2010 May_June

www.wisbuild.org

May/June 2010

Their

Business is your Business

Getting Involved in State Government

Builder Profile: Webco Inc. Senator Joe Leibham and the “Jobs Now� Agenda

Delivered to you as a benefit of membership

www.wisbuild.org

features

May/June 2010 Volume 27 • Issue 3

Capitol Corner...................................................................... 6 Senator Joe Leibham (R-9th District) discusses the “Jobs Now” Agenda, which he hopes will create a positive economic environment in Wisconsin.

Their Business is Your Business.......................................... 8 The business of government is your business as well because what happens in state and local government impacts your business.

Builder Profile.................................................................... 12 Tim Weber of Webco Inc.

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departments President’s Perspective................................................................................. 3 At the Table Executive Viewpoint...................................................................................... 4 Get Involved; It’s Groovy (and Profitable), Baby Government Affairs....................................................................................... 5 A Successful Business Day in Madison 2010 Local Happenings.......................................................................................... 7 Photos and details of WBA local association events around the state.

Member Advantage..................................................................................... 14 Nuts and Bolts of Health Care Reform.

News & Events.............................................................................................. 15

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®.

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

12 Mission Statement

A professional trade association, WBA advances the housing industry for members and consumers through government involvement, education and promotion.

Vision Statement

Affordable, innovative and environmentally conscious homes accessible to all.

Motto

“Dedicated to preserving and promoting the American Dream”

Senior Officers 2010 President: Jim Kubasta, Oshkosh (Winnebago) President Elect: Don Esposito, Madison (Madison Area)

At the Table

Treasurer: Gary Roehrig, New Holstein (Mid-Shores)

President’s

perspective

Secretary: Craig Rakowski, Wauwatosa (Metropolitan) Immediate Past President: Doug Scott, Janesville (South Central WI) Associate Vice President: John Anderson, Appleton (Winnebago) Associate Advisor to the Senior Officers: Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis, Chippewa Falls (Chippewa Valley)

Area Vice-Presidents 2010 Southeast Area Mark Benkowski (Metropolitan) Darryl Spang (Racine–Kenosha) Northwest Area Clint Doege (Heart of the North) Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis (Chippewa Valley) Southwest Area Tony Szak (La Crosse Area) Steve Treu (La Crosse Area) Northeast Area Steve Atkins (Brown Co.) Scott Browne (Brown Co.) South Area Brian McKee (Madison Area) Bob Renforth (Madison Area) East Central Area Ed Schmidt (Valley) Stan Martenson (Valley) North Area Pam Jewell (Golden Sands) Mike Richie (Wausau Area) East Shore Area Dan Schneider (Mid-Shores) Sean Kelly (Mid-Shores) State Representative to NAHB Ron Derrick (St. Croix Valley) Area 10 Chairman Wayne Foster (Metropolitan)

by Kuba, WBA President hank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as the WBA president in 2010. I cannot express how proud I am to be involved with this group of professional home builders and professional associates.

As all of you know, the housing industry is experiencing trying times. The results have touched all of us in one way or another. I am confident that by working as a group and utilizing the resources that are available to us through our local, state and national associations, we can get through this temporary downturn together. You are a member of all three, and I encourage you to continue to learn about the benefits they each bring to your business.

In concert with the professional and talented staff at all three levels, you and I are the advocates for housing in our local communities, our state and our nation.

We have many members who volunteer a tremendous amount of time, getting involved where the decisions are made by serving on state and local boards, councils and committees.

This month features just a handful of those who are at the table where the decisions are made at the state level in areas that directly affect the building industry.

Whether it is serving on a local chamber of commerce board or running for office, bringing the voice of the builder is essential to affecting positive change to our businesses. I want to personally thank all of those who make the effort to get involved politically, because it does matter.

It is up to the rest of us to support their efforts by answering the calls to action that are sent out by our state Government Affairs team. A quick call or e-mail to support or protest an issue using the talking points that are sent out is a simple and effective way to utilize the power of our numbers. Combining our grassroots efforts with our voice at the table is

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I want to personally thank all of those who make the effort to get involved politically, because it does matter. just one of the benefits of our collective power as an association.

It is incumbent upon us to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity of homeownership. Homeownership should not become the province of only the wealthy in our society, but remain accessible to all who choose it. I firmly believe that homeownership is the cornerstone of strong families, strong families are the foundation of a strong society and a strong society is what a strong nation is built upon.

