who have aided him in his success. Steen has developed excellent relationships with his subcontractors, many of whom have worked with him for over 10 years. Steen also has 13 talented employees and calls his wife, Kari, the “nuts and bolts” of the company. Kari does the accounting for Steen Construction, and together they have two daughters, 15-year-old Tess and 11-year-old Shania.
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
Steen is thankful for the opportunity to get to know WBA’s 2007 president, Mark Etrheim, who Steen says set an excellent example as president for him to follow. “I hope I can do half the job Mark did; he’s been a big influence on me,” said Steen. In these challenging economic times, Steen says he just hopes to get members, and nonmembers alike, to utilize the resources of the association. “You have so much to gain by being a member, and you don’t have to go through this alone” said Steen. “Things are going to turn around, and you will be glad you had the association to help pull you through it.” X
Builder profile
Eric Richards of Richards
by Nancy Davis ric Richards has an office — a pretty nice one — but he doesn’t spend much time in it. This Janesville builder prefers to be on job sites or working side-by-side with his team at Richards Construction headquarters. “I have an open-door policy, and anyone can come and talk to me anytime. But I can usually be found out by my employees’ desks, if I’m not meeting with customers,” he said. Richards started his professional career as a plumber, and somewhere between earning his journeyman’s card and his master’s license, he decided to build homes — in his spare time. “I really didn’t have any spare time, but I wanted to build a home for myself and decided to build a duplex and rent out the other side. I was a newlywed with a young son, and it sounded like a good idea. It turns out I really enjoyed the process,” he said. Taking a project from start to finish, from dreams to reality, is what appeals to Richards. He graduated from building duplexes in 1992 to building homes when one of the duplex tenants approached him to build a new home. “He said that he thought I did a really good job on the duplex, so he wanted me to build his new house. Still to this day, most of my work comes from referrals from customers,” he said. His plumbing days afforded him a unique glimpse into the world of homebuilding, and he used his exposure to top quality builders to learn the ins and outs of the industry. “I worked with some good builders and learned what worked and
E
I love hearing from customers, ‘Wow, you are doing a great job.’ One customer just stood there and said, ‘You guys have made this process and this home so nice, and we are so happy.’ They sent us Christmas gifts. I love the heck out of that. — Eric Richards, Richards Construction
Construction what didn’t,” he said. He went into the building business for himself in 1995.
Back in the Day A third-generation Janesville native, Richards grew up on a hobby farm, taking care of animals and helping around the house. His father, Sam, was a career UPS deliveryman who has since passed away but who instilled a strong work ethic in young Eric. His mother, Judy, also worked while making their home a fun and nurturing place to be. He credits his parents as being the foundation for his current success. “We had fun, my brothers and I, and though we worked hard on chores and school, we always had time for fun. We were involved in sports and in just enjoying our childhood,” he said. “I have had several mentors in my life, but today I’d say that my stepfather, John Jacks, is my sounding board. He works here in the office with me, and I appreciate his business expertise and advice. He’s the one I go to with questions — as well as my wife, Julie. She’s been a great support,” Richards said. He and Julie have two sons, 15year-old Nathan and 9-yearold Nicholas.
Teamwork Plays Role in Business and Life Richards said that when he’s not working on creating dream homes for Janesville residents, he can be found on a sports field coaching kids. His company also sponsors numerous youth teams in the Continued on page 16
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
15
Builder Profile
16
Continued from page 15
Strength and Success in Numbers
area. “I enjoy the heck out of it. I love the little kids, and coaching is a real release for me. They look at you with big eyes and get so excited when they accomplish something. It’s the coolest thing in the world,” said Richards. His company and his personal time are also devoted to the Wisconsin Special Olympics and Ronald McDonald House charities, to name a few.
Richards believes in the power of the HBA. He looks at other builders in his area not as simply competitors, but as members of the same team looking to further the entire homebuilding industry. He is past president of South Central Wisconsin Builders Association, past chairman of the board of the Parade of Homes Committee, current member of South Central Wisconsin Builders Association
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
Board of Directors and a member of Forward Janesville. “One of the things about being in the homebuilding industry in Wisconsin is that there are not a lot of requirements or certifications. Our state and local associations have worked hard to create a set of standards and regulations to ensure the integrity of the industry,” said Richards, who has been a member of the Wisconsin Builder’s
Association® Board of Directors since 1999. Richards also believes in the social and networking events that bring professionals together. “It is the little things the associations do that can help builders feel supported in an industry where you can often feel alone,” he said. “In order to have a good association, you have to get people involved, and Carol Engebretson, our executive
officer, does a great job of this. Networking with peers gives you the chance to see that we all have the same problems. And we can help each other handle those problems.” Richardson says some of the social events like golf outings can create enthusiasm and give the opportunity to chat with other builders. He feels it is nice to be around people who have the same interests and whose top priority is the building industry.
