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Session Week 4:
BATC Brings More than 80 to Home Builder Day at the Capitol
More than 80 members of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) joined other residential construction industry professionals from the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM), the Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA), Rochester Builders Association (RAB) and others to descend on the Minnesota Capitol grounds to meet and talk with representatives and senators about the issues that affect the housing industry.
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The day started with an issues briefing in the morning by key legislators including Representative Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), Senator John Pederson (R-St. Cloud) and Senator David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisolm) followed by remarks by BAM Executive Vice President Remi Stone.
After the morning briefing, BATC members headed to the Capitol to visit with their respective elected officials. “It has been an important and engaging day for everyone involved,” said 2013 BATC President Pamela Belz, a developer with Senior Housing Partners. “Our members are really passionate about making sure our industry can continue to provide safe, durable and affordable homes for our clients. Educating our legislators about the realities of the market helps them make better decisions.”
Sales Tax Issue Attracts a Crowd
Several BATC members attending the Day at the Capitol last week were able to take in the House Tax Committee, which held an introductory discussion of Governor Dayton’s Tax Bill. Of particular interest to BATC is the. . . keep reading
Health Exchange Slowly Moves Forward
The single major initiative to be in play thus far continues to be the health exchange bills, which are winding through the maze of committees in both bodies. The bill has cleared three committees on each side and has yet to receive any supportive votes from. . . keep reading
Met Council State of the Region
The Metropolitan Council will hold their State of the Region event on Monday, February 11 from 10am-noon at Union Depot in St. Paul. The address will be delivered by Metropolitan Council Chair Susan Haigh. Register here.
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Over 200 Job Openings Available Tomorrow
The BATC Job & Career Fair is tomorrow from 1 - 6 PM at the Roseville Skating Center. Spread the word:
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Free to attend
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Bring your resume/references
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Same day interviews
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Hiring anticipated quickly
Attend the Fair >>
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Welcome New Members
It's been cold, but membership has been hot. View the thirteen new member companies that joined BATC in the month of January. View new members >>
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BATC Creates Mid-Volume Builders Committee
The BATC Board of Directors created the Mid-Volume Builders Committee at its most recent meeting. BATC currently divides its builder forums into Large and Small Volume Builder Committees. The BATC Board felt that our builders are best served with another avenue for participation and created the MVB Committee. The overall objective is to provide a segment-specific forum for builder members to discuss advocacy issues, the Parade of Homes, and other industry-related items of interest.
Membership in the MVB Committee is loosely defined as a BATC member building between 25 and 125 homes per year. However, this is a guideline and not a strict threshold. We’re most interested in offering a forum where peer businesses can gather to discuss the housing market while also shaping BATC priorities across all of our activities. The committee will be staffed by our Public Policy Department staff and will feature regular advocacy and marketing updates. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14th at 1:00 PM at BATC. The agenda will include an advocacy and marketing update, as well as discussion on a 2013 meeting schedule and member leadership for the committee.
If you, or someone from your company is interested in attending please RSVP to Mary Schweich at 651-697-7572.
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More Good News
Twin Cities Makes Top 10 List
MetroStudy Report - "Across the Twin Cities, new and existing home sales are at their highest levels in years. Home prices have stabilized throughout the Metro area, and several top sub-markets are experiencing 10% – 15% increases in home prices" [keep reading].
View the MSP Construction Activity Report
McGraw Hill - Residential building is climbing, according to the McGraw Hill December construction activity report. See the McGraw Hill report.
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Proposal to Overhaul the Appraisal System
NAHB's recent proposal focuses on "streamlining standards and their enforcement, expanding education and training, and upgrading real estate data" [keep reading].
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Hey Remodelers, Check These Out!
EPA is Enforcing Lead Paint Rule
NAHB recently received notice that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mailing a postcard to uncertified renovation contractors in target areas. Get the details here.
Cost Vs. Value Report brings Good News
The cost-value ratio has improved for the first time in six year. Get the details here.
Remodelers Round Table Coming Up
Our first Remodelers Round Table of the new year is February 12th, just before the Designer Marketplace Showroom Mixer. From 3:30 - 4:30 PM, join your fellow remodelers at Designer Marketplace to connect, share ideas and concerns, and talk about the marketing success you've had during the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase. It's Free, RSVP to Wendy.
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OSHA Form 300 and 300A Deadline Approaching
Employers with more than 10 employees must complete their OSHA 300 Log and post their OSHA 300A Summary in a visible place from February 1 through April 30th. The OSHA 300 Log does not need to be posted, but employers need to complete it, and it must be available for 5 years upon OSHA or Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) request.
Download the forms >>
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