The Wisconsin Home Builders Association® was formed in 1947 by a group of visionary home builders and associates to advocate for housing in Wisconsin. They stated as their objective: “This association exists for the purpose of improving conditions in the home building industry and thereby, the social, political and economic welfare of the citizens of Wisconsin.”

This crisis calls for everyone to redouble their efforts to make our voices heard in this election year.

Instead of bemoaning the fact that Wisconsin taxes and the cost of living are too high, we must suggest ways to successfully address these challenges.

Continued on page 11

Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

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Get Involved; It’s Groovy (and Profitable), Baby

WBA Staff 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704 • (608) 242-5151 Executive Vice President Jerry Deschane, CAE, ext. 11 jdeschane@wisbuild.org Director of Political & Government Affairs Brad Boycks, ext. 16 bboycks@wisbuild.org General Counsel Patrick Stevens, ext. 22 pstevens@wisbuild.org Director of Communications Annie Rubens, ext. 19 arubens@wisbuild.org Director of Accounting Services Kathy Johnsen, ext. 12 kjohnsen@wisbuild.org Accounting & Political Affairs Assistant Mark Nelson, ext. 25 mnelson@wisbuild.org Event Coordinator Kimberly Fay, ext. 10 kfay@wisbuild.org

WBA Foundation Development Director Megan Taylor, ext. 24 mtaylor@wisbuild.org

WBA Insurance Services Vice President Karl Johnson, ext. 23 kjohnson@wisbuild.org

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Executive

by Jerry Deschane, CAE, WBA Executive Vice President his is a strange organization. I’m staring at a photograph of your WBA senior officers. They’re wearing tie-dyed shirts, blue-jeans, John Lennon sunglasses and, as for their hair … well let’s just say some of them haven’t had that much fur on their heads for a very long time. The photo was taken at February’s “Builderstock” Convention, and it is clear that a good time was being had by all.

One week later, the wigs, t-shirts and even the love bus were all stowed away.

Kuba and the Gang put on suits and ties for the annual Business Day in Madison.

Over 120 WBA members joined businesspeople from other organizations for a grassroots charge on the state Capitol.

Our members knocked on dozens of legislative doors, making the case against an “imperial” DNR and other antihousing initiatives. By the end of the day, WBA helped defeat the DNR bill. Once again, a good time was had by all (on our side, at least).

Convention and Business Day are two of WBA’s signature events. They are great opportunities for you to get involved in your industry and for you to pick up ideas that can help you be more successful. If you can’t make the WBA Convention or Business Day, how about NAHB’s Legislative Conference, coming up in Washington on April 21? Or, maybe the WBA Board Day on April 29?

President’s Golf outing on July 21? Local Home Show? If you’re still looking for that silver-bullet idea for your business, maybe you should stop looking around your office and start looking at the next builders’ association event.

I think the word “involvement” has gotten a bad rap. Too often, volunteers think of involvement as a one-way street — we want you to get involved so that we can get some free labor for a committee, home show or board. In reality, involvement is critical to the success of your business. The

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

Viewpoint

In reality, involvement is critical to the success of your business. more involved you are, the more success you will find.

One of my mentors is Bill Binn, owner of Wyntree Construction in Lake Geneva.

Several years ago, Bill told me that he had tracked his expenses to attend a particular association event for several years. He also tracked the ideas he got while attending. For each year that Bill kept track, the bottom line value of the new idea exceeded the cost of attending.

Involvement wasn’t something that Bill did for the warm fuzzy feeling (although Bill likes warm fuzzies with the best of them) — involvement made sense for his business. Getting involved meant making more money.

There are as many ways to get involved as there are members of the WBA (6,500 and counting). You could serve as a local, state or national director, or as a local, state, or national committee member and attend local monthly membership meetings, state quarterly meetings, or three-times-yearly national meetings. For a current list, go to www.wisbuild.org and click around a bit on the Calendar of Events. Then check out your local association’s Web site and NAHB.org.

In addition to association involvement, we regularly get asked to suggest businesspeople to serve on government boards. We know our members are as savvy as they come, so it is easy to come up with suggestions of true industry leaders. Now you may ask “why would Continued on page 11

A Successful Business Day in Madison 2010

by Brad Boycks, Director of Government & Political Affairs n Tuesday, over 120 WBA members from across the state traveled to Madison to be part of WBA’s annual lobby day: Business Day in Madison 2010. The timing of this year’s event was perfect as both houses of the legislature were in session that day and the Assembly was voting on the veto override of the DNR Secretary Bill (AB 138).