Setting Quality Apart from the Pack The biggest challenge Richards said he faces is effectively educating homeowners on the benefits of hiring a qualified custom builder. “They’ll get their money’s worth if they invest in a quality product at the outset. But we are a bottom-dollar driven society, so it’s like comparing
apples to oranges at times,” he said. “I love hearing from customers, ‘Wow, you are doing a great job.’ One customer just stood there and said, ‘You guys have made this process and this home so nice, and we are so happy.’ They sent us Christmas gifts. I love the heck out of that,” said Richards. He credits his staff — Becky, Jim and John, and his subcontractors — with helping make Richards Construction successful. “I’m only as good as the people on my front line. In my case, I have a good team in place,” he said. Other things that set his business apart from the rest are his attention to energy efficiency and his unwavering presence on the job site. Environmentally aware, Richards is one of the only builders in his area doing air exchange rate tests and thermal inspections to confirm
that his homes are air tight. And in the past 13 years, he has never missed an electrical walk-through to help clients make decisions on lighting and electrical needs. In addition to building between eight and 12 custom homes a year, he owns and operates Janesville Plumbing, which employs five people. Richards’ homes are not cookie cutter and his level
of service goes beyond that of builders. His homes range from $200,000 to more than $1,000,000 and are known for containing upgraded amenities and unique design solutions. He said, “To be successful, I don’t need to build 100 houses a year. I have developed strong relationships with my subcontractors, and I am comfortable with the growth of our company.” X
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17
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oday, residential properties account for more than 70 percent of Wisconsin’s total property tax burden. However, it has not always been that way. At the conclusion of World War II, residential taxes were less than 40 percent of the total. How and why have things changed?
In the immediate future, the residential share of all property values is likely to either remain steady or fall. With a serious slump in the housing market nationally, residential values will likely grow less in 2007 and 2008. Although some believe the shift was due to legislative action, most of it resulted from a “hot” market for residential and commercial property, old and new, and periodic softness — or worse — in the markets for agricultural and manufacturing property. Conversion of farmland and manufacturing property to residential and commercial uses only accelerated the trend, which began in the “baby boom” era following the war. That said, some law changes have benefited other properties at the expense of home and apartment owners. During the 1970s, the state exempted several types of personal property from the property tax. More recently, the state changed the assessment of agricultural land from a market approach based on what a property would sell for to one based on the value of what the land produced. The pie charts throughout this article show the shift in taxable property values by property type. Though the rate of change has varied, the residential share of the total has increased in each period. 18
$
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Great Property Value Shift 1945-1960: The Baby Boom In 1945, the United States was on the verge of a demographic revolution that would change the nation. That year, there were 2.8 million births nationwide. Births jumped 25 percent to 3.5 million in 1946 and another 11 percent to 3.9 million in 1947. In the years following, the number of births continued to break records, creating a huge demand for homes. In 1945, the residential property tax burden in Wisconsin was 39.7 percent of the state total. By 1960, it had risen to 48.9 percent. In just 15 years, the residential share of the total property tax burden rose nearly 10 percentage points, due to nothing more than large increases in the number and price of residential properties. During this period, residential values grew faster than any other type of property. From $2.1 billion in 1945, they climbed 336 percent to $9.2 billion in 1960, an average of 10.3 percent per year. If the increase in residential values was the most important story of this period, the decline in agriculture was a close second. In 1945, agricultural land and improvements accounted for 22.6 percent of the state total. By 1960, they had fallen to 12.3 percent. The actual value of the farm properties rose 92.5 percent during the period, but growth in other areas was significantly larger (e.g., more than 300 percent for both residential and manufacturing). Manufacturing and commercial values rose quickly during the postwar boom
1945 17.4% 39.7% 22.6%
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
8.7%
11.6%
as Wisconsin’s agricultural economy became an industrial one. In 1960, both commercial (12.5 percent of the state total) and manufacturing (10.4 percent) properties accounted for significant shares of the state property tax burden. The manufacturing share of total property taxes actually peaked in 1950 at 10.8 percent. As we will see, the commercial share continued to rise while the manufacturing share began a long, steady decline, as the economic transition from a producing to an information economy began.
