1. You don't want to be the only one that's not there! Over 500 have registered for the BIG Night, which is only a week away. RSVP here >>
    
2. Applications for NAHB councils and committees are due on Sunday! The application is available here. For more information, contact Cynthia McKinley at 800-368-5242 x8346.
    
3. Wanted! Dream Homes and Dream Remodeled Homes for Spring tours — deadline to enter is November 9th, entry deadline for POH is Nov. 23rd. Email Perri for details.

In a landmark decision the MN Court of Appeals has ruled the sprinkler madate invalid! BATC petitioned the court earlier this year to argue the appropriateness of the new rule. Tuesday's decision makes the sprinklers no longer mandatory in any single-family homes. The ruling has left many with questions.  Here's what you need to know >>

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BATC members have weighed in heavily on the City of Minneapolis’ Working Families Agenda, a proposal aimed at creating earned sick time and fair scheduling rules for businesses operating in Minneapolis. The one-size approach is poorly suited for the homebuilding and remodeling industry where the unique nature of our projects make the goals of the proposal virtually impossible, especially in terms of scheduling. Responding to broad-based opposition from businesses throughout the City, leaders now appear to be moving away from an official ordinance to allow for further discussion. Read more >>

BATC members can still get involved! There is a calendar of events and a list of opportunities for both workers and employers to learn more and to get engaged on the Workforce Fairness Coalition website. The City of Minneapolis is accepting comments through Friday, October 16th.  If you live or do business in the City of Minneapolis, please contact your City Council member and share your experiences and concerns with them. Contact and ward boundary information is available here.

Inside the October Hot Sheet:

 “We continue to hear from our members that more serious home buyers are returning to the market. Builders are gradually adding inventory to meet future demand as they handle shortages of lots and labor.” --Tom Woods, chairman of NAHB and a homebuilder from Blue Springs, MO

Download the Hot Sheet here >>

The MN Court of Appeals sprinkler rule decision coverage:
KSTP interviewed BATC Executive Director David Siegel on the issue. Watch their coverage here >>

The Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, KMSP, BringMeTheNews , and many other local media outlets have also covered the MN Court of Appeals ruling.

Upholstery ideas; Parade of Homes items for sale; nontoxic nurseries
The Star Tribune teased this weeks Builders WareHouse sale. Read more >>

Don't know what to do with all your extra stuff after the Fall Parade of Homes? Donate it to the BATC Foundation's Builders WareHouse. We are in serious need of donations and are looking for any new or gently used construction materials, appliances, or other building  products, and of course your extra POH model furnishings. Contact Perri to donate them. The fall sale is October 17th!

Thanks to those members who joined us at BATC today to make calls! But even if you couldn't join us, you can score some prizes if you reach out and help recruit new BATC members during October.

Its easy!  
Step 1: Contact Deb Earl for talking points.
Step 2: Report back to her with contact information for your prospects.
Step 3: She’ll follow up and when anyone you referred becomes a BATC Member, you’ll receive triple Spike points, $500 BATC Bucks (to use at the December auction), and a free company profile upgrade at ParadeofHomes.org or BATC.org (up to $400 value).

Choose a track! BATC, and its green program, MN Green Path, is co-sponsoring the MN Energy Efficiency Conference with Residential Science Resources (RSR) tomorrow at the Crowne Plaze Hotel in Bloomington. Register here >>

Choose between two separate, full-day tracks for builders, realtors, remodelers, code officials, subcontractors, and HVAC contractors featuring nationally-recognized experts.

Track 1: The DNA of Building a More Profitable Company with John Tooley, Advanced Energy
By following The DNA of Building a More Profitable Company, businesses can increase profit margins and grow sales by focusing on three key areas: cost control, value added work and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Track 2: Selling Energy to New Home Buyers with Todd Gamboa, Building Trust
This fast paced interactive training for Realtors and Appraisers will help industry professionals identify and demonstrate the features and benefits of high performance homes.

BATC has been hosting Remodeler Roundtables quarterly for the past year, and will be initiating Small Volume Builder RoundTables next month. These niche market gatherings are informal, low-key, yet chock-full of great information to discuss and share.

Upcoming Roundtables:
Remodelers Roundtable
Thursday, October 15, 2015 from 2-3:30 pm
Five Fundamental Building Blocks and Six Systems for Success with Bill Gshwind, MN Construction Law Services
RSVP: Katy@BATC.org

Small Volume Builders Roundtable
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 12noon-1:30pm (light lunch provided)
Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest oh my! Katie Eldred, Katy Baar and Loni Werner presenting.
RSVP: Wendy@batc.org 

The Fourth Annual BATC Job & Career Fair returns to the Mall of America Rotunda in 2016! This year's event was moved to MOA and was a huge success with hundreds of job seekers attending. Booth spaces are limited!

Thursday, February 18, 2016 - Noon-4:00 PM
Mall of America Rotunda
Details and booth registration: www.TCBuilderJobs.org

Oct. 15
MN Energy Efficiency Conference [Register]
Remodelers Roundtable [RSVP]
Oct. 17
Builders WareHouse Sale [Details]
Oct. 21
Small Volume Builder Roundtable [RSVP]
Oct. 22
The BIG Night [Register]
Dec. 3
BATC Buck Auction & Donation Drive [Register]

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