We began the day with an issue briefing so members were educated on the issues we wanted them to talk about with their legislators. The issues we highlighted this year included: • Housing = Good Paying Wisconsin Jobs • Oppose the appointment of the DNR secretary by the DNR Board and not the governor • Oppose the Global Warming Initiatives as currently drafted • Support for updates to Wisconsin’s platting process • Support the elimination or delay of the farmland conversion penalty Originally, we had planned to have members lobby in favor of a bill requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in one- and two-family homes, but that moved quicker than expected in January, passing both houses in advance of Business Day 2010.

Members were lobbying on some very big issues including global warming and the override of the DNR Secretary Bill. One thing we also asked members to talk about was the results of the recently released study done by Dr. Elliot Eisenberg of the National Association of Home Builders. Dr. Eisenberg’s study shows that for every 1,000 homes built in Wisconsin, three full-time jobs are created and those homes pay for themselves in local, state and federal taxes in just one year. WBA members and staff need to continue to tout the results of this study to encourage elected officials at levels of government to work for good public policy matters to encourage housing in their area.

As we mentioned earlier, those attending Business Day in Madison 2010 had one very timely thing to talk to members of the state Assembly about: the override vote of the DNR Secretary Bill (AB 138) that was taking place that same day.

WBA GA staff had been working this issue very hard since the bill was introduced last year, and WBA members began lobbying against this proposed change at Business Day 2009.

As you know, this bill was first passed by the Assembly, changed in the Senate and passed again as amended by the Senate. Governor Doyle vetoed this bill in November, and we had expected a veto override attempt even though a number of Assembly members needed to change their vote from the previous time they took up the issue.

Your efforts lobbying members of the state Assembly paid off when the attempt to override the governor’s veto of the DNR Secretary Bill (AB 138) was unsuccessful. Sixty-four votes were needed to override, but only 58 members voted in favor of the override.

Government

Affairs

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Members were lobbying on some very big issues including global warming and the override of the DNR Secretary Bill.

Your grassroots efforts made this vote possible — congratulations!

Thank you again to all those who attended Business Day in Madison 2010 and those of you who have been so active lobbying your legislators via e-mail and phone during this busy legislative session. X

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

5

Jobs Now Agenda Capitol

corner

by Senator Joe Leibham (R-9th District) eb. 23 was an exciting day at the Wisconsin state Capitol.

Hundreds of citizens assembled to educate and inform the legislature on the important role that businesses play in providing jobs and opportunity for the citizens of our state.

Members of the Wisconsin Builders Association® played a prominent role in advancing this message. The WBA legislative focus was clearly articulated: a strong housing market equals good-paying Wisconsin jobs!

Specifically, it was important for legislators to learn about the impact that the housing industry has on jobs in our state.

According to the WBA, the estimated one-year metro area impact of building 1,000 single-family homes is 3,255 jobs.

Over three full-time jobs can be tied to each house built in our state. Appropriately, the builders assembled encouraged the legislature to support a legislative agenda that seeks to improve

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

the overall economic condition of our state so that our citizens can be employed, earn good incomes and consume — perhaps even investing in a new home or remodeling project.

Without a doubt, our state is suffering through some challenging economic times. Over the last year, our statewide unemployment rate has spiked from 5.8 percent to an unacceptable 8.3 percent. This troubling unemployment rate is hitting all parts of our state. For example, Rusk County in Wisconsin’s Northwoods is struggling with 11.8 pecent unemployment, while the manufacturing center of Rock County sits at a staggering 11 percent.

To put it into even more startling terms, over 163,000 jobs were lost in Wisconsin in 2009. This lack of jobs has hit our state economy hard, including a decline in new home start-ups and remodeling projects and, as a result, the building industry has shed tens of thousands of jobs over the past couple of years.

My Republican colleagues and I have fought and voted against many job-killing policies, and we will continue our effort to change the mindset and direction of our state government. We even have a specific plan to help make that happen.

We believe that our efforts should be focused on creating a positive economic environment in which Wisconsin businesses small and large can create jobs so that our citizens can be employed, earn a good income, support their family and be less reliant on government taxpayer subsidies.

Over the past year, Republicans have sat down with small and large business owners and their employees across the state to listen to their ideas on what we could do to help them grow in Wisconsin.

We’ve incorporated these ideas into our JOBS NOW Agenda, and we’re working to advance these priorities in the legislature.