1960 15.9% 12.3%
48.9%
10.4% 12.5%
1960-1975: Treading Water Of the four periods studied in this report, 1960-1975 was the only one without a significant jump in the residential share of the Wisconsin property tax burden. During these years, the residential share rose only one percentage point to 49.9 percent in 1975. With the baby boom ending in 1964, rapid growth in residential construction and property values slowed somewhat compared to the postwar years. Still, full-market values rose 217 percent, from $9.2 billion in 1960 to $29.2 billion in 1975. Annual increases averaged 8.0 percent per year, down from 10.3 percent during 1945-1960. Both agricultural and commercial properties performed well during these 15 years. Farmland and improvements increased 254 percent in value, while commercial values rose 250 percent.
Both classes increased as a share of total property values: agriculture from 12.3 percent to 14.0 percent, and commercial from 12.5 percent to 14.1 percent. With residential, agricultural, and commercial values all increasing between 217 percent and 254 percent, the big loser during this period was manufacturing. Manufacturing values rose just 55 percent from 1960 to 1975 and fell as a share of the total from 10.4 percent to 5.2 percent. Lack of demand for manufacturing properties played a role, but an exemption for manufacturing machinery and equipment (M&E) in 1974 also had an impact. The exemption made $2.6 billion in M&E property nontaxable. In 1973, $2.6 billion represented 5.7 percent of all taxable property in Wisconsin. Since property tax levies are set regardless of the tax base, the revenue that would have been raised by M&E property shifted to other classes, impacting residences in particular.
1975 16.9% 49.9%
14.0%
5.2%
1975 to 1980, residential values rose an average of 16.1 percent per year. From 1980 to 1990, annual growth averaged just 3.6 percent. Despite slowing growth in residential values, their share of total statewide values rose during these years from 49.9 percent in 1975 to 61.9 percent in 1990. The year 1976 was the first that residential property values accounted for a majority of the state total. Two factors explain this trend. First, manufacturing and agricultural property values grew less. Manufacturing properties rose 81 percent (4.0 percent per year) during the period and fell as a share of the total from 5.2 percent to 3.9 percent. Agricultural values increased just 52 percent (2.8 percent per year) and fell from 14.0 percent of the state total to 8.8 percent. Farmland was hit the hardest by the 1980s real estate slowdown, significantly impacting the entire economy of southwestern Wisconsin. The second factor was a property tax exemption for several types of personal property: Exemptions for so-called Line A Stocks (merchants’ and manufacturers’ inventories and livestock) were phased in beginning in 1977. The exemption eventually moved $7.2 billion, 9.8 percent of the state total that year, off the property rolls.
14.1%
6.7%
1975-1990: The Market Slows The period from 1975 to 1990 was one of slow growth in Wisconsin. A punishing “double-dip” recession in the early 1980s resulted in a depressed real estate market for much of the decade and led to small value increases for most property types. Residential properties were not entirely spared from the slowdown. During these 15 years, residential values rose 200 percent, from $29.2 billion to $87.5 billion, or an average of 7.6 percent per year. Though property values tripled in 15 years, growth during this period was slower than either of the two preceding eras. It would also prove to be slower than recent years. Residential value growth was also more volatile during 1975-1990. From
8.8%
18.7%
3.1% 4.3% 2.5%
17.5% 72.5%
2006
The Future?
1990 3.9%
Residential values grew 289 percent (8.9 percent per year); commercial values, 210 percent (7.3 percent); and manufacturing values, 116 percent (4.9 percent). Both the residential and manufacturing growth rates were up significantly over the preceding period, while the commercial rate held steady. The exception to this trend was agriculture. Agricultural values rose just 18 percent in 16 years, due to use-value assessment. One consequence of the change was a tax shift to other kinds of property, especially residences. From 1990 to 2006, the residential share of all properties in Wisconsin rose from 61.9 percent to 72.5 percent. Over the same years, agricultural values fell from 8.8 percent of the total to 3.1 percent.
61.9%
1990-2006: The Growth Era The past 16 years are most notable for three things: strong value growth in most types of property, a large decline in agricultural property values due to the imposition of use value assessment, and the continued boom in residential and commercial values. After the slow-growth 1980s, property values have accelerated in recent years.
