BATC's 2016-2018 Strategic Plan calls for BATC to create industry messaging highlighting all that BATC stands for. 

And that list is long and extremely impressive: homes for Twin Cities families, good-paying jobs, strong neighborhoods, energy efficiency, increased tax base for local governments, etc. 

Our next step is a request for proposal (RFP) to seek dynamic messaging partners that can help us leverage all of the positives our industry provides. The goal? A long-term messaging campaign about What We Stand For. Stay tuned as we build this important and positive messaging platform.

CMBA Member and Housing Champion Sen. John Pederson (R-St. Cloud) recently announced that he will not seek a third term.  Pederson has been a leading voice for the homebuilding industry throughout his legislative tenure. BATC looks forward to working with him in the 2016 session and wishes him all the best as he moves on from the legislature. Read more >>

BATC convened several member firms active in local land development for a discussion about the upcoming comprehensive planning process required of all cities by the Met Council. The major takeaway from the discussion was the need to focus on key cities and to utilize our industry expertise as cities update their plans. 

Why is this important? Ensuring a flexible, rolling supply of developable land is key to achieving our housing affordability goals. 

Look for updates on next steps in the coming months, as BATC establishes priority cities and provides opportunities for our members to engage.

Interested in getting involved? Contact Mark Foster.

The January Hot Sheet

Inside: "Gains in both single and multifamily starts show that the overall market continues to move forward. As builders anticipate more consumer demand for housing, they should continue to add inventory." - NAHB Chairman, Tom Woods

This Week's BATC Related Headlines

Homebuilding Increased in the Twin Cities Last Year, but Mostly for Apartments
Star Tribune's coverage of last year's housing numbers. Read more >>

Artisan Dream Homes Selected for Spring Parade of Homes

We're excited to announce our 2016 Spring Artisan Dream Home builders and remodelers:

Artisan Dream Homes: Kroiss Development; NIH Homes; Sustainable 9 Design + Build; TC Homebuilders

Artisan Dream Remodeled Homes: AMEK Custom Builders; Oslo Builders; and Xpand, Inc.

Hiring? We can help!

Over 500 job seekers attended our 2015 BATC Job & Career Fair in the Mall of America Rotunda. Don't miss your chance to speak to hundreds of interested job candidates at this year's fair. If you need workers, this is the place to be. Space is limited — Book your booth today.

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

BATC & SPAAR Partnering to Build Mini-Libraries

BATC's Young Professionals and SPAAR's Community Engagement Committee are thrilled to announce a new joint venture that will bring Books Around the Block to several area communities. We’d like your help!  Click to learn more about this wonderful new project.

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, 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!

Contractor-U runs through March 2016. Sign up for courses on building/energy codes and the latest building science featuring national and local experts. Plus, a selection of legal and specialized courses that you will not find anywhere else. 

Most daylong courses (7 credits) are only $98 with individual courses as low as $14. All classes are held at BATC except the classes on January 21, 2016 (Maple Grove) and February 25, 2016 (Bloomington).

Jan. 14
Annual Board Induction 
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. 10
KickStart Member Orientation [Register]
Feb. 11
Contractor University: Mold Remediation course [Register]
Feb. 16
Remodelers Roundtable Houzz Workshop [RSVP]
Feb. 17
Small Volume Builders Roundtable: Inbound Marketing [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]

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