Our plan, which can be viewed at www.wisconsinjobsnow. info, would start by rolling back the onerous new taxes, fees and government regulations that have been passed into law since the beginning of 2009. From there, we would: • Reduce taxes on income • Roll back taxes on capital gains • Strengthen property tax controls • Freeze any new state government regulations • Reduce the tax burden on business expansions and retooling • End the practice of government as an obstacle to success, instead moving it aside to let the private sector work on its own These are just a few of the common-sense, economically sound proposals for which we are advocating action. These measures would provide small and large private sector employers with the tools they need to revive our economy and get people back to work. In the long run, a strong economy and growing job base will not only help working families to make ends meet, it will also make it easier for our state to manage other important issues like health care, education and our environment.

Continued on page 10

Local Happenings St. Croix Valley HBA Members that attended all GMM in 2009: Casey Weiss, Nick Gorres, Jon Coty, Clifford Hentz, Jim Lobin and Tom Schommer (not pictured).

Lakeland BA February General Membership Meeting was well attended.

Mid-Wisconsin HBA Mary Ann Schneiter (EO), President Les Steffen (Steffen Log Homes) and SecTreasurer Cindy Ennis (Shields Heating & Air Conditioning) stand by barrels of food donated for Home Show admission discount.

Madison Area BA MABA President Abe Degnan (Degnan Design Builders Inc.) gets prepared for hands-on training at one of the Lead-Safe Renovator Training classes.

Heart of the North BA First annual Snowmobiling/Ice Fishing Day, Feb. 20, 2010, on Pokegama Lake, Chetek.

South Central WI BA Mike Kohlbauer (Country Door Systems) visits with a prospective customer at the 37th annual SCWBA Home Show.

Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

7

Their

Business is your

Business photos by Annie Rubens

by Jennifer McDermitt ot long ago, people were talking endlessly about the “housing bubble” and whether or not it would burst. Economically, times have changed dramatically since that time, but while talk of that “bubble” has subsided, there’s another one that builders need to avoid: the idea of operating a business in a bubble. The business of government is your business as well because what happens in state and local government impacts your business whether you like the rule, law, decision or not.

Ask any builder or associate why they do not take a more active role in state government, and most will say, “I don’t have time,” or “I’m just trying to keep my business afloat right now.” However, “not everyone at the legislative table has the same priorities that you do, so if you don’t have a seat, you don’t have a voice, and the impact of that can be devastating to your business,” said WBA executive vice president Jerry Deschane. “Fortunately, we have a number of very involved members who sit on a variety of critical state boards and councils.”

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Members who take leadership roles in state government recognize that no one can operate a business in a bubble.

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

The Path to Involvement Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis of Archer Lion Inc. joined the Means of Egress and Accessibility Code Advisory Council because it addressed the requirements for many of the projects her company was bidding in the state. The Council deals with egress and accessibility for commercial and multi-family buildings. Issues include door way widths, rail heights, bathroom layout and other items that allow for people of any ability to use the building.

Lewis says getting involved has made her a better resource for her customers. “I was not aware how much the firefighters got involved in the code. I was also impressed by the knowledge and involvement of the other members. It encourages you to be at the top of your game,” she said.

It is not news that government affects our personal and business lives. Our elected and appointed officials establish how we do business, what we pay in taxes, how fast we can drive our vehicles, how our dwellings are built, and even what we can put

in our own bodies. For this reason, members must have a seat at the table in order to help shape the governmental landscape as it effects and impacts members and the industry as a whole.

“Sometimes, you need to think cost and availability of product or service,” said Lewis. “Some things sound like a good idea or a simple suggestion until you look at the feasibility.”

Government Affairs and Your Business Plato once said, “The punishment wise men suffer from indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by unwise men.”

Advocacy is a broad programmatic “tool” used by citizens to influence public policy at all levels of government. Advocacy is all encompassing and may incorporate political action, legislative, regulatory, grassroots, legal, and media strategies — all for positive change in government.

Members of the Wisconsin Builders Association® are important advocates for the industry and have had a presence on Continued on page 10

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

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outside the bubble

Continued from page 9 multiple boards and councils. A small sampling includes: Uniform Dwelling Code Council, Commercial Buildings Fire Protection Systems Council, Contractor Certification Advisory Code Council, Multifamily Dwelling Code Council and the Gas Systems Code Council. From these titles alone it is easy to see the importance of having the voice of builder and associate members. These members, and both the state and local government affairs staff, actively engage in both legislative and regulatory governmental action. Legislative affairs refer to matters that come before legislative bodies, such as a city council, state legislature, or the U.S. Congress.