In 60 years, Wisconsin has seen a significant shift from a mix of property types with large agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors to one dominated by residential. The change has been prolonged, consistent, and market-driven. Will the trend continue? In the immediate future, the residential share of all property values is likely to either remain steady or fall. With a serious slump in the housing market nationally, residential values will likely grow less in 2007 and 2008. Consequently, other property types, especially commercial, may grow faster and see their shares rise. In the longer term, property values are more difficult to predict. However, the state population is predicted to grow slowly in Wisconsin for the foreseeable future, so intense pressure on the residential market from buyers is unlikely. One crude way to project future housing demand is to examine the population by age. According to the Wisconsin Continued on page 20
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April2008 • www.wisbuild.org
19
Continued from page 19
RealtorsÂŽ Association, 80 percent of Wisconsin homebuyers are between 25 and 54. As their numbers grew during the 1990s, they put pressure on the residential market, and prices climbed. However, the home-buying population has plateaued. As the chart below shows, there were 2.4 million Wisconsin adults in this age group in 2000. That number is expected to decline slightly until 2020, when it
begins to rise slightly into 2030. With less housing demand for the foreseeable future, it seems unlikely that future residential property value growth will match the large recent gains. Data source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue; Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau; WISTAX calculations. Originally published in The Wisconsin Taxpayer (September 2007, Vol. 75, No. 9, pages 5-7). The Wisconsin Taxpayer is published by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, www.wistax.org. X
Home-Buying Population Stagnant Wisconsin Population between 25 and 54 Million, 1950-2020 3
2.4 2
1.7
MIL L IONS
Property Value Shift
1.4
1.4
2.3
2.3
2.4
1.8
1.5
1
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
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Be sure to check the schedule of events for your local association.
Local Association
Parade of Homes
Home Show
Golf Outing
Brown County
Spring ‘08: Mar. 1-2 and 6-9
Jan 17-20, 2008
2008 TBD
Central WI
Aug. 22-25, 2008
WI Rapids Home Show, March 89, 2008; Marshfield Home Show, March 29-30, 2008
2008 TBD
Chippewa Valley
June 7-15, 2008
Feb. 28 - March 2, 2008
May 12, 2008-Home Builders Invitational; July 10, 2008 Summer Golf Outing
Door County
Showcase of Homes Parade May 8, 9, 16, 17 & 18, 2008
March 28 & 29, Stone Harbor Conference Center
Sept. 2008
Fond du Lac
July 18-27, 2008
March 28, 29, 30, 2008
Aug. 8, 2008
Golden Sands
June 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2008
Feb. 23 & 24, 2008 - Holiday Inn & Convention Center
July 15, 2008
Headwaters
––––
––––
2008 TBD
Heart of the North
2008 TBD
Feb. 16-17, 2008 - Cameron High
2008 TBD
La Crosse
June 21, 22, 25-29, 2008
March 7-9, 2008
July 16, 2008
Lakeland
July 26-27 & Aug. 2-3
March 29-30, 2008
2008 TBD
Madison
June 7-22
Feb. 29-March 2,2008
TBD, July 2008
Manitowoc
June 19-22, 2008
March 28-30, 2008
Aug. 6, 2008
Metropolitan
Aug. 16-Sept. 7
Jan. 10-13
June 16
Mid-Shores
Oct. 2-5, 2008
––––
––––
Mid-WI
––––
Feb. 8-10, 2008
June 2008
Northland
May 10 & May 17
––––
Aug. 2008
Racine-Kenosha
Sept. 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14
––––
June 12, 2008
Sheboygan Cty
Sept. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2008
April 4, 5, 6, 2008
June 18, 2008
South Central WI
Sept. 6-14, 2008
Feb. 15, 16, 17, 2008
June 19, 2008
South West WI
TBD
Feb. 9-10, 2008 - Ludlow Mansion, Monroe
TBD
St Croix Valley
Tour of Homes: 2008 TBD
Home & Remodel Show: Jan. 25-27, 2008 TBD 2008, Knowles Center, River Falls
Valley
Jan. 26-27, Jan 31- Feb 3, 2008; Condos, March 6-9, 2008 June ‘08; Summer Parade, Aug. ‘08
June 2008, August 2008
Wausau Area
June 17-22, 2008
April 26-27, 2008
June 27, 2008 (changed from June 20)
Winnebago
Apr. 18-20 & 24-27, 2008
Feb. 8-10, 2008
2008 TBD
Wolf River
––––
March 28-30, 2008
July 8, 2008
Continued on page 22
Member advantage Continued from page 9 employees manage their health and medical care while driving down overall plan costs.
