The Voice: 2015 Legislative Session Begins

INSIDE: What You Can't Miss in 2015! Web version

A quick overview of BATC's news and major issues from the past week

Happy New Year! Let's make it a great one! Below are the 15 things at BATC you can look forward to!
The 2015 legislative session kicks off today! Read below about what BATC hopes to accomplish at the capitol.
Don't miss out on a great chance to honor our Foundation volunteers! Register for the February 24th Recognition Luncheon today.
Want to party with us in Vegas? IBS Registration is still open! Don't miss out.
Time is running out! Do you know any young individuals looking to get into the industry? The deadline for BATC Foundation scholarship application is January 16th! Applications may be found online.
Need workers? Reserve a booth at this years BATC Job and Career Fair and find your next great employee. Look for a postcard in the mail with more info.
See you Thursday for The Eisenberg Report and Board Induction! Wear your best bow tie for the Dinner ;)

BATC's Can't Miss in 2015

We couldn't be more excited for 2015! It's going to be a great year. Here are the 15 things you can't miss this year at BATC.

1. The Eisenberg Report and Board Induction 2015 - Join us January 8th, as we ring in the New Year and kick-off 2015 right.

2. BATC-U - We've ramped up our BATC-U courses this year with more than 40 CE courses available.

3. Builder Day at the Capitol - In 2014 we made our voice heard at the Capitol, this year we want it to be louder than ever! Join us February 18th.

4. BATC Career Fair - BATC is holding its third annual job fair at a very visible and high profile venue. Join us at the Mall of America Rotunda February 19th.

5. Foundation Luncheon - Join us February 24th as we honor our 2014 volunteers and unveil the recipient of our annual "Heart in Housing" hero. Belinda Jensen is this year's keynote speaker!

6. Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase - BATC is getting into your customers' heads as we conduct valuable consumer research in 2015.

7. Artisan Home Tour - Year one was good, year two will be even better!

8. BATC Open and Foundation Golf Event - It's always a good time when BATC members hit the links! Be sure to make it out to at least one of this year's golf outings.

9. BIG Night - We're (Nicole is) already hard at work planning this year's BIG Night! We promise it will be a night to remember and BIGGER than ever.

10. Marco Solt Project - BATC Foundation big project in 2015 will warm your heart - an entire accessible house for a wounded warrior.

11. Grass Tops Network - We are going to develop a network that will help share key industry messages with local leaders!

12. IBS - Viva Las Vegas! Hit the strip with us January 21st while you soak up all the knowledge and ideas available at the International Builders' Show.

13. Builders & Remodelers Show - The best and biggest industry trade show in the region is easier than ever with our new interactive floor plan.

14. Green Path Energy Code Label - Your perfect solution to meet the new energy code labeling requirements.

15. Our 2015 President Chris Contreras - Wants YOU to get involved with BATC. Whether it's through social media, attending events, or getting involved with committees. Getting and staying engaged will be his top focus in the coming year.

Don't miss out on any of the happenings at BATC. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check our BATC Daily blog for updates.

2015 Legislative Session Kicks Off: BATC's Priorities

It's going to be a busy 2015 legislative session! The main focus will, of course, be a balanced budget, but legislators will also look at a host of policy items. On the housing front, BATC will be deeply engaged in legislative discussions about the newly adopted building and energy codes, and whether or not the costly requirements are appropriate for homeowners.

Hope to See You There for The Eisenberg Report

Don't miss out! Start the New Year right! Join us this Thursday for The Eisenberg Report and the 2015 Board Induction. Register here >>

Thursday, January 08, 2015 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
International Market Square (IMS)
275 Market Street
Minneapolis, MN 55405

Look for the BATC-U catalog coming in the mail! Be sure to share it with your trade partners. You can help them be successful in 2015.

School is back in session January 27th! Earn your required Minnesota and Wisconsin contractor and Minnesota real estate credits at BATC University! Check out our digital 2015 course booklet >>

BATC UNIVERSITY JANUARY SCHEDULE

January 9 – New Building & Energy Code Course

January 27 – BATC University – 7 Hours of CE Courses

January 29 – BATC University – 7 Hours of CE Courses

For details on the above plus additional continuing education courses in February and March, click here >>

Let's Honor our Volunteers!

BATC members are the heart and soul of the BATC Foundation! Join us as we honor our 2014 volunteers and unveil the recipient of our annual "Heart in Housing" hero. KARE 11's Belinda Jensen will be this year's keynote speaker.

When: February 24th at 11:30 am
Where: Golden Valley Country Club

BATC in the News

The Star Tribune's Take on 2014's Housing Numbers

Experts blame the correction on factors ranging from a lack of buildable lots to growing concerns about the global economy. After spending much of the past decade burning through an inventory of unsold homes, local builders spent this year trying to delicately balance supply and demand.

“We expected 2014 to show an increase, but it didn’t,” said David Siegel, executive director of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.