Regulatory affairs refer to issues that go before “rulemaking” bodies, such as the Office of Housing and Urban Development Thank you to these members for their current and former involvement in these state committees and councils: • Leon Church, Forestry Council & WI Energy Conservation Corporation • Bruce Johnson, Alteration & Change of Use Advisory Council • Stan Ramaker, Builders & Contractors, Commercial Building Code Council • Brandon Bartow, Commercial Buildings Fire Protection Systems Council • Craig Rakowski, Contractor Certification Advisory Code Council • Charles Johansen, Electrical Code Advisory Council • Bruce Johnson, Gas Systems Code Council • Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis, Means of Egress and Accessibility Code Advisory Council • Beth Gonnering, Building Contractors/Developers, Multifamily Dwelling Code Council • Steven Crosby, POWTS Advisory Code Council • Steve Olson, Wisconsin Precast Concrete Association & POWTS Technical Advisory Committee • Mary Schroeder, Uniform Dwelling Code Council • John Vande Castle, Uniform Dwelling Code Council • Devin Rains, Uniform Dwelling Code Inspection Workgroup • Todd Stair, Wisconsin Fund Advisory Code Council • Steve Olson, Wisconsin Fund Advisory Code Council • Dave Jones, Wisconsin Fund Advisory Code Council & Plumbers Council • Dave Osborn, IBC Energy Conservation Council

capitol corner

Continued from page 6 The past year has been difficult. Wisconsin families are struggling and are understandably frustrated. Our government at both the state and federal levels is disconnected from our priorities. As we move forward, our job in the legislature should be — and must be — to focus on initiatives that will help to create an environment conducive to securing good job opportunities for our fellow citizens.

Now let’s get to work! X 10

Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

(HUD), a city building department, or perhaps a state environmental agency. To put it simply, legislative bodies make laws and policy, and regulatory bodies carry out that law or policy, often creating the rules of enforcement associated with the law/ policy. Active involvement in both of these disciplines is crucial to an affective advocacy program.

Running parallel to legislative action is public policy formulation, be it legislative or regulatory. As advocates for the home building industry, members must be prepared to identify opportunities and engage in debate as policies are being contemplated by elected and appointed public officials at all levels.

“It is far easier to deal with legislation when you get involved early on,” said Brad Boycks, WBA director of Political and Government Affairs. “Any seasoned lobbyist will tell you that the worst thing an advocate can do is wait until the last minute to get involved in potential legislation. As the old saying goes, ‘you’re either at the table, or you’re on the menu.’”

Not All Priorities are Created Equal Mary Schroeder of Miller Homes Inc. jokes that she was coerced into joining the Uniform Dwelling Code Council after asking, “Where do codes come from?” Once she joined, however, she learned some important lessons about other peoples’ priorities.

“It is certainly eye opening to see the political process in action,” said Schroeder. “More often than not, someone creates a product that they want to find a way to sell, so they try to mandate it through codes. Unfortunately, the person who ends up paying the highest price is the customer.”

Schroeder says her presence on the board offers a “dollar-sign perspective” from a builder’s point of view. “You have to make them realize that some of these codes are going to impact the price of the home at a time when the consumer doesn’t need added costs — especially if they are unnecessary costs,” she said.

Schroeder urges other members to get involved in the Code Council, because it’s much easier to combat unnecessary codes at the forefront versus after they have been enacted. She said, “Codes inevitably drive cost, and not everyone at the table is thinking about, or caring about, the bottom line.”

Involvement in the early stages of policy making is not only smart in terms of positioning your policy stance, but it’s also a great way to network and create relationships. You can always agree to disagree with others, but it’s extremely important to keep the lines of communication open — even, and especially, with your “enemies.”

Lewis agrees, “Being part of the process is easier than fighting the finished product,” said Lewis. “It is a great way to see some of the procedures and people who make the rules with which we have to work. It also opens your eyes to other ‘players.’” X

Capitol Corner 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 Annie Rubens, arubens@ wisbuild.org. Only comments in writing will be considered for reprint.

President’s perspective

executive viewpoint

Continued from page 3

Continued from page 4

If we don’t, perhaps no one will, and our industry may bear the brunt of even greater resistance.

To that end, I urge all of our local presidents, executive officers, and rank and file members to dedicate themselves this year to becoming more involved with your local association and the WBA. I know from experience the greatest benefits to being involved come right back to you and your own business, so don’t wait!

Collectively, we have the talent and the brain power to come up with pro-active and effective solutions, and we must. Every voice matters, and we need everyone — builders and associates alike — to work together “United as One” this coming year. X

I want to sit on the State Uniform Dwelling Code Committee?”

