In epic BATC style, we launched 2016 with a BLAST at our annual January dinner meeting and economic forecast at the Calhoun Beach Club.

With over 150 members watching, 17 leaders were inducted onto the 2016 Board of Directors with Meg Jaeger, President of Mega Homes, leading the charge as she was sworn in as President of BATC.

Our 2016 BATC Foundation Board was next on the agenda, with its new board sworn in and ready to make even more of a difference in the coming year.

For pictures and more about the evening visit the BATC Blog.

With extended wait times and at least four agencies exercising jurisdiction over wetland protection, the State of Minnesota has begun a study to assess the feasibility of assuming responsibility for section 404 wetland permitting, which is currently under the responsibility of the US Army Corps of Engineers. MN would join Michigan and New Jersey in implementing 404 permitting at the state level. Benefits for BATC members include an increase in permit/program efficiency, improved state-level program integration, and the ability to manage the goals of the program locally.

Attendance at the first meeting was strong, with all major sectors represented, including BATC staff and BATC member David Weetman, Westwood Professional Services. Legislative leaders Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) and Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau) were present and stressed the importance of the study. A report on the feasibility of assuming Minnesota-based permitting for 404 permitting is due January 2017.

Originally from Eden Prairie, Kristina received her Journalism & Marketing degree from Iowa State University. Following graduation, she remained in Iowa running several local businesses and starting the Alive Concert Series. She took a position with the Greater Des Moines Partnership as their Event Manager, overseeing several large scale festivals including the internationally recognized Des Moines Arts Festival. Like most Minnesota natives, she eventually returned home to the Twin Cities where she found herself in the high end jewelry business, managing all aspects of a small boutique jewelry store, Diamonds Direct. After seven years in the business, she left her position as Manager Partner to become the Director of Membership with BATC in her pursuit to follow her passion of doing more for her community.

Mahler resides in the Twin Cities metro with her husband, James, and their 21-month old son, Frankie. In her free time, Kristina enjoys biking, being outdoors in any capacity, lifting weights, watching the Vikings win (or lose), creating/collecting artwork and baking without recipes. Kristina is also proud of her participation on the board for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Fall Festival of Hope.

This Week's BATC Related Headlines

2016 Housing: More Homes Will Go on the Market

Last year saw a slight bump in residential permit activity, resulting in a fair amount of uncertainty about what to expect in 2016. Despite this, we anticipate more homes to go on the market this year and residential permit activity is expected to grow.

What Was it Like to Serve on our 2015 Board?

Several of our board members shared with us what it was like to be a board member in 2015! Watch the video here >>

FREE Workplace Posters

Minnesota law requires employers to display some state-mandated posters in a physical location where employees can easily see them. Get your updated posters here >>

Hiring? We can help!

The following businesses will be a part of the 2016 BATC Job & Career Fair at Mall of America:

AMEK Custom Builders, Arrow Building Center, Brush Masters, Culligan Water Conditioning, Dakota County Lumber Company, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, Finished Basement Company, FocalPoint Flooring Cabinets & Design, Fullerton Companies, Hedberg Supply, idc-automatic Garage Door, Installed Building Solutions II, JL Schwieters Building Supply Construction Inc, Lyman Companies, Minnesota Rusco, Pella Windows & Doors, Plekkenpol Builders, Inc., Residential Science Resources, Roberts' Residential Remodeling, Scherer Bros. Lumber Co., Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co., Solar Midwest, Inc. - Solatube, Solid, Tradesmen International, Twin Cities Siding Professionals, VUJOVICH Design Build, Inc., and Warners’ Stellian.

If you need workers, this is the place to be. Only a few booth spots remain!

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

Designers: Win Prizes and Accolades

Fun, Funky, Classy, Stylish Little Library Designs Wanted by February 19th! 

Get out your drawing pencil and show us your design chops! The BATC Young Professionals and SPAAR Community Engagement Committee are ready to build three Free Little Libraries from your designs. Winning designers will be named on the libraries and included in our press releases/events. And to add even more incentive, we’ll be awarding prizes worth up to $100.

Does your company use Salesforce?  

Would you be interested in talking with other people in the construction industry who are also using Salesforce?  Join us on Friday, February 5, at 9 am at the BATC office to see how other companies are using Salesforce, plus we'll share best practices and resources. Just curious about Salesforce?  You’re welcome too!  Contact Perri Graham-Raff with questions.

Earn Your CE Credits at Contractor University!

Next Contractor University Course: New Home Construction from Permit Application to Final Inspection

Instructor: Peter Kulczyk, Green Code Knowledge
Thursday, January 21, 2015 • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM • 7 Credits • $98 Includes Lunch • Class held at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Arbor Lakes: 11801 Fountains Way N., Maple Grove

Details: This full-day program focuses on the construction process for a single family home in Minnesota under the provisions of the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code and 2015 Minnesota Energy Code. Peter Kulczyk, has recently been retained by the Construction, Codes & Standards Division of NAHB to consult on energy code proposals related to the 2018 International Codes during the national code development cycle in 2016.

See calendar below a listing of Contractor U courses through March 2016.
 

Jan. 20
BATC Hospitality Suite at IBS [RSVP]
Jan. 21
Contractor University: New Home Construction from Permit Application to Final Inspection [Register]
Jan. 26
Contractor University: “Compliance” Code, Law, Insurance CE course [Register]
Jan. 28
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Feb. 2
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Feb. 4 
Contractor University: EPA Lead Renovator Initial Certification Course [Register]
Feb. 9
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Feb. 11
Contractor University: Mold Remediation course [Register]
Feb 17.
Small Volume Builders Roundtable: Inbound Marketing [RSVP]
Feb. 18
Remodelers Roundtable: Houzz Workshop [RSVP]
Feb. 18
BATC Job & Career Fair [Register]
Feb. 20
Parade of Homes Opens
Feb. 23
Contractor University: Building for High Performance [Register]
Feb. 25
Contractor University: New Home Construction from Permit Application to Final Inspection [Register]
Mar. 1
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Mar. 8
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Mar. 22
Contractor University: Seven hours of CE courses [Register]
Mar. 24
Contractor University: EPA Lead Renovator Refresher Certification Course [Register]
Mar. 29 & 30
Contractor University: Universal Design/Build NAHB [Register]

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