About WBA Insurance Services WBA Insurance Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Wisconsin Builder’s Association. Offering a wide range of services and insurance programs, WBA Insurance Services is
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21
Continued from page 21 Local Association
Local Board Meeting
General Membership Meeting
Installation
BBW
Brown County
Dec. 7, 2007-KI Conv. Center, downtown
2008 TBD
2nd Tuesday in May/Sept/Oct/Nov
1st Wednesday of each month
Sporting Clays TBD
––––
Central WI
2008 TBD
2008 TBD
TBD
2nd Tuesday
Holiday Party TBD
––––
Chippewa Valley
2008 TBD
2008 TBD
2nd Tuesday
4th Tuesday
Dec. 7, 2007-Christmas Party at The Plaza; Summer Picnic-TBD
Nov. 13, 2007-at CVHBA Office
Door County
Dec. 13, 2007
––––
2nd Thursday
1st Wednesday
Christmas Party-Dec. 13, 2007
––––
Fond du Lac
Sept. 17, 2008
2008 TBD
3rd Wednesday No June/July/Aug
1st Tuesday
Clay Shoot-April 26, 2008; Homes of Our Own- Consumer Education, Beaver April 22-25; Relay for Life-Aug 1 Dam-Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Golden Sands
2008 TBD
April 15, 2008
3rd Tuesday, No Aug
3rd Tuesday
Dec. 16, 2008 - Holiday Party
––––
Headwaters
2008 TBD
––––
2nd Tues/Wed/Thur No June/July Aug
2nd Tues/Wed/Thur; before GMM
Whitetails Unlimited Banquet-2008 TBD
––––
Heart of the North
Nov. 15, 2008
––––
2nd Thursday
1st Thursday
Christmas Party-Nov. 15, 2008
––––
La Crosse
Sept. 16, 2008
2008 TBD
3rd Tuesday No June/July/Dec
3rd Tuesday
––––
Lunch ‘n Learn & Builder Breakfasts- every month
Lakeland
Dec. 14, 2007
Nov. 1, 2007
3rd Wednesday No June/July/Aug
2nd Wednesday No Aug.
Whitetails Unlimited Banquet, 2008 TBD
Lunch ‘n Learn-Last Tuesday of Month
Madison
TBD, Dec. 2008
Oct. 2008Silent Auction
1st Monday of Feb/Apr/May/Sept/Nov
3rd Wednesday
Spring Showcase-April 12-13,19-20, 26-27; Parade of Condos-July 26-Aug 3
TBD
Manitowoc
Dec. 3, 2008-Knox’s Silver Valley Banquet Hall
Aug.21, 2008
4th Thursday, No June/July/Nov/Dec
2nd Thursday
Bowl-A-Thon, Feb. 23, 2008; Sporting Clays-September 10, 2008
Awake to Learn Seminars, 2nd Wednesday of each month
Metropolitan
Dec. 2008
––––
2008 - Feb. 28, May 15, Oct. (date TBD)
2nd Wednesday
––––
2008 TBD
Mid-Shores
Dec. 5, 2008-Milhome Super Club, Install & Christmas Party
Dec. 5, 2008Live Auction
2nd Tuesday No June/July/Aug
2nd Tuesday
Trap Shoot-September 2008
––––
Mid-WI
2008 TBD
TBD
2nd Tuesday No July/Aug
3rd Tuesday
––––
––––
Northland
Nov. 4, 2008
Aug. 2008
1st and 3rd Tues.
3rd Wednesday
Tabletop Night Feb GMMs
Monthly
Racine-Kenosha
Dec. 2008
TBD
3rd Wednesday No June/Dec
1st Wednesday
Spring Tour of Homes with MetroApril 19-May 4, 2008
Monthly
Sheboygan Cty
Sept. 17, 2008
2008 TBD
3rd Wednesday No June/July/Aug
1st Tuesday No July
none
––––
South Central WI
Dec. 11, 2007
Silent Auction- 4th Tuesday of the month, 2nd Tuesday Oct. 28, 2008 No June/July/Aug
2008 TBD
2008 TBD
South West WI
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
St Croix Valley
Dec. 18, 2007 at R&D Banquet Hall, New Richmond
2008 TBD
Last Tuesday No June/Aug/Nov
Monthly, one week prior Annual Fishing Tournament-2008 TBD to GMM
Lunch ‘n Learn-November 6
Valley
Sept. 4
April 1, 2008
First Tuesday No June/July/Aug; Dec. is Holiday Party
Last Tuesday
Holiday Party 2008 TBD
Various, visit vhba.com for schedule
Wausau Area
Oct. 16, 2008
April 17, 2008
3rd Thursday No Dec/June/July/Aug
3rd Tuesday
––––
––––
Winnebago
2008 TBD
2008 TBD
2nd Wednesday No June/July/Aug
2nd Wednesday
Whitetails Banquet-Nov. 8, 2007; Holiday Party-Jan. 18, 2008
––––
Wolf River
Oct. 14, 2008
––––
2nd Tuesday
Last Tuesday
Sporting Clays-June 10, 2008
––––
22
Wisconsin Badger Builder • March/April 2008 • www.wisbuild.org
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