Well, what’s it worth to you to know about changes in building regulations a year before your competitors? Just a thought.

As we emerge from what economists call “The Great Recession,” many of us are searching for ways to diversify our company, to find new sources of financing, or just a tip to help pay the bills one more month. Whatever you’re looking for, if it has to do with building, you’ve come to the right place. Your association membership is your ticket to a world of new ideas that will improve your bottom line. The password that will get you in the door is “involvement.”

Groovy, Baby. X

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Builder profile

Webco Inc.

General Contractors Do-It-All Attitude Sets Tim and Marcy Weber Apart from the Competition

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

and remodeling for either commercial or residential projects.

Webco’s do-it-all functionality is the foundation for providing customers with great service and a top-quality product.

Getting Involved

by Stacey Tetloff im Weber learned the basics of the construction trade from his father, who owned several small businesses and believed in taking care of everything himself. As a result, Weber learned how to do a variety of construction-related tasks, and his experiences working with his dad while growing up eventually led him into a career in construction.

Weber’s career in construction started in 1978 when he joined J.P. Cullen and Sons as a carpenter apprentice. Eventually, he worked his way up to superintendent, learning the building industry inside and out.

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Diversifying the Business Weber decided to leave that company in 1988 and started a business of his own with his wife, Marcy. Marcy’s banking and business background is diverse and contributed a variety of skills and knowledge to Webco Inc. General Contractors. Marcy has a master’s degree in business, is a certified financial planner and real estate broker, and also holds an insurance license.

In the beginning, Webco focused on small commercial projects and build-outs, but quickly grew to include housing and land development. The Webers began to diversify their interests by building the Newport Plaza Building that houses their offices and other businesses they own, including Webco Properties, Pine Ridge Development Corp. and Newport Plaza Laundry, along with other retail-based businesses.

In 1993, Webco took on its first development project, with Pine Ridge Estates. In 1995, Webco added Fox Ridge Estates to its portfolio. Then, the Webers long-term goals of opening a senior living community were realized when the development of Huntington Place began in 1999. The 60-plus acre Huntington Place Community now includes assisted living, advanced care, memory care, respite care, independent apartment living and condominiums.

Expanding with Experience From an initial focus on new home construction and development, the Webers have expanded their company to include remodeling and commercial projects as well.

According to Weber, experience is the key to being able to diversify your business.

This experience includes in-house design capabilities coupled with an experienced staff. Additionally, experienced subcontractors aid Webco in offering a variety of quality services to its customers. The company is able to offer new construction

The Webers both dedicate themselves to a variety of organizations, including the builders associations. Weber served as president of the South Central Wisconsin Builders Association (SCWBA) and also currently serves on the SCWBA education committee and the SCWBA board of directors. He is also a state director representing SCWBA in the WBA and is on the Forward Janesville board of directors.

Weber is also a past winner of SCWBA’s Builder of the Year award and has won numerous awards in the SCWBA Parade of Homes. He has chaired the annual Parade of Homes in Janesville as well. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Student House Build program with area high schools, and oversaw this project in 2008 as the general contractor.

Weber’s community involvement is not limited to the building industry, however. He has also served on the city of Janesville’s Total Quality Management committee and is a past member of the Morning Rotary Club and the Janesville Country Club Building Committee.

St. Mary’s Church is another benefactor of Weber’s generous community spirit. He has served on the building expansion committee of the church and is an active participant, along with his wife Marcy, in not only the church, but also St. Mary’s Catholic School.

The Webers have chaired two large fundraising events for St. Mary’s school and the parish. Plus, for more than 17 years, Weber had served as a coach for the school’s basketball program and Marcy was a cheerleading coach for five years.

Marcy has also dedicated herself to community involvement.

She has worked on the Garden Walk committee, is past chairperson for the United Way employee campaign for her former employer, is a previous member of the National Association of Bank Women, and is a past member of the Junior Women’s Club and the American Heart Association. In 2009, she co-chaired the Rotary Gardens Dinner Dance, which raised the highest amount ever for Rotary Gardens in Janesville. She is currently a member of the Noon Rotary club.

Like her husband, Marcy is also an active participant in building industry organizations. She is a member of SCWBA and the WBA, as well as the Rock-Green Realtors. X

Would you like to be in the Builder Profile?

Contact Jeff Pinwar at (800) 935-1592, ext. 118 or e-mail at jpinwar@printcomm.com.

