INSIDE: Get Your Code Book! Web version

Facebook icon Forward icon

A quick overview of BATC's news and major issues from the past week
  • The Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase entries are coming in strong! You can still enter on our website. Proofing is also availble online.
     
  • The deadline is approaching for BATC Foundation scholarship applications due January 16! Applications may be found online.
     
  • The state budget forecast is in! Read more on how it will set the stage for this years legislative session below.
     
  • Earn your CE credits! Register now for BATC-U courses. See below.
     
  • Reserve your space now and save! Book a spot at the BATC Job and Career Fair by Dec. 31st and save $50. Details below.
     
  • Send us your forms! Directory forms are due back Thursday, Dec. 11.

Full Code Book Now Available

The new Minnesota Residential Code goes into effect in early 2015! The official Residential Code Guide is now available to buy. Get yours here >>

Effective dates:

  • Minnesota Residential Code - January 24, 2015
  • Energy  - February 14, 2015

Last code class of 2014 was today! Spots still available for January 6th, class, sign up here >>


Earn Your CE Credits at BATC University

Earn your required Minnesota contractor and Minnesota real estate credits at BATC University! Check out our digital 2015 course booklet >>

NEW for 2015: Courses are now available for Wisconsin contractor credits! BATC University courses provide you with outstanding information from the area's most highly regarded instructors. You’ll not only gain your required credits, you’ll gain knowledge that will enhance your business operations and enable you to provide the best product to your customers. More than 40 courses are being offered from January-March 2015. Register here >>


Members have access to discounts and savings.


Warners’ Stellian: the trusted appliance source of builders.


Drive more traffic and sell more homes, here.


Join Our Job Fair!

In response to the needs by our Builder, Remodeler and Associate members to find qualified candidates for open positions, BATC is holding its third annual Job and Career Fair at the Mall of America Rotunda on February 19, 2015. Space is limited. Sign up by December 31 and save $50! Details here >>


Join us for Lunch!

Come learn about the work of your BATC Foundation and how you can be involved with our 2015 projects. Attend the BATC Foundation recognition luncheon. Volunteer recognition awards will be distributed, including the “Heart in Housing” annual award to an outstanding 2014 volunteer or business. 

Date: February 24th | 11:30am – 1:00pm
Location:  TBD
Speaker:  Belinda Jensen, KARE 11
Guest Appearance:  Army SPC Marco Solt
Cost: $35

Learn more >>


MN Projects $1B Budget Surplus

Minnesota finance officials say lawmakers have a $1 billion projected surplus to work with in the upcoming session. The estimate provided in a new economic forecast will guide Gov. Dayton’s new two-year budget proposal. Read more >>


Twin Cities: Owning Cheaper than Renting

"It’s important to note that people can still make themselves richer by owning a house even if prices barely budge. An interesting study in 2013 by Harvard University researchers looked back at the wreckage in the housing market and concluded that owning a house still helps build wealth for lower-income people." -Lee Schafer, Star Tribune

Read more >>


There is No Substitute for Homeownership

"Even with the substantial decline in wealth after the housing bust, the net worth of homeowners over time has significantly outpaced that of renters, who tend as a group to accumulate little if any wealth."-The New York TImes

The New York Times Editorial Board crunched the numbers to show when it comes to building weath, homeownership is still your best bet. Read more >>


Minnesota Ranks High in State Management

Each year, 24/7 Wall St. attempts to determine how well states are managed. This year Minnesota came in as the 5th best run state in the U.S. The rankings were based on key financial ratios, as well as social and economic outcomes. Read more >>


The Incredible Shrinking Incomes of Young Americans

It's repetitive for some to hear, but important for everybody to know: You can't explain Millennial economic behavior without explaining that real wages for young Americans have collapsed. Read more >>


John Taylor Retirement Celebration


Upcoming Calendar of Events

December
New Building/Energy Code Courses [Register]
December 2014-June 2015
BATC-U Lead Recertification Course [Register]
December 10
EPA Lead Refresher Course [Register}
January 7
Lead Refresher Course [Register]
January 8
Industry Forecast and Dinner Meeting [Register]
January 21
IBS Hospitality Suite in Las Vegas
February 18
Builder Day at the Capitol
February 19
Job and Career Fair at Mall of America [Get a Booth]
February 24
Foundation Annual Recognition Lunch with Belinda Jensen

For a complete list of events, visit our website at WWW.BATC.ORG.


Thank You to Our 2014 Elite Partners