Business Quick Facts • Years in Business: 22 • Local Association: South Central Wisconsin Builders Association • Association Involvement: Past president of SCWBA, SCWBA Education Committee, SCWBA Board of Directors, State Director, Forward Janesville Board of Directors • Awards: SCWBA Builder of the Year, Numerous Parade of Homes awards, including People’s Choice, Best House over 2000 Sq. Ft., Best Interior Design, Best Exterior Design, Best Floor Plan, Best Kitchen Design, Best Bath Design and Best Landscaping Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

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Nuts and Bolts of Health Care Reform Member

by Karl Johnson, Vice President, WBA Insurance Services ealth Care Reform is now Health Care Law and does anyone really know what it all means? WBA Insurance Services and our partner, Diversified Insurance Services, would like to shed some light on the Senate bill that was passed on Sunday, March 21, 2010. Although some proviA total annual sions of the bill will take effect immediately, most of the changes are set to take effect beginfee of $2.5 billion ning in 2014. Below are some of the important provisions of the law that will affect your busiwould be imposed nesses and families in 2010 and 2011. For more information on the new health care laws, watch on pharmaceutical for the Health Care Update newsletter provided

by WBA Insurance Services, powered by manufacturers.

Diversified. This newsletter will hit your e-mail in May 2010 and will be posted on our Web site; Effective www.wbainsurance.org.

H

Advantage

• Consumer Information: Requires the Secretary of DHHS to develop information portal options for state residents to obtain uniform information on sources of affordable coverage, including an Internet site. Information must be provided on private health coverage options, Medicaid, CHIP, the new high-risk pool coverage and existing state high-risk pool options.

2011

• Tax changes on health care savings accounts: The federal tax on individuals who spend money from health-care savings accounts on ineligible medical expenses would double to 20 percent. Effective Jan. 1, 2011.

• Community health centers: Funding would Jan. 1, 2011.

2010 increase by $11 billion for community health • Business tax credits: Businesses with no centers that provide medical care to patients more than 25 employees and average annual who can’t afford it. Effective Oct. 1, 2011. ages of $40,000 would get tax credits to • Medicare “doughnut hole”: Drug companies help provide insurance to employees. The credit would be would provide a 50-percent discount on brand name prescripup to 35 percent in 2010 of the employer’s contribution if tion drugs for seniors who face a gap in drug coverage. the employer pays 50 percent of the total premium cost.

Effective Jan. 1, 2011.

Effective 2010, with the tax credit increasing to up to 50 • Primary care: Primary care doctors and general surgeons percent in 2014 practicing in areas that lack primary care doctors would • Temporary reinsurance program: A $5 billion program receive a 10-percent bonus payment under Medicare.

Effective Jan. 1, 2011 through 2015. would be created for employers to provide coverage for • New annual fees on drug makers: A total annual fee of $2.5 retirees over the age of 55 who are not eligible for Medicare.

Effective June 2010 (expires Jan. 1, 2014). billion would be imposed on pharmaceutical manufacturers.

• Temporary high-risk insurance pool: A $5 billion pool Effective Jan. 1, 2011. would be created to provide health to individuals with pre• Insurance rebates: Creates a minimum loss ratio requirement that applies to all fully insured plans. Health insurance existing medical conditions who have been uninsured for at companies would be required to provide rebates to enrollees least six months. Effective June 2010 (expires Jan. 1, 2014) if they spend less than 85 percent for large group plans and • Pre-existing conditions: Insurers would be barred from denying 80 percent for individual and small group plans (100 and coverage to children who have pre-existing medical conditions. below) of their premium dollars on health care as opposed • Adult dependent children: Insurance companies would have to to administrative costs. Effective Jan. 1, 2011. provide coverage for dependent children up to the age of 26.

• W-2 Reporting: Requires employers to disclose the value of the • Insurance coverage limits: Insurance plans would be prohibited from placing lifetime limits on how much they pay out benefit provided by the employer for each employee’s health to individual policyholders and from rescinding coverage insurance coverage on the employee’s annual Form W-2. except in cases of fraud.

• Standardizing the Definition of Qualified Medical • Preventive services: Health insurance plans would be Expenses: Conforms the definition of qualified medical required to cover preventive services such as immunizations expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible for children and cancer screenings for women.

Spending Accounts ( FSAs), and Health Reimbursement • Medicare drug rebates: Medicare patients who face a gap in Arrangements (HRAs) to the definition used for the itemprescription drug coverage would receive a one-year, $250 ized deduction. An exception to this rule is included so that rebate to help pay for medication. amounts paid for over-the-counter medicine with a prescripEffective immediately. tion still qualify as medical expenses. X 14

Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

Local Association Brown County

Parade of Homes/ Home Shows Sept 18-19 & 23-26, 2010 Showcase of Homes

Golf Outing/BBW July 14, 2010 The Woods Golf Links

Other Events June 9, 2010 Family night at the Zoo

Central Wisconsin

ABCs at the HBA 3rd Tues of month. Continuing Ed offered monthly at BCHBA Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s

Chippewa Valley

June 12-20, 2010 Parade of Homes

Door County

May 7-8, & 14-16, 2010 Showcase of Homes

HBA of Fond du Lac & Dodge Counties

April 16-25, 2010 Parade of Homes

Golden Sands

See calendar at www.cvhomebuilders.com Sept. 9, 2010 Golf Outing and PAC Auction

Dec. 9, 2010 Installation & Holiday Party

June 28, 2010 Golf Outing

May 22, 2010 Clay Shoot

Monthly

April 20, 2010 BBW Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s see www.headwatersbuilders.com

Headwaters Heart of the North

Education

Sept. 18-19 & 25-26, 2010 Parade of Homes

Nov. 13, 2010 Installation & Holiday Banquet

Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s

La Crosse Area Lakeland

July 31-Aug 1, & 7-8, 2010 Parade of Homes

June 3, 2010 Golf Outing

See calendar at www.lakelandba.com

Madison Area

June 12-27, 2010 Parade of Homes

July 13, 2010 Lake Windsor Golf Club

See calendar at www.maba.org

Manitowoc County

June 24-27, 2010 Parade of Homes * April 18-18, 2010 Home Show Manitowoc Co. Ice Center

Metropolitan

April 18-May 3, 2010 Spring Tour of Homes & Condos * Aug 21Sept. 12, 2010 Parade of Homes

June 14, 2010 Ironwood Golf Course, Sussex

Commerce Approved 12-Hour Course DVD available. $130 for HBA members, $225 for non-members at www.MBAonline.org.

Mid-Shores

Oct. 1-3, 2010 Parade of Homes

Dec. 3, 2010 BBW Live Auction

May 7 & 8, 2010 Trash or Treasure?

Scholarship Rummage Sale * May 11, 2010 Cookout & Casino Night * Dec. 3, 2010 Installation & Holiday Party

May 19, 2010 Saddle Ridge Golf Course, Portage

Mid-Wisconsin

Networking Nights First Tuesday of the month Contact NABA office for location 5:30 pm Social Hour 6:30 pm Dinner with guest speaker to follow

Northland Area

Racine-Kenosha

Sept. 11,12,15,18 & 19, 2010 Parade of Homes

June 10, 2010 Golf Outing

Dec. 2, 2010 Installation, Sept. Parade of Playhouses, Monthly Member Mingles

Monthly

Sheboygan County

Sept. 10-12 & Sept. 17-19, 2010 Parade of Homes • March 18-20, 2011 Home Expo

June 16, 2010 Golf Outing

Home Expo: March 18-12, 2011

Monthly

South Western Wisconsin

Sept. 11-12 & 15-19, 2010 Parade of Homes

June 18, 2010 Golf Outing, Oct. 26, 2010 Silent Auction

May 15, 2010 Contractor Surplus Sale

go to www.scwbaonline.com

St. Croix Valley

September 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 & October 2-3, 2010 Fall Tour of Homes

July 19, 2010 New Richmond Golf Course, April 27, 2010 Silent Auction

June 10, 2010 “What’s in it For Me?” Networking Night * June 22, 2010 Fishing Tournament * Dec. 14, 2010 Holiday Banquet

Education classes posted on www.scvhba.com

Valley

Aug. 14-22, 2010 Parade of Homes * April 15-18, 2010 Home Show

July 15, 2010 Golf Outing

June 18, 2010 Fishing Outing * July 29, 2010 Motorcycle Ride

Various -- visit www.vhba.com for schedule

Wausau Area

June 1-6, 2010 Parade of Homes

Winnebago

April 16-18 & 22-25, 2010 Parade of Homes

South Central Wisconsin

Wolf River

June 8, 2010 Lake Breeze Golf Club Aug. 10, 2010 Golden Sands Golf Course

See calendar at www.whba.net Oct. 12, 2010 Installation

See www.wolfriverbuilders.com

rev.3/4/10

Wisconsin Badger Builder • May/June 2010 • www.wisbuild.org

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